NEWS

Bulldozer Operation: Safety and Precautions

Bulldozer Operation: Safety and Precautions

The operation of bulldozers must strictly adhere to the principle of “Inspect First, Operate Safely, No Violations.”​ The core precautions are as follows:

I. Pre-Operation Inspection & Site Assessment

1. Equipment Static Check

  • Verify that engine oil, coolant, and hydraulic fluid levels are normal and free of leaks.
  • Check track tension (sag should be between 10–20 mm) and ensure all bolts are tight.
  • Test the functionality of brakes, steering, lights, and the horn.

2. Environmental Safety Survey

  • Identify the location of underground pipelines and cables; mark them clearly.
  • Remove large obstacles from the work area.
  • Confirm the slope does not exceed equipment limits (typically ≤10° laterally, ≤30° longitudinally).
  • Prohibition:​ Operation is strictly forbidden at night or during severe weather (heavy rain, dense fog, winds exceeding Force 6).

3. Personnel Qualification & PPE

  • Operators must be licensed/certified​ and wear safety helmets, steel-toed boots, and fitted work clothes. Loose accessories or jewelry are strictly prohibited.

II. Operational Key Standards

1. Starting & Traveling

  • Ensure the blade is on the ground and the transmission is in neutral before starting; sound the horn as a warning.
  • During travel, keep the blade 40–50 cm above ground.
  • Prohibition:​ Avoid sudden acceleration, hard braking, high-speed sharp turns, and perform pivots only at low speeds.

2. Dozing Techniques

  • For hard soil or rocky terrain, use a ripper or blast first. Never ram​ the blade into immovable objects.
  • Use Gear II​ for standard dozing; switch to Gear I​ for hard soil or complex terrain. Avoid forcing the blade to one side to prevent frame twisting.
  • Do not set excessive digging depth to avoid overloading the engine or causing track slippage.

3. Slope Operation Restrictions

  • Uphill:No shifting gears. Downhill:No coasting in neutral; use low gear and engine braking to control speed.
  • Cross-slope operation must not exceed 10°. Do not turn or park on steep slopes. If the engine stalls uphill, immediately lower the blade, lock the brake, and then attempt to restart.
  • Maintain a distance of at least 2 meters​ from the edge of a slope crest; never allow the blade to overhang the edge.

III. Prohibited Acts & Safety Red Lines

1. Dangerous Operations

  • Overloading is strictly forbidden.
  • Do not push dusty materials (lime, ash) or crush rocks with the blade.
  • Do not push concrete piles with rebar or walls higher than 2.5 meters.

2. Personnel Safety

  • Prohibition:​ No one may board or disembark while the machine is running, nor stand under the raised blade. Riding is strictly limited to the cab only.
  • During maintenance, the engine must be shut off, the blade lowered to the ground and blocked securely. Never work under a suspended blade.

3. Towing & Transfer

  • Towing requires a dedicated signal person. For long-distance transfers, use a flatbed trailer. Short-distance travel must not exceed 10 km, and tracks must be lubricated frequently.

IV. Shutdown & Maintenance

1. Standardized Parking

  • Park on level, solid ground. Lower the blade to the ground and set the parking brake.
  • Run the engine at idle for 3–5 minutes​ to allow water and oil temperatures to drop before shutting off.

2. Daily Maintenance

  • Clean the radiator daily and check track wear/lubrication points.
  • Immediately stop operation upon detecting instrument alarms, abnormal noises, or leaks. Never operate a faulty machine.