Was doing the daily check on our old Cat 320D and the meter rolled over. That's like 5 solid years of seat time on one machine, mostly on a big site in Toledo. It's wild to think about all the dirt that bucket has moved. Anyone else have a machine they've logged crazy hours on?
I was checking the service meter this morning and it actually surprised me. We've been clearing a big site up near Bellingham for the last three months, and this machine has been eating up stumps and rocks the whole time. My old boss used to say if you get past the first 400 hours without a big repair, you got a good one. I guess he was right. Anyone else have a piece of equipment that just quietly hit a big number for them?
I was doing a small lot grade in Cincinnati last fall, left the dozer for 15 minutes to check the stakes. Came back and a squirrel had filled the cab with about 50 walnuts, stashed in the seat, pedals, even the cup holder. Took me longer to clean that out than to do the actual grade check. Anyone else had wildlife totally mess with their machine?
I had to backfill a foundation for a new house in Cedar Rapids last week. The site boss gave me a load of what he called 'good fill dirt' and told me to just run the dozer over it. I did, but after the first big rain, the whole thing settled almost six inches in one spot. Turns out the dirt had way more clay than anyone said. Now I'm thinking you really need to check the material yourself, even if someone else says it's fine. What's the best way you guys test dirt on site before you start packing it down?
I pulled a few all-nighters to help a friend move, then jumped right into a grading job. Found myself zoning out while running the dozer, almost missed a marker. That close call scared me straight about rest. Now I make sure to get solid sleep, no matter what. It's crazy how much sharper I feel on the controls!
You really have to PLAN for those sudden gusts that can shake everything up.
I miss the days when folks understood the work and didn't call the city over every little thing.
Has anyone seen better equipment life with these longer changes, or just more downtime?
He's only twelve. My dad had me on a dozer young. But that was then. Sites have more rules now. I won't risk it for anyone.
Now if the GPS blinks, the whole site shuts down.
Was lifting a beam and a gust of wind caught it. I eased it down safely without any damage. It's a good reminder to stay sharp out there.
Any tips on smoothing over community relations?
Turns out, a five-minute soil check could have prevented this whole mess.
In my experience, tightening a few loose mounting bolts made it smooth again, but your mileage may vary.
After one pointed out a gas line we missed, I LISTEN. A quick update keeps them on your side.