SmokeyFiredozer

#McKinney Fire IR mapping operation spotted a fire 27 acres in size 2 miles south of the California - Oregon border 8 miles west of Hilt. This is the Siskiyou Crest Botanical area. This skilled CalFire Dozer operator was able to get up the hill with minimal impact to the terrain. Heavy machinery operator is very skilled and caring with sensitive biological area.

[@davomo8007]

Pink ribbon was holding him back. Once it broke he climbed right up

[@jhayward1940]

Man I said the same thing, then run across your comment. Haha

[@firebladex8586]

😂 it put up a good fight though didn't it

[@zahirmurji]

😂😂😂

[@BlakeGibbons]

That was the perfect coincidence lol

[@danr308]

Engineering!

[@michaeltrilck5680]

Wow! This operator know his machine very good! On this very dry and sandy ground, 100% gradient(45 degree angle)... three cheers, and hats off!!! All the best, good luck and a long live to ALL firefighters!!! (a retired german firefighter) 😉

[@In2investing]

The guys in an earth moving tank, and he's got a pair on him. Nevertheless it is impressive to watch

[@DarienSeminoff]

Well done, I say that thing could use new pads and rails and probably could get corked up if he’s in that kinda terrain. I use to run cat doing seismic, tow cat winching seismic exploration drills. I had an old cat skinner tell me one day that if you can’t climb or struggle going straight up. You have a pretty good chance of climbing something in reverse. Started doing it and it actually worked pretty good, all your weights in the rear of a machine between the finals and transmission so it made sense to me.

[@langdons2848]

Agreed - I didn't think he was going to make it up there, but he persisted and got the result. Mind you, with time and fuel a bulldozer can go just about anywhere! Which really is the point of a bulldozer I guess.

[@langdons2848]

@@crippledproductions2194 lol - a bulldozer is a tool. It goes where the work is. If that requires climbing a steep slope to get to the work site (or cutting its own path to get there) then that's what the operator does. I say that as someone who runs an earthmoving business and operates heavy equipment daily.

[@DarienSeminoff]

@@crippledproductions2194 I don’t know what industry you’re involved in but in the oil and gas industry in northern canada, or really any industry up here a dozer is used for many many things. Walking days and days across valleys and mountain tops with a gps and a sat phone for the operator to go build a pad and tow a fuel skid or a mineral exploration drill somewhere. Working shoring up strippings or building road on slopes too steep to stand on. Using them to tow logs as a skidder in poorly accessible logging slashes. Walking over extreme terrain to make fire breaks as seen above. They are made for extreme grades and going extreme place’s, many machines have duel pick up tubes in the oil pan so no matter the angle you don’t loose engine oil pressure. With the right undercarriage, ice lugs (corks as I call them) you can climb fuckin walls with some machines.

[@rosscollins2910]

@@DarienSeminoff well said👍 From a farming background, those pads need replacing, or new grousers welded on. Too much slippage.

[@marcuswyatt5642]

@@DarienSeminoff same with a trackhoe. I pipeline for a living.

[@johac7637]

25+ years on dozers, chain saws on fires, and nobody has all the answers, but some say, " thanks for you service" is that just a way of saying, " glad you put yourself on line, I didn't have to" so yes it's done for a paycheck, and service, today I'm working on a Cat Skidder/water tanker on a fire in BC Canada, fire is long gone, but a accessory drive gear failure, so no transmission, and out in the sticks with tools, excavator, tomorrow eng/tranny comes out and gets fixed in the sticks, we are 8 miles from a road. Now that's fun, but it needs fixing, and a few chopper rides to boot.

[@redrooster6995]

p1 para

[@huntingfire7869]

I don’t know much about bulldozers,but I know fire and it sure looks like this operator knows both.Looks like it takes real skills to handle that machine like that!Wow… Thanks so much for sharing this,excellent video.Salute to all the troops out there on the line🔥

[@tyrel7185]

He must be pissed having to go do a job like that with such worn tracks. It could cost him his life. Budget, budget, penny pinching budget.

[@a-bar-b5196]

Plus it’s a CASE !! 🤦‍♂️

[@gibbyrockerhunter]

I dont know who owns this one, but in many "wilderness" settings, the state and county FD will rent equipment and operators.

[@damiencass8156]

He probably owns it.

[@anthonygnewbreast1609]

Looks like he's going take a run at it

[@elopez2733]

Needs new grousers welded on. Poor dude got slick tracks.

[@raynyhus2026]

The places I've seen dozer operators take these things during the fires of 88' and 94' is just insane. They've got big brass balls. I know I'd never try it, I'll stick to my feet getting up to the fire. Great job to the operator here, and all those I've watched risk their live to make my job easier.

[@elonmust7470]

Dozer logging is even more fun.

[@bryannonya9769]

good job with the self aggrandizement

[@abbcc555]

That was awesome, considering that the operator must've seen exactly the sky and nothing else.

[@tihspidtherekciltilc5469]

Found all the dozer experts in the comments. I wonder why they have no videos of their awesome skills?

[@Kirsohe]

Yeah right. Lol. I own a dozer climbing steep hills are not as easy as it seems. Track grousers that have taller track cleats help alot. But only can do so much on soft dirt. I'm no expert but terrain can make all the difference. Also I love how some are saying it needs new tracks that is determined by wear. That can only be checked physically in person. That track isn't heavy worn otherwise track droop would be showing. But that doesn't mean the track or grousers are worn out might need adjustment. Opinions should be kept to yourself unless it is actually productive. I'm not looking for a argument just stating a fact.

[@williepelzer384]

Cuz they don't have time, there all getting work done.

[@sceneanuerebelrebel9244]

There was no such thing as selfies or video blogs and film and cameras melted back then open cabs ,with expanded metal mesh not real fire or heat proof ...

[@Kirsohe]

@@williepelzer384 Yeah and deploying to multiple fires. Sometimes those dozer are out making fire breaks and whatnot for weeks.

[@johnc5874]

Actually if he'd backed up the hill, he wouldn't have to deal with his ripper anchoring in the ground...or he could've gone up at an angle.

[@Wilbargosh]

Thats a strong bit of pink tape to hold back a dozer. As soon as it snapped the dozer got going!

[@ryanv3751]

Damn, how strong was that ribbon???

[@johnyeary6695]

🤣kevlar reinforced and burn proof

[@akbychoice]

Western Spider Web

[@norwayphilosopher]

"Spiderman was here"

[@pablovega7979]

Never run over the ribbon!

[@jakemccann2790]

Genuine, Saskatchewan seal skin binding ribbon

[@zoellar11]

What a BEAST!.....and a skilled operator!

[@mikecarlson3984]

You know the best thing about a dozer... you can build a access road!

[@jeffrichards5008]

He apparently didn't know that , 😆😆. Look like a Rookie.

[@Bigmike3406E]

I have never seen such worn out grousers on a fire cat in my life . My fire cat is a D8 R even has a boost knob that I can adjust the horse power for emergencies or or steep terrain and very good tracks .

[@trevorslater2746]

Replace the grousers ,doing that that sort of work and getting stranded because you got no grip with the fire chasing you ,bad news

[@chrisboek2346]

Trevor that's a 60% slope at least they travel with a heavy equipment mechanic as well as bein a driver of the dozer the drivers also are certified heavy equipment mechanic it has rippers on the back to pull the debris an slop over out of the dozer line cut most of cal fire dozers have winches on them but a few don't they also go through a refresher course in Sacramento every year that is required for u to stay employed there the skills of these drivers is awesome as a retired firefighter who work with them the training and experience is off the charts each one of these heavy equipment drivers are also certified to run a dozer strike team of up to 6 dozers at a time need to do ur part and research what u say before u say it

[@elonmust7470]

@@chrisboek2346 God damn learn what a period is & when to use it!

[@pushnpow]

@@chrisboek2346ok but that has nothing to do with a wear-item on the dozer needing to be replaced.

[@chrisboek2346]

@@pushnpow they do replace them as needed when there shift is over on the line there taken care of daily by the h.e.m an by the operators who drive them

[@garrybrischke53]

Replacing the worn out track pads/ grousers is not a task the operator could do at the end of a shift . Operating dozens in those conditions requires well maintained machinery , a competent operator can find himself and his team mates in dire trouble if their gear is below par.

[@ryanmcfall7725]

I ran a d9 on wood chip piles and watching this brings back memories. I would love to do this, I’ve never operated on dirt, but wood chips are slick and loose. I’ve slid d9’s 40-50 feet sideways!

[@chrismetz1388]

Cat in Redding has two that fell off the pile..very very expensive

[@justindavis4962]

That's a "hold my beer and watch this" moment.

[@loganbaileysfunwithtrains606]

Made it up with the heavy side down that’s pretty impressive on sandy soil

[@lovedadonald.]

By GOD he just wasn't taking no for an answer ! Good job operator...

[@scottdyersr2151]

John Wynne would have drove that tractor like he stole it.up that hill today.

[@carlwallis2044]

Cause a man got to do what a man got to do. And also because he was burning day light.

[@20truck]

It's amazing how an experienced operator can take 40,000 lb of steel and move it around wherever he wants it to go.

[@ericstout4122]

That guy could hardly move the thing.

[@20truck]

@@ericstout4122 you try doing it, that dozer is close to 20 tons you try moving it up to 45° incline on loose dirt and see if you can get it to go.

[@ericstout4122]

@@20truck I do it everyday buddy I’m a finishing dozer operator cutting slopes and building roads lmao up to a d11

[@mattstarr8203]

way more than 40 k more like 70 k

[@20truck]

@@mattstarr8203 You're right it could be 70,000 them damn things are heavy aren't they.

[@mikedecristoforo9657]

I was on that fire that ground sucked all rock and sand dozer guys are the best relief for a hand crew

[@masaharumorimoto4761]

DUDE! that was impressive!!!

[@Huntinghogs]

Holy shit!!! That took some balls!

[@wsteede]

Get some! Never ran dozers for fire but as a operator at a ski resort for many years. Steep stuff like that gets your blood pumping, especially in new territory.

[@nathanlee5789]

do we tell the rookies that steering can work opposite on hills

[@ksordrun.youtube1985]

Xe khỏe quá bạn nhỉ like 👍👉🔔🔔👏🤝

[@tedmaas3588]

TY 2 all the BRAVE PERSONAL who tackle the wildfires 🙏🙏🙏

[@machineviral]

skills operator with super power bulldozer thank for sharing

[@stephenneville7841]

Lol!!!! Clearly doesn’t run dozer at his day job. Dude, just back up the hill 🤣🤣🤣

[@alanliddicoat8858]

that thing would do a lot better if it had new grousers on it. they look worn-out

[@imallowedmyopinionok2354]

Yeah righto noah

[@bammersmith5993]

Better luck backing up the hill or going at an angle.

[@dplant8961]

Hi, Folks. It was that danged pink ribbon that stopped him. Once he broke that, he was O.K.. Just my 0.02. You all have a wonderful day. Best wishes. Deas Plant.

[@TurboSpin]

Proper machine!

[@felipeflorentino1339]

wow amazing work🎉good job

[@daily-equipment-channel.]

Watching you here new friend...from Philippines

[@DozermanLT]

Sounds like Antique! Lol But Cats are Long lasting. Better built. I wore out 9 or so Dozers. Running 850k now. So quiet !

[@grazierguy]

Hi 👋, what kind of tags are you using to get so many views on your dozer video?

[@trakyboy5128]

Driver skills are on the low side. Hopefully practice & a thinking brain will help 🙂

[@phloughtgnarpsehs7263]

Love all the folks complaining about the “armchair dozer experts” Anyone with just basic knowledge of these machines can quickly see AND hear those tracks are very worn. The grousers are less than half of what they are new, and the squeaking points toward worn bushings. The bushings wouldn’t make a difference on that hill, but the worn grousers sure as hell did. Along with that ribbon.

[@zirzmokealot4600]

Like mudding with drag slicks. Get this guy a new set of tracks.

[@watchthe1369]

Once he got past the slope of the road cut, a couple of blade back drags later which is a disqualification all in itself ;P, he was homefree.

[@brandonmclean1327]

Why was that guy just standing there watching? Like, get behind it and push, slouch...

[@SiskiyouNews]

This has to be the funniest comment ;)

[@davtona]

I hope the Maintenance Super got a kicking for the state of the Grouser bars on the track plates, it’s like driving in the rain on slicks, possible, but not advisable. Quality operator tho!

[@ajpsawmill4314]

Amazing what a good operater can do

[@johnypitman2368]

God bless the dozer operator on the fires

[@downloadjunkyadventures]

What a beast. Awesome thanks

[@superstarmcgee1128]

The pink rope held it back broke that good to go ,🤣🤣🤣

[@4x4adventure_pl]

Wiw. Thats the machine!

[@KhlaBaiTong]

Great 👍

[@gazof-the-north1980]

Get up there dude! Awesome skill

[@billsettle9606]

Nice to see a true equipment 0perator!

[@SiskiyouNews]

It sure is!

[@musisinob8820]

Great job, 👍👍👍

[@blainebarron6162]

If he went to his left about 20 feet he could have made it the first time. I'm sure that's what the boss standing there shaking his head was thinking too.

[@jedediah420]

I agree could have went over 20 ft to the left and would have made it in the first time You're right

[@alspeers6931]

Ya first text guy was right, pretty smooth tracks not helping the situation, still good operator skills

[@machinerytvcambodia7278]

amazing video my friend !

[@davidthurmond5320]

Needs some new track pads that would help a little

[@branonjohnson8617]

been there handled it like a champ! few things take more finesse!

[@mauriceholder1386]

That's incredible!

[@josefernandes3382]

Muito bom eu trabalho com isso, essas máquinas são, forças brutas.

[@CowboyCarCrushing]

I'm proud to be sub #200 🤠👍👊

[@SiskiyouNews]

Thank You !! You are Crushing it.. 🫣

[@PichKunKhmerII]

amazing work

[@manyfaces2614]

Shoulda went in at a angle in the beginning

[@ethanplace2194]

Hey Mr George how much u paid for the new guy?? He need a raise he's a good operator ..... 😎😎😎😁😁😁😅😅🤣🤣😎😎😎😎😎😎😎💪💪💪💪💪

[@dunebuggy1286]

That's how ya get up a mountain. Patients and determination.

[@marcuswyatt5642]

Patience

[@imafriend1336]

It’s a hi track ya gotta do it in reverse

[@bentheguru4986]

It was the pink tape holding him down....

[@TheGoodguy68]

Don't be a rookie, drop the blade without touching the ground for weight transfer and traction.

[@donnapablos8752]

That’s why all our wheelers are burning up they don’t even know how to drive a dozer

[@garydionne1357]

Well when fires are burning and the wind is not your friend, you take what you can get. And be thankful

[@garydionne1357]

Blessings of safety to the Men and Woman who put their ass on the fire lines for us

[@avalon1rae]

Gavin Screwsome is behind the controls.

[@Bulldozercaterpillar]

Woow amazing 👍

[@parkerwhite8289]

I hope those newer high tracks give you the same performance as the old D-6's.

[@craigwhittingslow9689]

I have driven both and will take the old oval track any day. 🙏🙏👍💪

[@lobonegroypanteranegraparanorm]

Like 👍

[@Matthew-ld8be]

All it takes is for that thing to lose traction on one side and it's gone flip

[@สวนป่าร้อยล้าน]

สุดยอดเลยครับ

[@daciatravel.647]

Very nice work!

[@florianzenkert2047]

Great Operator

[@TB-ni4ur]

Just had to break through that pink chord that was holding it back. Once that thing snapped it was clear sailing...

[@jakelidie2701]

Like the cat

[@anekahobi1539]

Buldozer good job 😍

[@joefregoso2725]

Impresionante equipos y excelentes operadores, un saludo

[@pablovega7979]

No tanta experiencia

[@roadtrain5910]

what no 4 wheel drive fire truck following the dozer? here in Western Australia we have to follow dozers graders wheel loaders also the machinery gets given a mobile tracking device (AVL) and portable vhf/waern radio

[@drakorc]

wow👍

[@rayala111]

Bravo

[@jhayward1940]

If you would cut that ribbon then you got it. Dang ribbon got you tied down.

[@vetrieu1997]

🙋🙋❤❤❤

[@bindig1]

Impressive operating

[@ahill7099]

That's a good climb pretty steep

[@justtl5885]

Nice work!

[@Aslam388]

nice work

[@crkproductions5000]

That’s a driver. Wow

[@dylanpeterson6192]

That would've scared me. Yeah, get a good start up the hill finally, but if that sand(i guess?) ever gives way up there, you're not stopping for quite a while. Skilled/brave/stupid/whatever, it made for a good show. Sucker sounded nice too.

[@strangefruit8776]

Drought conditions suck on a dozer. It’s about like trying to climb asphalt with powder on top of it.

[@langdons2848]

Agreed, that must make it very hard. And then you get the opposite like we have here in Australia at the moment where it's so wet that if you break through the crust it's like pudding underneath and you just sink like a stone. Literally happened to me yesterday and was a royal pain to recover the machine.

[@elonmust7470]

The worst is 100' of bedrock slab hidden 8" under topsoil. You're chugging along one moment & sliding down the mountain at 15 mph the next with nothing to aid control but the blade & or a drag of logs. Falling timber in bad ground never scared me, but dozers & bedrock sure does.

[@langdons2848]

@@elonmust7470 amen to that brother. The expectation is that rock, being solid is a good thing - right up to the moment that you first hit it!

[@strangefruit8776]

@@langdons2848 I’ve only come across a couple spots like that. I was pushing out a fence row in 2020 and walked our dozer through a spot just fine that wasn’t wet at all on top and as soon as I started moving in reverse it sank to the top of the grousers. My dad didn’t believe me because he’d been around this place almost his whole life. After 2 hours of laying down trees to make a mat for our excavator to sit on while we pulled the dozer out he believed me that it wasn’t my fault. Lol

[@strangefruit8776]

@@elonmust7470 shale is sketchy as well. We used to have a pc300 Komatsu and I was sitting on a ledge on the side of a hill digging shale one day and all the sudden a shower came down. I slid off the side of this cut we had going up the hill and just about ruined my drawers.

[@filipkurak3011]

Engine Sound 💓

[@loadblock4995]

Would love to help out running dozer. Be he wishes he had diff steer.

[@davidnazario6646]

I want one 🚧

[@fhsksu]

Thing sounds mean ! 🔥

[@alexsavon2676]

Damn! My 4runner doesn't feels all that badass after watching this 😅

[@Embarq007]

I think this operator has done this before