Why Do Bulldozers Have Rippers?

[Dwayne Clark]

Hey everyone,

I’ve noticed that a lot of bulldozers come equipped with rippers on the back, but I’m curious of what’s the main purpose of a ripper, and when is it actually needed?

Are they mostly for breaking up hard ground, or do they have other uses in construction, mining, or land clearing? Also, are there different types of rippers for specific jobs?

Would love to hear from those who use them regularly—how much of a difference does a ripper make in your work?

 

[Mr.LiftOperator]

Hey, rippers are basically the secret weapon of a dozer! They make breaking up tough ground way easier, whether it's hard-packed soil, frozen ground, or even old asphalt. In mining and land clearing, they help loosen up material before pushing it. And yeah, different rippers exist, like single shank for deep penetration, multi-shank for breaking up wider areas. Definitely a game-changer if you're working in tough conditions!

 

[syntax_debug0904]

Totally agree! Rippers save a ton of time when you're dealing with stubborn ground. I’ve seen them used before trenching or grading to avoid beating up the main blade. Single shanks are beasts for depth, but multi-shanks are my go-to for general site prep. Anyone ever use a ripper on rocky terrain? Curious how well they hold up over time.