If you’re working on a site with rugged terrain, you need a CAT® dozer to navigate through it and get the job done. These machines, also known as bulldozers, specialize in moving dirt, sand, debris, snow, and other types of material quickly and with ease. They are crucial to any construction project, which is why you need to take excellent care of it. Fail to do so and you risk spending large amounts of money on avoidable repairs or a new bulldozer. Like all kinds of machinery, the CAT® dozer has its own common issues that arise from regular use. Luckily every problem has a solution and, in some cases, can be prevented all together.
Hydraulic Systems Failures
Hydraulic systems are what make CAT® dozers and every other piece of heavy equipment operate. If they are damaged or if the fluid inside is contaminated, your machines will lose power and not be able to work as quickly. Don’t risk wasting valuable resources due to slow operation times, especially when preventing poor performance is so simple.
First, make sure nothing is blocking your oil and radiator cooler. Then check your hydraulic fluid reservoir to see if it matches the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Manual’s recommended quantity. Add fluid as needed but avoid contaminating the system with outside debris like dirt or water. To ensure your hydraulic system is always up to date, consult your O&M manual for how often you should check and replace these fluids.
You should also check your hydraulic pumps regularly to make sure they’re still working at OEM Specs. If they’re damaged or not pumping as well as they used to, it’s time to buy a new part. Keeping up on a regular maintenance schedule is the best way to avoid any kind of mechanical issues.
Undercarriage Problems
Your CAT® dozer likely travels across rough terrain everyday while moving materials across sites. This will affect your undercarriage since it is running in so many different types of materials. You can prevent severe damage or dirt build up if you stay on top of undercarriage maintenance. If you keep this part in good condition, you will help prevent the rest of your bulldozer from suffering.
Your undercarriage is going to get dirty due to its location. You need to make sure dirt and rust don’t accumulate over time and solidify, resulting in severe tension or cracks in rollers, track alignment, teeth, and other vital parts. Clean your dozer on a regular basis and check for excessive debris or grime to prevent your machine’s tracks from locking up completely. If your parts are too far gone and unable to move you need to invest in replacements that can stand up to your site’s environment.
In addition to regularly cleaning your undercarriage, handling your CAT® dozer with care also ensures its longevity. While bulldozers can move very quickly, keeping them at high speed all the time will wear down the undercarriage. This can lead to severe turning and reversing issues that puts the machine, yourself, and others in danger. Try to maintain a medium level of speed, only accelerating if necessary.
Track Issues
Your undercarriage isn’t the only component affected by dirt accumulating from movement across work sites. Your CAT® dozer’s idles and rollers are surrounded by bolts and chains that provide a smoother ride over rugged terrain, but they are also highly susceptible to rust. Not keeping the tracks clean will cause rust to spread and render your bulldozer completely immobile, wasting your time and money to get it fixed.
Proper tension is also important for the life of your tracks. To maintain your track and its tension you should inspect the area for cracks and weathering and check the bolts and chains for any damage. Repair and replace these crucial components as needed to ensure your machine is always in the best shape.
Engine Troubles
The engine is a complicated and essential part of any type of heavy equipment and requires regular maintenance to keep it going. First, you must regularly check and change your fuel and air filters according to your CAT® dozer’s O&M Manual. These filters prevent contaminants from damaging your system which can make it impossible for your dozer to run. If they are full of dirt, they won’t be able to stop impurities from coming through, which is why you must change the filters at the recommended times.
Just like with every engine, you will also need to check your CAT® dozer’s oil on a regular basis. Oil prevents rust from forming within your machines and reduces the friction and heat between moving parts. If oil is low then it can’t absorb heat properly, which can cause the engine to overheat, leading to significant damage. That’s why you must consult your O&M Manual to know how often to check your engine’s oil and avoid potential failure.
Be Ready for Anything with ACTParts
CAT® dozers are a staple piece at any construction site with their ability to move any material from one location to another across any type of terrain. However, there are several common problems that can arise with these machines, and it is crucial you know how to fix them. Knowing how to fix hydraulic systems, undercarriage, final drive, and engine troubles will prepare you for when they do arise. Above all else, regular maintenance is key to keeping your bulldozer in optimal condition.
Replacing parts is a crucial part of any maintenance plan. ACTParts has a large inventory of after-market heavy equipment parts perfect for any machine, including the CAT® dozer. Contact us today to find the parts you need and avoid potential problems with your bulldozer.
