How to Operate a Bulldozer (2019): Pre-Op to Shutdown | Heavy Equipment Operator

[@thegoodearth7]

It is very evident that you care about the quality of your work--from small things to large. Impressive and a good reminder to us all!

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Thanks for the comment!

[@haidernaqvigravitytraders]

This guy is a blessing for us all

[@adelarsen9776]

Tips for new dozer operators : 1) Slow and gradual movements of the blade up and down. Excessive lifting and lowering of the blade causes unwanted trenches and mounds. Learning to "not touch the blade control" is just as important as knowing when to use it. 2) When trenching start off short just behind the point you want the pile of earth in its final position. Then lengthen the trench back. Starting off with a too long trench wastes fuel and time. This video showed what to do quite well. 3) Keeping it slow when pushing is good especially when learning. 4) The deeper the trench the wider the gap between trenches. The shallower the trench being dug the narrower the distance between trenches. 5) Safety. Always keep an eye out behind you but also out on the work site. Where did that guy go you saw standing on the edge of the work site ? Keep a mental note of who is around and where they are. 6) Be patient. To be a good operator takes time and patience. To be a great operator takes years. I made all the mistakes when I started. I wasted a lot of diesel and created excessive wear of machines in the beginning. This video is actually pretty good. In essence, seat feel, watching your blade edges and comparing the machine to the horizon is the root of dozer operating. Thanks for making a good training resource.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

This is all excellent advice! Thank you for taking the time to share it!

[@adelarsen9776]

You're welcome. :-)

[@huckstered]

Great post for greenhorns, however first one must find grade and then do not touch the blade lever.

[@aaronemanuel57]

I am a operator I look at this guy video and it help me

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

awesome...thanks for the comment.

[@Hjyurdvc]

For me that lessons are incredible nothing comparable with lorry driving I have experience with, I'm just excited of that power 👍

[@edwardkalusa4795]

You are the best trainer you deserve 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 s

[@kafoapenjueli.penjueli8916]

Cheers for those few tips you pointed out. I remembered that first time I was introduced to one of those machines by my supervisor,he pulled out a little card from behind the visor and it reads,this machine will help pay your wages for a long time if you look after it as your own. I have never forgotten it. I can’t remember seeing a card like that any other machine since .anyone?

[@ezratowongo9230]

Thank you my trainer, I love your the way train.i am blessed.

[@keithross4511]

Great information!

[@jamesnull2734]

Excellent vid. Great teaching, communication and demonstrating also monitoring and adjusting for any student. Best advice, "how you do anything is how you do everything",will definately take to heart. Also, what a lot of people doing demonstrations on KZbin don't understand: appearance of the demonstrator. You are clean cut, your clothes are clean, you're wearing a safety vest etc., I want to listen to you mostly because you look believable. Many times I have written comments about the demonstrators' poor appearance. I watched the whole video because I wanted to believe you. Excellent job. I have a small grading service I do on the side after work and on weekends and I find myself doing a lot of grading with the blade of a mini excavator. These simple tips will help me greatly. I have been called to do more digging and maybe I'll branch out some, maybe later. Thanks again and excellent work.😎

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Awesome feedback and totally agree. First impressions mean a lot in any environment. Appreciate the comment! Thanks!

[@vladschultz7709]

Great video good content and very helpful to help new operators get better.

[@rodyjperez7659]

Thank you for the videos!

[@jameslamb7300]

Thanks for the great tips! I've watched many of your video's and I like the longer format.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Glad to hear it!

[@guy3749]

I have some experience in pushing mine rock, you pretty much have on shot at pushing it, as your fines come to the top when pushing and that’s exactly what you want. If you go back over an area you haven’t got fines anymore and it’s just rock on top. Then you have to track it to smooth it out. If a rock is sticking out you have to use the corner of the blade and pull it out, it will never go away on its own. I’m not running equipment anymore but the dozer was my favourite and I truly miss it. Great video, thanks

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Awesome advice....thanks for sharing your experience!

[@huckstered]

Yes, guy. The same is true when fine grading crushed limestone. Roll the gravel back and forth too much and the rocks come to the surface. A bony grade is no good.

[@mitchellminton7262]

I like your videos keep it up. Thank you for all of your training videos.

[@huckstered]

I might add. Forty years worth of experience might add here. Move your blade as little as possible, carefully and slowly ease the machine upon takeoff create a flat spot this way for take off. Always carry dirt ahead of your blade so that you are creating grade always and keeping the job even and flat. Fine grading can begin once this is done. I ran a grader for the last twenty years. Have a good time, I always did. And do not back over anyone.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Excellent advice....thanks for the comment!

[@huckstered]

@@davidwillard7334 No, fortunately I never backed over anyone in the forty plus years that I was on Cats. I never permitted grade checkers to check grade behind me however. Well because, one cannot see behind the thing for fifteen feet, even if one turns around, so this was the rule. The best way to fine grade is to cut blue tops anyway. GPS is usually employed now unless you work for a Mickey Mouse sized company which cannot afford GPS.

[@galvanizedgnome]

I'll back over my ex wife Tammy if I want too.

[@huckstered]

@@galvanizedgnome Does she deserve to be backed over with a bulldozer? In this case I understand , but still I would highly recommend not doing so. I once knew a guy whom backed over himself with his very own D-8. Elmer. A very old conventional tracked D-8 it was. The ancient ones will slip into gear by themselves once the directional controls get very,very, worn out. One must put the gear lock out, in place to prevent this from occurring.I have seen this very thing happen on an old G Model Grader also. It was guessed that Elmer got off to take a leak and did not lock out the gear shift. The scraper hands did not know anything until they drove back onto the cut and found Elmer run over. He was a good guy too......

[@jameslumley2463]

I'm glad to see the blade was on the ground while walking around. Sometimes people will allow the blade to be off the ground while someone is near the machine which could be fatal.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Agreed...thanks for the comment!

[@jamesnull2734]

I drive trucks and operate a little. I remember that the best way to see if there is fuel in the tank day or night is to pull the cap and look OR rap on the side of the fuel tank and listen for the echo. If there is an echo, you need fuel, no echo = no fuel needed. Best if you're pre-tripping in the dark. Not all fuel gauges work properly, even new ones.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Interesting....thanks for the comment!

[@shingiraikamuzonde7680]

Thank you so much I learn a lot

[@mulekwaivan8776]

Thanks for the good work

[@RealMikeClements]

Thanks for the video. I’m doing training soon and just wanted to know some basics.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

You’re welcome! Good luck on training!

[@jochenlesti2053]

@@HeavyMetalLearning.. Bb. "

[@sepcollcoman7955]

Excellent I like your training session

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Thanks for the comment!

[@douglashiggins5652]

Also when you check your sprocket you should see if it's worn to a point witch means it's worn out and needs to be replaced and the pins need to be turned also.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Good point...thanks for sharing!

[@dman0044]

Great to learn heavy equipment, I have driven Forklifts of different types, Hyster (industrial/lumberyard(4 large tires in front),tow-able; have 4 controls,first up/down,2nd-3rd forward/back(it goes further forward to lift tow hitch(that thing is heavy as heck)4th -side to side.Warehouse (Clark ;propane fueled,still have own key),maybe Komatsu/Toyota(?) .

[@billcoley8520]

Showing how to adjust the tracks would be a interesting video.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

agreed....I'll see what we can do

[@yousifhappycowfarm1172]

Thanks for video

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

You’re welcome!

[@northmanlogging2769]

thankee, i just picked up an old D6, have no idea what i'm doing with it so this is invaluable info

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

You're welcome....good luck!

[@RICARDOLopez-bi2jd]

Outstanding video, thank you so much and keep it coming.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

You’re welcome...thanks for the comment!

[@ricker752]

I called my little adjustments 'micro adjustments ' usually make these adjustments to prevent tractor taking a nose dive into an over cut, making ripples. I've never operated a six way tilt blade I suppose tilting blade helps.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

I like that...thanks!

[@Midwest_life]

randy, you know everything on equiptment

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

very NOT true....but I'm always learning!

[@matemikulic4869]

Wery useful and interesting, thank you.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

You’re welcome!

[@dkenney3076]

I am so exited for when i graduate highachool because im going somewhere for a year and a half for training

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

That’s awesome! Keep it up!

[@omarfelipearangochavez4540]

will be great if you guys can show videos operating GPS system in the dozer. thanks

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Yes, definitely hoping to do some videos on that in the future. Thanks for the comment!

[@trucummings4759]

Thank you

[@heavyequipmentclub579]

Thank u for video verry good friend

[@abielfshatsion5054]

Great nice

[@shikamidavid917]

I would like to train wit you but my finances can’t allow Thanks a lot God bless you

[@ericlindal8008]

Nice

[@Wolfiecolada]

i miss this stuff

[@theenigmatik8294]

Man I didn’t know Jason Sudekis knew so much about heavy equipment. It’s astonishing really.

[@robertkilvitis9968]

One thing I saw that you didn't mention that beginners should not do is push up a ramp and drop the blade into float and let it bottom out on the cylinders before it hits the ground you'll blow the cylinders right out

[@kamalthapa4541]

Nci video

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

thanks

[@douglashiggins5652]

When cleaning your tracks you should use a posthole shovel. they're long and narrow for getting into all the nooks and crannies on a dozer and track loader. I should know cleaning tracks 6 days a week for years. I'm not picking on you I'm just giving my two cents worth. I think your videos are very very good or I wouldn't watch them thanks for posting them .

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Excellent advice...thanks for sharing!

[@kylebanks4003]

A track shovel

[@wayneherl1442]

Around Oklahoma it is called a A Sharpshooter shovel

[@brandonbaird1]

Can you explain in more detail “Looking at the Horizon”? I’m used to matching the previous pass grade with 1/4 of the blade.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Tough to explain exactly without seeing it. But the point is really not to get too hyper-focused by just looking down at the blade tips. Often you need to teach to keep your eyes on the horizon as well by looking up so you can get a better orientation to what the machine is doing (is it tilting left/right etc). I've just found it helpful myself to make sure I am not overly focused on blade tips. Thanks for the comment! Would love to hear any tips or suggestions you have.

[@brandonbaird1]

Thanks. Give it your best shot to explain the horizon. I should be able to follow. I have operated quite a bit of heavy equip but not happy with my skill sets. I’m just trying to pick up as many tips as possible. Thanks again and have a blessed day.

[@wayneherl1442]

Some call it the Big Picture, it's being able to look out over the whole job site and envision the end result while it is in progress

[@RuvenHattingh]

Very enjoyable, thanks! Enjoy your guys Videos and Content you bring! Not my Trade but, but do enjoy building up knowledge on Heavy Equipment! As I'm Driving a wheel loader now and then...

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

You're welcome....thanks for the comment!

[@TajudeenKassim]

Good

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Thanks

[@UrbanoRosas-d7m]

I would like to try it as an

[@batboy242]

I always add grease to the fittings, is that an operators job or does the mechanic check this daily?

[@theinvisibleman5878]

What's the lever/stick, behind your right elbow for? I start my training March 9th.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

That would be for the ripper behind the machine (but we don’t have one installed)

[@theinvisibleman5878]

@@HeavyMetalLearning Hey, thanks for getting back to me/us. Just so I have it clear, this was the bulldozer tutorial? I start Monday and your videos have taken some the "fear of the unnown" out of the equation. Thanks!

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

The Invisible Man ummm....yeah....lol. Good luck!

[@anakpetani_7791]

good

[@dannykafwanda1405]

Can learn the dozer via tutorials...and operate on basics

[@kibasiwakibasi5070]

I like it but how should I join you? For more leaning.

[@subrodebraj767]

Plz make travelling excavator machine sir

[@kennethvalerio1294]

I wonder we’re in Massachusetts you could get trained?

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Not sure I know any areas in MA, maybe someone will comment....

[@luthermistry3879]

Hi,teach us how to operate sugarcane harvesters.

[@g8wayrebel772]

Hydraulic fluid level?

[@dangxiong610]

What I want to learn is want to see how to use and operations manual on the hands to operating the right and left handles manual controls. I want to see how to make blade go up and down, turn right turn left, pushing and backwards but the camera didn’t do that you talked too much.

[@Haithamz]

شكرا

[@MrMDee-si1bz]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

thanks

[@peterkimanzi1027]

How much does Bulldozer takes for diesel to fill the tanks?

[@wayneherl1442]

that's like asking how much does it take to fill the tank on a car

[@jhunsorema8193]

How much to enroll heavy equipment operator.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Have to check with your local resources in your market.

[@huckstered]

Also, one more thing, I would not wear Bermuda shorts. :o) Injury might result.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

ohhhh....come on....but they feel so good

[@huckstered]

@@HeavyMetalLearning This ain't a feel good activity, it is work! I fell off a muddy D-six high track off the top step and ground all the skin off the front of my shin. That hurt, all the way through my levis it ground the skin off.

[@wayneherl1442]

@@huckstered 3 points of contact and your shins don't count

[@huckstered]

@@wayneherl1442 No I know. I worked for the largest contractor in the state. I was going to brush it off but by quitting time it hurt like hell so I went to our clinic we use for physical and drug screen. The safety director came out to see me etc....It was muddy and this is what happened. I was only hurt one other time when I accidentally closed the grader door one winter. I was talking to somebody and I did not take my hand off the pinch point and so closed the grader door on my thumb an so broke it. One other time I was helping a mechanic when he was pounding on a gear with a five pounder and a piece of metal flew off into my arm. One time I was working on a Texas hill country road hillside trying to use a valve wrench, a long one when I lost footing while applying force to the T part of the handle. I slipped and bruised the front of my shin pretty badly. That is it in forty years of operating. I have know a bunch of guys who were killed in this trade. Two run over, one backed over by his own machine. The ancient d-8 shifter was so worn that it used to slip into gear by itself if you did not engage the lock, and Elmer did not. When the scraper hands came back to the cut Elmer was dead. He was a very good guy when he took his psych meds. If not he could be very grouchy. A few others. a mechanic was the rear u-joints on a twin engine scraper during lunchtime when the scraper hands were eating. Well one of the scraper hands got in the seat and took off with the mechanic still under the back end, forwards. Luckily., he was not hurt. There were others too, too many to list here. One interesting one was when Murph rolled his 637B off a dirt pile while on his cell phone. The mechanic had just taken the door of for repairs so when the scraper rolled over him, as he fell out of the machine,well, the hole where the door shold have been saved him. I have seen many accidents, these are a few.

[@dman0044]

Supposed to tip forks down. Same principle .

[@allyshaibu1046]

A person can come to you in order to learn in practice

[@ahmeddhieb1049]

any school in Virginia or Maryland,USA

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

sorry, only sites we have are in Minnesota and Texas

[@mikebrown5648]

And never take another piece of equipment and pull on a dozer blade unless that that is the last resort

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Yeah...seen that done a few times and just think it’s crazy. Not designed to be pulled.

[@salamali8527]

Hindi mein bataen bulldozer ka function

[@douglashiggins5652]

You talk about safety but you wear shorts instead of long pants, sneakers instead of steel tip boots and no hard hat. So what's with that

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Good points, but not a requirement on our site.

[@douglashiggins5652]

But if you're training people to be in the excavating business shouldn't you show them a good example. All job sites require proper attire...... I'm just busting your chops

[@terry1965]

If you can't cut grade without float you don't need to be on there

[@billcoley8520]

Your boss is going to fire you if you don’t crawl your butt in the machine and get to work.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

oh well

[@lawrenceb3837]

video out of focus

[@anthonyphung9393]

The hushed beggar oceanographically scrub because donald impressively fetch over a boiling headlight. accidental, stale love

[@jpk2420]

You ramble too much.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

my ex said the same thing

[@danielfarias6578]

Too much information not enough action.

[@jasonhan3854]

You need a better camera man..... Why is he/she fixed to you instead of recording WHAT you're showing? We're here to view your vid to learn not to see your face while you explain...

[@xamzamirzayev5698]

Fu