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Crawlers, Dozers, Loaders & Backhoes Discussion Forum

operating help

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BUDD

10-24-2004 07:30:09

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I just started a new career at the young age of 48. I am now in the heavy Eq. operation (or trying to be that is). The company I am working for does not want to give me any pointers on operating a dozer (when I ask they tell me that I just need to figure it out in time). I know this will take time to be good at operating a dozer, but some pointers would really help. Is their anyone out here that can help? The real issue I am having now is when I get done the ground is choppy, not flat like it should be. I am not sure when to raise or lower the blade at the right times to get it flat. HELP

Thanks for any help you can give a "ROOKY" BUDD

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BUDD

10-25-2004 03:53:17

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Re: operating help in reply to BUDD, 10-24-2004 07:30:09

Thanks to all the replies;

I have two big advanagages the way I see it, 1 I really want to do this and be one of the best and 2 I seem to be able to drive just about anything and be able to pick things up kinda fast. The machines I am trying to run is "CATs" D3, 5, & 6. Along with about 6 different excavators ranging from mini hoes to a 300. I understand that this will take some time to get the hang of it to be any good at all. The thing that really bothered me was when I ask know one would tell me a darn thing. The comment about setting straight up in the seat makes all the sense in the world to me and I will use this to my advantage. This new job is very challenging to me and very neat as well. Thanks again for all the help BUDD )"":""(

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possum

10-24-2004 18:55:31

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Re: operating help in reply to BUDD, 10-24-2004 07:30:09

Unless you HAVE to run in a straight line because of the job, fill your blade and do a gentle curve and it will help a lot because both tracks won't move up or down at exactly yhe same time. You can straighten out the runs with experience.

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NC Wayne

10-24-2004 17:18:41

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Re: operating help in reply to BUDD, 10-24-2004 07:30:09

I'm simply an equipment mechanic and at best a lever puller when it comes to actually running the equipment I work on. True operators are getting hard to find as nobody really wants to take the time to run the equipment and get the experience it takes to become a "true operator". That being said, don't worry about it not being perfect when your just starting out. I've talked to enough equuipment operators over the years and the consenses is that 99% of operating any machine is being comfortable doing it. I'll bet when you drove a car for the first time you were a little apprehensive and therefore "stiff" when it came to controlling the car, once you got comfortable with it I'll bet everything became second nature and your movements become more smoother and more fluid. The same thing goes for operating a dozer of anything else, the smoothness just takes time. Of course there are alternatives to time, like one post suggested headphones and music to kinda "take your mind off what your doing" and help you relax. Another thing that works, but I don't recommend, is like an operator Dad used to know. Every pass he made first thing in the morning was choppy as 40 miles of bad road. Within a few hours and the completion of a beer or 20 dad said he could have flipped a coin with the blade on the move and never hit the dirt. So no real "secrets", it's simply having enough experience to relax.

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Seann

10-24-2004 16:20:40

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Re: operating help in reply to BUDD, 10-24-2004 07:30:09

Budd I'm a total amateur too and have been struggling to learn how to grade decently. I'm getting better, but it's definitely the kind of thing that looks a lot easier than it is.

One thing I'm embarrassed to say I didn't know about until I had owned my loader (with 4-1 dozer blade) for a couple of months is the float function. You probably already know about it, but just in case you don't - If you push the blade (up and down) lever all the way forward (hard) it will release the hydraulic rams from the blade and simply let the blade "float" and just drag under it's own weight. If you use the float function while backdragging (going backwards) it's amazing how well it will smooth over a choppy grade attempt. It's really helped me to cope with my often crappy grading technique until I can get better with more practice. You might want to give it a shot if you haven't already.

Good luck with your new career.

PS>> What kind of machine are you running?

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Shovelman

10-24-2004 15:49:18

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Re: operating help in reply to BUDD, 10-24-2004 07:30:09

Budd,

The other fellows made some good points. You did not mention the type of dozer you were running, or the type of job you were on, which makes a difference as well.

When I grade, I move the blade control in short jabs, just bumping the control lever instead of feathering it. I find it easier to gauge how much you are moving the blade or bucket that way. Give the machine time (distance) to react to your corrections. Take it slow and easy.

Concentrate on being smooth. Speed will come later. Plan ahead. When you making a pass, think about how you will take the next one.

Work safely, take special care around others.

Shovel the undercarriage out every night, and above all, enjoy yourself. There are few things more satisfying than operating equipment.

Good luck,
Scott Goff

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Steve in SJ

10-24-2004 08:56:21

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Re: operating help in reply to BUDD, 10-24-2004 07:30:09

Budd He's right It just take time in the seat. But here are some things that may help,hopefully! Sit up straight in the seat so that all of the movement of the machine is felt in the small of the back,then you can use your sense of balance to react to what the machine is doing.the reason your choppy is because you are overeacting(moving the blade to much or to fast). When I started out,a set of headphones with music playingmade all the differnce in the world.Takes your mind of the lever. Try to keep the blade level,but don't watch just the blade keep you focal point about 30FT ahead of you. If you are using a 6 way blade keep the blade flat(so dirt is not coming of either side of the blade).Loading the blade may also help the more dirt you are carring the more stable (fore and aft)the dozer will be. as much dirt as you can,if the blade starts to empty drop it a little. Don't try to be a fine grade operator. Push as much as you can then you'll learn the balance of the machine. tips:common belief,last cut should slowest(to finish)You should start leveling on the first cutbuilding up speed as you get to grade Tip # 2: If you are in a production situaution moving over half a blade may help(Any selfrespecting farmer knows you can't level anything going in the same tire tracks all day. Tip # 3:Start high push down hill.( I believe you doubble the blade capacity on as little as a 5 degree Slope Feel free to ask any question you may have. Know go grasshopper and level the earth. Steve

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Roy Suomi

10-24-2004 07:44:23

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Re: operating help in reply to BUDD, 10-24-2004 07:30:09

This is not something that a person picks up overnight. Some are not blessed with dozer operating skills. Ground speed , Hydraulic speed ,ground conditions all have a bearing on operating results. My opinion is to find an operator who is willing to get you started on the right track..

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