How Does Used Bulldozer For Sale Work?

Few machines are more iconic to a construction site than the hard-working, no-nonsense, dependable dirt-moving bulldozer. And, if you're searching for a used dozer, you'll quickly discover the market for used bulldozers often offers up a great inventory to choose from ' but finding the right dozer for you can be easier said than done. 

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To help with your search, we've put together this simple bulldozer buying guide to help you identify the perfect bulldozer for your business with simple tips on what to look for and what questions to ask yourself and the seller.

What size and type of bulldozer do I need?

Whether you're searching for a used dozer to round out your fleet, you're going to add a bulldozer to your team to amp up your offerings, or even if you're after a replacement dozer for one you have, now is the time to ask yourself what types of jobs you'll be doing with this new dozer.

Ensuring the dozer will appropriately match the general size of the work you do will lead to efficiencies in your work and help ensure you don't have a dozer too big or too small for many of your jobs. Beyond size, you'll also want to narrow your search to fit the appropriate blade type and to ensure any other attachments fit your size and type of work.

The size of your dozer will also affect how it's transported from job site to job site, its ability to keep up with the demands of other equipment on the site, and how maneuverable it is on the site, so take a minute to layout how the dozer will work as a member of the team and not as a solo working unit. 

Learn more about bulldozer blades in our Bulldozer Blade Buying Guide.

Who makes the best bulldozers?

When it comes to determining what bulldozer manufacturer consistently makes the best bulldozers, often it's a matter of personal preference ' and disagreeing with a loyal customer base can be the equivalent to wearing the wrong cap to a baseball game. That being said some bulldozer manufacturers have developed a reputation in delivering consistently high-quality dozers.

Generally the top brands in bulldozers are considered to be:

• John Deere dozers
• Caterpillar dozers
• Komatsu dozers
• Dresser dozers

What year bulldozer should I buy?

When it comes to buying construction equipment, it generally goes that everyone likes new or nearly new except whomever is paying the bill. For a used bulldozer, you'll want to balance price with how long you can expect to use the machine and make your investment back. 

You'll also want to think smartly about the availability and cost of replacement parts. An older machine might be entering a market where replacement used parts have already gone onto other machines, but a too recent model might also suffer from a lack of inventory for replacement parts, especially given current worldwide shipping and inventory issues.

What bulldozer parts to inspect before buying a used dozer?

When you're inspecting a bulldozer (in person or online), it's important to take a close look at some of the important components on the machine. While not always a dealbreaker, knowing the conditions of these parts will help you evaluate the suitability of the dozer for your needs.

Attachments

The blade on the dozer should be of an appropriate style for your work (or plan on the cost to change). It's also important to note that while a complex blade can add new dimensions to your work, it also introduces new points for wear and repair.

Beyond style, it's important to look for welds or overwearing in the blade. A good weld can last, but it should be noted. And if cutting surfaces are worn thin, you'll want to plan for improvements.

You'll also want to examine the back of the machine and determine the condition of winches or rippers. 

Undercarriage

The undercarriage on a used bulldozer can often be one of the most costly areas to repair or replace so extra care should be taken to ensure it is suitable for your needs. In inspecting the undercarriage:

• Look for warped or overworn rollers and the same for the front idler.
• Check the teeth in the sprocket for heavy wear.
• Visually check the level of wear on the cleats as this is a clear indication of the remaining life of the track.

Cylinders, Hydraulic System Leaks, and Fluid Levels

Inspect the cylinders on the bulldozer, including the lift cylinder, tilt cylinder, any additional angle cylinders, and the ripper cylinder (if appropriate). In inspecting hydraulic parts:

• Watch for leaks in hydraulic lines.
• Check the chrome on cylinders and look for leaks around seals.
• Cylinders can often be rebuilt, but you should take this into account in your search.
• Examine the final drives for leaks in hydraulic connections and for leaks in gear oil.
• Check all fluid levels to ensure they've been properly maintained.
• While the current fluid level of the machine won't always indicate the levels under which it was run, low levels during inspection often indicate a leak or a simple lack of maintenance before the inspection.
• Take a look at fluid for murkiness or darkness to spot signs of contamination.

The Cab and Electronics

The cab can be an often skipped point of evaluation, but given the advancements in cabs and technology, a good look at the cab can reveal needed repairs on the horizon. In inspecting the cab:

• Look at gauges and electronics to ensure they work.
• Watch for general wear and tear that indicates a part won't last long.
• Notice any added tech features that are included and would be of use on your jobs.

How much should I pay for a used bulldozer?

Even before inspection, you might know if the dozer is right for you and your work, and after inspection you should be closer to determining if the dozer is priced right for you. Given increased demand, the used bulldozer market can be competitive and understanding what to pay can seem complex. To find the perfect dozer, you might need to do a little math.

Link to Xiangyao

Being able to spot issues on the dozer can help in your negotiations and often a dozer might be discounted due to easily fixable issues (or even worries that issues will develop). If you have time and resources, plan for the costs of parts and repairs and determine if a lower cost should be negotiated. If the machine will need work, you can always weigh the cost and time of that work to see if it is dwarfed by the savings in the machine.

What should I look for when buying a bulldozer online?

When you're searching for a used bulldozer online, you should always consider the seller. A responsive seller with an established history is a good indication that they are committed to working with customers and delivering a good product. And you should never hesitate to ask for pictures (or even video) to ensure you both agree on the condition of the machine and its component parts.

Often the history of the machine ' what it's done and how it's been taken care of ' is written in the condition of the machine and its parts, and a reputable seller will be glad to show they're accurately representing the machine.

Hopefully, these short dozer buying tips will help you in your search.

At H&R, we're dedicated to a rigorous inspection and evaluation process and that starts the second we interact with a machine. For machines we resell, that inspection process helps us ensure our customers purchase a machine that will meet their needs.

The bulk of the heavy construction equipment we source at H&R is headed to salvage, but being thoughtful in how we analyze the dozers we buy helps ensure the parts we'll salvage are the parts our customers need.

Purchasing a new piece of heavy machinery is a hefty investment, which is why many buyers will opt to purchase used machines to get the best bang for their buck. When it comes to purchasing a used bulldozer, it is more than just the cost that should be taken into consideration. To get the most value for your money, it is important to know what to look for before signing on the dotted line. Here are some of the best ways to find the best used bulldozer for sale.

Do Your Research

After you've determined the type of bulldozer you'll need and what your budget will be, you're ready to begin your online search for inventory of used bulldozers near you. Since finding just the right bulldozer to suit your needs will require that you do your research, it is best to use a site like Boom & Bucket that neatly outlines the price, specifications, and details of each available machine. They deliver the information you need on a user-friendly platform and help pair you with reputable sellers. Boom & Bucket' site allows you to carefully evaluate a variety of options and the site even provides the pros and cons of each machine. This allows you to go into your purchase confidently and the site outlines the benefits of each bulldozer, as well as the areas in which it may require some care or attention.

Inspection: Unveiling the Machine's Condition

Before finalizing any purchase or sale, a comprehensive inspection is essential to identify any damage or signs of wear. Focusing on specific areas can provide insights into the bulldozer's overall condition.

Undercarriage Evaluation

Examining the undercarriage is crucial. Damage or wear in this area can indicate improper usage and potentially hidden issues. Ensuring the undercarriage is suitable for your requirements is imperative, as replacements or repairs in this area can incur substantial costs.

Hydraulics, Attachments, and Controls

Assessing the functionality of the hydraulics, attachments, and their respective controls is fundamental. Testing these components ensures smooth operation and functionality. Detecting leaks, loose belts, or dirty filters is crucial to avoid potential problems post-purchase.

Hours Logged

Gathering information about the hours logged on the blade of the machine is critical. A bulldozer blade with around 5,000 logged hours, given proper maintenance and appropriate usage, typically maintains its value and quality.

The Undercarriage

The undercarriage of a crawler dozer can tell you a lot about how the machine was used by its previous owner. If the undercarriage has damage or dents, it could indicate that the bulldozer was not used correctly, and could also be a sign of more hidden issues.

Most used dozers models built with a heavy-duty undercarriage that will allow the machine to operate on rough terrains. Be sure to ask the seller which models and type of undercarriage their bulldozer has and how it was used. If the machine you are considering does not happen to come with the type of undercarriage you'll need, or if it is not in good condition, you can expect to pay thousands of dollars to replace it. If your intention in buying a used bulldozer is to save money, it is best to ensure that the machine has the features you need to avoid costly repairs or replacements.

The Hydraulics and the Attachments

If you're thinking about purchasing a used dozers, make sure the hydraulics and attachments and their controls are working properly. Take a moment to test the machine out and move it in all different directions to make sure everything moves smoothly, especially the blade and the ripper if it has one. You'll want to check the systems for signs of leaks, loose belts, and dirty filters.

Hours Logged

When purchasing a used bulldozer, it is important to gather additional information, about the hours logged on the machine. Try to choose a bulldozer that has no more than approximately five hours to 5,000 hours logged. As long as the machine was maintained well and used properly, a bulldozer with 5,000 hours or less will prove to be a valuable asset.

Prioritise Safety

When it comes to access to heavy machinery, safety should always be a priority. While shopping for a used bulldozer, it is important to verify that all of the equipment adheres to the latest safety standards. Make sure that no illegitimate modifications have been made to the machine, which could compromise the integrity and safety of equipment on the bulldozer. You should also take the time to interview the seller to ask questions about how the machine has been used, and make sure that it was not put into any situations that would damage or compromise equipment on it.

The Bottom Line

Buying a used bulldozer is a great way to get a quality machine for a great bargain. Although used dozers are almost always cheaper than buying new ones, you should always vet your sellers and do your research to ensure that you are getting the best price for a particular machine. the website browsing Boom & Bucket makes this process simple by taking the leg work out of your search. They provide you access to detailed specifications about each machine and work with verified sellers to ensure that you find just the right crawler dozer, at a great price, from a reputable seller.