Prolong Your Bulldozer’s Life with Routine Inspection

Not many machines work harder than bulldozers. These massive, burly, aggressive machines are built to move ton after ton of earth and rubble over the most inhospitable surfaces on any job site. They are built to take a beating, but if you want yours to last, we urge you to inspect it daily so you can nip any problems in the bud.

Here are some tips on performing an effective daily inspection and prolonging the life of your machine. Please read your manual and obey all schedules and instructions from your manufacturer. 

RECO Equipment, Inc. is the premier dealer of heavy equipment in the area, and we offer parts, service, and rentals as well.  With 13 RECO dealerships and six Bobcat of Pittsburgh locations, we’re at your service. You can find us in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. 

Inspect the Tracks

Every inspection should include checking and adjusting the track tension. If track sag is incorrect, it can cause premature sprocket wear, damage internal link assemblies, dry out joints, and cause misalignment. Optimal track sag varies based on working conditions such as soil moisture. Keep the roller frame clean. 

Excess chain tension can increase stress on sprockets, idlers, track bushings, and track links. This can lead to friction, which generates heat and may damage track seals. Over-tensioned chains can dramatically reduce the life expectancy of the undercarriage. 

Once again, keeping the undercarriage and the track clean will benefit your bulldozer. When material dries and hardens or freezes, it can cause unwanted wear. Keep it clean and you can inspect more successfully and you save your machinery from unnecessary friction and clogging. 

Inspect the Undercarriage

Expect repairs to the undercarriage to represent half or more of the repair costs for your bulldozer. For this reason, a daily walkaround inspection is critical. Check all hardware. Look for wear on the idlers and roller flanges. Look for wear and debris on the bottom rollers. Check track tension and alignment daily. Check the tension spring or recoil cylinder for leaks. Inspect the track pads. Operating on uneven terrain can cause them to bend. Inspect link wear daily. Examine the carrier roller for wear and proper alignment. Look for excessive debris throughout the undercarriage. Monitor the sprocket teeth for signs of wear.

By inspecting daily, you can gain an understanding of wear patterns, and you can more easily anticipate needed maintenance and repairs. Look for abnormal wear or wear points. Schedule a professional inspection every 500 - 1,000 hours. 

Get the longest possible service out of your bulldozer by inspecting it regularly and cleaning any potential points of friction. If you’d like us to take a look at your dozer, please contact the service department at RECO Equipment. Our 13 RECO dealerships and six Bobcat of Pittsburgh locations are standing by, ready to help keep all your heavy equipment working at its best. We’re in multiple locations, mostly in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana.