Why do bulldozers have triangular tracks?

[Gimme_gimme]

This sounds dumb question, but why do bulldozers have triangular-shaped tracks instead of just staying flat?

 

[Jones_Albert]

Good question, man! I’d say bulldozers have triangular tracks for better traction, stability, and maneuverability on rough terrain while also reducing ground pressure for softer surfaces. The raised front idler helps absorb impacts and makes it easier to climb over stuff. If the tracks were completely flat, they’d struggle with obstacles and get stuck more easily.

 

[winston_wisdom]

Called a "high drive" system - one of those things that makes ya scratch your head until you realize there’s some real smart engineering behind it.

Durability and Longevity: The raised sprocket (that’s the top point) keeps the drive components like the sprockets and final drives out of the dirt, mud, and debris. On flat-track systems like an excavator, those parts are closer to the ground and take more of a beating from rocks, roots, and all sorts of junk. By lifting those components up, bulldozers last longer and require fewer repairs.
Better Power Transfer: With the high drive design, the weight is distributed more evenly across the track. This reduces wear and tear on the undercarriage and helps with smoother power transfer to the ground. That’s why dozers can push massive loads of dirt without boggin’ down.
Easier Maintenance: If you’ve ever had to replace a final drive or a sprocket on an excavator, you know it’s a pain in the rear. On a high-drive dozer, those parts are easier to access since they’re up higher. Less downtime means more work gets done (and less cussin’ in the shop).
Improved Maneuverability: That triangular design helps with balance and traction on uneven terrain. Bulldozers are often workin’ on slopes or rough ground, and the high drive keeps ‘em stable while reducing track slippage.

Now, why don’t excavators use this design? Simple—they don’t need it. Excavators aren’t pushin’ heavy loads like a dozer; they’re diggin’ in place most of the time. Flat tracks give ‘em stability for that kind of work.

 

[Gimme_gimme]

Thanks for the great explanation, Winston! That makes a lot of sense now. I had no idea the raised sprocket was such a big part of the durability and smoother operation. It's pretty cool how design choices like that make a bulldozer so much more efficient and longer-lasting.

One thing I’m curious about, do all bulldozers use the triangular track design, or are there certain models where it’s not as common? Seems like the high-drive system would be a game-changer for any heavy-duty machine.

 

[winston_wisdom]

Nah, not all dozer's go high drive. I'm not sure where the cutoff is, but it's dependent on size and weight of the machine I'd imagine. If the machine won't be sinking into the dirt as much or pushing smaller loads with less torque, no need to raise it I guess. Triangular tracks mean longer tracks which means more $$ when you need to swap em out.
But the JD 450k for eample has just standard tracks

 

[John Calvin Lewis]

Nah, not all dozer's go high drive. I'm not sure where the cutoff is, but it's dependent on size and weight of the machine I'd imagine. If the machine won't be sinking into the dirt as much or pushing smaller loads with less torque, no need to raise it I guess. Triangular tracks mean longer tracks which means more $$ when you need to swap em out.
But the JD 450k for eample has just standard tracks

That’s a fair point, but I think that high-drive dozers aren’t just about handling soft ground or heavy loads. The raised sprocket design also helps with reducing wear and tear on the drivetrain since it keeps the final drives out of dirt and debris. Sure, the longer tracks might cost more to replace, but in the long run, the reduced maintenance on the undercarriage could balance that out. What do you think, do the long-term durability benefits outweigh the upfront cost?

 

[bigBucket]

Good point! I guess it depends on how much wear and tear the machine sees over time. Do you think certain job sites benefit more from high-drive dozers, or is it mainly a preference thing?

 

[winston_wisdom]

I think the dirtier or softer the site the more high drives are good tohave. As JCL said, keeps those core components away from debris and contaminents.
Buddy sent me this earlier this week. I ain't from California and wouldn't want to work there. But I'd personally want a higher drive if I'm in wet sand and salty water. Idk, maybe a bigger machine sinks or can't get access down there. Them west coasters always do things a bit different than we would in Texas. Either way, hope they hose it off real good after they wrap up.

 

[TrucksSavvy009]

I think the dirtier or softer the site the more high drives are good tohave. As JCL said, keeps those core components away from debris and contaminents.
Buddy sent me this earlier this week. I ain't from California and wouldn't want to work there. But I'd personally want a higher drive if I'm in wet sand and salty water. Idk, maybe a bigger machine sinks or can't get access down there. Them west coasters always do things a bit different than we would in Texas. Either way, hope they hose it off real good after they wrap up.
View attachment 31

Yeah, that makes sense! Seems like high-drive dozers really shine in rough or messy conditions where keeping the drivetrain clean is a big deal.

 

[Ralph_buckets002]

Good breakdown, @winston_wisdom!

 

[marcusPama]

Really solid info here! Makes a lot of sense why high-drive dozers are more common in rough terrain or softer ground. I never thought about how much easier it makes maintenance until now. Seems like a trade-off between initial cost and long-term durability. Anyone here ever run both types and have a preference?