If you are up to the challenge, driving a bulldozer can be enjoyable.Since they are powerful pieces of equipment, it is important to understand the proper operational procedures and safety precautions before using them.You can drive a bulldozer safely if you inspect the bulldozer and run the controls with caution.
Step 1: There are damaged parts on the outside of the machine.
Take a look at the windows and dents.Check the blade and ripper for cracks and wear.You should record your findings on a pre-operation sheet.Recording the condition of the bulldozer before you use it will protect you from being held responsible for previous damages.
Step 2: The bulldozer should be checked for oil and fluid leaks.
Oil leaks can be found by looking at the ground under the engine and by feeling around the oil filter bowls.The lift cylinders should be inspected for leaks.You'll want to check the hoses for cracks or leaks.To figure out the best way to fix the leak sites, look at your user manual.
Step 3: The door and hood should be locked in place.
If the hood of the engine is open, you should close it and give it a couple of tugs to make sure it is secure.Give the cab a couple of pulls to make sure they stay in place.Make sure the bulldozer is parked before attempting to close the door.
Step 4: Proper levels of fuel, oil, engine coolant, and transmission oil are maintained.
Before doing your official check, wipe the oil dipstick clean.To prevent hot fluid from spraying up, make sure the engine is cooled down.If you're unsure about the levels for each fluid, look at the owner's manual for instructions on how to check them.A sight check gauge can be used to know where the level is.Each fluid has a gauge or dipstick to check its levels.Insufficient fluid levels can cause engine damage and put you at risk as the operator.
Step 5: Use the safety rails and steps to get into the cab of your machine.
Bulldozers can be high off the ground, so it is important to take care when entering the machine.You can enter the cab after walking along the tracks carefully.The tracks have large teeth so be careful not to get your boot trapped while walking.
Step 6: Put the seatbelt on the chair.
Take a seat in the cab and find the seatbelt.To avoid bouncing around while operating the machine, you'll want to adjust the seatbelt to fit around your waist.The seatbelt should be replaced if it has large tears.
Step 7: The key needs to be turned to the right.
The key will turn if you have your foot on the brake.The engine will start idling after you hear it turn over.Don't hold the key to the right if the engine is not turning over.Clanking and squealing are abnormal sounds that should be paid attention to.You can prevent unwanted movement from the machine by placing your foot on the brake.
Step 8: The bulldozer needs a few minutes to warm up.
Heavy machinery needs time to warm up.This will allow the oil to begin lubricating the parts.Your temperature and fluid gauge should enter the safe zone while your engine warms up.
Step 9: The speed control can be turned down.
Depending on the model of the bulldozer, the way you adjust the speed control is different.It could be a button, or a small wheel that you roll up or down.The speed should be adjusted slowly.When the speed is set to 0, newer bulldozers will have a digital gauge.
Step 10: The run position is where the throttle knob should be turned.
To adjust the throttle knob, grab it with your fingers and turn it to the right.The turtle and rabbit icons on the throttle knobs represent the run and idle modes.It's important to keep the speed down while you increase the power of the engine.To the right of the operator, the throttle knob is located.bulldozers are designed to run at full speed
Step 11: The left joystick can be moved into drive or reverse.
The transmission can be damaged if the joystick is pushed back or forward.When the transmission is engaged into drive or reverse, you should feel a click.The left joystick has no effect on the blade.
Step 12: The direction of the bulldozer can be controlled by the left or right joystick.
The machine will move in a certain direction when you move the joystick in drive or reverse.You should always be aware of your surroundings when moving the bulldozer.Since they can be very sensitive, make small adjustments.
Step 13: Make sure the controls are working correctly.
Take note of the controls' operation by moving in all directions.You should be able to move smoothly.Before you try to work at a faster speed, get a feel for how the machine responds.If there is a problem with the machine, it's a good idea to fix it first.
Step 14: To stop the machine from moving, use the foot brake.
You should only use the foot brake if you need to stop immediately.Use foot brakes gently because they can be a little touchy.
Step 15: The height of the blade can be controlled with the right joystick.
If you want to lower the blade, you need to grab the joystick with your right hand.If you want to raise the blade, use your hand to move the joystick.The blade should move in a straight line.When you are ready to push dirt, put the blade on the ground.
Step 16: The tilt of the blade can be controlled by moving the right joystick.
If you want to tilt the blade to the left, you need to move the joystick to either the right or left.The side of the blade that is lower to the ground is the one that tilts.It's a good idea to tilt the blade when working on rough ground.
Step 17: The angle control knob can be used to fan the blade.
Use your thumb to adjust the knob.Some machines have a button system while others don't.The dirt will flow to one side of the bulldozer if the blade is Angling one way or the other.
Step 18: The ripper can be engaged by moving the joystick.
If you want to adjust the joystick up or down, you need to grab it with your right hand.The ripper doesn't need to be activated if it digs into the ground.The ripper can be used to loosen up hard dirt.Some bulldozers don't have a ripper attached.
Step 19: Lower the blade and ripper slowly.
To lower the ripper and blade, use the designated joysticks.Setting them on the ground makes the machine less stressed.The blade and ripper should be touching the ground.
Step 20: The throttle knob should be turned to the lowest position.
Turn the knob to the left by grabbing it with your fingers.The next operator will find the machine in optimal condition.Don't shut the engine down while it's in full gear to avoid engine damage.
Step 21: The machine should be shifted into neutral.
The neutral position is between the drive and reverse positions.If the bulldozer is left in drive or reverse, it will not start properly.To avoid damaging the transmission, you will want to shift gently.
Step 22: The parking brake should be activated.
Use your hand to push in the parking brake button.After using heavy machinery, it is a good idea to use the parking brake.Depending on the type of bulldozer, the parking brake location can vary.
Step 23: The key needs to be turned off.
The key can be grabbed and turned to the left or off position.If you leave the job site for the day, you should remove the key.Don't force a key in any direction.
Step 24: Carefully exit the machine.
You should grab any belongings if you unbuckle your seatbelt.You can lower yourself to the ground with the safety rails and steps.Don't put your hands or feet in the machine's hot parts.You should use the same precautions when exiting the machine.