Bulldozer Types and Their Uses

Bulldozers are some of the most recognizable and versatile machines in construction and earthmoving. They clear land, push heavy material and handle tough grading tasks. But not all dozers are the same. They come in multiple sizes to meet any power or handling requirements. Here’s an overview of common bulldozer types and what they’re best at.

Crawler Bulldozers

Also called track dozers, crawler bulldozers work well in rough terrain, on slopes and in muddy or soft ground.

Uses include:

• Road building and site prep where stability matters
• Mining and quarry work that demands strong pushing power
• Forestry and land clearing on uneven ground

Wheel Bulldozers

Wheel bulldozers are faster and easier to move between jobsites, but they are less stable on soft terrain.

Uses include:

• Large construction projects that need mobility between tasks
• Surface mining and quarry jobs with solid, level ground
• Port operations and bulk material handling in paved areas

Sizes

Small dozers are ideal for light-duty work in tight spaces.

• Residential construction – grading driveways and prepping small lots
• Landscaping – smoothing topsoil and shaping terrain

Medium dozers offer balanced power and maneuverability for general construction.

• Commercial construction – spreading aggregate and shaping subgrade
• Agriculture – clearing land and maintaining access roads

Large dozers do heavy-duty earthmoving.

• Heavy construction – cutting highways and shaping large embankments
• Mining and quarry – pushing overburden and maintaining haul roads

Special Use Models

Port Handling

Small bulldozers work well in confined spaces like ship holds and dockyards where maneuverability is key. 

Common tasks:

• Moving bulk material like coal or ore
• Organizing storage piles and material flow
• Supporting large-scale loading and unloading 

Mulching

With special attachments, bulldozers are great at land clearing. Mulchers cut and shred trees, brush and vegetation on the spot.

Common tasks:

• Clearing land for agriculture
• Reducing wildfire risk by removing underbrush
• Maintaining utility corridors and prepping sites

Rent Bulldozers With The Cat^® Rental Store

Whatever your project, The Cat^® Rental Store has bulldozers to match your needs. You can browse our equipment inventory or find the Cat Rental Store near you to connect with your local dealer.

Renting lets you choose the right machine for each job without long-term costs. With flexible terms, expert advice and reliable service, The Cat^® Rental Store helps you get more done.