Sometimes it can be difficult to decide between a bulldozer or a wheel loader. While both machines can handle material well, there are some key differences. The type of project you are working on will dictate which piece of equipment you choose.

This guide will explain what bulldozers are and the differences between them, as well as how to choose which one for your project.

What is a Bulldozer?

A bulldozer, a heavy machine with a large body and large blade at the front, is not only large but also has caterpillars and can pull forward as well as pull in front.
Other than the one shown in the photo, there are many blades.
A different type is available that is equipped with a large nail called "ripper", which is attached behind the bulldozer to crush large stones.
A military bulldozer is also available in the world. They are used to destroy enemy barricades and shield infantry from bullets.

Currently, KOMATSU is the largest manufacturer of bulldozers and CAT has the majority of world bulldozers.

Best for: 

• Large quantities of material being pushed
• Digging projects
• Excavating earth
• Leveling soil
• Landscaping
• Moving debris

What is a Wheel Loader?

Standard specifications include a bucket. However, the wheel loader cannot dig and is difficult to maneuver on uneven ground, soft roads, and steep slopes. The wheel loader can be used for vehicle construction (leveling, excavating, etc.). There are many attachments available and you can use them in different ways. The wheel loader's purpose is to load the dump truck with earth and sand. They are also used to remove snow from areas where there is accumulation.

The wheel has a four-wheel drive. The steering is a center-folding type. This means that the vehicle body between front and rear wheels is bent. Because the front and rear wheels are connected, there is no inner ring difference or outer ring differences. Hydraulic steering is used. The steering angle of a steering wheel may not coincide with the actual steering angle.

Best for: 

• Transporting raw materials
• To reduce loading times, you can rehandle objects
• Loading other vehicles with loads
• Clearing rubble
• Pipelaying
• Digging
• Snow Removal

What are the key differences between bulldozers & wheel loaders?

Both of these pieces do the same job, but there are some important differences that you need to be aware of in order to help you choose which piece of equipment is right for you.

Bulldozers use a heavy metal plate, while wheel loaders use a large bucket.

The heavy metal plate or the blade of a bulldozer is what allows them to push and dig through materials. It can be a straight or universal blade or another bulldozer-type blade. Bulldozers can push through and dig through material while keeping the machine's weight behind them. A wheel loader on the other hand has a large bucket at its front that it uses for material collection and transportation.

For transporting materials, wheel loaders are the best choice

Bulldozers can only push material, and cannot pick up anything. They are not suitable for transportation. The wheel loader can transport large quantities of material, such as rocks and debris, and it can also rehandle objects to reduce loading times. For projects that require grading, leveling or demolishing, the bulldozer should be used.

Bulldozers are more expensive than wheel loaders

A bulldozer rental is more affordable than renting a wheel loader. The price of renting a bulldozer is $1300 to $2,000 per week while the cost of renting a wheel loader is $1700 to $3,500 each week

Bulldozers have less mobility

Tracked tires are used by bulldozers. This makes it ideal for gaining traction on job sites but severely restricts its mobility. There are also wheel dozers. However, most of them use tracks. Wheel loaders have wheels that allow them to be more flexible and move loose material around faster than a bulldozer.

Bulldozers can navigate through irregular terrain

The bulldozer is able to handle difficult terrain on construction sites. Although their tracks can limit their mobility, they allow them to maneuver on uneven terrain. To help them move over rough terrain, you can add modifications such as rippers to the rear. Wheel loaders work best on level terrain, as they pose a tipping danger if driven up hills and on unstable terrain while hauling materials.

How to choose between a Bulldozer and a Wheel Loader

Both types of heavy machinery have their strengths and weaknesses, as you can see. For some jobs, bulldozers work well while wheel loaders work best. The project you are using it for will determine which type of choice you make.

Bottom line: A bulldozer is best if you are looking for power to level land or haul large quantities of material at once. However, a wheel loader is better suited for you if you need more power. BigRentz has many options for renting bulldozers and wheel loaders. You can choose from a Caterpillar model or a John Deere one.

We can also help you if you require a backhoe or a dump truck. We can help you choose the right equipment for your next job.

To know more types of construction vehicles visit here.