Sign In
Welcome! Sign In to personalize your Cat.com experience
If you already have an existing account with another Cat App, you can use the same account to sign in here
Register Now
One Account. All of Cat.
Your Caterpillar account is the single account you use to log in to select services and applications we offer. Shop for parts and machines online, manage your fleet, go mobile, and more.
Account Information
Site Settings
Security
CAT® DOZER OPERATING TIPS
Get the most out of your Cat® bulldozer by using these dozing operating tips on your next worksite. It never hurts to brush up on the basics to make sure you’re working as efficiently and effectively as possible. Let’s look at some level-straight dozing operating tips that could help make your next job go more smoothly than ever.
Consult your Cat® dealer or your operation and maintenance manual to find out which features are specific to your machine.
- Maintain an even cut.
Features like Cat Stable Blade work with operator inputs to maintain a consistent surface. This can help reduce the need to do a second pass to get a level grade.
- Load your blade in first gear and carry in second gear.
This is dependent upon the type of material you are loading and the application — you may need to stay in first gear for heavier loads.
- Pitch your blade forward slightly for penetration during initial loading.
When your blade is full, pitch your blade backward for maximum material retention.
- Avoid track slip.
Cat Traction Control can help automatically reduce track slip to save on time, fuel and wear. And overloading your blade can lead to a waste of horsepower and fuel and can cause track slip.
- Avoid lugging or stalling your machine.
Cat AutoCarry automates your blade lift to maintain a consistent amount of material to prevent overloading.
- Use dozer tilt to steer the machine while dozing.
When your blade is loaded, use the tilt to move in the direction of the pile or fill.
- Don’t over-control your dozer blade.
Keep an eye on the rise of material over the blade and monitor your spillage. Lose too much dirt over the sides of your blade, and you’ll just have to redo your work.
- Control the direction of your dozer.
Select downhill operation when possible.
- Work slopes no steeper than 2½ to 1.
Otherwise, you’ll have slower return times, and your downhill dozing advantage will be reduced.
- Select the correct speed in reverse.
Avoid third gear in reverse unless push loading scrapers or there is an emergency.
- Use an organized pattern of work.
Front-to-back or slot dozing in short cuts will save on fuel costs in the long run and help prevent problems like overloading and track slip.
- Use an efficient dozing distance.
For small machines, that distance is about 200 feet; for larger machines, it’s up to 500 feet.
Need additional dozer operating tips? Caterpillar offers extensive operator training through Equipment Training Solutions. Learn more here.
Popular Articles About Dozers
Get the most from your dozer with operating tips, safety advice, maintenance help and much more.
-
Who says Blades are Boring?
Today’s dozer blades are sophisticated tools. And you can’t make money without them—which makes them far from boring. So before you choose a blade, give some thought to how the decision could affect your bottom line.
Learn More -
The "Value" in a Customer Value Agreement
Check out these 4 ways a Customer Value Agreement helps your equipment and your business.
Read Article -
Mobile Goes Mainstream
Cat mobile apps make it easy to track equipment location, use, health and more.
Read Article -
Your Equipment Is a Reflection of Your Brand
Keep your equipment in good running condition to maximize uptime and reduce operating costs.
Read Article
