The type of blade attached to the bulldozer has a major impact on the efficiency of your construction project. The wrong equipment can slow you down. It also places more strain on mechanical components, draining fuel and increasing the risk of a breakdown. Here’s a brief overview of common bulldozer blades and when each is used so you can avoid problems during construction. 

A Guide to Common Bulldozer Blades

1. Straight

Also known as an S blade, the attachment hooks are located on the lower back corners. Once a straight blade is secured to the bulldozer arms, angle braces are used to stabilize and tilt it. Tilting the blade makes it easy to cut through compacted ground to create ditches and for crowning. After excavation, the blade can be used to push loose sand, dirt, and gravel into a hole for backfill.       

2. Angle

The angle blade is best suited for pushing and spreading soil, gravel, and other granular materials since it pivots from left to right via a center point. By adding a tilt cylinder, the blade can also cut into the ground for excavating soft to medium surfaces.   

3. U-Shape

The U-shaped blade is similar to a bucket, as the two U-shaped wings on the sides prevent spillage of loose material. The blade works best for loading granular material and transporting it from one area of a construction site to another. As the U-shaped blade attachment hooks are located on the lower back corners, it doesn’t pivot like the angle blade. When hydraulic tilt cylinders are used, the blade can cut through softer surfaces.

If you have an upcoming construction project, contact the professionals at Victor Enterprises in Victor, NY. Serving clients throughout Ontario County, the licensed and bonded construction specialists will choose the right bulldozer attachments for the project and handle logistics to ensure a smooth process. To schedule a consultation, call (585) 742-2232. See project photos on the company’s website.