Excavator project - Cab and fuel/hydraulic tank removal, plus visiting a scrapyard

[@esunday]

I'm a retired Dr turned into a Northeast hillbilly, loving my life... I find your videos both relaxing and instructive... I don't think my wife would understand if I bought an excavator but nonetheless.....

[@jimmeroniuk8266]

You only live once and its easier to ask forgiveness then permission.

[@curtdawe]

@@jimmeroniuk8266 Love that expression. LOL! The truth behind that idea is timeless!

[@MrVajutza]

I was blessed by my wife giving me permission to buy an excavator #livingthelife 😂

[@maxjones9139]

I rented an excavator for a month to do some projects on my little farm. If you have anything over a couple acres a digger is a very useful tool. My whole family is on board with me buying one now.

[@gutsngorrrr]

This is turning out to be a great series. I think my first project would have been a heavy duty forklift, which would have really helped with all these projects.

[@PhillipKaretu-hz1pm]

Your a bugger for punishment. Awesome video..Really enjoy them.❤

[@dforaker]

I have no desire to own an excavator, but I am enjoying learning about it and love to see junk given new life. Great videos!

[@jenkins2162]

I admire your ability to do bolt off restos on this equipment. One thing is for sure there's nothing you will not be able to fix on them.

[@daveb7999]

Way to go, Matt! After watching the D4 rebuild, there's no doubt in my mind that you'll make your way through the excavator, piece by piece, and come out on top with another fully functional piece of heavy equipment. Keep on keepin' on, you've got this!

[@surveywaters]

Watching you disconnect all of those cables and hoses has elevated my stress level to the point of needing medication. You must have the memory of an elephant. Thanks for another entertaining video.

[@SnorrioK]

He has the manual and the manual has every single thing and explanation in it. Then there's the colour coding of each wire as well as the colour coding in the zip ties and electric tapes you can use to mark where things go. There's also no computer that needs programming in this since it's all mechanical and analog. That said, it's still not a job I would touch on. I'd sooner make an entire new set of belts with steel and hand tools before trying to bother with electric.

[@jonmarshall64]

On the fuel tank, put 2 or 3 scoops of gravel in it, strap it to the tractor tyre and run it for a while....

[@MrAtcjohn]

cut a hole in the back side of tank once dent is knocked out just weld a plate over hole

[@peterfallert4994]

I can't believe you actually have a manual to disassemble and remove the cab, GREAT!

[@1956vern]

I’m amazed that you got the cab lifted off! I did not think your gantry crane would do it but it worked great! Yes that fuel cell needs help! You could cut a decent sized hole in top and with plywood and a hydraulic jack push the dent out! Maybe a little hammering but just enough to release the tension in the metal. The hole will give you room to clean the inside of the fuel cell too and in the future! If you cut the hole right it will look almost factory! Taking cab off really opens the deck! Looks great thanks for bringing us along!

[@davebrittain9216]

Worth it to tear it apart just to get the filth out of it. You are going to have this thing looking and working great!

[@mikeoakes7721]

Your no fear to just tear stuff apart and go for it is commendable. Keep at it !

[@lenhammermeister1287]

I've done tanks before just like that. Whole saw a couple holes in the opposite side of the dent. Make one hole directly across from the deepest part of the dent if that makes sense. You can use small steel plates thru the fill hole against the dent and use steel rods or whatever will fit thru the holesaw holes hit with a hammer and push it out. You get the idea weld the holes back up using the plugs made by the holesaw. You can stick a screw or bolt thru the center holes to hold it to tack it in place.. I've done it several times I been doing bodywork for 38 yrs. Good luck love the videos...

[@flowerstone]

Liking these videos of yours. I am good at taking things apart but the putting back together bites me every time. Impressed with how you seem to know where everything goes later on in a project. 😊

[@curtdawe]

That is definitely what always blows my mind. It seems like he always knows where each bolt, every lock nut, every bearing goes. Fabulous!

[@jonmarshall64]

To pop the dent out, just use air pressure inside the tank. You don't need allot. and the heat the tank with a propan aor map tourch and tap with hammer and it should mostly pop out

[@johnbize5736]

That is dangerous.

[@robgratriex2367]

I agree. I've fixed a few old three wheeler tanks using this method.

[@jonmarshall64]

​@johnbize5736 it's called doing dangerous things safely.

[@johnbize5736]

@@jonmarshall64 🤦‍♂

[@hdcsp3]

Wow Matt. As serious as this job is, you're super chill throughout. Nice job bud.

[@chuckh.2227]

Yes Matt I'm 110% sure you're going back to that junkyard at least one more time

[@carlthor91]

Matt, your best friend on this and the D4 rebuild is a 55 gallon ShopVac. No foolin'. Best wishes from the far North.

[@peterarmstrong8613]

Thanks Matt, very entertaining content. Regards, Pete , Australia.

[@duncanvowles7100]

Great episode of the project Matt.

[@duaneclark9005]

One thing about building something from the ground up like you did with the Doser, when you’re done you know exactly what you have. If something acts up you have a good idea of what it could be and how to repair it. I will be looking forward to seeing things going back together, there’s not much left that needs dismantling. Keep up the good work and keep the great videos coming.

[@ActionCyberTimes]

great episode Matt. looking forward to next episode!!!! many thanks

[@chrisj2848]

Great work Matt! 👍

[@mountainmanfab]

hats off to ya Matt...I didnt bat an eye at the dozer but that right there is looking like a whole lota headache...the engine the wiring or the hydraulics fine but all three...holy crap lol.

[@keithlincoln1309]

You do more work at night in the dark, then I do all day. Love your videos, keep up the good work!

[@alanm3438]

Holy smokes!!! I guess you will not have it done in a couple of weekends. I know it is a LOT of work but at least you will know that machine inside and out. There are so many parts and different systems ........ it would just overwhelm me. I sure hope you have not taken on too much here. I sure hope that you can fix it and afford the repairs. You sure have a lot of courage. I am excited to see you bring it back to life. You will have a new machine when you are done.

[@Mad.Man.Marine]

Don’t pull the valve body unless you absolutely have too!! It’s way more work and really not necessary. Great work ! I get pulling the cab to make life easier. But the valve body isn’t a necessity

[@GrandsonofKong]

Awesome amount of work you are doing Matt! Really enjoy watching this series. Regarding cleaning and fixing the dent in the "new" Fuel Tank...cutting large hole in the top (after flushing all the fuel out)?? Able to access all the areas for cleaning and then hammer swinging to pop the dent? Thin metal, no structure involved. Just a thought.

[@MRrwmac]

Matt, Glad you got what you wanted removed and were able to find a new fuel tank! Very good to see your great dog got rid of the cone of death!

[@vw4x4]

As for the fuel tank, cut opened the dented side and clean out all the rust and junk. If you have good access to clean it like that you will not need to line it. Then it will be a lot easier to pound out the dent. Weld back together. Now you just killed two birds with one stone. Done this many times.

[@Jan_..]

Amazing job. I am a construction machinery operator and an amateur mechanic, I like what you do, best regards and good luck with your projects

[@briancurle6223]

😊Great work, you're never stuck.

[@brianblank9921]

Matt, really enjoy the videos. Thanks for sharing!

[@mcjok88]

In the thick of it! Thanks Matt.

[@leighwalker3914]

Matt your a brave man taking this project on. It looked like you was doing an archaeological dig in the cab, did you find any skeletons. 😂

[@cityguyinthecountry]

I like his style, he is very creative

[@philisher1]

Also tank re-liner liquid kits use sodium hydroxide (lye) to clean the tank sides before applying the sealant. Maybe it will clean out most of your tank gunk

[@Kiddo311]

I really like your videos, you just come across as this calm, methodical guy, who takes his time and repairs old things to make the world a bit better. So calming and satisfying. I can't wait for this beast to be fixed in 2-3 years. Unfortunately having my own heavy equipment is not an option in rather cramped northern Germany. ;-)

[@Rubbernecker]

Great video!! Love watching this series!

[@ronfrance4041]

Matt. I have some brand new pilot control pusher bushings and seals you could have. I believe they are for this machine if yours are leaking. They are the brass looking pieces under the joysticks with the chrome pushers. Let me know if ya want them and you can have them for free

[@PacificNorthwestHillbilly]

Thanks! I'll have to see if mine are in good condition

[@jaybailey8044]

I really enjoy watching you work on this oid equipment, fixing it up and make it work again way to do Matt!

[@michaelclutton8446]

Thanks for the video, it’s great how you work through problems with limited resources. Very talented person

[@Mad.Man.Marine]

Also. For that fuel tank you may wanna look into getting a big kit of evaporust to fill the fuel tank with. Or I guess you don’t even need to fill it. Just enough to lay it on each side for a bit to let it do it’s thing. They would prob even sponsor you since you have such a big following on here.

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

Man that's a ton of work done... yet it seems a ton yet to go. The pure filth that machine had to carry around with it day in and day out... sort of feel sad for it. 🙂

[@stephens7107]

We have a farm with a lot of equipment and would be ashamed to leave it in such condition. The previous owner of that machine really trashed it.

[@pmiller7886]

Some folks dont care at all about looks of their equipment, they wont maintain it... just run it into the ground and take the money for themselves. I dont get it, but that excavator never ever saw a pressure washer in its life. Belly pans were not removed and it was allowed to leak like a sieve. What a travesty. @@stephens7107

[@danielpullum1907]

Yo Mattie, That mountain looks pretty tall to me. Your confidence in cutting wires and planning the replacement of those is AWESOME@!!!!!!.. Lookin forward for the next chapters.

[@Ltech-ludditetechnologies]

Laughed out loud at the screw at the bottom of the bathroom... hahahaha

[@qlimaxbass5022]

Love IT! Thanks a LOT! 😏✌

[@fasttimez9651]

great work Sir !!!!

[@LeonisLupusRex]

The thing is gona look awsome when its done.

[@sloppystooly5439]

All you need Matt is five more thumbs and 2 Saturdays in a week, lol. Another great video.

[@tiredagain6722]

Dang, long drive to Scio, worth it though 👍

[@JohnMason8183]

Enjoyed the video, Matt, of course. But you know how much of a safety nut I am... wear your hardhat when something is swinging in the air, especially with your janky setup. Looking forward to next one!

[@billyhaddock5540]

Matt, ur mind set is to beable to clean, repair and paint ur Excavator. You have big Balls at tackling this big job.

[@matthewwilson2991]

Use multiple colored zip ties when taking all the hydraulic lines apart. . Most definitely need to get all the rust out of the fuel tank. Maybe out sort the fuel tank to a dip it in chemical to eat the rust . Like they do cars these days . . Great work .

[@chrisoakey9841]

You need a rope from the base of each side of your gantry trolley so you can pull both sides together.

[@billhartsfield424]

Mat, you are definitely a glutton for punishment. What a huge job. Glad you seem to love it !

[@JeffreyDelano]

Good video 👍

[@baroja5303]

buena serie como la del cat

[@Michael-gp7mv]

Matt,great video like the stress free way you do stuff,your questioning narrative is great,very enjoyable to be on the job with you looking forward to future stuff,many thanks, from Perth Western Australia 🇦🇺👍

[@toeknee5464]

Man that was a great episode again, getting better every time

[@rcboatlife4907]

Loving this matt

[@buffsheeri]

At least you will get better fuel economy due to all the rocks and crap you cleaned off.

[@milt7348]

Stay safe.

[@president2]

Love it keep it up as always 💘

[@ryburnsjr]

I ask my self after all this work is done on the cab then the boom ,,might you consider the tracks and the under carrige?

[@paulwalker4239]

Hey matt I must say I am impressed with your knowledge and determination to fix up the excavator very interesting to watch as I used to drive an identical model a good few years ago keep it up mate can't wait to see the end result. Paul.

[@michelgrenier1878]

Wow after this one I think Matt's next project will be a F-16 or something like that ! Ha Ha !

[@bobpistolero39]

You need a Hotsy hot water pressure washer for this job.

[@jb_makesgames2264]

Another great video - the fact you are doing this on your own is also amazing. Not sure how you are going to handle things when winter comes. I guess all the parts will be removed and you can work on them inside.

[@lesdmark]

15:19 Fun fact a lot of JDM products have english labels on the controls themselves. It's a weird quirk of Japan. Also it's possible that someone swapped the radio as the FM spectrum for a Japanese stereo is slightly different.

[@brentking-gmailking2570]

Great video Matt. Thanks for sharing.

[@phammond68]

is Charlie doing better with her hotspots? we just recently learned that dogs can develop a fle allergy at any point and thats what was happening with our pup, we got him a serresto flea collar and he was back to normal in a week. and this has been an awesome series so far! i admire the determination to get this machine back in order, definitely a huge undertaking!

[@PacificNorthwestHillbilly]

yeah she's all good now

[@NavinBetamax]

at 2:24.......man you must be in serious trouble if you have Bolt Holes Missing !!! Lol !

[@paulblachford8559]

Don’t think there would be any chance of rust in that cap looks like the pilot controls have been leaking for years before it was parked

[@jackclanin8130]

Can't the cab just roll forward?

[@williegillie5712]

Save the flaps just for raising the plane off the ground a little early. Good times.

[@johnparker7874]

By the time you clean all the oil soaked dirt, the machine will be 5 tons lighter.

[@tujuprojects]

I can’t stop thinking that you paid too much for that and it hurts to see all that rust, bent and mishandled crap.

[@lloydprunier4415]

Lots of work but you are young and Charley is thinking he just doesn't understand!

[@ryany4326]

One thing you didn’t quantify in your price spreadsheet is your time. Be great if you could do that so somebody could make a real financial analysis. Even if you are just budgeting $20 for your own time ( way cheap) but you have to get something for your time. Of course a cert diesel Mechanic or heavy equip Tech will be well over 150$ Here in Ny they run about $200 an hour It’s gotta be cheaper to just buy a working

[@mikeyoung5211]

After thoughts

[@Thedudeabides803]

I don’t know exactly what it is about the way you do your videos but I always look forward to them more than others. keep it up man

[@jstar1000]

same, its his demeanor more then anything I believe. Not to mention his skills.

[@tomasdevine7756]

@jstar1000 absolutely he talks to people not at them. No bs not selling some muck promotions just doing the business.

[@curtdawe]

@@jstar1000 Agreed as well. Matt, you have a very down-to-earth manner, you give us, as viewers, the feeling that you're just talking to friends, as if we're there in the shop with you. You could be a great instructor, IMHO.

[@cember01]

They're actually pretty high quality videos. He does a great job of getting the right camera angles, lighting and audio. He takes the time to reposition camera and lighting if there's some work down in a tight spot. And, of course, narrates his though process. Presumably, there's a bunch of editing work too.

[@JB-NZ]

For that tank, I would personally cut a decent access panel on the side that gets covered up (so you cant see it), and get in there so you can properly clean it out, and also push the dent out from the inside. Then just weld the part that you cut out, back in, and grind the welds down. Given it will be against a side you cant see, it should be all good, and it will enable you to properly do the dent from the inside and clean it out nicely.

[@joehohn]

FarmCraft101 did that on his Dozier. It worked out quite well.

[@JB-NZ]

@@joehohn Yup I watch his channel too, great channel :) Yeah he did it from the top and left the access plate removable

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

Great idea!

[@kaboom4679]

That would be my move as well . Also , fix the drain so it actually fully drains the tank instead of being the highest point in the tank floor .

[@curtdawe]

All the comments under @JB-NZ's comment offer good thoughts, plus, do a pressure test on the tank when you're done with the welding to get the tank back in ship shape. Matt, I thought you did a fabulously thorough job with the dozer, but I think I'm looking forward to the excavator here even more.

[@diggingdave3868]

This is equally as good as the dozer series...love your work, Matt...keep going, please...😊👍

[@2wheelzdown180]

For the fuel tank you should cut a hole in top and either make a flange or get a 8-10in weld on pipe / bolt flange . Then u can actually clean it out . Most time tank liners are a waste if they fail they destroy pumps and injectors. Keeping metal tanks full keeps out condensation. Great video 👍

[@joeblow7392]

you would have to be super careful with using air in the tank as you can push out the other sides and deform the whole tank..

[@joelx77]

I love watching your videos! I have the same excavator and have done some work with the left control lever and messed around with the computers ... Wait till you start counting blinking lights to find fault codes! 😂

[@frankrongione6778]

Love watching your videos. I really admire your desire to work on these projects. Excellent work.

[@williamglaser6577]

Always great to see a vid from you Matt. I am really enjoying this series. Lookin forward to the next one.

[@gordonagent7037]

Matt the decision to take everything back to the bare bones was the right choice, especially as you are a guy who likes to do something right the first and only time, it’s a pain and a lot of extra work but at least it’s not a half baked attempt and who knows what other problems you will uncover in doing so, it’s a real credit to you mate, you are one of my favourite channels now so appreciate your videos. One day let’s hope you get so popular that you can build a dream workshop for yourself so you have a concrete floor, cosy building and really good lighting. Have a great week mate from Australia

[@curtdawe]

He definitely deserves the attention he gets and more.

[@FoothillPaintandFabrication]

Matt, The tank dent is pretty easy to tackle but it needs to be done in the correct order. Your idea for using water pressure is really good and safer than air pressure since it contained fuel. The dent is mostly an oil can dent with a kink at the top that will keep the oil can from popping out completely. Start off with a small amount of pressure and work your way up. You will be surprised how little it takes to make the dent move. Once the dent begins to pop out you will need to release the kink by hammering on it in the opposite direction it went is which was upwards. You may need to use your stud gun and slide hammer to help the kinked area come back out. Any spot you over pull can be worked back down from the outside. The flat undamaged sides of the tank will bulge a little under pressure but should return where they belong once the pressure is released but only use low pressure or you will end up with an egg instead of a square tank 🙂 I do a lot of dent removal and you always want to start off easy and if that doesn't work progress from there. Nice score at the junk yard. Good luck! Mark

[@russgier4409]

Your sheer determination is admirable to watch, keep the videos coming, always look forward to a new episode

[@garysparks2681]

Curious - could you fasten a rope or a chain low down on both of your gantry legs and then be able to pull both from the center plus your load at the same time? Save switching back and forth? Love the videos - long time subscriber.

[@PacificNorthwestHillbilly]

Knowing myself, I would probably trip over it

[@CSWmanofsteel]

You should fabricate a lifting Jib for the front of your Kubota loader it’ll probably lift the cab and in the long run you can use it on future projects

[@davidregister7405]

Those rubber mats are what ruins the floors in all cabs they hold water and mud under them and rust everything out id rather have a steel floor than the damage they do

[@afsecaira]

blow it like a balloon. with a pressure washer. hydroforming i think its called.

[@verteup]

This dude is magical with a nut rounder 3000 aka crescent wrench. He don't round off anything with his and I round off every nut I use em on.

[@carlaustin7398]

I really enjoy your content and calm demeanor as you figure out your next move. I'll be waiting for the next episode. Thanks for sharing.

[@thomas4844]

You got balls man. This is one hell of a job and you’re flying solo. Lots of respect for hard working people like you. Looking forward to your next post.

[@karenmullins9356]

This disassembly would be tough on a bright sunny day. This lads doing it at night... in the bloody 🌧. Gr8 video bud. New subscriber from Canada.