Bulldozer Prep for My Desert Ranch

We're getting ready for some major fixes at the ranch!
In this new episode, I'm repairing the blade of my bulldozer, so it's ready to tackle the terrain of my 320 acre desert ranch.
Cutting edges are important if I want to push dirt without permanently ruining my blade. In this video I got pretty dirty and I did my best and tried to repair them myself.
Can't wait to show you guys this beauty in action!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
👉 Shaun's Amazon wish list: amzn.to/4gWzhzI
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
👉 Get access to Dustups 2D/3D map by joining the membership program at www.buymeacoff...
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
👉 Support the channel and get yourself a pair of Old Rugged boots: boots.dustupsr...
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
👉 In case you missed the previous episode, here’s a shortcut:
• My Secret Weapon for a...
The 1st episode with this beauty :)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
💡 Useful Resources
👉 Support the channel and get the same footwear as me: boots.dustupsr...
👉 You probably noticed that I post many of these videos on a delay. If you'd like to stay up to date with the latest ranch happenings, the best way is to join my email group at dustupsranch.com
👉 The Facebook group where like-minded people connect: / dustups
#homestead #desertlifestyle #heavymachinery #ranch

[@akse]

Damn these maintenance clips are great.. some variety to the rock throwing and digging :)

[@Gregg29407]

It's amazing how many moving parts, both literally and figuratively, there are to a project like yours! Did you imagine when you first started planning this project out that you'd be refurbishing your own bulldozer by hand? So many skills are required for a person when they undertake such a large project. It's a joy to watch you dive into each challenge, learn from experts like Dale, and then add their knowledge to your set of skills. I look forward to your episodes every Saturday!

[@dustupstexas]

Thankfully, my personality is a lifelong learner. This project would frustrate anyone that dislikes learning new skills because EVERYTHING is a new skill

[@Janer-52]

I'll take a 5 minute video over no video any day of the week. Always interesting and inspiring - reminds me NOT to be afraid to try new things.

[@evanjones6536]

Everybody needs a Dale

[@DJBurrup]

I dońt have any advice for you but I do want to say how impressed I am with your project and attitude. Doubly so for putting it out here in front of every Tom, Dick and Harry to criticize. Very easy to complain, much more difficult to actually go out and do something. Fantastic job, Shaun!

[@dustupstexas]

Thank you!

[@jamesscholl7354]

You're becoming a jack of all trades... I believe you can do it. Good luck.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

learning how to handle a torch is like riding a bike. stays with you forever.

[@denisebennett3144]

You are developing such a wide and diverse skill set it is amazing. Great job.

[@dustupstexas]

It's so much fun

[@Nphen]

Just watching him fixing & maintaining this 'dozer over the past 2 episodes shows me Shaun is not just committed, but now has many of the skills he will need to keep equipment running out on the property. Great to see!

[@stevejohnstonbaugh9171]

Glad to see you tapping into the mechanical necessity of owning equipment for a project of your scale. These skills will be with you the rest of your life. Congratulations for biting the bullet! 👍

[@dustupstexas]

It's my new addiction

[@stevejohnstonbaugh9171]

@@dustupstexas 🤣🤣🤣👍

[@notflanders4967]

Can't wait to see it in action in the desert!

[@Technoanima]

Mad respect on the commitment!!

[@davebond4451]

Am glad to see you uploade updates even when nothing is directly happening at the future forest. Some channels just have big gaps in between uploads. Appreciated

[@doreenrichardson906]

I wonder how many skills you have learned since embarking on this journey? You are the living embodiment of having a growth mindset. 😊

[@dabigwilli]

Just an FYI, up where I'm at, the local conservation districts are now taking orders for their spring native plant sale. Good way to get bulk native plants for pretty inexpensive.

[@dustupstexas]

I don't know if we have a conservation district. Is there anything for Hudspeth County?

[@dabigwilli]

@@dustupstexas Not seeing the conservation districts in TX like we have up here. Did see some stuff in regarding native plant sales. I'm also guessing you'd have enough of a species overlap that you could shop near your home, or near the sight.

[@jesusv.5828]

My advice... take some spare hydraulic hoses , fittings and filters with you to Sierra Blanca

[@dustupstexas]

The problem with hoses is that they're all different length and sizes. Dale recommended that I just deal with blown hoses as they happen. Otherwise, I'll tie up thousands of dollars in hoses. The downtime isn't nearly as costly as the hoses

[@stonebreaker984]

Your videography is getting very good.

[@dustupstexas]

Thanks!

[@iam4iamWe]

Love your channel. I'm so glad I found your channel. When I first found you, you had just posted your first video. You impressed me with your personal growth during this important project. Been here since day 1. Love it.

[@dustupstexas]

Thank you so much!!

[@pirep777]

Thank the Lord for mentors in our lives who assist us on our journey!!!

[@mr.o5501]

I love how many times you thought you were done before you were finally done 😄. Doesn't always go like that... every job we try turns into 5 but it feels even better once it's accomplished.

[@tdu2supersport]

Great to see you getting hands on and learning all the stuff instead of just getting some handyman over to the farm to do it half heartedly for a dedcent paycheck! Excited for all the coming dozer content!

[@MarkBarrack]

Welcome to the world of heavy (ish) equipment! Hope all goes well for you. Looks like you have a good mentor in the yard with you.

[@wudchk]

Rad, i have transformed my property in the hill country using terraces and swales. Primarily using a skid steer and my small tractor. Really looking forward to this. I do caution you to not destroy too many native plants in the process, it is inevitable but should try to save as many as you can to transplant.

[@dustupstexas]

The young ocotillo and maybe the prickly pear will be the top transplant candidates. The older ocotillos don't transplant well at all

[@MYOB990]

Good luck! Take ALL of those tools with you. You'll need them

[@MikeRota]

Woot love seeing things come together! The dozer should make things so much easier.

[@CBDubz]

That was awesome to watch. You really are growing. When you said you are going to get a trailer I could see the spark light up. Keep it up man.

[@ianmunro5163]

I am extremely impressed by this! Well done Shaun, to see someone with little experience taking on a job like this and getting it done the right way is nothing short of amazing!!

[@sheilam4964]

That blade edge is impressively heavy. Imagine the weight of the multiple bade edges for a D-H8 and the track plates, not to mention the cost of shipping because of the weight. Thx for doing this and mostly thanks for sharing. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@bronzearmy2645]

Looks like you’re having fun! Congrats!

[@pejoly2]

Man, you are getting an education on the fly. Proud of you.

[@kelionpro9612]

Shaun is an awesome dude. His journey and his dedication is truly inspiring. Can’t wait to see where his adventures lead him to next!

[@desertedenblooms]

IM so impressed with your mechanical knowledge and ability for an IT Techy ! bravo!

[@dustupstexas]

The credit goes to Dale. I'd be helpless without him

[@maxschon7709]

Now the Dozer will be there for the Big work ....great

[@tribulationcoming]

Have notice on the USGS website, the increase of quakes north of your land, interesting. Good luck and that is a lot of work. Yes, we have more time than money, that is a very important principle, do it yourself.

[@rizalazizfintech2264]

That is real hard work. Keep it up Shaun 👍

[@dustupstexas]

No doubt about it

[@Mithraschosen]

'Pimp my dozer, part 2'. Lets goooooo!

[@1944chevytruck]

looking good!

[@Kaikoura26]

Hang in there Shaun! You got this! I wish I could just drop everything and fly over to help out.

[@chizzizz6711]

Sean, love the video! Even though it's short it just captures the journey so perfectly. It shows your personal and technical development so clearly. These type of videos add so much to your story / journey! Still the KZbin channel I'm most excited about when there is a new video! 🙌

[@derekmartin2817]

Since you about have your dozer going. You can experiment with swales instead of the bathtubs. If you want the bathtub look you can just run over a line of swales at an angle. You also can berm your stream beds with it. Many low berms would probably be best to slow the water to increase the adsorption. You can also build stingers in sharp bends of creeks to keep the erosion down. Thats a rock structure designed to make a dead pocket of water to act like a hydraulic buffer and stabilize a bank. Good luck on your projects. An alternate to hand building gabions is to get drill stem pipe drive it in a row and fasten cattle panels to it then do another row to make the box. We do it often for water drop structures. Lining it with non woven geotextile fabric keeps things in place much better. You only need it on the discharge side and let it droop in the middle for large flow events.

[@southend26]

Looking good!

[@threeriversforge1997]

A real nightmare to deal with, honestly. At least you're learning some handy skills. Being able to use a cutting torch is right up there with being able to weld. Once you get those two tools in your garage, a whole new world of possibilities will open before your eyes!

[@dustupstexas]

My toybox, er toolbox, keeps growing. I know from friends that that pattern probably won't ever end, although I hope it slows down. My wife now cracks jokes every time I go to Harbor Freight or RDO

[@threeriversforge1997]

@@dustupstexas Know that you're not alone in that affliction. The world doesn't understand the pressures us men must face! 😃

[@johnjunge6989]

I worked for Case for a number of years, always found cutting the nuts off was faster. Don't forget to check the oil for the final drives, they take all the abuse. Good luck

[@davidthomas1375]

You’re certainly learning quick! Love your work.

[@The_White_Shark]

You're so close, well done! It will all come together before you know it! 🎉

[@danthefrst]

Looking good for sure!

[@kentfaver]

awesome Shaun! Lots of sweat equity and help from an expert - perfect!

[@louispaparella5766]

Gr8 fasteners wherever shear is involved

[@jonathangonzalez3158]

Adding welding beads to the blades or buckets and bucket teeth help the parts last longer

[@TheFeelButton]

Nice work blade runner! Cheers Shaun!!

[@aqmorisny]

cutting edge technology 👏🏽😊

[@dustupstexas]

😂

[@Jankyyanki]

Dang! Dude finaly got a shovel

[@DNA350ppm]

Men are healthy as long as they play! That's their charm. (Never forget that your wives and children like to play as much, too.) I wish the desert forest develops amasingly!

[@gershhayes796]

Used to work in a scrap yard, propane is a bit slower than acetylene but a lot cheaper. Look it up.

[@patrickmurray8451]

youre gonna make huge progress now that you have a dozer. those small bottles of oxygen and acetyline are pricy. you might get some used bottles a bit bigger from a welding supply. i rent my bottles for 35 cents per day in oklahoma city. if you seldom need a cutting torch it may be best to stick with what you got instead of renting. I was going to ask about the dirt bath tubs but today was all about the dozer. I saw some storms on tv at or about where you are I hope you got some rain out of it. Hurricane season ends november 1 so i dont know what else may come ashore. Ill keep watching for your next video . Take care

[@CashCat77-qp6bs]

Awesome job been hooked from your first video. Can’t wait to see this equipment in action. FYI don’t transport your acetylene and other tanks on there side. The acetone can get in the valve and cause an explosion.

[@TalRohan]

Once you start doing stuff for yourself its amazing how many things you find you can do, I started and though I'm not excellent at them I can get by with most things I try. thanks for letting us in on the fun

[@dustupstexas]

It's less overwhelming having a mentor to avoid the worst of the learning curve

[@TalRohan]

@@dustupstexas absolutely having a visual example to learn from is great and on that score ....I just spotted something that might work for you, called a Zuni bowl, its a type of structure for reducing erosion...maybe you can use it, or something like it.

[@morgananderson9647]

Good stuff! Looking for to more of your progress and growth...

[@mtnbound2764]

oh man this looks like to much fun!

[@dustupstexas]

Oh, yeah!

[@reedjacksonmaccom]

kickass. good job

[@ViewBarn]

Happy Saturday

[@smoothswales8238]

I have been a welder and supplier of oxygen acet for over 20 years. Get the next larger tanks. The tanks you are using is for plumbers and soldering. If you use too much acetylene you will draw acetone thru your torches and it will destroy your torches.

[@smacospasovski5123]

Can't wait for the episodes, let's go a little faster 😂😂😂😂😂

[@lanceguinn9807]

Rock and Roll....

[@baileysonice54]

You are a quick learner Grasshopper....

[@gnhatch]

get episode! this stuff matters too!

[@williamjohnson5910]

Its the not the Destination, It's the journey. Ralph Waldo Emerson

[@JustaGuy_Gaming]

Curious if you have a tent big enough to park the dozer in while not in use. Sand, sun and wind would do a number on any equipment left out in a place like your ranch.

[@dustupstexas]

Not yet

[@shahs3262]

Smart decision to buy a trailer instead of paying for shipment. And how much was the bulldozer? Could you have saved that blade edge for emergencies?

[@dustupstexas]

29k. I saved the edges, but mainly for scrap. They're useless on the dozer. They were at the same level as the blade

[@shahs3262]

@@dustupstexas yea that makes sense. Can't wait to see the results once you start using the dozer. I imagine it will greatly free your hands and creativity

[@james10739]

If you can adapt it you can use propane instead of acetylene it just takes longer but the oxygen is key obviously

[@dustupstexas]

Cool tip. I expect propane is probably much more economical

[@james10739]

@dustupstexas well it doesn't have as much energy so it's slower and you use more oxygen so at best it's probably a wash

[@1itoasif]

Need more n longer content brother

[@greggmcclelland8430]

Be careful about the GVW of the truck and trailer. Make sure you get a trailer that has brake assist and not just emergency brake away brakes. Also, you may need a CDL if you are over 26000 gvw with truck and trailer. Your payload on the truck is reduced by the tongue weight of the trailer. So the fuel load and tongue weight combine. lots to think about here. Love to see how it turns out. I'm in a similar situation.

[@dustupstexas]

Step by step. I've been paying for shipping for now. I need to sort out the truck first, then trailer

[@greggmcclelland8430]

@@dustupstexas The ford 3500 and 5500 make good tow rigs. Also Cummins ram 3500 and 5500. They can haul above 30000 lbs. I think the fords are up to 40,000 lbs. Definitely need a CDL for hauling with those.

[@AndyTheCornbread]

It's not cheating to use another tractor to help put parts or implements on another piece of equipment, it's just good common sense. We do it all the time when we are working on machines for one reason or another. The 450H should be a good machine if you feel it is enough machine to do what you are wanting. I like that they have hydrostatic steering so you don't have to deal with steering clutches etc. They weigh like 7.5 tons and then your trailer to haul them is going to be fairly heavy too. What is the total weight you can haul in Texas without needing a CDL?

[@dustupstexas]

25k lbs

[@AndyTheCornbread]

​@@dustupstexas Montana it is anything at or over 26,001lbs. The laws here say that the truck + trailer + thing being hauled on the trailer make up that weight limit so here you would need a CDL to haul that machine with a 1 ton pickup and a trailer heavy enough to haul it. A Dodge 1 ton towing capacity easily exceeds the weight you will be hauling so no issue there but you might need to get your CDL depending on local laws. We can get around it locally with a farm exception e.g. if I haul my big tractor to another field that is within X miles, (I forget the limit because my place isn't spread out far enough to exceed it), of the farm's base address than I can do so without a CDL. Getting your CDL isn't hard at all but you might want to consider it in your plans if you are going to be doing your own hauling.

[@luisqueiroz3812]

next level . google incas tecnic in peru desert , all the best

[@MarkH10]

Plz update on the cacti in the tubs.

[@dustupstexas]

Check out recent videos

[@claudiogonzalez9330]

You need new battery terminals and a new battery. Keep the old one in case of an emergency with a battery charger. Since you won't be using the bulldozer often. The battery will drain.

[@SurvivalMeAndYou]

need longer vids

[@THESPORTINGCAMP]

Good morning.

[@outforbeer]

Did Shaun mention how much the bulldozer cost?

[@spudrubble]

If someone has not already said it you can get a cutting tip the uses PROPANE instead of Acetylene

[@dustupstexas]

It'll be all propane, all the time. There's no way I'm bringing acetylene down my roads

[@clearingland]

Good job. Should make one big goddam difference with a beast like yhat shifting soil and rock!

[@ajit_singh76]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@RandyZimmerman-pp5wj]

I've forgotten how much it take to change the cutting bits be glad you don't have a d9 lol Sgt z

[@dustupstexas]

Lol. When people wonder why I bought a baby dozer, it's for the learning process. A D6 is exactly the same, but add a zero on the maintenance bill every time

[@RandyZimmerman-pp5wj]

You are going in the right direction build yourself a composter run water through it use as fertilizer live long and prosper

[@eddeddesc3717]

😮

[@samuelwilliams7331]

You will be able survive anywhere on the planet by the time this over.

[@CaptainJulyJones]

the dust up boots? are they available in more than 2 sizes?

[@dustupstexas]

They're waiting on their new container to arrive. It's a new business so they're having to learn their supply chain

[@glenmullet]

Hi, Shaun. I was looking at options of ways to help support you and your project financially. I'd like to join the Drone and Planning Maps of Dustups membership, but I would like to pay more than the $50 option. Is there a way to choose the amount of annual payments?

[@dustupstexas]

Thank you!I was going to suggest the buy me a coffee option, but I do want to make sure you get the membership. Can you please email me? [e-mail]

[@jamesscholl7354]

I think it's called coolant sometimes.😅

[@jamesscholl7354]

I'll always be "rooting" for you!

[@hullabaloo-hcd]

❤🎉

[@az82ce]

Pencil hitch?

[@threeriversforge1997]

Pintel Hitch, not pencil.

[@2036scott]

pintle

[@FrostyThundertrod]

While I can’t say every John deer is bad, I have found the backhoes and loaders to be nonstop problems

[@veramae4098]

The movie "Aliens" had this equipment that the operator climbed into. A "Deerde" design on the side. The company received lots of inquiries, people wanting to buy them. "It was just a movie thing" was the reply. "We don't actually build those."

[@dustupstexas]

The dozers seem to have better reputations. Maybe it's because they are less complicated than a backhoe?

[@wolfgangszankowski5910]

I thougt acetylene bottles should be transported and used vertical , I just can't remember why.

[@dustupstexas]

Other commenters said they can explode. Whoops

[@smoothswales8238]

Acetone is what acetylene is dissolved in and can get drawn thru the system ruining the regators, hoses and torches.

[@grantpatillo]

Didn’t you just do this in a previous video?

[@dustupstexas]

I changed the fluids last time. This was the last day

[@craigwagner763]

The most expensive toy u will ever own. HAVE FUN.

[@dustupstexas]

It keeps getting more expensive

[@BartholomewJenkins69420]

what is your plan when your bulldozer breaks down in the desert?

[@dustupstexas]

It depends on the nature of the breakdown. I can handle basic mechanical breakdowns. But internal breakdowns could be a major problem. The best solution is preventative maintenance like I'm doing in this video

[@BartholomewJenkins69420]

@@dustupstexas i mean a complete engine failure

[@fieryvale]

@@BartholomewJenkins69420 Best to solve that problem should it present itself. Who knows what the future holds?

[@joesnausageface8414]

Also get ya a nice slush fund set up for that dozer. Hydro pumps and undercarriages ain’t cheap my guy. I’m rooting for ya though. I can’t believe there’s 3 likes on this video. Well 4 now.

[@jameschristophercirujano6650]

How about scaling the dirt bath tubs to something bigger? Name the video, something like does size really matter or something, to make people comment for the Algorithm?

[@dustupstexas]

The tubs will work but they're not practical for agriculture. That's why I'm switching to terraces and swales where the slope is minor

[@jameschristophercirujano6650]

@@dustupstexas Yeah, not practical, but just for content. Like a side by side comparison. You're in Texas, so everything has to bigger stereotype is kinda an obligatory comment at this point 😂

[@ericpierce4041]

Anybody want to guess how long before a skidd steer is added to shauns equipment collection 😁 . Your about to get sooo much done 👍

[@donnyaiken1556]

Don’t lay your acetylene bottle on it’s side.

[@dustupstexas]

The value of learning on camera is feedback like that

[@davk]

Second

[@art1muz13]

5 minutes, really? Anyhow, almost good content.

[@mettevunsjensen4094]

Can your friend not help you finding the valves?

[@dustupstexas]

He was running errands on between