What Maintenance Practices Extend the Life of Dozer Cutting Edges?

What Maintenance Practices Extend the Life of Dozer Cutting Edges?

A dozer cutting edge is an investment—proper maintenance can double or triple its lifespan. Here are the top practices to follow:

1. Daily Inspections: Before starting work, check the edge for wear, cracks, or loose bolts. Look for uneven wear (a sign of misalignment) or thinning (if it’s less than 50% of its original thickness, it’s time to replace).

2. Torque Bolts Regularly: Loose bolts cause the edge to shift, leading to uneven wear and damage to the moldboard. Follow the manufacturer’s torque specs (usually 200–300 ft-lbs) and recheck every 100 hours of use.

3. Flip or Rotate Edges: Many edges are reversible (double-beveled). When one side wears down, flip it to use the other side. This doubles the edge’s life and saves money.

4. Avoid Overloading: Don’t use the dozer to cut through materials it’s not designed for (e.g., thick concrete). Overloading causes the edge to bend or crack.

5. Clean After Use: Remove dirt, gravel, or asphalt from the edge after work. Built-up material can cause corrosion or uneven wear over time.

6. Replace Promptly: Waiting too long to replace a worn edge puts stress on the moldboard and reduces efficiency. A good rule of thumb: replace when the edge is 1/3 to 1/2 its original thickness.

By following these steps, you’ll keep your cutting edge performing at its best and avoid costly downtime.