Belly Pan Removal: A Step-By-Step Guide For Dozers

The Trilift Belly Pan Hoist is a tool that enables the safe and efficient removal of the belly pan from heavy machinery such as dozers and scrapers. It is designed to be used by a single person and can be operated on difficult terrain, such as wet wash-down pads and rough workshop floors. The hoist is adjustable in height from 285mm to 1100mm and features large rear wheels and a rubber drive wheel for optimal traction. This tool eliminates the need to jack up the machine when removing the belly pan, thanks to its strong, low-profile support frame.

Using a hoist to remove the belly pan

The Trilift® Belly Pan Hoist is a tool designed for the safe and efficient removal of the belly pan from dozers and scrapers on difficult terrain, such as wet wash-down pads and rough workshop floors. The large rear wheels and 125mm wide rubber drive wheel make it easy to move the hoist over uneven surfaces. The hoist's low-profile support frame means that the belly pan can be removed without needing to jack up the machine.

The Trilift® Belly Pan Hoist is simple to operate, requiring just one person. It is air/hydraulic, with an adjustable height of 285mm to 1100mm. The hoist provides low-profile access to the underside of the dozer and includes a turntable for precise pan location.

To use the hoist to remove the belly pan, first ensure that the hoist is properly positioned under the dozer, with the rubber drive wheel making full contact with the ground. Engage the hoist's brakes and ensure that the dozer is securely parked and cannot move. Then, attach the hoist to the belly pan following the manufacturer's instructions. Once the hoist and belly pan are securely attached, you can begin the removal process.

Slowly lift the belly pan using the hoist, ensuring that it remains level and does not twist or tilt. Lift the belly pan to a height that allows for easy removal, being cautious not to raise it too high. Once the belly pan is at the desired height, carefully disconnect it from the dozer, following the manufacturer's instructions for the specific model. After the belly pan has been removed, slowly lower it to the ground using the hoist, ensuring that it remains level and under control. Finally, disengage the brakes on the hoist and move it away from the dozer.

Hedweld's Trilift Belly Pan Hoist

The Trilift Belly Pan Hoist by Hedweld is a tool designed for the safe and efficient removal of belly pans from heavy machinery such as dozers and scrapers. This equipment is particularly useful when dealing with challenging terrain, such as uneven or slippery surfaces. The Trilift Belly Pan Hoist features large rear wheels and a 125mm wide rubber drive wheel, providing excellent traction and manoeuvrability over rough workshop floors.

A notable advantage of this hoist is its strong, low-profile support frame, which eliminates the need to jack up the machine during belly pan removal. This hoist can be adjusted in height from 285mm to 1100mm, allowing for easy access to the underside of the dozer. The turntable feature ensures precise positioning of the belly pan during the removal and installation process.

The Trilift Belly Pan Hoist is a versatile tool, compatible with a range of OEM equipment makes and models. Hedweld also offers custom designs for specific OEM makes and models to ensure the utmost safety and efficiency during maintenance operations.

Additionally, the Trilift Component Balance Tool is a valuable accessory that can be mounted onto the Trilift Belly Pan Hoist. This tool assists in the removal of components such as track rollers and haul truck axles, further enhancing the versatility and functionality of the Trilift system.

The benefits of air/hydraulic operation

The Trilift Belly Pan Hoist is a tool designed for the safe and efficient removal of belly pans from dozers. One of its key features is air/hydraulic operation, which offers several benefits for this application:

Firstly, the use of air/hydraulic power provides great stiffness to the system, resulting in an instant and accurate response. This stiffness prevents spongy control, ensuring the positioning of the actuator is immediate and precise. The system's rapid response enhances the efficiency of the belly pan removal process, reducing downtime for maintenance.

Secondly, air/hydraulic operation allows for one-person self-propelled operation. This means a single operator can efficiently remove the belly pan without requiring assistance. This not only saves time and labour costs but also ensures a consistent and controlled process.

Additionally, the Trilift Belly Pan Hoist offers adjustable height, ranging from 285mm to 1100mm. This adjustability is beneficial for accommodating different dozer models and terrain conditions. The large rear wheels and wide rubber drive wheel further enhance its manoeuvrability, making it suitable for use on rough workshop floors and uneven terrain.

The air/hydraulic operation also contributes to the overall safety of the belly pan removal process. By providing precise control and stability, the risk of accidental slippage or movement of the belly pan is reduced. This is crucial, especially considering the weight of the belly pan and the potential hazards associated with its removal.

Furthermore, the air/hydraulic system enables low-profile access to the underside of the dozer. This feature ensures that the belly pan can be safely removed without the need for jacking up the machine. This not only simplifies the process but also increases stability and reduces the risk of accidents during maintenance.

The importance of large rear wheels and rubber drive wheel

Removing the belly pan on a dozer can give you access to the undercarriage, allowing for cleaning and maintenance. To do this, you'll need to know the make and model of your dozer, as the process can vary. Typically, you'll need to remove the bolts holding the belly pan in place and lower it carefully, as it is a heavy piece of equipment.

Now, here is some information on the importance of large rear wheels and rubber drive wheels on a dozer:

Large rear wheels provide the dozer with increased ground clearance, which is essential when navigating uneven terrain. This added clearance prevents the machine from bottoming out on obstacles and reduces the risk of damage to critical components. Additionally, larger wheels help distribute the dozer's weight more effectively, resulting in better traction and reduced ground pressure. This even weight distribution is particularly advantageous when working on soft or unstable surfaces, such as mud or sand, as it prevents the machine from sinking.

Rubber drive wheels, also known as wheel bulldozers, offer several benefits over their tracked counterparts. Firstly, they provide superior mobility and versatility, allowing the dozer to make sharper turns without causing damage to its surroundings. This increased manoeuvrability is beneficial during both the work itself and transportation between sites. Rubber drive wheels are also better suited for paved roads and flat, hard surfaces, as they cause less damage and provide adequate traction without the need for additional attachments.

While crawler dozers with tracks have their advantages in certain situations, rubber drive wheels offer a smoother ride and are less likely to cause soil compaction. Soil compaction is a significant issue in agricultural areas, as it negatively affects soil quality and impedes plant growth. Rubber drive wheels help to reduce this issue by distributing the dozer's weight more evenly, minimising the risk of damaging the terrain.

Furthermore, rubber drive wheels require less maintenance than tracked systems. Tracked dozers have numerous moving parts that require regular upkeep, whereas rubber drive wheels are simpler in design and are therefore less likely to break down. This reduced maintenance can result in lower overall costs and increased productivity, as the dozer spends more time in operation.

In conclusion, large rear wheels and rubber drive wheels are essential components of a dozer, offering improved ground clearance, traction, and manoeuvrability. They are particularly well-suited for flat, paved surfaces and can navigate rough terrain without causing significant damage to the ground. By opting for rubber drive wheels, operators can benefit from increased mobility, reduced maintenance, and a smoother ride, making them a versatile and efficient choice for various projects.

Hedweld's custom-designed Trilift products

Hedweld is a renowned Australian innovator and manufacturer of advanced engineering solutions, founded in 1980 by Ian and Jan Hedley. Hedweld's custom-designed Trilift products are a range of technologically advanced workshop component handling equipment. Trilift products are purpose-built to assist with the removal, installation, and handling of parts on mining and heavy earthmoving equipment, offering improved safety and efficiency.

The Trilift range includes various specialised hoists, such as the Belly Pan Hoist, the Cat 795 Generator Hoist, and the Cat 797 Transmission Hoist. These hoists are designed for specific tasks, like removing and installing belly pans on dozers and handling generators and transmissions on large mining vehicles. Hedweld also offers the Trilift Variable Work Table, which can safely handle a wide range of components on large mining and earthmoving trucks.

In addition to hoists and work tables, Hedweld provides a comprehensive suite of tooling options to complement the Trilift range. For example, the Cat A-Frame Pin Tool and the Cat Rim Adapter Tool are designed for specific tasks related to component removal and installation. The Trilift Chain N Lift enables field mechanics to safely lift and lower heavy components. Hedweld also offers Aluminium Access Platforms, designed to provide safe and efficient access to elevated areas during maintenance and operational tasks.

Hedweld's Trilift products are trusted by industry leaders worldwide. Their innovative design and manufacturing capabilities have established them as a leading provider of advanced manufactured products for the mining, earthmoving, and agricultural industries. Hedweld's commitment to safety and efficiency has made them a go-to choice for organisations seeking unique solutions to complex maintenance and handling challenges.

Frequently asked questions