Bulldozer Cost – Bulldozers are perhaps the most commonly used construction machinery. These are heavy equipment, used to move heavy loads from one place to another and rubble.
A bulldozer is essentially a truck fitted with a blade to dig through soil, sand, and debris. The machine has wide rolling tracks, which provide excellent traction and stability and ease of movement in mud and loose terrain.
Bulldozers used to be ugly looking a long time back. Today, they are attractive looking heavy machinery fitted with various electronic devices to perform special tasks. Bulldozers find application in various industries, including engineering, agriculture, construction, and forestry.
Types of Bulldozers
Various modifications can be done in the basic structure of a bulldozer to perform a variety of tasks. Generally, the blade is replaced with a large bucket for soil evacuation and loading of various construction materials such as sand and gravel into trucks. Hydraulic arms are also installed that are used to lift and lower the large bucket. With these modifications, the applications of bulldozers further expand to several other industries.
Bulldozers can be classified in various ways such as on the basis of type of blade installed, mobility tracks, and presence of electrical components.
On the Basis of Types of Blades
Different bulldozers employ different types of blades. The type of blade also determines the functions that can be performed by a bulldozer. Generally speaking, there are three types of blades used in bulldozers.
1. Straight Blade Bulldozers – Straight blade bulldozers are the most commonly used bulldozers in the construction industry. The blade consists of a straight piece of metal that is used to grade and even out the soil. Since the blade is fairly short in size, this type of bulldozers cannot be used for moving and pushing heavy loads.
2. U Blade Bulldozers – U blade bulldozers or Universal blade bulldozers can be used for pushing and hauling large amount of debris and soil. The blade has a curved shape, which makes it ideal for scooping soil and debris. However, this type of blade cannot be used for moving heavy loads because of lack of power.
3. Combination Blade Bulldozers – Combination blade bulldozers are ideal to perform a wide range of functions because they combine the functionality of straight blades and U blades. Combination blade bulldozers can perform light tasks such as pushing and cleaning debris as well as move heavy loads at the same time.
On the Basis of Mobility Track
On the basis of mobility tracks, bulldozers can be classified into two types.
1. Track Bulldozers – Track bulldozers, which are also known as crawlers, utilize steel or rubber treads to move around. These bulldozers have excellent stability and power that makes them ideal for scaling mounds and hills. However, the speed is usually slower than the other type of bulldozers. There is a ripper present on the one end that is used for crushing rocks and other debris.
2. Tire Bulldozers – Tire bulldozers utilize tires instead of rubber tracks for moving around. These move much faster as compared to the track bulldozers and are lighter in weight, but they lack the power and stability of track bulldozers. Tire bulldozers find application on construction sites where the intent is to move heavy loads without damaging the floor.
On the Basis of Presence of Electrical Components
Bulldozers have undergone major modifications over the last few years. New types of bulldozers have been introduced by the installation of various electrical components.
1. Hybrid Bulldozers – Hybrid bulldozers are technologically advance bulldozers that are cable of working in water-logged and dry conditions simultaneously. They make use of electrical components and combination blades to perform a variety of tasks.
2. Armored Bulldozers – Armored bulldozers are specially designed for military usage. These have an armored body to protect the driver in war zones. Armored bulldozers are used for clearing obstacles, demolishing homes, and detonating explosives.
Comparison of Bulldozer Cost
Bulldozers are a necessity for construction and engineering companies and contractors. Large construction firms are often required to invest in a number of bulldozers for working on a number of projects simultaneously. On the other hand, small and medium sized construction and firms opt to buy a used bulldozer or obtain one on lease for short-term projects.
It is important to compare the Bulldozer Cost of new and old machines of various companies and invest in the one that fulfills the basic requirements of the business and falls within your budget limits.
Investing In a New Bulldozer
Bulldozers are expensive machines with varying Bulldozer Cost, depending on the size, power, and other specifications. Also, they depreciate quickly as more advanced technology replaces the older models. However, they offer great resale values and one can also rent them out to generate more income.
- Low-output bulldozers – $40,000 to $60,000
- Medium-output bulldozers – $75,000 to $175,000
- High-output bulldozers – $200,000 to $250,000
- Armored bulldozers – $250,000 to $500,000
Purchasing a Used Bulldozer Cost
Purchasing a used bulldozer is often the optimal choice of many contractors and construction companies. The major factor is affordability. Also, usually there is no major difference in the performance of a new and used bulldozer. The difference is mostly cosmetic, with a few dings and dents on the old bulldozers. However, when buying a used bulldozer it is very important to consider the safety rankings and usability of the machine.
The major price determinants for a used bulldozer are its model, age, and brand. Used Bulldozer Cost range in price from $15,000 to $200,000.
- Three year old, 1000 hours of use, Cat bulldozer – $130,000 to $180,000
- Five year old, 1000 to 2000 hours of use – $45,000 to $75,000
- Ten to fifteen year old, 4000 to 6000 hours of use – $20,000 to $40,000
Renting a Bulldozer Cost
Renting a bulldozer is the most economical option for companies that require the machine for short-term projects only. You get to choose from a variety of bulldozers according to requirements and needs. Bulldozer Cost Rental rates vary from dealer to dealer. Most of the dealers charge an extra $1,000 for delivery and pickup.
| Horsepower | Daily Rent | Weekly Rent | Monthly Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 HP | $250 – $300 | $1,000 | $3,000 |
| 80 HP | $300 – $350 | $1,200 | $4,000 |
| 90 HP | $350 – $425 | $1,500 | $4,200 – $4,500 |
| 105 HP | $250 – $350 | $1,000 – $1,500 | $3,000 – $4,500 |
| 150 HP | $350 – $400 | $1,400 – $1,600 | $4,000 – $5,000 |
| 200 HP | $300 – $600 | $1,300 – $2,300 | $5,000 – $6,500 |
| 330 HP | $1,000 | $3,500 – $4,000 | $10,000 – $12,500 |
This is a general guide about prices of different types of bulldozers and bulldozer cost. The exact price of a bulldozer depends on various factors, which should be carefully considered by a buyer.
