Cat D2 Bulldozer broke down in a forest 13 years ago. Can we save it?

We heard about a broken down old Cat D2 dozer left to rust in a nearby forest so we went to investigate.
It is worn out and sloppy with a suspected blown head gasket, broken rings and one brake not working so it will be a challenge to bring it back to life
My other channel (Angry Ram) - • What happens when you ...

[@francismichaud8396]

As long as you can raise the blade, you can activate the diesel engine compression release and in gear, move the whole Cat by hand turning the cooling fan. The gearing and leverage make it turn quite easy. Walked my 52' D2 a quarter mile back to the shop when the clutch went out this way. My dad was a cat skinner and showed me this. Works forward and reverse. With one person running the brakes and the other spinning the fan you can turn also. Took about half a day though.

[@samelrajuraju5120]

Vinayak Vinayak

[@francismichaud8396]

@@samelrajuraju5120 ???

[@marcusbonathung1648]

Interesting.. 🤔

[@donbrashsux]

Very handy info

[@martymartin2894]

Sounds crazy would take forever.

[@msnapp169]

That strap is impressively strong👀

[@markrandall1456]

In the forest he found a D2. Not much bigger than Marty's shoe. A shot in the dark, They looked for some spark. Looks like the pony's tired too. So they went and got the John Deere. Chains and straps they hooked with no fear. They gave it a tug, It crawled out like a bug. And both men gave out a cheer! Now we wait for the next episode. As they drag the CAT down the road. Twill be lots of fun. Marty will make it run! When it gets to his humble abode. Can't wait for the next video. From Texas, thanks for the fun. :-)

[@ferrydenhaan4956]

lol how long did it take you to make that poem?! good fun!

[@markrandall1456]

Ferry den Haan Well it just pops in my head. 🤪

[@jtthill5475]

Recovery and salvation of old iron is the best thing on YT. Not only do you get a working item, but the iron is not left to rot. You do a service to machinery and humanity. Looking forward to seeing that old beast do some work. Thanks for sharing.

[@shelbyseelbach9568]

Uhmmmm......... iron doesn't rot. Uhmmm?

[@jtthill5475]

@@shelbyseelbach9568 What else would you call the deterioration of iron through rust? Pick your own metaphor.

[@shelbyseelbach9568]

@@jtthill5475 Oxification is what I would call it. The iron is still there, ALL of it. Rust is actually iron oxide, a molecule containing........ you guessed it, iron and oxygen! We actually call iron oxide by another name as well, iron ore. Iron oxide can be smelted and turned right back into iron, from that moment on, it begins chemically binding with oxygen to transform back into what it originally was, iron oxide. Only organic matter rots, a body, a sandwich, a downed tree, etc, etc. Elements do not rot. So, once again, iron does not rot. No metaphors chosen, no metaphors used. Amy other basic knowledge questions?

[@jtthill5475]

@@shelbyseelbach9568 Not from you, thanks. If I asked the time, you would instruct me in clock making. You're correct, now shut up and go away.

[@shelbyseelbach9568]

@@jtthill5475 If you asked the time, I'd tell you the time. Just like you asked what I'd call the "deterioration" of iron from rusting, which I not only answered, but explained the reasoning behind my answer. Don't blame me that you don't like factual answers to your questions because they invalidate your incorrect statements. Facts are just...... facts. You specifically asked the question, my easily triggered friend. Get over it, it'll all be ok. 😘

[@jackrichards1863]

It's like time stood still for 6 months up there. No cobwebs. No slugs or snails no rust on the rams nor birds nest anywhere. I want a home in that region.

[@paszkors]

This D2 looks good, no issues there with ice, snow or corrosion. Had the exhaust covered and partially covered by a tarp. Pony is free too. I can’t wait to see more.

[@InfinityWardNOR]

heck yes, just popped in on youtube, and wouldn't you know, Marty uploaded 10 mins ago! your mechanic videos are the best man!

[@billbye2427]

Someones wife is gonna love having a D-2 Crawler come home for a visit; just tell her it followed you home!

[@joshuabrooks4907]

My dad had a 1952 D2 bulldozer he let us borrow back in the day, and, aside from getting detracked because of my dad unknowingly brushing against a maple stump, it cleared 11 acres of land like nothing. The good part of the detracking was we got to meet one of our neighbors. Also guys, if this has a pony motor, it's from the 1950's.

[@mattyallen3396]

A sign of good content Marty. Is when I cant find anything new and I rewatch your vids

[@tmacsolos]

Holy cow you asked alot out of that ratchet strap, and it held! Can't believe it didn't fly apart

[@Matty.Hill_87]

It's because they slapped it and said "that's not going anywhere" it immediately increases the straps tensile strength by at least 10 times 👌🤣

[@TheGeezzer]

Wow, the D2 is such a lil tiny baby-dozer, cute n sweet in all of its ways, well worth saving and a crime to let it rot in the jungle. Glad that its a happy lil dozer again!🚧

[@BiffsEquipment]

There is something just so cool and amazing about seeing old equipment being rescued after sitting abandoned for so many years. I really love this type of work. Wish I could find equipment like that around where I live I would be all over it! Great video guys can’t wait to see the next one!

[@SuperHurdman]

Marty in Canada we call the little gas engine a pup engine!

[@paulhall170]

Just as a comment, I wouldn't be lifting the tarp on an abandoned dozer without a serious pair of gloves!!! I think you were right, though, the Hi-Lux wouldn't have done it!!!

[@williamkelley7654]

If the o-rings on the liners fail that can also dump coolant into the crankcase. I'd like to say I knew that but you will keep hearing us Squatch253 fans chiming in on this.

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

Squatch has been an incredible teaching resource👍👍👍

[@Samuel-nu3uz]

I love you got all these machines for so cheap and given them a second chance. Keep up the work 🙌🏻

[@yako0000]

i watched one of these sell for $8000 CDN at a farm auction 2 years ago. it had a rebuilt engine and a parts machine though. you always find the best stuff.

[@charlienorton2337]

Hell yeah always wanted to see you with another bulldozer! Great vid as always Marty.

[@John.strong]

One of the more common issues with these is the pony will drop a valve, normally the exhaust valves Just do a thumb compression test before you start try to get it running Also you can run a standard v belt in the pony pull string grove, but generally if it needs any more then 3 pulls it needs a bit of a tickle up Make sure you don't have to long of a rope, or a knot or handle on the rope Just string with a knot on 1 end for the grove, they have a habbet of kicking backwards and sucking your hand in

[@harls9287]

Thought I was going to see a classic Kiwi Hilux add there for a bit. I admire your patience you certainly dont shy away from a challenge Marty.

[@carlebeling5256]

These are becoming my favorite videos. Locate derelict heavy machinery and get it running, drive it out of whatever hole it came from. New battery, Hotwire the ignition, New fuel, get the bubbles out of rail, bang the starter with a hammer and let turn it over.

[@MrEyezak]

Hi Marty, I'm down on the west coast and have 2 of these little beauties. One is a later D25U which i was able to mount an electric start , and the other is a early D25U. They are easy to tow start and my friend has done it with his hilux and I have used the tractor and other dozer multiple times, so that is always an option of you want to see it running.

[@driftingcomo]

yes!! keep up the good vids mate! cant wait to see this running again

[@Mark-xl8gg]

Yah! Makes me want to check the undergrowth at the bottom of my garden since these toys seem abundant :0)

[@brucet8551]

a good recovery marty.im looking forward to how you go with it.thanks for posting.

[@bassmuso]

"What ya doing this weekend 'bro? gonna pull a dead dozer out of the bush 'bro......" love these Kiwi pastimes.....

[@hilmibenot8894]

Maaf dr

[@matty2helpfull]

Cant wait to see updates on this love the old d2s

[@Justindobb1984]

Looks like a saver for sure, as long as the spark issue isn't too pricey

[@mathewpekaar3953]

I love your work recycling old usable items, keep up the great content

[@Rickimusic]

Nice find, strong tractor and great idea to tow her out. I hope to see a lot more of bringing this old lady back to life.

[@Shane-Singleton]

I didn't think that cable and pulley were going to yank that dozer out of the brush! Can't wait for the follow up! Nice work so far!

[@andrewhallett-patterson9778]

The practice of abandoning heavy earthmoving plant in dense isolated bush than launching a recovery mission years later must be another uniquely 100% New Zealand extreme sport !!👍👍🇦🇺

[@big_ute]

happens in Alaska where I live. Last summer me and some buddys found a 966 cat in the bush that got left by a miner some 20 yrs ago, needless to say I have a 966 now

[@gheice_modelism]

nick would love to see some video of the recovery!

[@andrewhallett-patterson9778]

@@big_ute Nice. Great score. 👍👍🇦🇺

[@big_ute]

@@gheice_modelism would love to show it if i had it, tbh the thought of videoing never crossed our minds

[@rebelyank6361]

Must be nice. Around here the owners abandon stuff but then watch it like a hawk. They will make sure it disintegrates to dust long before they would let anyone claim and use it.

[@Alonsel3]

I loved the camera angle when the pulley slipped off the tree. Shows you how hard its really pulling

[@davemis40]

I love it when Marty sets to work on old rusting iron

[@ElValuador]

I like how similar vegetation is a certain altitudes all over the world. Your part of NZ reminds me of the high chaparral of Arizona with different bird and insect calls. Beautiful.

[@gertraba4484]

epic landscapes and how about just setting up a cam and doing a few sunsets and sunrises each day??????

[@henrikisacsson5304]

Same for Sweden. Except the fact that we have snow right now.. :)

[@TheKilroyman]

@@gertraba4484 New Zealand has one of the most beautiful natural landscapes and coastlines in the world, if not the most beautiful. I plan to retire here one day.

[@tutekohe1361]

The usual reason for chaining up the blade, or putting a block or something under it, is to enable tow-starting or if it has been left on a slope, crash-starting. If the main engine isn’t disabled, it will be way easier to take a machine in and tow-start it and get it home to work on the pony motor in your workshop. What a great find, that’s a valuable machine. No disrespect meant to your Bristol, but the D2 is like a Rolls Royce compared to a 2CV!

[@paulhitchcock9760]

Unlike the Bristol 25 this was not a runner.

[@fastst1]

Perfect opportunity to do a spoof on Wild America, hunting the feared Kiwi bulldozer. Jim has spotted the baby but is on lookout for angry parents!

[@colbybogolin7160]

Love these types of videos of tractors left in the woods

[@deanwoodward8026]

I grew up with one of those when my parents bought some property in 1980. I got to play around on it as long as I started it myself (as a 13 year old, that was a workout!) Unfortunately the previous owner had a habit of always turning the same way when working the orchard, so that clutch wore out... it was cheaper to buy a D4 than fix the D2 so dad let it go to a mechanic.

[@leswheeler2023]

Bloody typical Kiwi " well just borrow the neighbours tractor" - thanks for the reminder to get my mower back!

[@stanpatterson5033]

At least in this case, the neighbour gets his tractor back in better shape than when it was borrowed - the battery is charged up a bit and it starts on its own now.

[@Marsonpika]

Lol

[@timesthree5757]

That's the south too.

[@foxface9892]

Hahaha, very true

[@coconutsoyummy2791]

Lol

[@clydebalcom8252]

Love the CATs. Been following Squatch 253's rebuild of a J series D2. Looking forward to seeing you get this U series D2 up and running.

[@kenderickclevinger828]

I remember along time ago when you rode your dirt bike and the ram would hit you I’ve been a fan for a long time Love your vids keep it up !!

[@greggwinovich8196]

Great little machine.I have fixed and operated these D 2s most of my life.last last built on 1959.if poney motor is bad cheaper to up grade to electric start. good luck.

[@geofham8332]

Hi, can't wait for next episode, many thanks.

[@RuralTowner]

Proud D2 owner here. A pre-war (for US anyway) relic. Only start issue is after sitting for more than a day it takes more pony cranking to get going. I'd like to retrofit a cart starter//generator to it to make starting alot easier. It's a pain crawling in around the fender mounted fuel tank & under the cab cage to re-wrap the rope.

[@martinhowe3679]

the machine whisperer strikes again love it

[@Schneids15]

Away from home and wishing i was home wrenching on something like this. Great way to drink a Coffee and watch some Marty T. Great videos man.

[@paulhitchcock9760]

No "Marty's miracle re-starts" this time then. We have all been spoilt in the past!

[@keithgardner4488]

GREAT VIDEO!!! Cant wait to see you get that thing running again!

[@kiwi_craigrc1613]

mate, great "backyard" with all that old gear left around the place, nice to see those machines working again !

[@dumper87]

Great machines. Grandpa kept one on the ranch. With it he built roads, fought forest fires, cleared land, and kept the road open during a record blizzard in ‘96. My dad owns it now, and mostly uses it on side jobs.

[@tolbaszy8067]

Cute machine! You took a lot of time with camera angles. Nice job! Thanks!

[@konsul2006]

The amount of effort with the cameras is just fabulous 😊

[@alisondavies8133]

That’s a nicely set up little dozer , well worth the effort .

[@robburdack4361]

Am i the onlyone impressed that the owner of this actully put a tarp onbwhen it broke instead of what most do and just leave it rott

[@briananthony4044]

Perhaps he meant to have it fixed one day but it never happened.

[@robburdack4361]

@@briananthony4044 yeah like i said most heavy emquipment owners won no matter what

[@CurlyQLink]

rob burdack Maybe the owner wanted to have it fixed and then life got in the way or he died. Or, maybe someone else found it before you and they put a trap over it expecting to return. Could be a thousand different reasons why it has a tarp over it.

[@robburdack4361]

@@CurlyQLink and?.....i mean what i said was a complement ...and what do you mean before you found it?.....

[@tedgrubb1882]

@@robburdack4361 mmj

[@jockmchaggis6797]

Man you've gotta love an old Hilux, the Swiss army knife of the vehicle world

[@truckertom3323]

Looking forward to the coming videos Marty, looks like another fixer upper to me, change the fuel filters, oil filters, air filters, drain fluids and change them for new, flush out the radiator, top it up with a mix of water and antifreeze, lick of diesel and oil sprayed on the rusty bits, and it will look as good as new. Save this Old Girl from the scrap man, she is worth her own weight in Gold. Tom from England.

[@garrymatthews5598]

Look forward to watching your channel, please don’t leave it to long for updates.

[@jamesa7506]

Well done, sir! Never mind these other fellas ' channels, I've seen you do plenty to know that you're quite capable of the task at hand. A fine job, indeed! I look forward to seeing the next post of this awesome machine's new life.

[@tutekohe1361]

Marty, be prepared for mass views on this one! Great camera angles, great video. 👍

[@tibkiwi5774]

well done Marty and your mate, I look forward to part two

[@thejavelin7832]

This was a great way to start my day!

[@whotknots]

I would seriously consider stuffing in the aftermarket electric start kit for that old workhorse! Salvage workshop got hold of a brand new old stock kit in the US so it is incredible what is still available over there!

[@Mmmyess]

Here's another vote for Squatch253. He's very knowledgeable and seems like a terrific guy. He also appears to be very busy with his day job, helping around the farm (Minnesota winters are brutal), and chasin' skirts. Still, nothing to lose by trying, right? I'm also not sure how much he'll be able to help you there in Australia or New Zealand (just guessing from your accents), but it can't hurt to drop him a line if you think you could use his advice on something.

[@briananthony4044]

South Island of New Zealand I believe.

[@charlienorton2337]

Brian Anthony Looks like Nelson

[@Svendrys]

In my Eastern European country if you leave a buldozer overnight you not gonna find any fuel in tank, broken windows, cutted wires and sh** on the seat.

[@jlucasound]

The fact the cats were free to turn is a BIG boon! Awesome!

[@chrishunt1042]

This one looks like a real challenge! Good luck Marty! If anyone can you can. Looking forward to the follow up!

[@MartyT]

Thanks mate, this is my mates project but I'll be there offering advice and holding the camera

[@TheCustomEverythingChannel]

@@MartyT oh dang I thought it was gonna be urs

[@jimdieseldawg3435]

She'll be a great little toy. I think the US Army Engineers ran donkey-start D2s for years so ex-military dealers might be able to help with parts. Looking forward to the next instalment!

[@lutemule]

Good to see Marty on another adventure!

[@leslierhodes5467]

I think a lot of people who have found the use for go pro cameras an action cameras in general like you lot have found an amazing use for these implements and the haphazard use in which you use the cameras to show what you are doing is amazing

[@brandonrichter6910]

That was putting a helluva lot of trust in that ratchet strap. Good thing nothing was seized up

[@KBS117]

Yeah, ever seen one of those ratchet straps fail? It's like a rubber band, right through the back glass of that tractor.. seen several people killed, pulling on stuff with tractors.. chains, ropes, cables, when snapped, will scatter you all over the inside of that tractor..

[@fr8trainUS]

They used a snatch block

[@northdakotaham1752]

Very cool video guys! Makes me want to get out of the house and work on my D4 which has rust in the pony motor fuel tank. I would...but its setting in an unheated shed and the temp here is -5 F. That's 5 degrees below zero F. Not counting wind chill of course.

[@flhusa1]

gotta love when a plan comes together

[@joetucker8582]

The faith you show in that ratchet strap is inspiring.

[@darinhassett4708]

love how the ROP looks

[@aaronpower24]

It's amazing what you find in the outback of New Zealand it's like gold mine out there EX excavator & home made back Ho digers and now a bulldozer.

[@stuartomant4033]

Not just New Zealand it sure is amazing what is left out in the bush

[@craigsudman4556]

Nice job Marty, looking forward to seeing the machine move under its own power. Thumbs up.

[@giff427dg]

I'm impressed with the tractor and on the snatch block just a tugging

[@aaronjohn6586]

Absolutely brilliant way you pulled that dozer out. Snatch block, anchor point and using that tractor. Looking forward to seeing your rebuild of this piece of machinery.

[@williambell9068]

If you can put the block on the dozer wouldn't it double the pulling power? Maybe not room in this place but block on anchor only changes direction,

[@patevangelista622]

Ratchet straps? Not that brilliant and not rated for that type of use

[@theflyingstonemason6867]

"I think we're gonna need a bigger tree" ! 🌲

[@nickschaefer3306]

refill noise for the pony engines fueltank nearly had my coffee across my monitor, thanks for that

[@bobjoncas2814]

...LOOKS LIKE A GREAT PROJECT, GOOD LUCK ON YOUR RESTO...

[@Photosynthesisbeing]

Started watching this and straight away went "new Zealand forest with all that gorse"

[@tomhicks1009]

So pumped for this one. Absolutely love your videos Hope you can breath some life back into the old girl. Looking forward to the next instalment 👍🏿👍🏿

[@garyfeltus9801]

Well Marty I'm sure you can get going . I don't need to tell who to ck with every body had already done . Sasquatch 253 is the absolute best. I'm really looking forward to this one. Thanks for sharing.

[@greghurrell9694]

like what you do guys good to see this old iron being recovered keep the vids coming

[@paulwomack5866]

I was surprised how easily the John Deere towed that - it didn't even break (metaphorical) sweat!

[@MartyT]

Gravity did most of the work

[@fr8trainUS]

That's a good sized taster tractor, they have some good power

[@northmanlogging2769]

General Gear, all the way in Idaho USA, they have a bone yard full of old cat stuff, and are a wealth of knowledge on these old dozers. They helped me rescue my D6 from the scrap yard

[@Varinki]

I remember getting some steering clutches for a BTD6 and a pair of TD9s from them. The cost of freight to NZ was nearly as much as the parts.

[@lomgshorts3]

If you have the money, it could be restored to use. All depends if the parts you need are readily available. I used to run a D-6 for the State of NY D.O.T. in the 70's along the Erie Canal digging spill ponds for a hydraulic dredge. Hard work, but made me a living.

[@Timmy4Realz]

If it is anything like your other videos, you betcha can save it! Looking forward to watching.

[@SalvoDan]

Getting real “Ukrainian Farmer” vibes watching the Tractor dragging a broken-down tracked vehicle.

[@Oerknalx]

So cool ! i hoop you can bring it back to life

[@kenwood8665]

Great video looking forward to see her going

[@lolbr6818]

That brown spider has made its way to Oklahoma. Had one on my front porch. She moved her web slightly after discovering my door was going to be a problem. Every evening she would decend from a tree limb & build her web in the same place. Every morning she disassembled the web & back into the cool tree. Amazing stratagist, able to readjust its hunting to allow for me. The bug could think... PS Really like the roll cage on your Cat.

[@wayahedia9989]

I cracked up when I saw them pulling the starting rope.

[@petewood2350]

Amazing what you find growing under those trees, Bulldozers, Diggers....

[@stuartomant4033]

Was thinking the same thing it is amazing what you can find

[@eddieco]

dude, you find all the cool stuff! Awesome! Loved your excavator save!

[@craigpalmer5693]

Marty love this video bulldozer sitting there long time get the engine running get out of the brushes bless you friend

[@Road-hog123]

You should have a chat with Squatch253 on KZbin - he's already restored one D2 and is rebuilding the engine on another at the moment. He should be able to give you all the part numbers, knowledge and diagnosis you need to get it fixed without guessing and breaking things - in particular a recent video of his indicated the dipstick might not be calibrated for pre-start checking, but for reading at another time.

[@MartyT]

Thanks for the info, I'll check out his channel

[@paulsilva3346]

Yes beat me 2 it, Hog... From the 5293 serial number, It could be for testing oil level WHILE RUNNING... If that's the case it might be low, now...

[@LRCVWDude]

Can confirm, if theres anybody who can tell you anything and everything about D2 cats, its Squatch253 Plus he is absolutely OBSESSED with detailed explanations and parts book references

[@cyrilhudak4568]

Don't forget Lineshaft Restoration's channel. He just finished his D2 pony motor rebuild.

[@corpnut2906]

Beat me to it I love squatch