ForConstructionPros.com

Quickly achieving tight tolerances is the objective of any earthmoving contractor. To accomplish this goal, you need equipment that gives you a competitive edge, and many manufacturers have stepped up to the plate with their current finish dozer designs.

"A machine design that allows for good visibility and control will make it easier to manage applications such as spreading expensive topsoil - saving owner and operator time and money," says Paul Wade, brand marketing manager, New Holland. "A sound combination of length of track on the ground, track gauge, track shoe width and operator comfort are key features of all small dozers, but are particularly significant when it comes to selecting finish dozers. A good balance between ease to maintain the grade and maneuverability is crucial."

Mike Murphy, New Holland's global product marketing manager - dozers, adds, "The relationship between tracks and blade base will determine visibility and controllability. The blade needs to be far enough out from the machine so the operator can see behind it. At the same time, the distance to the blade can't be too long, since it will have a negative impact on the machine's controllability."

Often, the application is what constitutes a finish dozer. "The size of a finish dozer can vary greatly across different applications, ranging from backfilling along a finished curb line to spreading stone to grade on a large commercial development," says Scott Bayless, product consultant - High Speed Dozer, John Deere Construction & Forestry. "Generally speaking, across all sizes of a finish dozer, you want a relatively long track frame to provide a stable platform from which the operator can work. Typically, this longer undercarriage is found on a Long Track (LT), Extra Long Track (XLT) or Low Ground Pressure (LGP) machine."

Yet, it's really a combination of balance and blade control that defines a finish machine. "Machine balance and blade response are what really allow an operator to perform fine grading," says Joel Fritts, building construction products - market professional, Caterpillar. "The customer/operator wants 'motor grader on track' performance."