Buying a Small Dozer: How to Choose the Right Machine

By Robert Romboa •  Updated: 08/21/23 •  4 min read

If you are in the market for a small dozer, whether it be to clear snow or haul dirt, what should you look for? What features should you consider when buying a machine? We will explore what is important and what factors go into choosing the right machine. Let’s get started discussing what is the best small dozer to buy!

This is why you must understand your needs before you look to buy a machine. Ask yourself what is the first thing you will do when you get it home. Will your small dozer be used for landscaping, or will it be a workhorse that is clearing snow or hauling dirt?

Will you be using it to push snow, or will you need more power for grading and pushing material from place to place?

WHAT IS A SMALL DOZER?

The term small may be somewhat a misnomer. It’s hard to define a certain size class as small or large when it comes to dozers, but most dozers with a weight of less than 30,000 lbs are small according to most industry insiders.

For some people for their jobs, for example, a John Deere with an operating weight of 50,000+ lbs. is too small for some people, and too large for others.

The right size dozer for you will depend on what you want to do with it. Contact equipment experts and discuss your needs. They will be able to recommend the best size for you.

SMALL DOZER APPLICATIONS

Due to their strong and compact design, small dozers are great for working in tight spaces where maneuverability is critical. Tasks like grading and sloping, backfilling, and land clearing are typical jobs. Small property owners often want to clear and grade land. They often will choose to use a small dozer.

If you need more power than a small dozer can offer, consider purchasing a medium or large dozer. Wheel loaders, articulated dump trucks, and scrapers are alternatives when you need to transport materials across long distances.

KEY SPECS TO COMPARE

There are some key options to choose from when you’re shopping for a small dozer. The powertrain, attachments, and tracks can all determine what you can and cannot move with it.

Powertrain

There are many different types of small dozer powertrains. They can be hydrostatic, torque convertors, or direct drive. A hydrostatic transmission is a good choice because it matches the ground speed to the load and speeds up or slows down to provide full-power turns.

Track Length & Width

More track on the ground means there is less pressure on the ground. This makes it more stable and has better flotation on soft soil and when it is sloped.

Attachment Options

Depending on the type of dozer, it might have different attachments. Make sure that the model you are thinking about buying is compatible with attachments you might need.

Some common attachments on bulldozers are straight blades, U blades, Angle blades, and 6-way blades. Rear-mounted tools can include rippers, scarifiers, winches, and blades.

In Summary

We hope you found what is the best small dozer to buy. We want you to be able to make a decision that will help your business grow in the future.

So what we’ve outlined what factors should go into choosing what machine is right for you and what steps are necessary before buying one.

Keep these tips in mind when shopping around or contact experts if you need any advice on how to choose a great small dozer!

Robert Romboa

Just amazed daily by the heavy machinery used to make our days easier and allow for fast and simple construction from your backyard to a city!

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