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These techniques provided by Komatsu can reduce bulldozer fuel consumption and improve productivity.
A bulldozer is designed to dig and carry earth. Because a bulldozer operates at full power uses its own weight, improves in fuel consumption are difficult. Nevertheless, certain techniques can be used to improve its operating efficiencies:
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Avoid high idling and carry out idling stops. Changing from high idling to low idling for 30 min a day can save 1,710
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litres (452 gal) of diesel per year. Turning the engine off instead of low idling for one hour a day can save 2,430 litres (642 gal) per year. -
Start dozing from the front of the dozing zone. As seen from the picture, if working on level ground, dozing should start at the front. This reduces the distance that material must be pushed. The dozers blade is also always full by using a downward grade.
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Doze material with a downward gradient. If site conditions allow, downward movement allows more material to be pushed at a faster speed, by using the weight of the dozer.
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Avoid shoe slippage and stalling. If the shoes are slipping or the torque converter is kept stalled, fuel consumption will increase. Irregular wear will also occur on the undercarriage.
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Doze again where obtaining a full load is difficult. If the ground is very hard or rocky, reverse after the first dozing and doze again. This ensures that the blade is full before the material is moved.
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Minimise spillage from the blade. In very soft soils, slot dozing can be used. As per the picture, passes are made in separate parallel trenches. The soil between the trenches is then removed.
Source: “Bulldozer operating methods for saving on fuel consumption and improving fuel efficiency”, by Yasushi Shikata, www.komatsu.com/