Really enjoyed this....way more than I thought I would. Thanks for sharing the whole process. The gut sinking feeling when the sprocket didn't fit to the joy I felt seeing the door go up and the paint go on. This way really cool. Thank!
I love that we’re able to see content like this, channels like this are the reason I will never go back to tv. Idk what it is about watching someone taking something apart and put it back together but it’s relaxing somehow lol
@@rustyjeep2469 Too funny. I specialize in uploading videos that can make anyone fall asleep. At first I tried to make a better video...... But I realized my real calling is helping those that have trouble sleeping.
Wow! You've done an AWESOME job restoring that excavator! My hat's off to you, sir! LOVE the paint job! And Mrs W is one tough cookie! She's not afraid to mix it up! 👍🏾
Hi Dan, here in Australia we have a old adage “with a lot of determination and alot more Vaseline a man can root a fly”. Your determination is beyond reproach, your ability to get the job done by yourself and your sheer resourcefulness are admirable and all your fixes were practical and functional, bloody well done mate….oh yeah and she looks beaut in her new colours
I am a very old guy who came before the excavator... cables and a dipper stick. Oh yeah, nothing but fun. I was for the most part just a mechanic on old junk even then as it was the fifties and the machines were from the thirties and some forties. Like yours tired and worn hard, put to bed wet. I am quite proud of the fact that you stuck to it and carried it off. Its no crime to be poor... if it was, I would be serving hard time now. In my seventies the few words I can offer is patience and more patience. When moving around, make a flat spot for the machine to work off of as its easier on it and you. When running your machine, try hard to always break two levers at the same time like curl and jib or boom up and curl out ... swing and curl or swing and boom down... what ever the case asks for but by moving two levers at same time, takes that high pressure off of the unit. So much smoother.. boom up or down as the jib moves in to dig and keep your elevation correct. Whether you are working the lever to the left of you or the other, they are not just forwards and sideways... so like instead of say north or west, go northwest or northeast so its doing like two moves on each lever... I am sure that you have that one already but just threw it in... and don't be afraid to run some injection cleaner as its got some mighty dirty injectors or bad coppers... stuff that you will find out as you go. Now just enjoy it as most damages to that machine have already been done... its one very tired unit. You don't see many that are that badly mistreated except for owner operators who will not spend the money for maintenance. You have the tracks plenty tight... almost too tight but its yours and you can see whats going on with it ..... good luck
@@danwheeler5130 It just takes time and time was on my side back then cause I grew up with it.... just don't get in a hurry to hurt yourself or your wife. Starting a home on a rock pile like I did when I got home from Nam. I came to alaska where old equipment was the best they had. I think a small dozer in your hands might be a little easier to get the hang of but practice does help. One way that helped me was just using one hand to do most everything till it came natural
Im a ex-combination welder turned construction Truck Driver with a class A CDL. Been pulling a side-dump trailer for the past 6 months. I find that I learn something new everyday. I really did enjoy watching you turn your excavator new again!
Hello, I just started watching your vid's. I must say that I am not sure how much you paid for that excavator, But I am sure as hell respect your skills to bring it up to par. Without a shop to work in you did one hell of a job. You painted the machine too and that shows both respect in your work and pride. Well done my friend well done.
Great job on the repairs Dan, looking so much better! A word of advice when operating from Chris (of LetsDig18) is to level out the ground you are working from so you have a stable platform for the machine to swing from, it will make for a less bumpy ride in the cab and give you much greater control of the machine. You are an inspiration to all DIYers and I have to say that Mrs. Wheeler is a BEAST, what a life partner to have, you guys are amazing!
I'm rewatching this video allover again for the second time , and enjoying it as much as I did the first time ! Now , I understand where Jesse got his intestional fortitude to tackle (and fix) all the various pieces of equipment he has in his inventory !
Hi Dan, when you started the Komatsu up at 43mins into the video, it looks like you might have a bad injector judging by the white smoke and smoke rings blowing out of the exhaust. It seems to clear once the engine has run a few minutes, so it might just need the injector nozzles cleaning. But you've done a great job bringing the PC 120 back to life. Just need some teeth on the bucket.
Nice job Dan. Making her looking pretty just like the Mrs. Make some short videos of : 1. Cleaning the tracks. 2. Making a front cage. 3. Making a side door. I really enjoy your simplistic way of doing things. Wish you well on her 😀
Wow! I used to sell manufactured steel parts from steel plate to the Komatsu Plant in Chattanooga, TN. for the Excavators and Wheel Loaders. You did an amazing job on this project doing it by yourself! Congratulations! You make us Construction Equipment fans proud with this Restoration!
What i really like about you is that even being a father and a grandfather you take advise and listend to the younger generation! I think thats someting many more of the older generation should learn :) great job and video!
Nice job of fixing it up and making the old girl look good again. Sometimes, it's the old things that hold up the best when taken care of and out last their owners.
This Komatsu PC120 has come a long way, what a transformation, awesome work. its amazing what a little TLC can do, back to work hauling dirt and loading. The final drive seems to be operating nicely. Dan, you did good, the old girl has a new appearance now.
I came across your channel by accident and happen to love old equipment and the people who care about them. Great job and video, and dang Mrs. W is in great shape. You're lucky to have a wife that is willing to work right along with you.
Now I know who taught Andrew to Get A Bigger Hammer and Weld it that will make it better. You did a super job on this machine and the paint and lettering is super also. I saw Jesse haul it home for you, he told us what was wrong with it. When you said you were not good at welding, I knew you were fibbing, remember I saw you build the lamp for Andrew. Jesse and Andrew were right about the seat belt, I started driving in 61 had a 54 Chev and the first thing I did was go to the junkyard and buy a set of lap belts, no shoulder straps back then. Yelp had a wreck in 63, bent the steering wheel 3” out of round with my front teeth 4 of them. If I had no belt then I probably would have no life. I’m eager to watch you and Ms W and also Jesse building new homes for each family. Good luck and stay safe. You did good Dan
When I am putting a track back on, to help and make it easier, I take 2 long 2x4's and put them on the ground about 4" to 5" apart under the track, then put one of the big yellow binder straps between the 2x4's and bring it up around the center of the track so that you can put in the center of the track on top, then let the piece of equipment track back down on the 2x4's and I then put large thick pieces of wood under the top section of track to hold it up straight, then get the 2 end pieces of track lined up and being racheting the 2 ends together and get the connecter pin started in and start driving the pin through lining the holes up . Anyway that is the easiest way that I have found . I have been successful doing this 2 times and it worked for me . Whenever you are digging try to have the machine in a fairly level place ( even if you have to make you a level place with the bucket before that you move ahead into that dig from spot ) to keep from it rocking up and down in a beating and thumping motion which is hard on your drive motors . You made the old Komatsu look good, but it took a lot of work and like you said, it's not going to be a worked everyday machine . So be careful and stay safe and keep on digging . And you all have a Happy and Healthy New Year for 2022 . As always, Jeffrey !!!
Good to see the old machine running sweet. Just a couple of tips to help you out, flatten a pad for your machine to sit on while you are digging. If you feather three controls together at once , your operating will be a lot smoother. Hope this helps .
We'll done Dan👍love watching you fix up that excavator, so enjoyable. I know it's a very large project, and overwhelming at times. But now you have an excavator for doing a variety of things and it will pay for itself in no time .thanks for sharing love the video's 👍🍻
Sounds like the weather in 'New England' is much the same as in old England just now. We seem to be moving through three seasons in a day here too, just now. 16:46 My dad used to resort to what he called his "Birmingham screwdriver" in much the same way, when all else had failed. Nice to have precision tools to hand when we need them. 1:13 Good to know Mr C up at the castle is looking out for you!
Looks like you are ready to get into the egg challenge now. AC added cooking, flipping and serving the egg, so it's even harder now than the original version.
That mans machine is so badly worn down, If he got near a egg without breaking it, I would call it a win. I just hope that the ring gears and table are okay on the swing. I can't believe the cylinder on it for the boom is working as it has a horrible kink in it.
I like watching the old-timers work..😮 Wow people my age. They stay right on it till the job done.. Amazing how you transfer into looking and working better.😊
If Andrew likes it then you should be proud! Thanks for sharing the adventure with us and the video is not too long. You and the Mrs. are very entertaining and a pleasure to watch. Thanks again and take care!
Most of the time in my 60 years of construction work I learned that if the job your doing is dangerous or very hard to do don’t take a stupid risk and do it yourself ! If you need help doing the job always get help even if someone just stands by and hands you a tool ! It’s not worth the risk of getting hurt ! By falling or breaking your back lifting too much by your self ! Learned that after two back surgeries and hernia! Trust me !
Lot of hard work, but, the machine should give you several years of use. All the maintenance was certainly worth it. Your fab skills are pretty good, helped the appearance of the machine greatly.
Amazing job, it looks like all that hard work is paying off as the Komatsu's been reborn. 4 1/2 GALLONS of oil, that sort of puts things into perspective, my truck only takes 6 quarts, which seemed like a big jump from the last car.... Everything on those machines are big and HEAVY.. Have a good one!
Fantastic job of working on the Kamotsu. Looks like you need a wider flat edge bucket. It would allow you to scrape a surface or pick up a lot of dirt at a time.
Nice job on the repair and refinishing the excavator. Lettering not perfect, but looks so much better than it did when you got it. I would be happy with that myself. The perfect machine to use to build your house.
Always great when I hear from you Dan, and know that you and the family are doing well. As soon as my husband, whom watches as well, saw you with your head under the tractor bucket, when installing the new Driver, my husband said " oh, don't do that"! Paul and I watching you make a new door, was awesome, Paul said you are a MacGyver with all the ideas and things you come up with, and the dang thing looks a lot better with it...Great Video. I personally enjoyed it:-)
Right on...new here after a suggested vid from watching Andrew Camarata... new sub...i like having these vids on in the background while i do my boring desk job. My 1 year old son also loves to sit and watch excavator vids. Cheers!
Good job but you can take off track by pushing tention wheel all the way back.....trak can just slip out Heating tracks with oxi makes it more weaker. Connecting pin usually u punch from inside out. Unless someone put track wrong way.
Good work changing out that final drive ALONE. No small trick. Same with the bucket shims - damn that thing is HOOPED! Surprising how far back you brought it! The new access door is really good - and solid as the rest of the machine. A new set of track chains and growsers and it will be good for years!
As soon as she started moving faster the bushings out by the bucket being sloppy will stop you from doing precision work when digging a trench. The most important thing not to do is snap the controls in moving the boom in any direction. Smooth stops and starts makes the hoeram last and last. The fact she starts so good means a great deal. Winter cold may be another story. I like the work you've done to make her a better machine. Changing that oil was a good deal. Now I hope the hoses last a long time. Hydraulic oil is massively expensive for most people and if she springs a leak it will pay to change seals pretty quick. A leaking machine is not good. Good work man.
Greetings from Australia , just found your Chanel , really enjoy the mechanical resto, but what a great change that you also put some paint on and tidy the machine up, it looks great and it separates you from hundreds of other such sites. Keep up the good work 👍
That was a damn fine job on the final drive. Even with two people, it's a pain. Doing it by yourself increases the difficulty tenfold. Especially pounding on the track pin. You got it done though. My glass is raised high for a job well done.
You will get the hang of your new tool, its like everything else in life, it just takes practice! Just gotta be careful swinging your bucket around, and hope everyone on the ground watching, stays clear will your working. Personally I think you would do best to have your wife and others wearing a safety vest and hard hat! Just a thought. Helps keep everyone around you safe.
Nice job looks great. One thing you had your head underneath the bucket of your tractor. You never know with hydraulics. Fail when least accept it. You one tough dude, all by yourself👍
Is that Camarata's old pettibone crane in the back ground? Ace video, Dan. Thanks for sharing. Between you, your son, Andrew and a few others like Mike festiva and Marty T, all my entertainment for heavy machinery, diy fabrication and the such is fulfilled.
Running a chain with a binder on top of the track will hold it together while you pound the pin out. You can adjust the tension as well to allow the alignment of the pin. Might help out in the future
My gosh man, that is some heavy duty work you did! I often wondered how equipment like this could be serviced. You did a great job, your stamina is dang impressive, and all by yourself too. My back was screaming out in pain just watching! I bet you and your wife both sleep like logs at night seeing how hard you both work. Just goes to show “when there’s a will, there’s a way!” Best wishes, thanks for the cool video my friend. 😎👍
Amesome personality man. Hard to find people nowadays that are as educational and patient as you. I wish I lived closer, I would offer my time for free, just for some of your knowledge.
Super nice job on the ole Komatsu . I am looking at a PC120-5. It's on Island and so that helps , but of course in need of repair . Wish me luck . For these Medium machines , things can get pricey really quick of course you know that.
There’s life and grunt in us yet Dan ,,thanks for the explanations and enlightened view of the weather and I thought it was only us Brits that talked about it ,😂
Nice one Dan. Didn’t notice the length of the video because it was so interesting to watch. You worked hard on the excavator and so did Mrs W. Bet her back was shot that night.
You need to make yourself a simple wooden bench or something, instead of using your machines and the ground as tables. Great watch though, you achieved what you wanted and got it all working, awesome stuff.
If you are bending sheet steel without a press brake, score where you want to bend with a thin cutting disc, 80% of the way through the material. Then you can easy bend along that groove with hand pressure. Simply weld the open corner and grind to finish. No one will ever know the difference.
This has been painful. The door alone was torture but I gotta ask: Did you try hooking up the hoses to the old final drive and seeing if it would work?
Really enjoyed this....way more than I thought I would. Thanks for sharing the whole process. The gut sinking feeling when the sprocket didn't fit to the joy I felt seeing the door go up and the paint go on. This way really cool. Thank!
thanks for watching
I love that we’re able to see content like this, channels like this are the reason I will never go back to tv. Idk what it is about watching someone taking something apart and put it back together but it’s relaxing somehow lol
Agreed. I find this kind of stuff interesting, not boring, but if I put it on I find it pretty easy to fall asleep to 😂
Rusty jeep, try mr carlsons lab he takes apart and restores electronics and the videos are lengthy
totaly agree !
@@rustyjeep2469 Too funny. I specialize in uploading videos that can make anyone fall asleep. At first I tried to make a better video...... But I realized my real calling is helping those that have trouble sleeping.
Totally agree 👍
Looks good.
Wasnt sure if its cool to say that about Mrs W or not but yeah I agree ;)
thanks andrew
Finally you got it. Persistance makes head way!
@@keithhill9138 yea i wasn't so sure for a while there
Nice machine and you saved lots of money.
I have nothing but respect for this man, he reminds me of my dad. They can get anything done by themselves, stay healthy friend.
thanks
Wow! You've done an AWESOME job restoring that excavator! My hat's off to you, sir! LOVE the paint job! And Mrs W is one tough cookie! She's not afraid to mix it up! 👍🏾
thanks and yes she is
Hi Dan, here in Australia we have a old adage “with a lot of determination and alot more Vaseline a man can root a fly”. Your determination is beyond reproach, your ability to get the job done by yourself and your sheer resourcefulness are admirable and all your fixes were practical and functional, bloody well done mate….oh yeah and she looks beaut in her new colours
thanks gordon i had to gitter done
I am a very old guy who came before the excavator... cables and a dipper stick. Oh yeah, nothing but fun. I was for the most part just a mechanic on old junk even then as it was the fifties and the machines were from the thirties and some forties. Like yours tired and worn hard, put to bed wet. I am quite proud of the fact that you stuck to it and carried it off. Its no crime to be poor... if it was, I would be serving hard time now. In my seventies the few words I can offer is patience and more patience. When moving around, make a flat spot for the machine to work off of as its easier on it and you. When running your machine, try hard to always break two levers at the same time like curl and jib or boom up and curl out ... swing and curl or swing and boom down... what ever the case asks for but by moving two levers at same time, takes that high pressure off of the unit. So much smoother.. boom up or down as the jib moves in to dig and keep your elevation correct. Whether you are working the lever to the left of you or the other, they are not just forwards and sideways... so like instead of say north or west, go northwest or northeast so its doing like two moves on each lever... I am sure that you have that one already but just threw it in... and don't be afraid to run some injection cleaner as its got some mighty dirty injectors or bad coppers... stuff that you will find out as you go. Now just enjoy it as most damages to that machine have already been done... its one very tired unit. You don't see many that are that badly mistreated except for owner operators who will not spend the money for maintenance. You have the tracks plenty tight... almost too tight but its yours and you can see whats going on with it ..... good luck
that was very informative thanks
@@danwheeler5130 It just takes time and time was on my side back then cause I grew up with it.... just don't get in a hurry to hurt yourself or your wife. Starting a home on a rock pile like I did when I got home from Nam. I came to alaska where old equipment was the best they had. I think a small dozer in your hands might be a little easier to get the hang of but practice does help. One way that helped me was just using one hand to do most everything till it came natural
Im a ex-combination welder turned construction Truck Driver with a class A CDL. Been pulling a side-dump trailer for the past 6 months. I find that I learn something new everyday. I really did enjoy watching you turn your excavator new again!
Hello, I just started watching your vid's. I must say that I am not sure how much you paid for that excavator, But I am sure as hell respect your skills to bring it up to par. Without a shop to work in you did one hell of a job. You painted the machine too and that shows both respect in your work and pride. Well done my friend well done.
Great job on the repairs Dan, looking so much better! A word of advice when operating from Chris (of LetsDig18) is to level out the ground you are working from so you have a stable platform for the machine to swing from, it will make for a less bumpy ride in the cab and give you much greater control of the machine. You are an inspiration to all DIYers and I have to say that Mrs. Wheeler is a BEAST, what a life partner to have, you guys are amazing!
thanks and yes she is
I feel the same way about this gentleman. I rather enjoyed this as well.
Well done for rescuing that old girl! Superb result, just a door and glass missing for it to be perfect
i thought about the door and glass but to tell you the truth the sun glares off the glass and i cant see the front glass is there but slid up
I'm rewatching this video allover again for the second time , and enjoying it as much as I did the first time ! Now , I understand where Jesse got his intestional fortitude to tackle (and fix) all the various pieces of equipment he has in his inventory !
Hi Dan, when you started the Komatsu up at 43mins into the video, it looks like you might have a bad injector judging by the white smoke and smoke rings blowing out of the exhaust. It seems to clear once the engine has run a few minutes, so it might just need the injector nozzles cleaning. But you've done a great job bringing the PC 120 back to life. Just need some teeth on the bucket.
yea there are some things i need to do but the vid got to be so long i just had to stop somewhere
Nice job Dan. Making her looking pretty just like the Mrs.
Make some short videos of :
1. Cleaning the tracks.
2. Making a front cage.
3. Making a side door.
I really enjoy your simplistic way of doing things. Wish you well on her 😀
thanks i had to just say this vid is long enough and stop
Wow! I used to sell manufactured steel parts from steel plate to the Komatsu Plant in Chattanooga, TN. for the Excavators and Wheel Loaders. You did an amazing job on this project doing it by yourself! Congratulations! You make us Construction Equipment fans proud with this Restoration!
thank you very much
What i really like about you is that even being a father and a grandfather you take advise and listend to the younger generation! I think thats someting many more of the older generation should learn :) great job and video!
Nice job of fixing it up and making the old girl look good again. Sometimes, it's the old things that hold up the best when taken care of and out last their owners.
yea i think i will safely send this down the line i'm almost 64
This Komatsu PC120 has come a long way, what a transformation, awesome work. its amazing what a little TLC can do, back to work hauling dirt and loading. The final drive seems to be operating nicely. Dan, you did good, the old girl has a new appearance now.
thanks
Hard work and self-reliance are not dead. You deserve much credit. Enjoy your machine.
thanks
I came across your channel by accident and happen to love old equipment and the people who care about them. Great job and video, and dang Mrs. W is in great shape. You're lucky to have a wife that is willing to work right along with you.
yes she is but she is a long distance runner like 100 miles
Knowledgeable, determined, persistent and above all, tough. You may be old, but you're one of the toughest guys I've seen.
thanks
Terrific piece of work Dan. Glad AC was able to help. Really in awe of your doing this repair work solo.
thanks
Now I know who taught Andrew to Get A Bigger Hammer and Weld it that will make it better. You did a super job on this machine and the paint and lettering is super also. I saw Jesse haul it home for you, he told us what was wrong with it. When you said you were not good at welding, I knew you were fibbing, remember I saw you build the lamp for Andrew. Jesse and Andrew were right about the seat belt, I started driving in 61 had a 54 Chev and the first thing I did was go to the junkyard and buy a set of lap belts, no shoulder straps back then. Yelp had a wreck in 63, bent the steering wheel 3” out of round with my front teeth 4 of them. If I had no belt then I probably would have no life. I’m eager to watch you and Ms W and also Jesse building new homes for each family. Good luck and stay safe. You did good Dan
thanks it was trying at time's but i enjoyed doing it now i need to get to work on my house along with a few other things
When I am putting a track back on, to help and make it easier, I take 2 long 2x4's and put them on the ground about 4" to 5" apart under the track, then put one of the big yellow binder straps between the 2x4's and bring it up around the center of the track so that you can put in the center of the track on top, then let the piece of equipment track back down on the 2x4's and I then put large thick pieces of wood under the top section of track to hold it up straight, then get the 2 end pieces of track lined up and being racheting the 2 ends together and get the connecter pin started in and start driving the pin through lining the holes up .
Anyway that is the easiest way that I have found . I have been successful doing this 2 times and it worked for me .
Whenever you are digging try to have the machine in a fairly level place ( even if you have to make you a level place with the bucket before that you move ahead into that dig from spot ) to keep from it rocking up and down in a beating and thumping motion which is hard on your drive motors .
You made the old Komatsu look good, but it took a lot of work and like you said, it's not going to be a worked everyday machine .
So be careful and stay safe and keep on digging . And you all have a Happy and Healthy New Year for 2022 .
As always, Jeffrey !!!
thanks for the info hope i dont have to do it again but if i do
Good to see the old machine running sweet. Just a couple of tips to help you out, flatten a pad for your machine to sit on while you are digging. If you feather three controls together at once , your operating will be a lot smoother. Hope this helps .
We'll done Dan👍love watching you fix up that excavator, so enjoyable. I know it's a very large project, and overwhelming at times. But now you have an excavator for doing a variety of things and it will pay for itself in no time .thanks for sharing love the video's 👍🍻
thanks Pat i have lots of work for it and it will pay for it self
You've got yourself a pretty nice machine, Dan.
thanks i like it, i hear komatsu is a good digger
Very good job👍👍👍 looks like the old girl started her second life. Looks like the tracks are a bit tight, you will ruin them pretty quick that way.
i did loosen them
Sounds like the weather in 'New England' is much the same as in old England just now. We seem to be moving through three seasons in a day here too, just now.
16:46 My dad used to resort to what he called his "Birmingham screwdriver" in much the same way, when all else had failed. Nice to have precision tools to hand when we need them.
1:13 Good to know Mr C up at the castle is looking out for you!
yea cant figure the weather around here
Hi Dan, for a carpenter you are a mighty fine fixer of everything, and that goes for Mrs W as well. Cheers Steve from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺
Looks like you are ready to get into the egg challenge now. AC added cooking, flipping and serving the egg, so it's even harder now than the original version.
That mans machine is so badly worn down, If he got near a egg without breaking it, I would call it a win. I just hope that the ring gears and table are okay on the swing. I can't believe the cylinder on it for the boom is working as it has a horrible kink in it.
I like watching the old-timers work..😮
Wow people my age.
They stay right on it till the job done..
Amazing how you transfer into looking and working better.😊
Thanks for sharing. Very nice to see the teamwork between husband and wife. I learned from you by watching this!
Good video and work !!
You should level the ground a little with the excavator shovel, then it doesn't bob that much !!
your right thanks
Nice work Dan! Working on stuff like that way more difficult that people realize. I totally felt your satisfaction when the drive dropped out finally!
If Andrew likes it then you should be proud! Thanks for sharing the adventure with us and the video is not too long. You and the Mrs. are very entertaining and a pleasure to watch. Thanks again and take care!
thanks
now all you need is some plex glass or glass panel to close the cab from the elements,this is a real cool video Dan
thanks i actually dont like glass with my vision all i see is reflections
Most of the time in my 60 years of construction work I learned that if the job your doing is dangerous or very hard to do don’t take a stupid risk and do it yourself ! If you need help doing the job always get help even if someone just stands by and hands you a tool ! It’s not worth the risk of getting hurt ! By falling or breaking your back lifting too much by your self ! Learned that after two back surgeries and hernia! Trust me !
Lot of hard work, but, the machine should give you several years of use. All the maintenance was certainly worth it. Your fab skills are pretty good, helped the appearance of the machine greatly.
thanks i need the machine for about 3 years then when all is built we will see might sell might not
Amazing job, it looks like all that hard work is paying off as the Komatsu's been reborn. 4 1/2 GALLONS of oil, that sort of puts things into perspective, my truck only takes 6 quarts, which seemed like a big jump from the last car.... Everything on those machines are big and HEAVY.. Have a good one!
thanks and you are right everything is big and heavy
Really enjoyed your video Dan. The paint job sure did wonders for the machine!
thanks
Fantastic job of working on the Kamotsu. Looks like you need a wider flat edge bucket. It would allow you to scrape a surface or pick up a lot of dirt at a time.
That was a titanic struggle! Fair play to you, it turned out better than I thought it would.
thanks it was a struggle but like i taught jesse "can't" isn't in the vocabulary
Me being young I love the old timers ways of getting stuff done BIG RESPECT
thanks
Great video. You did a good job conveying the amount of work that goes into this stuff without it being boring.
thanks its hard to put days worth of work in a short vid and you do have to leave out a bunch
Nice job on the repair and refinishing the excavator.
Lettering not perfect, but looks so much better than it did when you got it. I would be happy with that myself.
The perfect machine to use to build your house.
Always great when I hear from you Dan, and know that you and the family are doing well. As soon as my husband, whom watches as well, saw you with your head under the tractor bucket, when installing the new Driver, my husband said " oh, don't do that"! Paul and I watching you make a new door, was awesome, Paul said you are a MacGyver with all the ideas and things you come up with, and the dang thing looks a lot better with it...Great Video. I personally enjoyed it:-)
thanks donna i hope you guys are doing well, your some of my favorite subs
Shez the 1 who made blankets for the Dogs 😋
@@Arbh1 yes she is and they were beautiful
@@danwheeler5130 I thought u will delete my comment as u tried hide her identity in your older video 😋.
@@Arbh1 i dont think Donna will mind if you do donna tell me i will delete
Right on...new here after a suggested vid from watching Andrew Camarata... new sub...i like having these vids on in the background while i do my boring desk job. My 1 year old son also loves to sit and watch excavator vids. Cheers!
thanks
Nice Job Dan. It's good to see new life breathed into old gals like that.
Wow Dan, you did an excellent job on that machine, it looks wonderful!
thanks
Good job but you can take off track by pushing tention wheel all the way back.....trak can just slip out Heating tracks with oxi makes it more weaker. Connecting pin usually u punch from inside out. Unless someone put track wrong way.
Great job,you can see where Jessie gets it from.Cheers from UK.
thanks
Good work changing out that final drive ALONE. No small trick. Same with the bucket shims - damn that thing is HOOPED! Surprising how far back you brought it! The new access door is really good - and solid as the rest of the machine. A new set of track chains and growsers and it will be good for years!
As soon as she started moving faster the bushings out by the bucket being sloppy will stop you from doing precision work when digging a trench. The most important thing not to do is snap the controls in moving the boom in any direction. Smooth stops and starts makes the hoeram last and last. The fact she starts so good means a great deal. Winter cold may be another story. I like the work you've done to make her a better machine. Changing that oil was a good deal. Now I hope the hoses last a long time. Hydraulic oil is massively expensive for most people and if she springs a leak it will pay to change seals pretty quick. A leaking machine is not good. Good work man.
Thanks Dan for the upload. very interesting to see how you got it all sorted out. Looking forward to more soon.
thanks we have a lot of projects coming up
I'm impressed you managed to get that drive in place singlehandedly! Well done!
where there's a will
I'd have cleaned the FD mount and lubed the whole circumference, in addition to adding anti-seize to the bolts. Otherwise, awesome job.
Enjoyed immensely former welder and prefabricator great job and thanks 84 years old stay healthy
that's a nice excavator,, very useful machine. With the skills you got, that thing will last forever.
thanks i hope so
Greetings from Australia , just found your Chanel , really enjoy the mechanical resto, but what a great change that you also put some paint on and tidy the machine up, it looks great and it separates you from hundreds of other such sites. Keep up the good work 👍
Looks awesome I like seeing someone save something from going to the scrap yard and giving it a new life.
yea i do to
That was a damn fine job on the final drive. Even with two people, it's a pain. Doing it by yourself increases the difficulty tenfold. Especially pounding on the track pin. You got it done though. My glass is raised high for a job well done.
thank you it was a challenge
Nice repair job in difficult conditions, also liked the repaint, made the excavator smart.
thank you
I know it’s hard work when you are doing all that heavy work on your own. Well done fella. 👍
thanks
I just LOVE how you're restoring this nice old girl!
and now i get to use it starting my foundation hole today
@@danwheeler5130 The perfect circle! Congrats!
@@cluelessbeekeeping1322 thanks
You will get the hang of your new tool, its like everything else in life, it just takes practice! Just gotta be careful swinging your bucket around, and hope everyone on the ground watching, stays clear will your working. Personally I think you would do best to have your wife and others wearing a safety vest and hard hat! Just a thought. Helps keep everyone around you safe.
She's a beauty! Wishing you many years of good digging!!
thanks
Nice job looks great. One thing you had your head underneath the bucket of your tractor. You never know with hydraulics. Fail when least accept it. You one tough dude, all by yourself👍
Hi Dan,
the digger looks very nice. It stopped smoking and works well. Gratulation. I am waiting to see you building the house ...
thanks the muffler was taking on water i think that was most of the smoke
Is that Camarata's old pettibone crane in the back ground?
Ace video, Dan. Thanks for sharing. Between you, your son, Andrew and a few others like Mike festiva and Marty T, all my entertainment for heavy machinery, diy fabrication and the such is fulfilled.
yes it is andrew's old pettibone jesse has it now
I think Camarata decided he was done with it whith it when it rolled off the mountain lol
@@michaeldowns2389 yes he was he got a new one and sold jesse this one
Ive never seen 1 can of spray paint go so far! lol Looks great! Nice job! I think Id call it a resurrection instead of a restoration! Great vid too!
true
@@danwheeler5130 I have a PC75uu-2 that I basically did the same thing. Komatsu's are great machines!
@@freeradical431 so far i like it
Running a chain with a binder on top of the track will hold it together while you pound the pin out. You can adjust the tension as well to allow the alignment of the pin. Might help out in the future
cool thanks
My gosh man, that is some heavy duty work you did! I often wondered how equipment like this could be serviced. You did a great job, your stamina is dang impressive, and all by yourself too. My back was screaming out in pain just watching! I bet you and your wife both sleep like logs at night seeing how hard you both work. Just goes to show “when there’s a will, there’s a way!”
Best wishes, thanks for the cool video my friend. 😎👍
You go all kinds of equipment sitting right there. Wait. The tractor and front end loader made an appearance. I love what your doing with the Komatsu.
Amesome personality man. Hard to find people nowadays that are as educational and patient as you. I wish I lived closer, I would offer my time for free, just for some of your knowledge.
thanks
Super nice job on the ole Komatsu . I am looking at a PC120-5. It's on Island and so that helps , but of course in need of repair . Wish me luck . For these Medium machines , things can get pricey really quick of course you know that.
There’s life and grunt in us yet Dan ,,thanks for the explanations and enlightened view of the weather and I thought it was only us Brits that talked about it ,😂
the grunt comes a little slower these days
Great job! Looks 20 years newer now
thanks i think it was worth it
Looking good ,old washing machine skins work good for making those panels also and I'm waiting on a Adirondack cabin video that cabin is awesome
good idea and i'm wanting to get up to the cabin but been so busy here
Nice one Dan. Didn’t notice the length of the video because it was so interesting to watch. You worked hard on the excavator and so did Mrs W. Bet her back was shot that night.
thanks
Like father like son.
This ingenuity is what built America!
thank you sir
Hi Dan , You did a good job restoring this excavator it looks so much better than what it was when you first got it Cliff from Queensland Australia
thanks now to put it to work
Nice transformation completed with basic tools.
thanks would be nice to have all the tools but we work with what we have
You need to make yourself a simple wooden bench or something, instead of using your machines and the ground as tables.
Great watch though, you achieved what you wanted and got it all working, awesome stuff.
Good job. It came out great. The drone footage at the end was terrific.
that was jesse with the drone
I really enjoyed this, I wondered how the tracks were powered. I got tired just watching you work.
lol i got tired doing it , every thing on an excavator is powered by hydraulics the motor runs the pump
Excellent job on the repairs; cosmetic and mechanical, Dan. Your skills are awesome. How many hours are on the machine?
dont know gauge doesn't work
Well done on all the repairs and a lick of paint to finish it off.
you did a mice job on the excavator very surprised nice to see someone takes old tractor and put then back to you
thanks i like old equipment also
It's good to see you working and showing your can do attitude.
thanks
I could feel every swing of that sledge hammer. Nice work, Dan.
Please be careful taking down the dead maple tree. Those tops snap so easy and are deadly. Great rehab on the machine.
Definitely added a lot more value to the machine looking and operating good 👍👍👍
thanks
Sad that someone gave up on that machine. They must have finished their work? Nice job fixing it up.
the guy had it for a long time he said it made him a lot of money but he doesn't do that any more
If you are bending sheet steel without a press brake, score where you want to bend with a thin cutting disc, 80% of the way through the material. Then you can easy bend along that groove with hand pressure. Simply weld the open corner and grind to finish. No one will ever know the difference.
Can’t do that on that big and flat of a sheet. It would have looked like a bowel after.
@@Mad.Man.Marine yeah? I've done it with 5mm plate.
You must have paid more for the new final drive and sprocket than for the machine itself. Great job!
Thumbs up before watching because I already know it will be a quality video.
thanks
You done good on that old machine, looks amazing working.. thanks for the video -- Ian -- UK.
thanks
This has been painful. The door alone was torture but I gotta ask: Did you try hooking up the hoses to the old final drive and seeing if it would work?
You know, I thought you had a different channel. But guess not, or did you? Really enjoy your cinematography!!! It's your son I was thinking of!
yes jesse and he's doing a lot better than i am i'm kinda old for this dont have the computer skills he has but thanks
It come out looking good! Good paint job!
thanks