Dozer Repair, Splitting Tracks, Adjuster Rails & Slides. CAT D3 dozer

[@FarmCraft101]

This was one beast of a job! I made a lot of mistakes but learned some valuable lessons that will help me in the future, and hopefully will help others too. That's part of being a jack of all trades. You WILL screw things up. Just deal with it, learn from it, and move on to the next challenge. Don't forget to like, share, subscribe, and all that 💩. Thanks everybody for their support, especially my patrons on www.patreon.com/FarmCraft101! Have an awesome weekend everybody!

[@DarrenGuidry-yo8xc]

What is the brand name of your hydraulic lift?

[@fabiox7254]

It's like furze's secret tunnel... Endless!

[@randydunn6988]

Never give up,never give up

[@csehszlovakze]

no wonder that grinder died that quickly! here in Europe it's sold under the name Parkside and it's literally the worst power tool brand out there!

[@MrPGT]

I'll bet you miss the good old days, when you could just go into your workshop and fiddle with your Johnson for a few hours...

[@carsonwashburn1]

We have all made stupid mistakes, but I give you a lot of credit for leaving those parts in your videos. I have learned so much from your videos over the years.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

I agree 💯

[@rexmyers991]

As a former Caterpillar mechanic, I kept shouting at the screen. But you couldn’t hear me so I gave up and thoroughly enjoyed watch you flail around. The coup de gras was reusing that old P.O.S. pin. I was laughing out loud. Congratulations, Sir! You truly ARE a farm mechanic. “ Yeah, that’ll do”. Tears in my eyes. I am now subscribed.

[@sheepishmclemmingston5550]

Hey there friend. Wondering if you could spare some expertise and professional advice. Looking at purchasing a older D4 dozer for cutting road on my property and leveling some spots for use. Soil has a lot of shale, and some outcroppings of granite. There are quite a few roads rough cut in already and would just need some further grading and widening. A few I need to cut from raw land. Would you recommend the d4 for this workload? And I've found many prefer the 7U and 7J over later model years like the T's. Is this accurate? Also, besides the undercarriage, what else to be aware of when purchasing one used? Areas of concern or problematic systems or system components? Any info is much appreciated

[@larryskeeper1197]

I wondered if he'd turned the master pin 180 deg at least? Man after all the other tough jobs (large Marge), he dropped his guard at the last bit. Unlucky. However I like following this channel. Challenging tasks.

[@Notsoshadyacres.]

Good morning John, I’m not a metallurgist but I do work in a very industrial zone in Canadas far north. We recently have had a series of injuries caused from swinging sledge hammers on hardened steel surfaces. One guy had a chunk fly off and insert itself in his hand, another in the face and another in the chest. The fix was leather wear, face shield, and a brass or soft sledge. I know it doesn’t seem practical for all of that but I thought to share some news. Your one of my favourite channels to watch I’d hate for anything freak like that to happen. Keep up the great work!

[@erikcourtney1834]

Hardened steel should never strike each other. There’s a reason blacksmith’s striking tools have been tempered way back or not hardened at all on the struck end. Or even use a soft face hammer. When they chip, those pieces are flying extremely fast. But I doubt those pins are very hard at all. I’d bet there made of 4140 or 4340 and heat treated to be very tough and not Hard. They aren’t going to chip.

[@RossReedstrom]

@@erikcourtney1834 Right, if they were hardened, they first one wouldn't have mushroomed like that.

[@SantaClaw]

My Grandfather lost an eye drilling using a chisel and sledgehammer whilst doing his job as a road worker in the 70's. In Norway, sledgehammer work safety is taught in school now for construction workers. Basically, the real "killer" is when the sledge or the chisel gets mushroomed, the sledge will knock the slivers off the chisel and those come at you at supersonic speeds.

[@SantaClaw]

@@Channel-gz9hm OOO look at me being all hip and down with the kids. Based on how this particular youtuber seems to be somewhat safety oriented, the OP's point is absolutely valid, it's what you don't know about, that will injure and kill you. Ignorance is bliss. Until someone loses an eye, or gets a metal fragment stuck in another rather important bit of your body. I mean, I could have made a stink about using a 7" grinder disk on a 5" grinder, and how that is insanely dangerous, as the smaller the grinders are, the faster they are made to spin, so using a 7" disk on a 5" grinder can cause it to explode, sending shrapnel into you since the disks are not rated for that speed.. Goddamit, look what you made me do.

[@anonyymi7630]

A long time ago i struck the edge of an anvil hard and a very tiny piece of metal flew into my knee. Didn't even notice it at first, but soon my jeans were soaked with blood down to my ankle on that side. Luckily it didn't cause any actual damage.

[@anthonywilson4873]

By heating the pin and hammering it you made a rivet that will not drive out. Heating the surrounding area to expand it while keeping the pin as cool as possible would work better. Releasing track tension first would have helped, you learned that the hard way. Building the guide to guid the drift was really good idea.

[@CobetcknnKolowski]

It's such a treat to see you use so many improvised tools that allow you to use basic machines in interesting combinations to put force where you need it. Also, the joy of having to do the process twice, you get to swear and curse during the first go round and feel like a genius on the second once you know what to do.

[@ledgend_coffee]

I found this video because we're trying to farm with a late 60's/early 70's D4 with minor track issues. Really appreciate the video.

[@thadkissick]

I love when you buy a piece of used equipment, as it leads to a series of great content from you (boom lift, dump truck, excavator, and especially this dozer). I also love that you always share your struggles (even when you do find them embarrassing during the editing process). Can't wait for your next project.

[@stallind]

[@tokitron]

Sitting down after a long day at work and watching John use his brain always makes my brain happy. Thanks John!!

[@RichardSothern]

Been doing this for 50 years. I’m 75 now. Torch a 3\4 inch deep hole in each end of the pin. Let the pin cool. Drive the pin out . Using a smaller hammer and punch. The cost of a new pin is nothing compared to the labor cost. Also relieve the track tension before doing any of this.

[@earljohnson9952]

😮😢😢😮😢😅😮😊😊😊

[@danielalamo2075]

I'm just an old farmboy. Loosening the track was my first thought.

[@bruce5285]

That troubleshooting on that intermittent glow plug wiring harness was very impressive!

[@warbirdwf]

What brings me back to your content is your work ethic and your determination to do it yourself, while working alone. You also have a natural mechanical aptitude, which many people don't. Keep up the good work and content.

[@terrytate6006]

Yes my back hurts as I watch his videos

[@jpolish420]

The thing about heating metal to make it easier to get out the pin is that its not about just getting it hot, its about getting it hot fast. Once the heat transfers to the pin, it also grows in size and just as tight as when you started. Use your biggest rosebud heat the link fast, take your best shot and if you don't get it you'll have to wait until they both cool down before you should take another shot.

[@coldcaribbean]

I love this channel... CEE Engineering, Dirt Perfect, LetsDig18, Essential Craftsman, Camerata and FarmCraft101 are my sole source of modern day entertainment. Beats reality shows too, because I learn something with every video!

[@thatrealba]

Surely you don't limit yourself to only those channels.

[@TheGrimReaper1]

Don’t forget to watch ” Snowball engineering “ he is good as well fixing farm stuff.

[@michiel1362]

Dieselcreek is nice too

[@ThePaulv12]

Try Sampson Boat Co with the rebuild of Tally Ho. It's great. There's still a long way to go with that one but the craft of wooden boat building s over the top. Paid for by viewers. Another one is binge watch Project Binky. Apart from being hilarious what they do is amazing. It started in 2014 and they're still going. Blondihacks, This Old Tony and of course AvE.

[@brianelliot2719]

Best of all is Marty T from New Zealand. Very skilled and makes do with parts he makes himself. His recent conversion of a gas powered ATV to electric battery was amazing. Check him out.

[@JesusTorres-qr1gz]

Gentleman, I am a 71 years old man, been there, done that , I know that is not an easy job specially when you are all by yourself, congratulations, even been hard on yourself, blessings to you and your love ones, please be careful on your daily routine, most kind of you for sharing it with us, from the endless summer paradise Puerto Rico Jesus Torres.

[@That_ole_Dodge]

Hell of an effort getting both sides disassembled, welded/fixed and reassembled. Great video!

[@GrowthCurveMarketing]

I've finally figured out the main appeal of these wonderful videos. It's not the practice of excellent general mechanical skills, although there's that. It's not learning about the demands of a modern small farm, although it certainly shows that. It's really about persistence overcoming adversity. LOL! Great stuff...

[@firstmkb]

The persistence is truly the thing. I get frustrated when things don’t go according to my plans, and am surprised every time. I’ve learned to walk away to reset and get perspective, which helps. Jon just seems to have the persistence of a natural born farmer, used to setbacks and just too stubborn to quit.

[@SPEEDY-FABSHACK]

We have all been in that situation where a job grows! I admire your grit and determination, good job John, keep the content coming.

[@BoomDelaBoom]

Cutting edge engineering Australia would be proud 👍

[@ronwhite6719]

Your tenacity is impeccable Jon. Great lessons in what to do and learning what not to do, all comes from experience the hard way. Thank you for all your great videos.

[@tallokie67]

Great work! In my experience, I've mushroomed more pins/shafts with a sledge than an impact hammer. Adding support like you did on the left side probably helped the most. The key is to try not to put too much heat on the pin and keep it on the collar. Heating the pin just makes it bigger and if too much heat, like you showed, will forge/mushroom it.

[@Bob_Adkins]

Not having a helper was the biggest handicap of all. A helper could have held a pointed punch that fitted the dimple, which would have prevented the mushrooming.

[@flyingcopper95]

GUY !!!!! I love your chanel. I never comment but when I saw the pain you went through with that pin. I laughed my ass off when you yelled "I WON." and gave it the finger. You are the man. !!

[@haroldparker3487]

Anyone who's done heavy equipment repair fully understands your sentiment regarding winning against that pin!

[@wxfield]

We use a demolition hammer on our farm. It's heavy so there's a bit of an effort with the forklift to hold the hammer at the right angle/height. We also tack-weld a cutoff piece of pipe around the pin. The hammer goes down inside the pipe and centers on the pin. The pipe is there to act as a guide. Try to hammer anything with the demo hammer freestyle and it's uncontrollable. Pins always come out very easily for us using this tool. But like I say, a bit of a setup.

[@akdoug6437]

I came here to say the same thing. We use a 20# Makita electric demo hammer to remove pins on all kinds of machines.

[@carrollfranklin9807]

Worked in shop that rebuild tracks . We had a 100 ton hydraulic jack and i have heard that pump scream pushing pins out . When u started that job I was glad it was u and not me . U did good .

[@owensbama1923]

I enjoy your videos greatly. You truly are a jack of all trades. I am an Aircraft Mechanic of 23 years working on helicopters for the army at Ft. Rucker Alabama. I still have learned a few things from you though so keep it up man.

[@brian_2040]

Ive always heard the wet pin rail has the gator clamp. The dry rails have a master pin with a big cotter pin or similar pin holding it in. The welded pin is probably the most common though. Mr John you worked your tail off on this job. I can't help but say this, when you were showing how great of a job you did fixing the slides I see the mast for the blade frame has a fair amount of movement in the pins. I wish I could be right beside you, getting to know you and get some work done. I love these old machines too. I'm sure Kurtis from CEE Australia would be proud of you on this job.

[@gordonagent7037]

Jon, I know you keep having little problems but we both know that in time they will be resolved and it will be a pleasure to work this little cat without those worries. Buying anything second hand is basically buying other peoples problems but for sure, you are the man to sort them out. Well done mate, that was a really great repair and another problem ticked of the list.

[@KnowArt]

what a lovely machine... for us! it's a great content creator. Should be in the credits

[@eezyclsmooth9035]

Wow, This was a very enjoyable video. Your skill and calm demeanor in spite of the many "Challenges" in the shop is equaled by your fine filming, commentary and editing talent. Well done. (we were All rooting for you against that pesky pin).

[@watcher4627]

Thank You! A testement of a Man and his injunuity against material and mechanical issues. I commend your tenacitity and resoursefulness. Keep it up and I will keep watching to see what you do next! I am sure I'll not be disappointed! Stay Healthy!God Bless of Man Man o

[@hikanthus]

I've worked IT desk jobs for 25 years. The heaviest piece of equipment I've owned is a walk behind mower. I drove a farm tractor one time. I say those sprokets look fine. send it. =) Great video as always

[@WonkyStud]

I'm a sysadmin myself, I guess problemsolving is a glitch we all share :)

[@robertford.spendmonthshere1667]

Lesson learned ..been heavy equipment for 29 years..old school pins are hard .heat and beat....you got it done good on you

[@z1racing170]

Phenomenal video. It felt like a full story with ups and downs and plot twists. Very satisfying repairs! 👍

[@NineSun001]

From a farmers perspective this dozer is a giant failure and a huge pain in the ... you know. From a "youtubers" perspective this thing is a gold mine. Almost as far as calling it "fake" in how broke it is :D By the time the dozer is fully operational again I forcast a failure on either the excavator or the boom lift. But that's normal. The more equipment you own, the more equipment you have that breaks.

[@TomFerriolo]

Hey John, With your determination and skills, the dozer is going to be just as good as new !!! Best of luck in your adventuires !!!

[@robertsprafke9376]

I always said if you want to learn how to work on a dozer, buy one! For every 10 hours of run time there’s at least 10 hours of repair time. It’s something every time you run it. Great videos, as a dozer owner you were right! Just a little painful watching you learn to back up the pin and get the biggest hammer in the shed. Always use new hardware, bolts and nuts.

[@hydromakers]

I have taken several out. Cut the center bushing and pin then replace it with a new one. (20 minute job}

[@billyhaddock5540]

Two Thumbs Up John, on getting the dozer track Pin-out, fix some areas, and getting the tracks back together. Have three Beers on me John..

[@spideybrent]

Hello from Moosomin, Saskatchewan, Canada great videos thanks for sharing with all of us 😊

[@gkgriffith01]

John, I enjoy your shows very much, and I love watching you repair the four pieces of equipment you purchased. You think well on your feet and make interesting videos while thinking. Keep up the great videos we enjoy the entertainment. I am a retired engineer and scientist and worked for many years for Boeing, NASA, PPG and others on different Aerospace projects, so I understand at least a little what you are doing. Keep up the great videos and if I lived closer to your farm, I would love to help you, but I am too old and broken but I love to watch.

[@dankenney7827]

The joy of old used equipment!

[@boddieconstruction1493]

Hey, John! I have been following you for a year. I love the content, but more specifically, find myself thinking the same way you do in your approach to these mechanical challenges! The discoveries, the domino challenges, and your good natured way to take them on.... I loved the emojied-out middle finger on this video!

[@Ian-iu2tl]

I am so glad that I have a bad back and just enough wisdom and cash to let someone else do this for me. I prayed for you today. I really did.

[@pdoherty]

You've got skills John! I admire your patience and enjoy your stuff.

[@handyguy480]

Just saying John, OMG! I was an auto body mechanic for 42 years and had some battles during that time. I admire your sticking to it and fighting through all the different situations. Thanks for this video, I really enjoyed it. KC

[@zyxxy]

So the motto of this saga is ...before you consider buying or buy a 50+ year old piece of construction equipment - be like John and have a lot of skill, perseverance, machine shop, heavy-duty tools, time and/or deep pockets to keep it running 😀

[@MKlein-j9b]

I really enjoy all of your videos and have subscribed but never commented before but your "I won!" really hit home for me. Our family motto is "Never Give up" and I know the "I won: feeling very well. Thanks for the laugh. Keep your videos coming.

[@ausseamore8386]

It is very encouraging when the masters show us plebs how they work through their challenges and finally overcome

[@thijs3514]

Well done! I admire your perseverance and optimism💪

[@jamespetrini]

I was a heavy equipment mechanic for many years until I had a stroke now I work in an office I love watching these rookies on here, I give them credit for wanting to try it in the first place but leave it to the pros! yeah you get it done but the damage you cause to other things you can't see, a simple air over hydraulic pin press and he would have been done with both sides by now, the best calls I ever got were guys saying they think they got the wrong track bolts from the dealer because the new track pads wont stay on the chain so they put new bolts in and weld them to the track lmao if you don't remove the paint on the mounting surfaces of the pads and chain the few mils of paint will wear off over time and the bolts will come loose. leave the service to us pros

[@johnhook5755]

I have a 1974 CAT D3 dozer almost identical to yours. To easily remove the tracks, just push the blade all the way down, completely collapse the track adjusting cylinder and lift the track out over the front idler. Very easy and quick method of removal without driving out a track pin. I also noticed on another video that it looks like the brake pedals need adjusting. Look in the manual how to do this correctly.

[@firstmkb]

This deserves more upvotes! This is truly “that one weird trick” in the clickbait ads! But the video wouldn’t have been as interesting.

[@guycarignan2263]

Man...I don't know if there is a Nobel prize for patience level but from my point of view you deserve it. I would use TNT to solve all these problems with the dozer once and for all. Really love all your videos and the descriptions you're putting in. thank you.

[@dennisfoltz7880]

It ,s common for the tracks to be serviced by pressing out the pins and bushings and rotating them so they wear on the other side . It might be worth it to see if you have anyone in your area to do that .

[@davidaldrich3488]

this is why we watch you John............just great DIY

[@PiffleMasterYT]

Interesting job. When using pressing screws like on your ball joint press, the tool will last much longer and the job go easier if you grease the threads.

[@markedis5902]

My Dad used to use a formula of penetrating oil that they used on Mosquito aircraft in the late 40s. 1 part paraffin to 1 part old engine oil. Use more than you need and soak for as long as it takes to make and drink a cup of tea. Works really well!

[@flowerstone]

I’ve always used a stick welder on equipment like this. I’m able to really burn her weld in compared to wire. Always felt it was stronger/better. 😊 Enjoying the maintenance videos. 😎

[@FarmCraft101]

I need to get at stick welding. It’s on the list!

[@justinthomas2458]

Should have thrown some 7018 rod in there, the mig wire is really soft in comparison.

[@InsanePacoTaco]

I have a question: when welding on something from the underside, does the weld behave differently? Like does it tend to form peaks instead of flattening out if you were welding on the topside? Or does it just cool down & set so quickly that it doesn't really change much? I suppose it also could vary on operator skill and the welder settings? Have it put too much energy into it or go too slowly and it'll stay molten longer and do odd things?

[@robertmencl9169]

@@justinthomas2458 mig wire tensile, like stick wire, is first 2 numbers of the filler material. It doesn't matter if it is stick or mig, 70 Ksi is 70Ksi.

[@robertmencl9169]

@@InsanePacoTaco welding from the underside is called overhead position. Overhead is simply a flat weld being applied from the other side of the steel. The heat setting, travel speed, rod angle, etc technique are the same as flat position, the only difference is psychological, and to a great extent, there is difficulty in seeing the puddle which is obstructed from view by the stick or mig gun.

[@eric_seguin]

You just wanted to teach us how to do this job. The process of doing it wrong is part of the process of learning how to do it right. It reteaches us to use the basics to find the process of doing the job. It worked. Thank you. Your need is to teach. Its part of you. Our need is to learn. You are a good teacher. Simple as that. Thank you again.

[@thesquirrelchroniclesakare7808]

Once again a job well done John ! 😊

[@mikeburton7077]

Well done John! perseverance pays off!

[@neffk]

At 35:35, you pre-heat and say something about penetration. I think pre-heat helps avoid cracks due to the rapid cooling because the casting is a giant heat sink. Pre-heating is probably the right thing to do. Depending on the AR alloy, I think post heat might be good, too. The Lincoln Electric book says you've got to be careful if the carbon is above 0.4%. Cast iron is 10x that and I think some of the AR alloys are pretty high. Hopefully it won't be an issue.

[@johnmiley458]

used to work at a large construction shop years ago. Your second hammer and the bucking pipe and letting the track adjuster lose helps. We always had someone handy with a railroad pin hammer to hold against the pin. The best hammer for that job is a 16lb hammer. The 12 is a too light and the 20 takes a real big real good hammer person. You are doing a good job . Especially working alone.

[@ShaukatHakim]

Can you take us to the pond filled with water. That would be amazing.

[@FarmCraft101]

Very little rain since I finished. It's still not even close to full. :-(

[@GaryT1952]

Not many videos over an hour long I will watch without a few fast forwards or 1.5x playback...but FarmCraft101 is always well worth the time spent...Thanks Jon 🙌

[@Marcelo-56]

7:40 Una sugerencia util: Por experiencia le sugiero que en ese lugar donde tiene un carrete con manguera para el aire, podría agregar un tanque para acumular una reserva de aire, con lo que además de presión tendrá una mayor caudal.

[@peterhall6656]

There were several occasions where I nearly lost the will to live! I make my mistakes when I don't systematically think through all the pathways for failure. When I cut corners it always ends badly. I'm 70 and I notice heaps of young men who have really poorly developed problem solving skills for real world situations like you are in. My son in law was amazed when I pre-fabbed a large wall for a garden shed (weighed about 110 kg) and transported it all by myself 50 metres and plonked it down into pre-drilled mounting points using a wire rope strung between two trees. There was no one to help me so I had to do it myself. Keep up the good work!!

[@keithasche]

My dad was an undercarriage specialist for caterpillar for many, many years. I wish he was still around to show him this video. Glad it looks like it worked out in the end for you.

[@Wornout1]

It's times like this that reminds you of how much they meant to us😕

[@jasongreene303]

48:40 hammer drop!! Driving that pin like a boss!! Thanks for sharing your experiences, Professor Jon.

[@downsouth2432]

I use a severe duty c clamp with a piece of 1-1/2” sch 40 pipe for a sleeve for the pin to slide into. Heat it up, tighten on the clamp, hit the clamp end with a sledge hammer. Rinse and repeat, they come right out. You are correct though, much heat is required. Love your channel, I have learned much from you. Thank you for what you do.

[@Brauma54]

John, you are a man’s man! I’m exhausted just watching you. Keep up the excellent work

[@davidsink7604]

Used your second version of pin removal even had an ancient crowbar cut to size for driving pin. took about 10 minutes from setup to pin out. Heat,Heat,Heat! Thanks for video saved time and my back!

[@beeroquoisnation]

I bought a 350 C with a worn out undercarriage. It has just over 4000 hours on it. When I got it, I sprung for new rails, pads and tensioners. I have been too busy to get her done, but when I start on it I'll give you a call. Cheers.

[@rs2024-s4u]

Fixing the fuel tank and glow plug wiring harness made the dozer reliable, Fixing track idler pully rails/ways made the dozer useable. It was mainly your time and now you have a serviceable dozer with years of life... Great Job. Ray Stormont

[@DisclaimerGarage]

As someone who replaced plenty of track shoes on military vehicles, I spotted your oversight almost immediately. Live and learn!

[@joegreer5034]

When you hit forging temps you will run in to heat seizure an galling of pin an bushing. Learning process Good job my friend.

[@wraithconscience]

You got guts, John. It takes guts -- and intelligence -- to patiently work through the problem and gain knowledge. Well done, my good man!

[@David-yf5fo]

I have done several of these things longer ago than I care to remember. Park the machine where it is flat and level. On the starboard side of the machine, position the master pin on the front idler, between 5 & 6 o'clock. On the port side, that would be between 6 & 7 o'clock. That helps use the weight of the tractor to hold things firm. Do not remove the track pad! The track pad helps hold the links firm, keeps the links from moving about or bending, and holds the bores in the links true to one another so the pin does not bind when driving it out. In a vintage 1950s manual for a D-7 (17-A), Cat shows a jig for holding a punch that clamps to the track pad. If I did it more often than I did, I would have made such a jig. I often used lumber and mounded soil to create a cradle for holding my punch at the correct height. An 18" long piece of 1-1/4" mild slick rod is recommended for use as a punch though that might be too large for this tractor. Please do not use you foot for holding the punch in position while hitting it! Hitting the punch square and with nothing less than a 20 lb. hammer is normally what it takes to drive these things out. Heating the links to remove the pin is not recommended for reasons shown here. Always replace the seal on adjustment cylinder when breaking the tracks on an old machine like this.

[@dereksstuff8395]

Great stuff. Quick tip, when a bolt or nut is stuck in your socket, just lay the socket on it's side on something hard and strike the sides of the socket with a hammer. The bolt or nut will work out quick, usually with one strike. Mechanic trick

[@rodneyanderson1402]

New viewer here and so impressed with your varied skill sets, ability, and willingness to take on any job. My dad was a mechanical engineer, super smart but lacked the common-sense you possess. However, your selection of tools (harbor freight) detracts from all the praise I just afforded you. I learned from my dad early on not to buy junk tools as we all know time is money and crap tools add time to any job. I have a 4" Makita grinder that is at least 30 years old, and have pushed it into thermal overload more times than I can count, but it still works. A man or your talents and the position you hold as a youtuber tarnish your image by sporting cheap tools. Other high-end tubers I watch earn free high-end tools because of the follower exposure they offer the sponsor. Choosing a tool for a person of your nature should be easy as you will most likely be doing what you're doing now until you die. Life is too short and time too important to buy crappy tools. Redeem yourself before it's too late. Meanwhile keep up the amazing videos.

[@alaskacanoe6837]

Great Job!!!I have the 1979 model of the same D3 I have the backhoe attachment on mine. Mine was bought here new in Alaska and used for gold mining. I am the second owner and have had the machine 24 years. The biggest mistake I ever did was lend it out .. I need all new running gear.

[@TheGrimReaper1]

Thank you for looking after that nice bulldozer.all power to your elbow from England.

[@proberts34]

Well done, Jon. Your perseverance is admirable. . .bordering on psychotic. 😉 Thanks for sharing this adventure with us.

[@thomasrennison9461]

I love and have learned so much watching your videos. I will say this. I welded for 20 years. The key to heating up a metal part to remove a pin or a coupling off a shaft is use a large rosebud and get the outer part hot quickly to keep the inner pin from getting as hot and drive it out quickly. Once the pin get hot it’s futile to try and move it. Cool it totally and start over.

[@ronm3245]

It's so satisfying when slop in the system is reduced.

[@linnvehslage6244]

Nice job on the repair. I become more impressed the more I watch. Retired maintenance manager.

[@pvb876287]

Toughest thing i ever did was original plugs on a 98 Expedition. Your amazing. I will always remember your positive attitude.

[@RFMongoose]

I got a Makita 7 inch many years ago. No regrets about it whatsoever. And I'm not doing a lot of big industrial level work.

[@dgassee]

Salutations from Quebec ! Just want to say how much I enjoy your videos. I work in I.T. but over the years have flipped a few houses, fixed a few engines and have done a lot of similar problem solving. Some of my earliest childhood memories are of my dad fixing a very old Johnson motor in a water barrel (mostly remember him swearing and trying at the pull cord dozens of times in between repair attempts). I don't share your affinity for seals and hydraulic fluid but hey, no judgement 😂. Watching your videos, I'm glad you didn't get dedd [sic] (don't want to trigger a YT filter) , lose a limb/appendage, end up in the hospital or catch on fire. You're a very clever man and your resourcefulness never ceases to amaze me. What kept me watching before I subscribed was your choice of humble honesty over editing, I admire you for that. Thank you John for the countless hours of laughter and enjoyment.

[@philstreeter9703]

Great video. I enjoyed this video a lot. Thanks.

[@frikkied2638]

This dozer was the champ of the pond project, glad it’ll operate a bit better now.

[@joehovanec1985]

I have to commend you for tackling that job and sticking with it. Everything you did and then all the problems you had to see come up and drag you down. You took things better than I would have. You did a good job. If you buy another dozer, you have much experience about things to look at and evaluate. Thank you for posting these Cat videos and the others.

[@tomscott3939]

glad it is you and not me!! of course i am old and enjoy watching people work thhank you

[@paulbush7095]

You are the Man! I don’t care what everyone else says about you.

[@kristoffscuba5466]

Really great video. I work on vintage tractors and i have learnt many things the hard way. I appreciate how you well you film these jobs. I have lots of jobs where I film the first part and then get so annoyed with the actual job , I give up filming and just get the job done. I respect the effort involved in what you are doing. 👍

[@defaultname531]

Great video As an apprentice I was always told to GET IT HOT (Red Hot) - in this case the collar, not the pin. At least you where using a rosebud, not a cutting torch. Fun stuff!

[@michaelcaldwell3465]

Thanks for the video! that was a tough job to conquer. One note, when you ran out of acetylene and reverted to propane to heat the link and pin , you could have used the fuel gas with the oxygen to get the desired result. You looked that you may have already had enough so maybe taking a break was best at the moment! Great going!

[@kenlewis2353]

Well done John, a couple of things I have learnt over the years do non take the grouser off leave it on to keep the links from spreading, position the link at the bottom of the idler where you can get at it and it is usually more secure, do not use heat, most times these pins are removed with a punch and hammer and two people if you cant manage a helper it is much easier to support the punch when the link at the bottom.

[@tracywagoner4907]

We have all been there and don’t that with mistakes. Part of farm life and doing it yourself. Great video sir

[@mhkoo1]

Good job! I really appreciate the high video resolution since the videos look very good on my 1440p monitor.