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Machine Matters

Cover Story/Machine Matters: Diamonds in the rough

December 14, 2008 |

Solid engineering and operating ease make the difference between going to work and a good day’s work. New features on 74- to-160 horsepower crawler dozers will help you do a stand-out job.

If comfort fuels your productivity, you’ll appreciate the cab upgrades manufacturers have added. More leg room, adjustable air suspension seats and climate controls help you battle fatigue. Cab-forward positioning, steeply sloped front ends on some models, more window space and wider doors improve your view of the blade for greater control and precision. Ergonomic, seat-mounted joystick controls make operating the dozer less tiring by isolating you from vibration and options such as thumbwheel speed controls and blade shake functions are in fingertip reach.

More technology is riding with you on these new dozers. Upgraded integrated grade control packages let you ‘plug and play’ the grade control system of your choice. Factory installed hardware, software and wiring ensures your machine will support your system. Onboard diagnostic programs automatically troubleshoot while you work and alert you if the machine’s condition requires adjustment, service or repair. Operating data is stored so you can track and schedule preventive maintenance.

Longer tracks on these midsize dozers provide more ground contact and balance, giving you additional fine grading capability. Wider track configurations increase flotation and stability on slopes and soft conditions. Manufacturers are offering new undercarriage options with extended wear options to help keep operating and maintenance costs under control. More robust components like idlers, roller, links and bushings are extending undercarriage life up to 6,000 hours.

Low-effort single lever controls provide intuitive adjustable steering and smooth operations. Hydrostatic transmissions in variable speed controls let you adjust your speed to the job’s ground conditions. If you prefer, switching to a pre-set, quick-shift mode is often just a push button procedure.

A wide variety of track configurations can match almost any job conditions:

Long track (LT) or extra long track (XL or XLT) configurations suit jobs with hard or rocky ground conditions with minimal slope work. LT dozers have the highest ground pressure and are the best choice when maximum tractive effort and precise grading are key, and lateral stability is less important. Their narrow tracks make them easier to transport.

Wide track (WT) machines are the best choice for jobs with sloped areas with firm ground conditions that require additional lateral stability. Wider gauge tracks increase the track contact area which reduces ground pressure for good flotation. Wider tracks are easier to clean.