We had some doubts about investing our savings into this thing, but after reading all of your amazing comments I think we made the right call. This is going to be a fun summer! 🔥
One more thing when were the spark plugs last changed on the pony motor and a heat gun in the air intake a minute before you try the big motor does wonders .
I don't think you actually realize how good it will be having the right piece of equipment for the job. It just won't be anywhere near the struggle for those big jobs it would have been otherwise.
You have the older brother to the D-8 we have at our quarry that I sometimes run. That semi-U blade is good at ripping blasted or shale rock like you have there. It's a good idea to take a few small cuts than trying to get it in one go. The corner of the blade is your friend when working ripping rock. Because of the age of the machine use non- ethanol fuel for your pony motor. If you get lead fuel additive use it in your pony motor fuel your valve guides and seats will thank you. I'm guessing you know to let the main engine spin over till you have engine oil pressure before lighting it off. It was fun watching Riley running the dozer for the first time then at the house as a kid with a new toy... Oh fuel burn will be around 10 to 12 gallons an hour unless you are pushing really hard.
I sold out the operations side of my logging company in 2018. I sold 180 pieces of equipment through Ritchie Brothers. The one and only piece of equipment that I wish I had kept was oldest one: a 1977 D8K. They were so buttery smooth, easy to work on (other than the final drives) had ludicrous pushing power (no issues pushing my 180,000plus loaded trucks up hills), and would start in minus 40 simply by glow plugging it.
A warning and advise if you ever plan or get the idea of moving snow with it. Never use sideways it on a hill with snow. The metal tracks act just like a sled that won’t stop until it hits some thing.
Lol. That is experienced operator. Permafrost possibly will let it slide. But that machine is just to heavy . Loose boulder or cob is the only thing it will slide on and that is roll on because the rocks roll under the tracks. Snow won't make it slide one bit. You have a bank of snow beside you. I have slid 50 ft plus crossing green logs while skidding logs. That is why not many people are allowed to operate large dozers. I have 50 years operating cat logging, building road, fire line on wild fires. And strip mining. Also on cliffs in large rock pitts. 500 plus ft above on the cut. Have video to prove it. Even the owner is scared to watch in the rock pitt. Along ways down pushing over the edge.
@@leesharp7683 I guess it was my imagination watching my bosses dad go for a ride and almost end up in a river then I guess. It was a laughing turned into an oh shit moment.
I just retired from East Peoria Caterpillar where your dozer was built and had a hand in building and/or machining parts for more than a couple. I hope the winch works, because other than another dozer, it's the only thing that's going to pull you out if you get stuck!
Oh come on, he has tracks on that jeep! BWAHAHAHAHAHA! The most important thing to remember is to NEVER turn it off in a spot that you can't get around it! Otherwise you'll be building another road if it won't start.
Great purchase! Two things my dad mentioned and I’ve learned running dozers my whole life. Our old d7 if you press the clutches in will free wheel and can take off down a hill. Also, on rock, if the tracks start to slide, drop the blade and try and hook a tree. It kept us from going off a cliff once. Rocks and metal tracks can get tricky. Start slow and get proficient. You’ll be fast even if you’re slow if you’re working correctly.
When you tighten the track, pull it forward about twenty feet straight, stop and back up to get the slack on top of the idler and rollers. Old D-8 weighs actually about 48,000 but they are good old machines. Learn to steer it with the blade loading, not the clutches. If you start popping steering clutches under load, you will damage it fast.
Take the slack out of the Tracks. By pumping grease into the adjustment pistons. Look at the slack in the top of the Tracks as they roll over the upper rollers. Be carful and read the Manual. On the Net or from CAT. Its out there find and do it right !!!
If no one has told you yet, learn to watch and maintain the tension on your tracks. Especially on an older machine working around very large Rock it can be easy for them to come off. "throw" a track once and you'll never want to again. That being said, I totally envy you. Let everyone know how much fuel you use in a day. I have an idea but others will freak out. Best of luck and I hope to see you try that thing Courtney you'll look good up there.
Looking toward the future sale , please purchase Caterpillar yellow paint then when time allows brush that thang into looking new, after every repair (paint) during every repair (paint) new paint makes the likelihood of a future sale twice as possible. As soon as possible learn the track tension procedure , purchase a shop manual and purchase engine oil and hydraulic oil in 5 gallon buckets. If you don't already have a dewalt or milwaukee electric grease gun get one and invest in replacement grease nipples change/ replace all that you can also get the lock on type grease fitting for the gun.
When you go to start it, idle the starting engine for a few minutes first. While turning the diesel over with compression lever in the start position, build up oil pressure for a time, then move lever to the run position, keep the diesel throttle lever in the shut-off position, then when engine has turned over on compression for several minutes depending on temp, then open the throttle lever to start the diesel engine. Idle starting engine and turn off the gas valve to stop starting engine.
i like to spin the big engine with the compression off and let it freewheel and build oil pressure..then when you flip the compression lever its not so hard on the pinon because its already engaged...mine would grind a little in i pulled the pinion in under compression
Never ever use starting fluid(ether).... if hard to start in cold just run the pony(putput) motor longer....them old engines are easily addicted to the causby sauce and next thing u know u got more problems
@@DurmaxLLY -- Problem is that people don't understand how little you need to spray. In the video where they were trying to start the D7, they were spraying so much they probably used a dozen cans.
@@DurmaxLLY you use "sniff" because you are starting to have problems, it doesn't cause them, by not attending to them the need for a little "sniff" just gets worse until that is all that will overcome poor compression leading to poor starting, new pistons, liners and rings are the way but the cost of that buys a lot of cans of "sniff",
You might want to tighten the tracks a bit. It's real easy to do. On top of the roller frame there should be an access door (4 or so inch square), there is a grease fitting under it, and just a few pumps is all u need. Have fun!
Yeah my first thought when I saw it moving was the tracks were loose. My Allis HD11 has a manual (threaded) adjustment and it's good for a while. The hydraulic ones need regular attention.
@@ST-cy6we worked on Cats in the early 70s- a2U D8 & same era D6. Definitely BIG hex head screw. 3/4 or 1” plate and a hot wrench with a pipe on the end. It’s probably still pulling equipment.
@@EarthSouthside boris here is not talking about track adjustment,,,hes talking about grease fittings along the track itself,,,every joint of the track has fittings. Replacement of a bad track and sprokets and rollers and road wheels could well cost $38000,,,,its a good ideeee to use grease, and lots of it. Grease is cheap!!
Another plus about that older dozer , you can work on it , not all computerized crap ! If not done don't forgot to change the engine oil and filter , fuel filter , Definitely add diesel clean to fuel , trans fluid / or at least filters , maintenance is everything , I owned a equipment repair shop , worked on all types through the years , just a little advice , love the video y'all ,!! And what you are doing!! Be safe! Blessed ! You for every day probably need something like a tractor 50/ 60 hp
My Dad was a dozer operator for decades. I got to ride on. D-10 with him when he was building some sewage ponds for a housing development. Coolest thing any 4th grader could experience.
U bought good! I worked at CAT in Decatur, IL for 33 years. That plant builds off highway dump trucks (50 to 400 ton capacity), tractor scrapers (models 621 (20 cu yd to 657 48cu yd) and a few models of the larger rubber tire loaders. I wish you luck and BE SAFE. Ye Ole Caterpillar Cowboy...
one of the first things to now invest in is some fuel supply equipment, like a portable 30gallon rollaround diesel fuel tank with a hand pump on it..and run some Power Service fuel anti-gel year-round,it helps the engine start easier even in summer..drain the fuel filters and water separator regularly..25yrs a Cat iron owner
You bought the BEST bulldozer Caterpillar ever made the D8H, many are still in operation all around the world. Yours had a "U" blade known a 8U model. The best of luck with it. I have run them for 40 years.
By the way, my experience with pony motors is run the pony absolutely the least amount of time possible. Parts are unbelievably high and hard to come by. My advice if the pony goes down is direct electric start. There are conversion kits for that.
Unfortunately that's also why Pony motors give fits. They don't get run enough. Before I bought my first 9, I operated one for another contractor that had been converted. It was a total pain. Flip the compression release and hope she cranks fast enough to fire. When I bought mine, (66a9560), it was an electric start machine with Glo plugs. That thing would start in sub zero Temps no problem.
unless you BLOW UP THE PONY MOTOR theres only the magneto and carb to worry about!Dont change out the pony motor just because it starts hard! the changeover is a fortune and takes 2 monster batteries!then you need to add an alternator! this is a newer d8,probably a d8H...it is REAL BAD AMATUER ADVICE to tell you to change this over to direct electric start!.
Having ran crawler tractors over the years one thing to remember any part that says Caterpillar it's going to be darn expensive, but putting that aside the old D8 is one heck of a powerful machine
Cool purchase! And it will be worth it to get that work done faster. Just think... you now have something that can recover the Army truck if you ever get it stuck... That being said.... Never get the D8 stuck. I know a farmer who has a D8... He was clearing the edge of a field... Went over the bank a bit further than he planned and hung it up on a big tree in stump... It took him a week or two of thinking and all the cribbing he had to free it.
That Caterpillar brings back so many memories. When we lived in Oregon, my dad owned and operated several. So many memories - coming down a mountain road in 10 feet of snow and freezing as there was no cab. Pushing down trees, getting it stuck in a bog up to the top of the tracks. That one has a very nice blade on the front. Looking forward to watching your work.
In 1974 when I was 24 I learned to operate a Cat D8 at New Zealand steel pushing the slug dump. There is a sculpturing ability which is very satisfying. I'm 72 now and looking back I now realize how much I loved driving that machine.
Wow, you guys are serious about having some heavy metal to redo the driveway with! My kudos to you both! I thought you might find a D4 or D6 but when I saw you brought home the D8, I was seriously impressed! One warning tho- once you have had some serious machinery to work with, you can never go back to little machines. The heavy metal spoils you! I'm wondering if soon you will not be wanting a bigger excavator too! I really enjoy watching your videos to see the progress on the place, and how you solve problems!
It's not to bad looking 46a. A winch is nice but it's to bad no ripper to help penetrative through any rocky ground. And remember when using the steering clutches when Turing, let the steering clutch levers back in easy and not let go of them to slam back or you will learn the joys of rebuilding final drives. And the tracks are a bit loose. But enough of what and how to. It just puts a smile on this operators face to see the love and excitement of equipment you both have. Enjoy it.
Yup. I noticed the same thing and was gonna say something here in the comments until I saw you'd already mentioned it! @Riley & Courtney- I'm serious when I say that it's not something to mess around with. If you throw one, I don't know that you guys have the capability to get it back on and if it does it in the middle of your road such that it blocks you from getting in/out, you're gonna be in a world of hurt and more than sorry 'cause you've already demonstrated that you don't have the capability to move a derelict dozer, so don't just ignore it!
I've got over 30,000 hours on them old D7 and D8H dozers along with lots of hours on the newer ones. My favorite still is a late 60's increased horse power D8H. If you need help fixing or maintaining just shoot me a message.
@@CodeineRadick it was a challenge at times remembering where all the dipsticks were on all the machines and which lever to grab next but even after 10 years away from them operating D8T's or D7R's I hopped on our old 14A D8 1959 vintage hooked to a 435F cable scraper and didn't miss a beat with 2 shifters and a clutch, 2 winch levers, throttle and clutch, 2 steering clutch levers and 2 brake pedals along with the 3 levers, throttle, choke on off switch and push button to fire her up lol. Times were a lot more simple and our work was appreciated more. Building country side roads when not doing big projects were lots of fun and we didn't have to take lunch with ourselves, people were so happy they brought out wedding quality banquet meals, coffee, sandwiches and pastry all home made. Now you need to have eyes on the back of you so you don't get run over walking along your work to check grade or upcoming cuts.
The way it's been around here (we are over in St.Maries) it will be early August before everything dries out enough to get anything done. I don't think we have 36 hours in a row without rain since early March.
You two are AMAZING! I admire both your skills and how you work together. Being able to build, weld and think your way through problems is most rewarding. I wish I cpuld have a D6/7 for use in my woods and fill site.
As others have said watch your track tension , On start up let it warm up before you work it don't jump on it and take off, when shutting down let it idle about the time it takes you to walk a block both ways you chance cracking the head without idling down the Temperature your best investment will be a set of manuals from Cat Good Luck and Happy Grading.
That's a nice model of CAT I grew around that model and the D8K with my two other brothers. Summers were in the woods(Rouge Valley and southern Oregon) with Grandpa who pioneered logging roads from the 40's until he retired in the late 80's. Have fun with the 8H while you have it. My twin and i would have a ball building a road like yours. Only problem we would have......who gets to go first lol Have a good day and Happy Father's day everyone
You really needed something like that. I used run a d9 at the asphalt plant. I still say you need a roller compactor to help you out. But I know you will find a way lol.
A four wheel drive backhoe is a must have for a homestead, and a small dump truck, looks like you have one. you can blade with it, dig, and stockpile materials, all sorts of things. after you build your road sell that D8 cat, that’s a monster and if it breaks down on you it would cost a fortune to fix. a backhoe though expensive is a lot more practical, and uses a lot less fuel and lubricants. i had a case 580 Super K 4x4, it was. a good size but there are smaller ones if you prefer.
…and when you do your work, move minimal dirt to get the job done. Back dragging is a very good tool. Last, whenever you change direction, use the deaccellerator.
When I developed our ranch, as a builder, I couldn't believe how inept I really was. It took me a couple years to stop dragging just anything home. Eventually though, we finished and never regretted the experience.
Sweet 46A! One of Cats finest! There’s a Facebook page just for D-8 cats that’ll be very helpful! Tighten yer tracks so ya don’t jump one on turns n letter eat! Cheers from Santa Cruz !
I don’t know if anyone has said, but it’s extremely important to turn the Starting Motor off by turning the fuel tap off and letting carb fuel bowl run out of fuel. Do NOT turn it off with the magneto switch. Great buy on the Tractor.
I've noticed too, on the side of track carriage there is a plate with usually with 4 bolts you take off, (their on both sides) when opened there should be a grease nipple. You use a grease gun of course and add to it until you start seeing the track tighten, but a word of caution! Do not tighten too tight, you want to take out the sag out of it, because it's old and the undercarriage is worn down you could break the links. I used to be a mechanic at Yancey caterpillar. Check your undercarriage rollers and track plates when tightening them.
The same feeling when I woke up, walked outside and realized that that shiny new Toyota Supra L was actually mine. It was a lot of cutting grass, shoveling snow and then changing tires after school and on weekends but it was worth every minute of work. Now my ride is 19 years old and I get excited over getting another free lawn tractor to fix. Stay safe and I'm really excited to see you all have fun while getting it done.
Impatiently awaiting the next video to see the machinery in action! A daily inspection of hoses, fluid levels, hydraulics etc is a must on such large equipment. Hopefully will cut down on problems later. How will you fuel it?
When I was a kid I actually started a gigantic bulldozer at a gravel pit. My friends and I drove it around for a while, but we couldn't turn it off. So we left it running and got the heck out of there.
Believing the statute of limitation has been exceeded... back in 1972, a new housing development was causing real trouble for High Schoolers that used to "trespass" on some really cool off road motorcycle trails. Local law enforcement could never catch them because they knew the trails better and had many ways out... until the developer used a huge dozer to block all but one entrance/exit. My best friend (back then) walked in and found the dozer operator left the key to the pony motor in the dozer. He got it started and managed to blast through a few obstructions before finding he couldn't stop the diesel. He left it in gear and pointed to where a "new path" might be useful. We read all about it in our local weekly paper but the dozer stopped against a berm and ran out of fuel. I lost track of my buddy but I'd guess he found his place as a heavy equipment operator somewhere.
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6’2” wow you’re a tall drink of water!! I’m an old Marine Corps heavy equipment mechanic and operator, I have operated and worked on dozers just like that. Other that being huge, they are relatively easy to work on. As with most of the comments posted here the biggest and best thing you can do is PM’s (preventive maintenance). Man I am so jealous of you guys!!!
That thing hanging on the front is a blade, not a bucket! With the cost of fuel, I would suggest you hire someone to rough in the road for you. It will save you time and money! Let them finish grade for you also! That would be a huge time saver! Then you can play all you can afford. This is from someone with 30 years experience building roads in the great Pacific Northwest. Good luck!
I could feel your angst driving it the first time. I bought an old Cat D-7 loader years ago, every time I fired it up, I thought this would be the time it fails me. Like you, I too live in the high mountain wilderness, so repairs are going to be expensive. Here it is, more than a decade later and the beast is still running like the day I bought it, and it had been through the grinder by a rock quarry owner, literally buried in a rock slide. I've put over a 1000 hrs on it myself and the clock stopped working at 18 hundred hrs. Point is, don't ever sell it, you can hand it down another generation. You definitely got a nice rig, take care of it. Oh, by the way, I've been off grid for more than 3 decades. Soo glad I went down that road.
quick word of advice guys, clean the magnetic transmission filter and change all the other filters if you haven't already. If it was me I'd change all the fluids before I put it to work and keep an eye on your temperatures.
I first operated a dozer like yours when I was 12. I have had the privilege of operating dozers from a d4 all the way up to d9’s . That’s a great dozer congratulations and have run.
Hi I'm mark Moore , from Louisiana the south,,yall are so great , see real people real life,, just living together working for a real home and happy. ,ness., ,,,,,,, thanks, and thanks
Just a thought and I know you want to do it your way but you can help yourselves with a little thought. Apply ice and water shield on the sealed wall exterior. This is the same product used on a roof before shingle installation. Then, if mine, I would glue on thick panels of rigid closed cell insulation. This would not be for thermal advantage but rather act as a compression zone for earth movement. Once that is in place, install some perforated pipe to move water away from the structure. I would back fill with washed pea gravel and contain the ends with clay. Same for roof once you patch with corten steel. May have spelled that wrong. Now cover the container with dirt or clay. Don’t pile too high on roof. The pea gravel will allow water to drop to the diversion pipe hopefully before reaching the container wall. Any water intrusion through the pea gravel would then make it to the closed cell foam boards with joints sealed with waterproof tape and then if moisture continues it will filter to the liquid membrane you painted onto the container. This will extend the useful life of your electric room. Another note, the container may be constructed from corten steel which has the property of developing rust on the surface but does not rot the metal. Once rust develops, rusting stops. Interior wood floor May rot over time and can be replaced with sheet steel. This is how I would handle burying the box. I would also weld in some supports to keep the unit solid. Good luck and stay safe.
Bring lotsa Diesel, I was superintendent of a very large coal mine here in Central Montana. 1000’s of hours on dozers and they are indispensable for road building.
So awesome! Remember that even though it seems like a slow lumbering beast, it can do a lot of work and it can very quickly do a lot of damage. Just learn slowly and respect it always. Also, ask Dave for detailed explanation of what to watch and be aware of while turning on rocks in terms of losing a track, even with your mini ex around, putting a slipped track back on that thing is a major job. Check track adjustment on that left track, you want slack in dozer tracks but you definitely don't want to lose one. Have fun!!! And ask Dave about sidehills on rocks, they all slide before they tip but you have some good slopes there, like I said, things can go bad fast.
I like your new chairs in your kitchen, I look forward to seeing a tour as you both settle in and a puppy update. Best part of having a dozer is you can now do anything, anything. The world was made with a dozer and if you want to make money you can put it to work for you after you do the work needed, perhaps Dave wants to keep it working until winter with word or mouth advertising and I bet the market will be even hotter when the work is done. Good purchase. Your neighbor would profit from selling that equipment now while the market is hot.
I just bought two D6 this spring. One with 2500 hours and the other with 3500. Both enclosed cabs wit( total brush protectors. Paid $480 total for the two. I thought that was a steal. One headed up needing a bearing and some trail links. That added $20,000 to the deal but both had new paint and stickers when I got them. A D6 is the perfect mid size dozer. Not too big haul and and move a lot of dirt.
You Need to go over the Bulldozer mechanically change all the fluids & tighten the track up way to loose great Bulldozer also great Video's and really nice view I sure it gets really cold up there in the winter From Aurora, Ohio Have Fun
I love the chill nature that you present with. This is very watchable, your channel is coming together so nicely! Keep up the constant refinement, it will pay off for you!
well done. You have confidence, and the seller was very wise to instruct you on the opration. Check the servicing especially the track rails, as if they wear too far, its VERY expensive to put right. (Buy new tracks)
Y’all as usual are doing great, just remember , If It is EASY everyone will be doing it . Easier the road to drive on the Easier it is for everyone else to get down too, Just saying. We always had the hey where does this go people showing up after our road was made in to a highway
When I was 14 years old we would jump start the dozer and drive them around the development where they were building houses and streets. We had a blast. We could only find one gear forward and we could make the blade go up and down and turn.
Hi Riley and Courtney You two continue to amaze me. I'm not surprised since Riley is half crazy(in a good way😀) and Courtney follows right along, that something like this could happen. You do whatcha you gotta do. Looking forward to seeing both of you driving that thing around. Best wishes as you continue your property build. Stay strong and safe
Boys toys!! I didn’t even think of “big boys toys”! I would drive that thing all day long, not even thinking if I made the right things! You guys are such a blast!! Love it! And you!
I’m excited for you guys and proud that you took the leap. One thing I’ve learned is to watch the oil levels in your final drives. Super spendy and hard to source parts but you probably know this already. I’ll be clicking even faster to watch you guys play with this big toy. Can we expect an airstrip and bush plane in the future?
Grew up on a farm in Texas. My Dad had two dozers very similar to your new toy. I was moving dirt by the time I was 12yo. When I was 15yo, my Dad and I built a 32acre lake. Great memories! So have fun, be safe, and remember going steady as she goes gets the job done. Oh, and a little maintenance every day keeps these old beast pushing dirt.
Congrats on the new to you tool!! Can’t wait to Courtney, to take it over like the excavator!! They are a great tool to have and run, and can move a lot of material in a short time. It will be nice to cut a better road in with it as it will compact the base as you build! That is the same model that I first learned to run, as a teenager. Back when I worked for a equipment broker company.
Use it for everything like building the best road possible. Then if you think of fire breaks around your place in case of fire use it for that also. If you want a new road put it in now.
We had some doubts about investing our savings into this thing, but after reading all of your amazing comments I think we made the right call. This is going to be a fun summer! 🔥
One more thing when were the spark plugs last changed on the pony motor and a heat gun in the air intake a minute before you try the big motor does wonders .
I don't think you actually realize how good it will be having the right piece of equipment for the job. It just won't be anywhere near the struggle for those big jobs it would have been otherwise.
Check out your track tensioner. The tracks looked a little loose. Find the specs on them.
You have the older brother to the D-8 we have at our quarry that I sometimes run. That semi-U blade is good at ripping blasted or shale rock like you have there. It's a good idea to take a few small cuts than trying to get it in one go. The corner of the blade is your friend when working ripping rock.
Because of the age of the machine use non- ethanol fuel for your pony motor. If you get lead fuel additive use it in your pony motor fuel your valve guides and seats will thank you.
I'm guessing you know to let the main engine spin over till you have engine oil pressure before lighting it off.
It was fun watching Riley running the dozer for the first time then at the house as a kid with a new toy...
Oh fuel burn will be around 10 to 12 gallons an hour unless you are pushing really hard.
I think you can probably sell it when you are through using it. You never know you might just make a little profit.
I sold out the operations side of my logging company in 2018. I sold 180 pieces of equipment through Ritchie Brothers. The one and only piece of equipment that I wish I had kept was oldest one: a 1977 D8K. They were so buttery smooth, easy to work on (other than the final drives) had ludicrous pushing power (no issues pushing my 180,000plus loaded trucks up hills), and would start in minus 40 simply by glow plugging it.
180 pieces of equipment?!😮
Like even one of them would equal 3x life savings!
Shit son you must has gotten a couple million dollars 🤑🤑
A warning and advise if you ever plan or get the idea of moving snow with it. Never use sideways it on a hill with snow. The metal tracks act just like a sled that won’t stop until it hits some thing.
Hi
You can use it on ice just cork it first.
Thank you for listening!
Sometimes hitting something won’t stop them either. Sometimes you have to hit something big to stop it. Or end up at the bottom of the hill.
Weld lugs on to it in a 2-1-2 pattern on the grousers and you should be fine. Three inch by three inch by one inch.
Lol. That is experienced operator. Permafrost possibly will let it slide. But that machine is just to heavy . Loose boulder or cob is the only thing it will slide on and that is roll on because the rocks roll under the tracks. Snow won't make it slide one bit. You have a bank of snow beside you. I have slid 50 ft plus crossing green logs while skidding logs. That is why not many people are allowed to operate large dozers. I have 50 years operating cat logging, building road, fire line on wild fires. And strip mining. Also on cliffs in large rock pitts. 500 plus ft above on the cut. Have video to prove it. Even the owner is scared to watch in the rock pitt. Along ways down pushing over the edge.
@@leesharp7683 I guess it was my imagination watching my bosses dad go for a ride and almost end up in a river then I guess. It was a laughing turned into an oh shit moment.
I just retired from East Peoria Caterpillar where your dozer was built and had a hand in building and/or machining parts for more than a couple. I hope the winch works, because other than another dozer, it's the only thing that's going to pull you out if you get stuck!
Oh come on, he has tracks on that jeep! BWAHAHAHAHAHA!
The most important thing to remember is to NEVER turn it off in a spot that you can't get around it! Otherwise you'll be building another road if it won't start.
Respect to you and the previous owner… you for not giving up on something that big and the prev.owner for taking time out to teach you
Great purchase! Two things my dad mentioned and I’ve learned running dozers my whole life. Our old d7 if you press the clutches in will free wheel and can take off down a hill. Also, on rock, if the tracks start to slide, drop the blade and try and hook a tree. It kept us from going off a cliff once. Rocks and metal tracks can get tricky. Start slow and get proficient. You’ll be fast even if you’re slow if you’re working correctly.
When you tighten the track, pull it forward about twenty feet straight, stop and back up to get the slack on top of the idler and rollers.
Old D-8 weighs actually about 48,000 but they are good old machines.
Learn to steer it with the blade loading, not the clutches.
If you start popping steering clutches under load, you will damage it fast.
a very responsible seller giving Riley training and making sure how to drive it. safety first always.
Take the slack out of the Tracks. By pumping grease into the adjustment pistons. Look at the slack in the top of the Tracks as they roll over the upper rollers. Be carful and read the Manual. On the Net or from CAT. Its out there find and do it right !!!
If no one has told you yet, learn to watch and maintain the tension on your tracks. Especially on an older machine working around very large Rock it can be easy for them to come off. "throw" a track once and you'll never want to again.
That being said, I totally envy you.
Let everyone know how much fuel you use in a day. I have an idea but others will freak out. Best of luck and I hope to see you try that thing Courtney you'll look good up there.
Looking toward the future sale , please purchase Caterpillar yellow paint then when time allows brush that thang into looking new, after every repair (paint) during every repair (paint) new paint makes the likelihood of a future sale twice as possible. As soon as possible learn the track tension procedure , purchase a shop manual and purchase engine oil and hydraulic oil in 5 gallon buckets. If you don't already have a dewalt or milwaukee electric grease gun get one and invest in replacement grease nipples change/ replace all that you can also get the lock on type grease fitting for the gun.
When you go to start it, idle the starting engine for a few minutes first. While turning the diesel over with compression lever in the start position, build up oil pressure for a time, then move lever to the run position, keep the diesel throttle lever in the shut-off position, then when engine has turned over on compression for several minutes depending on temp, then open the throttle lever to start the diesel engine. Idle starting engine and turn off the gas valve to stop starting engine.
That’s how you do it. 👍
i like to spin the big engine with the compression off and let it freewheel and build oil pressure..then when you flip the compression lever its not so hard on the pinon because its already engaged...mine would grind a little in i pulled the pinion in under compression
Never ever use starting fluid(ether).... if hard to start in cold just run the pony(putput) motor longer....them old engines are easily addicted to the causby sauce and next thing u know u got more problems
@@DurmaxLLY -- Problem is that people don't understand how little you need to spray. In the video where they were trying to start the D7, they were spraying so much they probably used a dozen cans.
@@DurmaxLLY you use "sniff" because you are starting to have problems, it doesn't cause them, by not attending to them the need for a little "sniff" just gets worse until that is all that will overcome poor compression leading to poor starting, new pistons, liners and rings are the way but the cost of that buys a lot of cans of "sniff",
We also bought a d8k a cat 300el excavator and an army 6x6 to build our road and mine!
That is so awesome!
You might want to tighten the tracks a bit. It's real easy to do. On top of the roller frame there should be an access door (4 or so inch square), there is a grease fitting under it, and just a few pumps is all u need. Have fun!
Yeah my first thought when I saw it moving was the tracks were loose. My Allis HD11 has a manual (threaded) adjustment and it's good for a while. The hydraulic ones need regular attention.
@@ST-cy6we worked on Cats in the early 70s- a2U D8 & same era D6. Definitely BIG hex head screw. 3/4 or 1” plate and a hot wrench with a pipe on the end. It’s probably still pulling equipment.
@@EarthSouthside boris here is not talking about track adjustment,,,hes talking about grease fittings along the track itself,,,every joint of the track has fittings. Replacement of a bad track and sprokets and rollers and road wheels could well cost $38000,,,,its a good ideeee to use grease, and lots of it. Grease is cheap!!
Those tracks are about right you don't want to run them to tight on them old dozers ✌️.
That’s good advise, saw that too.
Another plus about that older dozer , you can work on it , not all computerized crap ! If not done don't forgot to change the engine oil and filter , fuel filter , Definitely add diesel clean to fuel , trans fluid / or at least filters , maintenance is everything , I owned a equipment repair shop , worked on all types through the years , just a little advice , love the video y'all ,!! And what you are doing!! Be safe! Blessed ! You for every day probably need something like a tractor 50/ 60 hp
Definitely agree on the tractor. Every time I move my dozer, I have to follow up repairing the road.
My Dad was a dozer operator for decades. I got to ride on. D-10 with him when he was building some sewage ponds for a housing development. Coolest thing any 4th grader could experience.
Now that sounds awesome!
@@AmbitionStrikeswhat year?? Change all coolant fluids and filters grease it tooooo😅
U bought good! I worked at CAT in Decatur, IL for 33 years. That plant builds off highway dump trucks (50 to 400 ton capacity), tractor scrapers (models 621 (20 cu yd to 657 48cu yd) and a few models of the larger rubber tire loaders.
I wish you luck and BE SAFE. Ye Ole Caterpillar Cowboy...
Great show! You guys are really fun to watch. I retired from 50+ years of contracting and you are the real deal.
one of the first things to now invest in is some fuel supply equipment, like a portable 30gallon rollaround diesel fuel tank with a hand pump on it..and run some Power Service fuel anti-gel year-round,it helps the engine start easier even in summer..drain the fuel filters and water separator regularly..25yrs a Cat iron owner
Ya'll are seriously taking Do It Yourself to a whole new level.
So glad you're bringing us all along for the ride, this is so cool!
Go back and pull start the D7 with the D8 from the front with the chain under the blade to pick it up
The smile on Riley's face says it all. The guy can really play in the dirt now!
Yeah I kind of think Courtney is gonna take that away from him pretty quick and make it hers😘
Great insurance in case a fire gets going your way. You've got something there that has the ability to cut a fire break, and push the tree line back.
Check all of the fluids. And grease it really good.
You bought the BEST bulldozer Caterpillar ever made the D8H, many are still in operation all around the world. Yours had a "U" blade known a 8U model.
The best of luck with it. I have run them for 40 years.
By the way, my experience with pony motors is run the pony absolutely the least amount of time possible. Parts are unbelievably high and hard to come by. My advice if the pony goes down is direct electric start. There are conversion kits for that.
Unfortunately that's also why Pony motors give fits. They don't get run enough. Before I bought my first 9, I operated one for another contractor that had been converted. It was a total pain. Flip the compression release and hope she cranks fast enough to fire. When I bought mine, (66a9560), it was an electric start machine with Glo plugs. That thing would start in sub zero Temps no problem.
unless you BLOW UP THE PONY MOTOR theres only the magneto and carb to worry about!Dont change out the pony motor just because it starts hard! the changeover is a fortune and takes 2 monster batteries!then you need to add an alternator! this is a newer d8,probably a d8H...it is REAL BAD AMATUER ADVICE to tell you to change this over to direct electric start!.
Now you can get the D7 dozer for your wife. You can now push start the D7 with the D8. Get the road done in two days
Having ran crawler tractors over the years one thing to remember any part that says Caterpillar it's going to be darn expensive, but putting that aside the old D8 is one heck of a powerful machine
Cool purchase! And it will be worth it to get that work done faster. Just think... you now have something that can recover the Army truck if you ever get it stuck... That being said.... Never get the D8 stuck. I know a farmer who has a D8... He was clearing the edge of a field... Went over the bank a bit further than he planned and hung it up on a big tree in stump... It took him a week or two of thinking and all the cribbing he had to free it.
Some grease in the track tensioners would be a good thing. Enjoy the new toy.
They would have been adjusted for sale if they could have. no
@@JTWLJK ???
Good timing on the dozer with diesel at $7 /gal. !! Thanks Mr. President…..
That Caterpillar brings back so many memories. When we lived in Oregon, my dad owned and operated several. So many memories - coming down a mountain road in 10 feet of snow and freezing as there was no cab. Pushing down trees, getting it stuck in a bog up to the top of the tracks. That one has a very nice blade on the front. Looking forward to watching your work.
In 1974 when I was 24 I learned to operate a Cat D8 at New Zealand steel pushing the slug dump.
There is a sculpturing ability which is very satisfying.
I'm 72 now and looking back I now realize how much I loved driving that machine.
Wow, you guys are serious about having some heavy metal to redo the driveway with! My kudos to you both! I thought you might find a D4 or D6 but when I saw you brought home the D8, I was seriously impressed! One warning tho- once you have had some serious machinery to work with, you can never go back to little machines. The heavy metal spoils you! I'm wondering if soon you will not be wanting a bigger excavator too! I really enjoy watching your videos to see the progress on the place, and how you solve problems!
It's not to bad looking 46a. A winch is nice but it's to bad no ripper to help penetrative through any rocky ground. And remember when using the steering clutches when Turing, let the steering clutch levers back in easy and not let go of them to slam back or you will learn the joys of rebuilding final drives. And the tracks are a bit loose. But enough of what and how to. It just puts a smile on this operators face to see the love and excitement of equipment you both have. Enjoy it.
Congrats! And I did notice the tracks on the dozer need to be tightened up.
Agreed don't wanna throw a track way up yonder!
Yup. I noticed the same thing and was gonna say something here in the comments until I saw you'd already mentioned it! @Riley & Courtney- I'm serious when I say that it's not something to mess around with. If you throw one, I don't know that you guys have the capability to get it back on and if it does it in the middle of your road such that it blocks you from getting in/out, you're gonna be in a world of hurt and more than sorry 'cause you've already demonstrated that you don't have the capability to move a derelict dozer, so don't just ignore it!
@@manyfaces2614 Most definitly, get the grease gun out and pump those idlers forward to take up the slack, , not too much though. Best regards. 🙃
Yeah they looked a pretty damn loose…. You don’t want to learn how to put them back on.
That dozer is huge! Nice find. That will make short work of the road work. Hope it doesn't break down. Thanks for sharing
I've got over 30,000 hours on them old D7 and D8H dozers along with lots of hours on the newer ones. My favorite still is a late 60's increased horse power D8H. If you need help fixing or maintaining just shoot me a message.
Hopefully they will listen and hopefully she has good life insurance on him. Just saw this channel lol
Dunno how you old timers did it with all those levers. I am a D11R/T operator and everything is so conveniently at my fingertips. XD
@@CodeineRadick it was a challenge at times remembering where all the dipsticks were on all the machines and which lever to grab next but even after 10 years away from them operating D8T's or D7R's I hopped on our old 14A D8 1959 vintage hooked to a 435F cable scraper and didn't miss a beat with 2 shifters and a clutch, 2 winch levers, throttle and clutch, 2 steering clutch levers and 2 brake pedals along with the 3 levers, throttle, choke on off switch and push button to fire her up lol. Times were a lot more simple and our work was appreciated more. Building country side roads when not doing big projects were lots of fun and we didn't have to take lunch with ourselves, people were so happy they brought out wedding quality banquet meals, coffee, sandwiches and pastry all home made. Now you need to have eyes on the back of you so you don't get run over walking along your work to check grade or upcoming cuts.
The way it's been around here (we are over in St.Maries) it will be early August before everything dries out enough to get anything done. I don't think we have 36 hours in a row without rain since early March.
You two are AMAZING! I admire both your skills and how you work together. Being able to build, weld and think your way through problems is most rewarding. I wish I cpuld have a D6/7 for use in my woods and fill site.
As others have said watch your track tension
, On start up let it warm up before you work it don't jump on it and take off, when shutting down let it idle about the time it takes you to walk a block both ways you chance cracking the head without idling down the Temperature your best investment will be a set of manuals from Cat Good Luck and Happy Grading.
That's a nice model of CAT I grew around that model and the D8K with my two other brothers. Summers were in the woods(Rouge Valley and southern Oregon) with Grandpa who pioneered logging roads from the 40's until he retired in the late 80's. Have fun with the 8H while you have it. My twin and i would have a ball building a road like yours. Only problem we would have......who gets to go first lol Have a good day and Happy Father's day everyone
You really needed something like that. I used run a d9 at the asphalt plant. I still say you need a roller compactor to help you out. But I know you will find a way lol.
Holy cow. You guys don’t mess around. This is why I enjoy your channel: No Boundaries For Your Imaginations.
Can’t? Not in your vocabulary.
I’m in!
🍿🥤
A four wheel drive backhoe is a must have for a homestead, and a small dump truck, looks like you have one. you can blade with it, dig, and stockpile materials, all sorts of things. after you build your road sell that D8 cat, that’s a monster and if it breaks down on you it would cost a fortune to fix. a backhoe though expensive is a lot more practical, and uses a lot less fuel and lubricants. i had a case 580 Super K 4x4, it was. a good size but there are smaller ones if you prefer.
You went big. Good plan
…and when you do your work, move minimal dirt to get the job done. Back dragging is a very good tool. Last, whenever you change direction, use the deaccellerator.
When I developed our ranch, as a builder, I couldn't believe how inept I really was. It took me a couple years to stop dragging just anything home. Eventually though, we finished and never regretted the experience.
Sweet 46A! One of Cats finest! There’s a Facebook page just for D-8 cats that’ll be very helpful! Tighten yer tracks so ya don’t jump one on turns n letter eat! Cheers from Santa Cruz !
I don’t know if anyone has said, but it’s extremely important to turn the Starting Motor off by turning the fuel tap off and letting carb fuel bowl run out of fuel. Do NOT turn it off with the magneto switch. Great buy on the Tractor.
I don't recall hearing what they paid for it ?
How much……
Hi you two that looks like a lot of fun ....When I was a young boy I had one for a toys I wish I had someone like you are doing it in life.
I've noticed too, on the side of track carriage there is a plate with usually with 4 bolts you take off, (their on both sides) when opened there should be a grease nipple. You use a grease gun of course and add to it until you start seeing the track tighten, but a word of caution! Do not tighten too tight, you want to take out the sag out of it, because it's old and the undercarriage is worn down you could break the links. I used to be a mechanic at Yancey caterpillar. Check your undercarriage rollers and track plates when tightening them.
The same feeling when I woke up, walked outside and realized that that shiny new Toyota Supra L was actually mine. It was a lot of cutting grass, shoveling snow and then changing tires after school and on weekends but it was worth every minute of work. Now my ride is 19 years old and I get excited over getting another free lawn tractor to fix. Stay safe and I'm really excited to see you all have fun while getting it done.
That's awesome the previous owner has hardfaced the entire blade and arms. That will help keep the rocks from wearing them out.
We're told it came from a local quarry and spent a lot of time in the rocks. It should feel right at home!
Good afternoon & thank you for sharing your journey with us
Impatiently awaiting the next video to see the machinery in action! A daily inspection of hoses, fluid levels, hydraulics etc is a must on such large equipment. Hopefully will cut down on problems later. How will you fuel it?
Hi from the UK. your video just appeared on my feed. I like all kinds of machinery and your dozer looks great 😮
When I was a kid I actually started a gigantic bulldozer at a gravel pit. My friends and I drove it around for a while, but we couldn't turn it off. So we left it running and got the heck out of there.
We’re impressed. Every bulldozer we’ve looked at took some serious skill to start. 😂
@@AmbitionStrikes I love driving bulldozers, you get an incredible feeling of power...
Believing the statute of limitation has been exceeded... back in 1972, a new housing development was causing real trouble for High Schoolers that used to "trespass" on some really cool off road motorcycle trails. Local law enforcement could never catch them because they knew the trails better and had many ways out... until the developer used a huge dozer to block all but one entrance/exit. My best friend (back then) walked in and found the dozer operator left the key to the pony motor in the dozer. He got it started and managed to blast through a few obstructions before finding he couldn't stop the diesel. He left it in gear and pointed to where a "new path" might be useful. We read all about it in our local weekly paper but the dozer stopped against a berm and ran out of fuel. I lost track of my buddy but I'd guess he found his place as a heavy equipment operator somewhere.
Yeah you needed to reach down and pull the skinny pedal all the way back until you starved it of fuel and it would’ve shutdown.
Your follower from Libya, peace and greetings from Libya, North Africa 🇱🇾 You are truly wonderful and what you offer in the atmosphere of picturesque nature.. There seems to be a wonderful compatibility between you.. Your wife or friend is wonderful.. And your husband or friend is truly wonderful. There is a great similarity and match between you, even in style.🏹💕
Chuck has been saying all week that he can hardly wait to see you start the dozer. Boy is he going to be surprised by your new purchase! Love it! ❤️
That’s a classic. D8K I loved them my uncle had one. Good for u guys
Like others say grease track to tighten , easy to do , it will be very hard to get the track back on! Nice old dozer
Hi
You can use on ice or in snow on slopes just cork the tracks first!
Thanks for listening!
6’2” wow you’re a tall drink of water!!
I’m an old Marine Corps heavy equipment mechanic and operator, I have operated and worked on dozers just like that. Other that being huge, they are relatively easy to work on. As with most of the comments posted here the biggest and best thing you can do is PM’s (preventive maintenance).
Man I am so jealous of you guys!!!
That thing hanging on the front is a blade, not a bucket! With the cost of fuel, I would suggest you hire someone to rough in the road for you. It will save you time and money! Let them finish grade for you also! That would be a huge time saver! Then you can play all you can afford. This is from someone with 30 years experience building roads in the great Pacific Northwest. Good luck!
man a new toy love it wish I was there have used 6 wheel road graders d4 & D6 are bigest dozers i used but that is 20 years ago now in Africa
I could feel your angst driving it the first time.
I bought an old Cat D-7 loader years ago, every time I fired it up, I thought this would be the time it fails me. Like you, I too live in the high mountain wilderness, so repairs are going to be expensive.
Here it is, more than a decade later and the beast is still running like the day I bought it, and it had been through the grinder by a rock quarry owner, literally buried in a rock slide.
I've put over a 1000 hrs on it myself and the clock stopped working at 18 hundred hrs.
Point is, don't ever sell it, you can hand it down another generation.
You definitely got a nice rig, take care of it.
Oh, by the way, I've been off grid for more than 3 decades. Soo glad I went down that road.
quick word of advice guys, clean the magnetic transmission filter and change all the other filters if you haven't already. If it was me I'd change all the fluids before I put it to work and keep an eye on your temperatures.
I first operated a dozer like yours when I was 12. I have had the privilege of operating dozers from a d4 all the way up to d9’s . That’s a great dozer congratulations and have run.
Hi I'm mark Moore , from Louisiana the south,,yall are so great , see real people real life,, just living together working for a real home and happy. ,ness., ,,,,,,, thanks, and thanks
Just a thought and I know you want to do it your way but you can help yourselves with a little thought. Apply ice and water shield on the sealed wall exterior. This is the same product used on a roof before shingle installation. Then, if mine, I would glue on thick panels of rigid closed cell insulation. This would not be for thermal advantage but rather act as a compression zone for earth movement. Once that is in place, install some perforated pipe to move water away from the structure. I would back fill with washed pea gravel and contain the ends with clay. Same for roof once you patch with corten steel. May have spelled that wrong. Now cover the container with dirt or clay. Don’t pile too high on roof. The pea gravel will allow water to drop to the diversion pipe hopefully before reaching the container wall. Any water intrusion through the pea gravel would then make it to the closed cell foam boards with joints sealed with waterproof tape and then if moisture continues it will filter to the liquid membrane you painted onto the container. This will extend the useful life of your electric room. Another note, the container may be constructed from corten steel which has the property of developing rust on the surface but does not rot the metal. Once rust develops, rusting stops. Interior wood floor May rot over time and can be replaced with sheet steel. This is how I would handle burying the box. I would also weld in some supports to keep the unit solid. Good luck and stay safe.
Bring lotsa Diesel, I was superintendent of a very large coal mine here in Central Montana. 1000’s of hours on dozers and they are indispensable for road building.
So awesome! Remember that even though it seems like a slow lumbering beast, it can do a lot of work and it can very quickly do a lot of damage. Just learn slowly and respect it always. Also, ask Dave for detailed explanation of what to watch and be aware of while turning on rocks in terms of losing a track, even with your mini ex around, putting a slipped track back on that thing is a major job. Check track adjustment on that left track, you want slack in dozer tracks but you definitely don't want to lose one. Have fun!!! And ask Dave about sidehills on rocks, they all slide before they tip but you have some good slopes there, like I said, things can go bad fast.
I used to move D-8 and D-9 dozers pretty regular like and I love the sound of the pony motor during start up
I like your new chairs in your kitchen, I look forward to seeing a tour as you both settle in and a puppy update. Best part of having a dozer is you can now do anything, anything. The world was made with a dozer and if you want to make money you can put it to work for you after you do the work needed, perhaps Dave wants to keep it working until winter with word or mouth advertising and I bet the market will be even hotter when the work is done. Good purchase. Your neighbor would profit from selling that equipment now while the market is hot.
Congratulations on the D-8 ! What a great machine! I worked on construction in the 70-80s And around a D-8 A real work horse Good luck!
You two are incredibly happy and I love it. Keep the affirmative outlook. You’re off to a fantastic start.
I just bought two D6 this spring. One with 2500 hours and the other with 3500. Both enclosed cabs wit( total brush protectors. Paid $480 total for the two. I thought that was a steal. One headed up needing a bearing and some trail links. That added $20,000 to the deal but both had new paint and stickers when I got them. A D6 is the perfect mid size dozer. Not too big haul and and move a lot of dirt.
You Need to go over the Bulldozer mechanically change all the fluids & tighten the track up way to loose great Bulldozer also great Video's and really nice view
I sure it gets really cold up there in the winter From Aurora, Ohio Have Fun
That really is a monster.You seem like a great couple .interesting content. Appreciated no swearing. Looks like fun learning to use that behemoth.
I love the chill nature that you present with. This is very watchable, your channel is coming together so nicely! Keep up the constant refinement, it will pay off for you!
Thank you so much! 😊
Wish you the best of luck
Your in way over your head with that machine.
Hope no one gets hurt.
well done. You have confidence, and the seller was very wise to instruct you on the opration. Check the servicing especially the track rails, as if they wear too far, its VERY expensive to put right. (Buy new tracks)
Wow the truck driver did a great job of backing up quickly and you did a great job of leaving him room to back up..
Y’all as usual are doing great, just remember
, If It is EASY everyone will be doing it . Easier the road to drive on the Easier it is for everyone else to get down too, Just saying. We always had the hey where does this go people showing up after our road was made in to a highway
When I was 14 years old we would jump start the dozer and drive them around the development where they were building houses and streets. We had a blast. We could only find one gear forward and we could make the blade go up and down and turn.
😂
Hi Riley and Courtney
You two continue to amaze me.
I'm not surprised since Riley is half crazy(in a good way😀) and Courtney follows right along, that something like this could happen.
You do whatcha you gotta do.
Looking forward to seeing both of you driving that thing around.
Best wishes as you continue your property build.
Stay strong and safe
Great video, when the bulldozer is working instead of playing music lets here the sound and grunt of a D8. I think others would appreciate it to.
That's cool, I was just following a huge dozer on the road acouple days ago and thinking I would like to use that for a day on my place.
You are SO SO fortunate in this show of yours
EXCELLENT ‼️
The dozer and your whole setup all round
Good luck‼️
ENJOY to the fullest…
👊🔥
🪖
Boys toys!! I didn’t even think of “big boys toys”! I would drive that thing all day long, not even thinking if I made the right things!
You guys are such a blast!! Love it! And you!
I left you a note on the video that talked about that CAT that would not start. It has a link to an expert on wasps/yellow jackets. Hope you read it.
Think of the decelerator as a brake until you get used to it.
You weren't kidding...that thing is a monster! Can't wait to see what you push around with it!
It was great chatting with you both yesterday!
I’m excited for you guys and proud that you took the leap. One thing I’ve learned is to watch the oil levels in your final drives. Super spendy and hard to source parts but you probably know this already. I’ll be clicking even faster to watch you guys play with this big toy. Can we expect an airstrip and bush plane in the future?
That it too much fun!!! Thank god for Dave!
Well that made my morning!
So stoked that you guys meet the challenge and find your way thru it every time!
Grew up on a farm in Texas. My Dad had two dozers very similar to your new toy. I was moving dirt by the time I was 12yo. When I was 15yo, my Dad and I built a 32acre lake. Great memories! So have fun, be safe, and remember going steady as she goes gets the job done. Oh, and a little maintenance every day keeps these old beast pushing dirt.
Congrats on the new to you tool!! Can’t wait to Courtney, to take it over like the excavator!! They are a great tool to have and run, and can move a lot of material in a short time. It will be nice to cut a better road in with it as it will compact the base as you build! That is the same model that I first learned to run, as a teenager. Back when I worked for a equipment broker company.
Use it for everything like building the best road possible. Then if you think of fire breaks around your place in case of fire use it for that also. If you want a new road put it in now.
Can't wait to see you working on the road with your new CAT D8!