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The Dresser TD20G and Its Heavy-Duty Reputation
The Dresser TD20G crawler dozer was introduced in the late 1980s as part of the evolution of International Harvester’s earthmoving legacy. Built for mining, road building, and large-scale land clearing, the TD20G featured a Cummins diesel engine, a powershift transmission, and hydraulically actuated brakes. With an operating weight of over 45,000 lbs and a blade capacity exceeding 9 cubic yards, it was designed to compete with Caterpillar’s D7 and Komatsu’s D85 series.
Dresser Industries, which acquired IH’s construction division, continued to refine the TD series until Komatsu eventually absorbed the brand. The TD20G remains a respected machine in North America, especially among contractors who value mechanical simplicity and robust steel over electronic complexity.
Core Specifications
An operator reported that the TD20G’s brakes would not release properly, even after the machine had warmed up. The dozer could move forward and backward, but steering was compromised and the brake pedals felt stiff. The hydraulic tank was full, and the filters had been replaced, yet the issue persisted.
This behavior pointed to a failure in the brake release circuit, possibly due to a stuck valve, low accumulator pressure, or internal leakage. In the TD20G, the brakes are spring-applied and hydraulically released—a fail-safe design that defaults to braking if pressure is lost. Therefore, any disruption in hydraulic flow or accumulator charge will cause the brakes to remain engaged.
Anecdote from the Field
In British Columbia, a logging contractor faced a similar issue with his TD20G during winter operations. The brake release valve had become sluggish due to cold oil and internal contamination. After flushing the system and replacing the valve spool, the brakes released smoothly. He now warms the machine for 20 minutes before engaging drive and checks accumulator pressure weekly.
Diagnostic Strategy and Repair Recommendations
Brake release issues in the TD20G often stem from hydraulic control faults or accumulator pressure loss. Given the fail-safe nature of spring-applied brakes, any disruption in hydraulic flow will result in engagement. By methodically testing pressure, inspecting valves, and maintaining fluid quality, technicians can restore full brake function and ensure safe operation. In heavy dozers, stopping power is built into the system—and releasing it requires precision, not force.
The Dresser TD20G crawler dozer was introduced in the late 1980s as part of the evolution of International Harvester’s earthmoving legacy. Built for mining, road building, and large-scale land clearing, the TD20G featured a Cummins diesel engine, a powershift transmission, and hydraulically actuated brakes. With an operating weight of over 45,000 lbs and a blade capacity exceeding 9 cubic yards, it was designed to compete with Caterpillar’s D7 and Komatsu’s D85 series.
Dresser Industries, which acquired IH’s construction division, continued to refine the TD series until Komatsu eventually absorbed the brand. The TD20G remains a respected machine in North America, especially among contractors who value mechanical simplicity and robust steel over electronic complexity.
Core Specifications
- Engine: Cummins NTA855, 6-cylinder turbo diesel
- Power output: ~300 hp
- Transmission: 3-speed powershift
- Brake system: Hydraulic-actuated wet disc
- Steering: Dual lever hydraulic clutch and brake
- Operating weight: ~20,500 kg
- Brake Accumulator: A pressurized hydraulic reservoir that stores energy for brake actuation.
- Wet Disc Brake: A brake system using oil-cooled friction discs for smooth engagement and long life.
- Hydraulic Control Valve: A directional valve that regulates fluid flow to brake cylinders.
- Charge Pressure: The baseline hydraulic pressure required to operate control systems.
An operator reported that the TD20G’s brakes would not release properly, even after the machine had warmed up. The dozer could move forward and backward, but steering was compromised and the brake pedals felt stiff. The hydraulic tank was full, and the filters had been replaced, yet the issue persisted.
This behavior pointed to a failure in the brake release circuit, possibly due to a stuck valve, low accumulator pressure, or internal leakage. In the TD20G, the brakes are spring-applied and hydraulically released—a fail-safe design that defaults to braking if pressure is lost. Therefore, any disruption in hydraulic flow or accumulator charge will cause the brakes to remain engaged.
Anecdote from the Field
In British Columbia, a logging contractor faced a similar issue with his TD20G during winter operations. The brake release valve had become sluggish due to cold oil and internal contamination. After flushing the system and replacing the valve spool, the brakes released smoothly. He now warms the machine for 20 minutes before engaging drive and checks accumulator pressure weekly.
Diagnostic Strategy and Repair Recommendations
- Accumulator Pressure Test: Use a gauge to verify charge pressure. If below spec (~1,500 psi), recharge or replace nitrogen bladder.
- Control Valve Inspection: Remove and clean brake release valve. Check for sticking spool or worn seals.
- Hydraulic Filter Check: Ensure filters are not bypassing or clogged. Replace with OEM-rated elements.
- Brake Cylinder Leak Test: Inspect for internal leakage using pressure decay method.
- Pedal Linkage Review: Confirm mechanical linkage is not binding or misaligned.
- Low accumulator pressure due to nitrogen loss
- Contaminated or degraded hydraulic fluid
- Stuck or worn control valve spool
- Internal leakage in brake cylinders
- Cold oil viscosity impeding flow
- Recharge brake accumulator every 1,000 hours or annually
- Replace hydraulic fluid every 500 hours using ISO 46 grade
- Clean control valves during major service intervals
- Warm machine to operating temperature before movement
- Monitor brake pedal feel and response during pre-shift checks
- Keep a hydraulic pressure gauge and accumulator kit in service truck
- Label control valves and document service history
- Use infrared thermometer to monitor fluid temperature
- Train operators to recognize brake drag and report immediately
- Document serial number and valve part numbers for future sourcing
Brake release issues in the TD20G often stem from hydraulic control faults or accumulator pressure loss. Given the fail-safe nature of spring-applied brakes, any disruption in hydraulic flow will result in engagement. By methodically testing pressure, inspecting valves, and maintaining fluid quality, technicians can restore full brake function and ensure safe operation. In heavy dozers, stopping power is built into the system—and releasing it requires precision, not force.
