Converting a D5H LGP Triangle Blade into a Root Rake

[MikePhua]

The D5H LGP and Its Role in Land Clearing
The Caterpillar D5H LGP (Low Ground Pressure) dozer is a mid-sized crawler designed for soft terrain and sensitive ground conditions. Introduced in the late 1980s, it quickly became a favorite among contractors and landowners for its balance of power, maneuverability, and flotation. With an operating weight around 20,000 lbs and a wide track footprint, the D5H LGP is ideal for forestry, swamp work, and reclamation projects.
Its standard triangle blade—also known as a VPAT (Variable Pitch, Angle, and Tilt) blade—is engineered for grading and shaping. However, when land clearing involves heavy brush, stumps, and surface roots, a root rake becomes a more effective tool. Converting the triangle blade into a root rake is a practical solution for operators who want to repurpose their machine without investing in a new attachment.
Terminology Note

• Root Rake: A blade or attachment with spaced tines used to remove surface roots, stumps, and debris without excessive soil displacement.
  
• VPAT Blade: A dozer blade that allows pitch, angle, and tilt adjustments for versatile grading.
  
• Push Arms: Structural members connecting the blade to the dozer frame, transmitting force during operation.
  
• Quick Attach System: A mounting interface that allows fast swapping between blade types or attachments.
  

Reasons for Conversion
Operators often convert triangle blades to root rakes for several reasons:

• Increased efficiency in clearing brush and roots
  
• Reduced soil disturbance compared to standard blades
  
• Cost savings over purchasing a dedicated rake
  
• Ability to retain pitch and tilt functions for contour work
  

In forestry and land development, root rakes are essential for preparing ground for planting, fencing, or construction. They allow selective removal of organic debris while preserving topsoil integrity.
Conversion Process and Structural Considerations
The conversion typically involves:

• Removing the blade skin and reinforcing the moldboard
  
• Welding or bolting rake tines onto the blade frame
  
• Ensuring tine spacing allows for effective debris capture (usually 8–12 inches apart)
  
• Retaining tilt and pitch cylinders for maneuverability
  

Tines are often made from AR400 or T1 steel for wear resistance. They should be gusseted and braced to withstand lateral forces. Some operators choose bolt-on tines for flexibility, while others prefer welded assemblies for strength.
Hydraulic and Control Adaptation
If the original blade has hydraulic angle and tilt functions, these can be retained to manipulate the rake during operation. This allows the operator to:

• Tilt the rake to follow terrain contours
  
• Angle the rake for windrowing debris
  
• Pitch the rake forward to dig deeper or backward to skim
  

Hydraulic hoses and cylinders should be inspected for wear and rerouted if necessary to avoid interference with debris.
Anecdote from the Field
In 2020, a rancher in Texas converted his D5H LGP blade into a root rake to clear mesquite and cedar brush. Using 1-inch thick tines spaced 10 inches apart, he was able to remove surface roots without disturbing the clay subgrade. The conversion cost under $3,000 and took two days. The rake was later used to pile debris for controlled burns, saving weeks of manual labor.
Performance and Wear Management
Converted root rakes experience different wear patterns than standard blades. Key areas to monitor include:

• Tine tips and edges for rounding or cracking
  
• Weld joints for fatigue
  
• Hydraulic cylinder seals under increased debris exposure
  
• Blade frame for torsional stress
  

Operators should grease pivot points weekly and inspect tines after every 40 hours of use in rocky terrain.
Manufacturer History and Blade Options
Caterpillar has produced the D5 series since the 1930s, with the D5H marking a transition to hydrostatic drive and advanced blade control. The LGP variant was designed for low-impact work, making it ideal for conversion projects. While CAT offers factory root rakes for newer models, aftermarket and custom solutions remain popular for legacy machines.
Blade options for the D5H include:

• Standard straight blade for pushing
  
• VPAT blade for grading
  
• Angle blade for ditching
  
• Root rake conversion for clearing
  

Recommendations for Successful Conversion

• Use high-strength steel for tines and reinforcements
  
• Retain hydraulic functions for flexibility
  
• Test tine spacing with sample debris before final welding
  
• Reinforce blade corners and moldboard edges
  
• Document modifications for resale or inspection purposes
  

Conclusion
Converting a D5H LGP triangle blade into a root rake is a practical and cost-effective way to expand the machine’s capabilities. With careful planning, quality materials, and attention to hydraulic integration, operators can transform a grading dozer into a powerful land-clearing tool. The D5H’s legacy of reliability and adaptability makes it an ideal candidate for such modifications, continuing to serve in diverse terrain and demanding conditions.