Ground leveling is a fundamental requirement for construction projects and the ultimate goal of any project. As a key piece of equipment, bulldozer operation techniques and power configuration directly impact project quality and efficiency. This article systematically introduces the professional operating procedures, power configuration requirements, and practical operation guidelines for bulldozers used in ground leveling operations.
A bulldozer is a tracked construction machine equipped with a large front-mounted blade. It uses powerful thrust to push soil and achieve ground leveling. Its tracks provide excellent traction and maneuverability, allowing it to adapt to various terrain conditions.
2.1 Selecting a Bulldozer Based on Ground Conditions
Standard bulldozers: Suitable for hard surfaces, they offer enhanced soil compaction capacity, maneuverability, and lower operating costs.
Low Ground Pressure Bulldozer (LGP Dozer): Featuring wide track widths and a wide ground contact area, it's ideal for muddy and soft soils, effectively reducing ground pressure and preventing subsidence.
2.2 Power and Thrust Configuration
The core power of a bulldozer comes from its diesel engine and transmission system. The torque converter and transmission in the transmission system must automatically match thrust and load to ensure continuous and efficient output.
Engine Power: Ground leveling operations typically require an engine power of at least 140 kW (approximately 190 horsepower) to provide stable power output.
Machine Weight: Medium- to large-sized bulldozers weighing 16-20 tons are more suitable for ground leveling operations, ensuring operational stability without excessive pressure on the foundation.
Blade Configuration: The standard blade width should be approximately 3.9 meters (SG19-Gi2 blade width is 3965 mm) to ensure a balance between the area covered per operation and dozing efficiency.
Drive System: Modern bulldozers often use hydraulic drive systems, which feature automatic coordination and load distribution, adapting to varying loads during ground leveling.
2.3 Modern Auxiliary Technologies
Introducing slope control, GPS, or laser guidance systems enables automatic three-dimensional tool position control, significantly improving leveling accuracy and efficiency.
3.1 Pre-Construction Preparation
Site Survey: Identify the leveling area and mark its boundaries. Clear surface obstacles such as large rocks and trees.
Equipment Inspection: Ensure the bulldozer has sufficient lubricating oil, fuel, and water; that the instruments, drive system, and working devices are in good condition; and that the tracks are free of rocks.
Elevation Determination: Determine the final ground elevation according to design requirements and demarcate the work area using dashed lines.
3.2 Foundation Leveling Stage
Preliminary Leveling:
First address areas with large elevation differences. Once the elevation difference is within ±20 cm, proceed to fine leveling.
Use the "leveling the foundation first" method: first push with one shovel to create a relatively flat foundation, then continue leveling along this foundation.
Blade Control Techniques:
Observe the vehicle's front: lower the blade if the front tilts slightly; raise it if it tilts downward.
Minor Adjustments: The blade should be raised and lowered as little as possible to avoid noticeable unevenness in the ground.
Hydraulic Handle Vibration: Continuously shaking or oscillating the blade in gear 2 can improve leveling.
Layering:
Thick soil should be treated in layers, with each layer no thicker than 30cm and compacted six times with a roller.
The compaction coefficient must be above 95%, and the overlap rate of indentations must reach 40% to demonstrate effective compaction.
3.3 Fine Leveling Stage
Fine Leveling:
Start with a small, leveled area and level each shovel-by-shovel, overlapping the area by 30-40cm.
The dozer depth should not be too deep. Maintain a moderate speed and adjust the blade depth promptly to maintain a steady level.
Special Procedures:
When backing up, lightly drag the blade against the ground, using loose soil to fill small holes.
For hard soil layers, adjust the blade angle for a tilted cut, or tilt the bulldozer to one side for easier entry.
Quality Inspection:
Use a 2-meter straightedge and feeler gauge to check for flatness. The flatness deviation should not exceed 8mm.
Measure sections every 20 meters, and verify the elevation at 2-4 points per section.
4.1 Short Cuts:
Drag the blade over long distances. Use a "cut and push" method to avoid soil spillage and improve efficiency.
4.2 Slot Edges:
When creating a slot, start two vehicle lengths behind the starting point of the target slot. Push the soil to the end of the slot. Then, push the soil in the opposite direction several times, retreating four vehicle lengths each time. This will expand the control area and ensure a level surface.
4.3 Track Tension Management:
Overtightening accelerates wear. It is recommended to strictly follow the manufacturer's recommended tensioning. Avoid adjusting the tension immediately after cleaning to prevent abnormal tension after mud intrusion.
4.4 Precise Blade Height and Inclination Control:
Use the right joystick to adjust blade height and tilt left and right to adjust the slope, ensuring smooth movement across the site. Combining the automatic assist system reduces effort and provides even greater precision.
4.5 Adaptability in Complex Terrain:
The six-directional blade (six-way shovel) quickly adapts to irregular surfaces such as slopes and piles of residual material, enabling fine-tuning and leveling.
Selection Basis: Choose a standard or LGP bulldozer based on the soil type (soft or hard), operating area, inclination, and required accuracy. Also consider engine horsepower (e.g., 135–160 horsepower for medium-sized bulldozers, hundreds to thousands of horsepower for medium- and large-sized bulldozers like the D9/D11).
Pre-training: Familiarizing yourself with cutter positioning, track status, and joystick operation, as well as mastering techniques such as short-cutting and side-pushing, is the foundation for efficient operation.
Maintenance: Regularly check and adjust track tension, the hydraulic system, and engine lubrication to ensure machine stability and reliability.
Pre-work planning: Clarify the dozing path and slope target, deploy control lines or stakes when necessary, and use automatic control devices for optimal results.
The key to a bulldozer's ability to easily complete ground leveling lies in the appropriate power configuration and precise operating techniques:
Power: Select a bulldozer type and engine with the appropriate horsepower for the terrain, and effectively utilize modern auxiliary systems to improve efficiency and accuracy.
Operation: Through short-cutting, side-pushing, and proper control of cutter positioning and track tension, supplemented by regular maintenance and operator skill development, ensure rapid, accurate, and safe ground leveling.
By rationally selecting equipment, standardizing operating procedures, and applying modern technology, bulldozer operators can efficiently complete ground leveling operations, laying a solid foundation for subsequent construction projects. Operators must keep in mind the concept of "man and machine as one," perfectly combining precise operation with mechanical performance to achieve optimal leveling results.
If you have any questions about bulldozer operation, or would like to customize a bulldozer for your project, please contact us. We accept custom designs.
