Dozer Repair, Splitting Tracks, Adjuster Rails & Slides. CAT D3 dozer 

This was one beast of a job! I made a lot of mistakes but learned some valuable lessons that will help me in the future, and hopefully will help others too. That's part of being a jack of all trades. You WILL screw things up. Just deal with it, learn from it, and move on to the next challenge. Don't forget to like, share, subscribe, and all that 💩. Thanks everybody for their support, especially my patrons on www.patreon.com/FarmCraft101! Have an awesome weekend everybody!

We have all made stupid mistakes, but I give you a lot of credit for leaving those parts in your videos. I have learned so much from your videos over the years.

Anyone who's done heavy equipment repair fully understands your sentiment regarding winning against that pin!

What brings me back to your content is your work ethic and your determination to do it yourself, while working alone. You also have a natural mechanical aptitude, which many people don't. Keep up the good work and content.

As a former Caterpillar mechanic, I kept shouting at the screen. But you couldn’t hear me so I gave up and thoroughly enjoyed watch you flail around. The coup de gras was reusing that old P.O.S. pin. I was laughing out loud. Congratulations, Sir! You truly ARE a farm mechanic. “ Yeah, that’ll do”. Tears in my eyes. I am now subscribed.

Good morning John, I’m not a metallurgist but I do work in a very industrial zone in Canadas far north. We recently have had a series of injuries caused from swinging sledge hammers on hardened steel surfaces. One guy had a chunk fly off and insert itself in his hand, another in the face and another in the chest. The fix was leather wear, face shield, and a brass or soft sledge. I know it doesn’t seem practical for all of that but I thought to share some news. Your one of my favourite channels to watch I’d hate for anything freak like that to happen. Keep up the great work!

I love this channel... CEE Engineering, Dirt Perfect, LetsDig18, Essential Craftsman, Camerata and FarmCraft101 are my sole source of modern day entertainment. Beats reality shows too, because I learn something with every video!

Sitting down after a long day at work and watching John use his brain always makes my brain happy. Thanks John!!

I have a 1974 CAT D3 dozer almost identical to yours. To easily remove the tracks, just push the blade all the way down, completely collapse the track adjusting cylinder and lift the track out over the front idler. Very easy and quick method of removal without driving out a track pin. I also noticed on another video that it looks like the brake pedals need adjusting. Look in the manual how to do this correctly.

It's such a treat to see you use so many improvised tools that allow you to use basic machines in interesting combinations to put force where you need it. Also, the joy of having to do the process twice, you get to swear and curse during the first go round and feel like a genius on the second once you know what to do.

I love when you buy a piece of used equipment, as it leads to a series of great content from you (boom lift, dump truck, excavator, and especially this dozer). I also love that you always share your struggles (even when you do find them embarrassing during the editing process). Can't wait for your next project.

I've finally figured out the main appeal of these wonderful videos. It's not the practice of excellent general mechanical skills, although there's that. It's not learning about the demands of a modern small farm, although it certainly shows that. It's really about persistence overcoming adversity. LOL! Great stuff...

That troubleshooting on that intermittent glow plug wiring harness was very impressive!

Cutting edge engineering Australia would be proud 👍

We have all been in that situation where a job grows! I admire your grit and determination, good job John, keep the content coming.

Hell of an effort getting both sides disassembled, welded/fixed and reassembled. Great video!

Been doing this for 50 years. I’m 75 now. Torch a 3\4 inch deep hole in each end of the pin. Let the pin cool. Drive the pin out . Using a smaller hammer and punch. The cost of a new pin is nothing compared to the labor cost. Also relieve the track tension before doing any of this.

Great work! In my experience, I've mushroomed more pins/shafts with a sledge than an impact hammer. Adding support like you did on the left side probably helped the most. The key is to try not to put too much heat on the pin and keep it on the collar. Heating the pin just makes it bigger and if too much heat, like you showed, will forge/mushroom it.

Your tenacity is impeccable Jon. Great lessons in what to do and learning what not to do, all comes from experience the hard way. Thank you for all your great videos.

The thing about heating metal to make it easier to get out the pin is that its not about just getting it hot, its about getting it hot fast. Once the heat transfers to the pin, it also grows in size and just as tight as when you started. Use your biggest rosebud heat the link fast, take your best shot and if you don't get it you'll have to wait until they both cool down before you should take another shot.

We use a demolition hammer on our farm. It's heavy so there's a bit of an effort with the forklift to hold the hammer at the right angle/height. We also tack-weld a cutoff piece of pipe around the pin. The hammer goes down inside the pipe and centers on the pin. The pipe is there to act as a guide. Try to hammer anything with the demo hammer freestyle and it's uncontrollable. Pins always come out very easily for us using this tool. But like I say, a bit of a setup.

Jon, I know you keep having little problems but we both know that in time they will be resolved and it will be a pleasure to work this little cat without those worries. Buying anything second hand is basically buying other peoples problems but for sure, you are the man to sort them out. Well done mate, that was a really great repair and another problem ticked of the list.

GUY !!!!! I love your chanel. I never comment but when I saw the pain you went through with that pin. I laughed my ass off when you yelled "I WON." and gave it the finger. You are the man. !!

Hi Jon, I don't know how keep a good humour during your problems, but you always win, well done. From UK.

Phenomenal video. It felt like a full story with ups and downs and plot twists. Very satisfying repairs! 👍

Wow, This was a very enjoyable video. Your skill and calm demeanor in spite of the many "Challenges" in the shop is equaled by your fine filming, commentary and editing talent. Well done. (we were All rooting for you against that pesky pin).

I really enjoy all of your videos and have subscribed but never commented before but your "I won!" really hit home for me. Our family motto is "Never Give up" and I know the "I won: feeling very well. Thanks for the laugh. Keep your videos coming.

Worked in shop that rebuild tracks . We had a 100 ton hydraulic jack and i have heard that pump scream pushing pins out . When u started that job I was glad it was u and not me . U did good .

I have taken several out. Cut the center bushing and pin then replace it with a new one. (20 minute job}

Hey John, With your determination and skills, the dozer is going to be just as good as new !!! Best of luck in your adventuires !!!

Man I love your videos! Every Friday a bunch of new videos pop in my notifications, and I always watch yours first! Your hands-on approach, the way you show your mistakes and the difficulties you face, and the way you simply explain things are just what I appreciate. Thanks a lot, again and again.

this is why we watch you John............just great DIY

John, I enjoy your shows very much, and I love watching you repair the four pieces of equipment you purchased. You think well on your feet and make interesting videos while thinking. Keep up the great videos we enjoy the entertainment. I am a retired engineer and scientist and worked for many years for Boeing, NASA, PPG and others on different Aerospace projects, so I understand at least a little what you are doing. Keep up the great videos and if I lived closer to your farm, I would love to help you, but I am too old and broken but I love to watch.

Hey, John! I have been following you for a year. I love the content, but more specifically, find myself thinking the same way you do in your approach to these mechanical challenges! The discoveries, the domino challenges, and your good natured way to take them on.... I loved the emojied-out middle finger on this video!

Gentleman, I am a 71 years old man, been there, done that , I know that is not an easy job specially when you are all by yourself, congratulations, even been hard on yourself, blessings to you and your love ones, please be careful on your daily routine, most kind of you for sharing it with us, from the endless summer paradise Puerto Rico Jesus Torres.

Ive always heard the wet pin rail has the gator clamp. The dry rails have a master pin with a big cotter pin or similar pin holding it in. The welded pin is probably the most common though. Mr John you worked your tail off on this job. I can't help but say this, when you were showing how great of a job you did fixing the slides I see the mast for the blade frame has a fair amount of movement in the pins. I wish I could be right beside you, getting to know you and get some work done. I love these old machines too. I'm sure Kurtis from CEE Australia would be proud of you on this job.

Then looking forward to this. Your videos are my go-to for relaxation and a knowledgeable viewing experience. Thanks again for the hard work.

Two Thumbs Up John, on getting the dozer track Pin-out, fix some areas, and getting the tracks back together. Have three Beers on me John..

I have to commend you for tackling that job and sticking with it. Everything you did and then all the problems you had to see come up and drag you down. You took things better than I would have. You did a good job. If you buy another dozer, you have much experience about things to look at and evaluate. Thank you for posting these Cat videos and the others.

Well done! I admire your perseverance and optimism💪

I enjoy your videos greatly. You truly are a jack of all trades. I am an Aircraft Mechanic of 23 years working on helicopters for the army at Ft. Rucker Alabama. I still have learned a few things from you though so keep it up man.

Just saying John, OMG! I was an auto body mechanic for 42 years and had some battles during that time. I admire your sticking to it and fighting through all the different situations. Thanks for this video, I really enjoyed it. KC

48:40 hammer drop!! Driving that pin like a boss!! Thanks for sharing your experiences, Professor Jon.

I've worked IT desk jobs for 25 years. The heaviest piece of equipment I've owned is a walk behind mower. I drove a farm tractor one time. I say those sprokets look fine. send it. =) Great video as always

W00H00 I missed you last week so bad man… it’s like my favorite coffee buddy was out of town on coffee with the guys day!

The joy of old used equipment!

Great job I love this old machinery and equipment and fair play to you for looking after it 👍

So the motto of this saga is ...before you consider buying or buy a 50+ year old piece of construction equipment - be like John and have a lot of skill, perseverance, machine shop, heavy-duty tools, time and/or deep pockets to keep it running 😀

Once again a job well done John ! 😊

Not many videos over an hour long I will watch without a few fast forwards or 1.5x playback...but FarmCraft101 is always well worth the time spent...Thanks Jon 🙌

You've got skills John! I admire your patience and enjoy your stuff.

Interesting job. When using pressing screws like on your ball joint press, the tool will last much longer and the job go easier if you grease the threads.

Man, you have so much more patience than I do! I don’t see how you work that hard without throwing stuff😂

One always goes to school on the first one. Great journey Jon! Thanks for the ride.

Can you take us to the pond filled with water. That would be amazing.

It ,s common for the tracks to be serviced by pressing out the pins and bushings and rotating them so they wear on the other side . It might be worth it to see if you have anyone in your area to do that .

Really great video. I work on vintage tractors and i have learnt many things the hard way. I appreciate how you well you film these jobs. I have lots of jobs where I film the first part and then get so annoyed with the actual job , I give up filming and just get the job done. I respect the effort involved in what you are doing. 👍

You got guts, John. It takes guts -- and intelligence -- to patiently work through the problem and gain knowledge. Well done, my good man!

At 35:35, you pre-heat and say something about penetration. I think pre-heat helps avoid cracks due to the rapid cooling because the casting is a giant heat sink. Pre-heating is probably the right thing to do. Depending on the AR alloy, I think post heat might be good, too. The Lincoln Electric book says you've got to be careful if the carbon is above 0.4%. Cast iron is 10x that and I think some of the AR alloys are pretty high. Hopefully it won't be an issue.

I’ve always used a stick welder on equipment like this. I’m able to really burn her weld in compared to wire. Always felt it was stronger/better. 😊 Enjoying the maintenance videos. 😎

Man...I don't know if there is a Nobel prize for patience level but from my point of view you deserve it. I would use TNT to solve all these problems with the dozer once and for all. Really love all your videos and the descriptions you're putting in. thank you.

I am so glad that I have a bad back and just enough wisdom and cash to let someone else do this for me. I prayed for you today. I really did.

7:40 Una sugerencia util: Por experiencia le sugiero que en ese lugar donde tiene un carrete con manguera para el aire, podría agregar un tanque para acumular una reserva de aire, con lo que además de presión tendrá una mayor caudal.

Big learning curve to start. A good job, a chape job. A pleasure to watch you Struggle. Took me back to my 60's apprentiship in Dublin. Well done John!

You do a great job with the videos. I enjoy watching them. You explain very well. Most other videos do not like spend extra or do extra to make the information clear. Great job, good luck

John, you are a man’s man! I’m exhausted just watching you. Keep up the excellent work

I admire your work ethic and tenacity for getting the job done. The first thing I’d have done is order 2 master pins and just gas the old ones out. Been in the industry nearly 40 years and have had to go through your pain in the past. Great seeing you tackling these jobs

As you were putting the second side back together I was so waiting for you to say and yes I put the spacer washers back in off camera 😳…thanks to the awesome videos and showing all of the process and not just the perfect glory shots 👍

Thank you for looking after that nice bulldozer.all power to your elbow from England.

As someone who replaced plenty of track shoes on military vehicles, I spotted your oversight almost immediately. Live and learn!

Toughest thing i ever did was original plugs on a 98 Expedition. Your amazing. I will always remember your positive attitude.

I changed the front idler on my dozer a few weeks back - this is exactly why I left the chain intact and removed it as a unit - without the proper press it is an absolute fight (note) I too left tension on the chain at first - appreciate your content, Sir

Great video, 20 or so yrs ago I bought a cheap green 4 inch grinder off a tool sale at a fire department. It came with an extra set of brushes. They wore out quick. I replaced them and still have that same grider to this day!

It is very encouraging when the masters show us plebs how they work through their challenges and finally overcome

Good job! I really appreciate the high video resolution since the videos look very good on my 1440p monitor.

Salutations from Quebec ! Just want to say how much I enjoy your videos. I work in I.T. but over the years have flipped a few houses, fixed a few engines and have done a lot of similar problem solving. Some of my earliest childhood memories are of my dad fixing a very old Johnson motor in a water barrel (mostly remember him swearing and trying at the pull cord dozens of times in between repair attempts). I don't share your affinity for seals and hydraulic fluid but hey, no judgement 😂. Watching your videos, I'm glad you didn't get dedd [sic] (don't want to trigger a YT filter) , lose a limb/appendage, end up in the hospital or catch on fire. You're a very clever man and your resourcefulness never ceases to amaze me. What kept me watching before I subscribed was your choice of humble honesty over editing, I admire you for that. Thank you John for the countless hours of laughter and enjoyment.

My Dad used to use a formula of penetrating oil that they used on Mosquito aircraft in the late 40s. 1 part paraffin to 1 part old engine oil. Use more than you need and soak for as long as it takes to make and drink a cup of tea. Works really well!

love it, just seeing someone else goes through what I go through all the time. I liked your log splitter.

On the first side you did I said to myself “a lot of the impact on the pin is being absorbed by the track movement. And I would take off another pad to give more room for hammering.” Both of which you took care of on side 2. Love your vids.

Hey John. I spent many years in engineering maintenance and thought you did a really great job given the tools you had👍. Yes chain tension gave you more grief than needed, but you did it. Thought welding wear away was brilliant. 🇬🇧

I admire your patience!😊

Used your second version of pin removal even had an ancient crowbar cut to size for driving pin. took about 10 minutes from setup to pin out. Heat,Heat,Heat! Thanks for video saved time and my back!

You just wanted to teach us how to do this job. The process of doing it wrong is part of the process of learning how to do it right. It reteaches us to use the basics to find the process of doing the job. It worked. Thank you. Your need is to teach. Its part of you. Our need is to learn. You are a good teacher. Simple as that. Thank you again.

I just checked my subscriptions on a quiet Friday evening and was excited to find a new 1 hour video from you … I got a cup of tea and settled down to watch you struggle, persevere and finally win 🎉😂 PS when you left those washers out I shouted at the screen but you didn’t hear me 😂🤓🤣 Keep it up John (whoops 😱😭)... I love this channel 😉😊

John, you are a beast! There's no quit in you. Love all your videos. Much respect.

work smarter not harder - excellent demonstration. Really enjoyed this video John.

Jon I really enjoy your channel. It has given me more confidence to have a go. Which is good course I got a 50year old forklift that needs loving. Cheers

Love watching your show, and you have many fantastic skills and mechanical/general aptitude. I find stepping back to reevaluate the original proposal sometimes help solve difficult jobs, in your case blowing relief holes in the original pin and fitting a new pin when reassembling

Enjoy your dozer repair, great job on the tracks

You clearly love what your doing ! Out smarting the machine is bliss !

Very glad I found your channel I enjoy your struggles and your solutions well done sir and thanks

I got watching your channel in your earlier metal casting days but been away from RU-vid for a few years but been catching up lately and must say much like myself you will tackle just about anything. I like to think if one man can do it then I should be able to myself but sometimes I get myself in a pickle and ends up costing me more than taking it somewhere but getting a education is always a plus. Keep fighting the good fight bro you're doing great.

Wow i love how you admit to your mistakes theres not so many people who do that an you make tools for what you need awesome Great video -Bambi

New viewer here and so impressed with your varied skill sets, ability, and willingness to take on any job. My dad was a mechanical engineer, super smart but lacked the common-sense you possess. However, your selection of tools (harbor freight) detracts from all the praise I just afforded you. I learned from my dad early on not to buy junk tools as we all know time is money and crap tools add time to any job. I have a 4" Makita grinder that is at least 30 years old, and have pushed it into thermal overload more times than I can count, but it still works. A man or your talents and the position you hold as a youtuber tarnish your image by sporting cheap tools. Other high-end tubers I watch earn free high-end tools because of the follower exposure they offer the sponsor. Choosing a tool for a person of your nature should be easy as you will most likely be doing what you're doing now until you die. Life is too short and time too important to buy crappy tools. Redeem yourself before it's too late. Meanwhile keep up the amazing videos.

Hi John. I love your videos. Always entertaining and often educational. My two penn’orth, for what it’s worth is that supporting the inner chain link on the second track you worked on was crucial to how easily (in comparison) the pin came out. When you were hitting the first pin it initially moved a little but then bound up. It looked like the distance it initially moved was just the amount the inner link was prepared to be forced out of alignment with the outer link. At that point you were trying to drive out a pin that has a very tight tolerance through two links that were now out of alignment. Also having tension on the track probably didn’t help either. We live and learn though 😀 I’m glad you got there in the end. You did a great job repairing the frames. Looking forward to more of your content. Take care mate

Well done again John. I really felt for you with that first pin. But as I've also found out recently its sooo much easier the second time around. Just replaced an EGR valve on a VW golf. The first time took me 5 hours for toil and sweet encouragement. The new one wen't bad after barely a year. This time it took me a little over an hour. Looking forward to more from you soon. Best wishes

Had one of these. Rebuilt it from one end to the other. I mean literally every part. Even the pedal bushings, hand control bushings....every single piece. Even the c frame and blade pin bushings. Made it like new. But still a rough riding...dippy machine. I was good at operating it because I was energetic and going. Had fast feet for the pedal steer and quick hands for the shifter with spin throttle knob. I would try hard. My older dad couldn't stand running it...and all the older operators as well. Had to sell it cause I couldn't hire any help that would run it. But, if you slow down...it's a sweet unit for home and farm use. At least it has no electronics!!! Good job on the video! Keep it up.

John, wonderful narration and a well done job !

Fixing the fuel tank and glow plug wiring harness made the dozer reliable, Fixing track idler pully rails/ways made the dozer useable. It was mainly your time and now you have a serviceable dozer with years of life... Great Job. Ray Stormont

Excellent job! always a joy watching the work in action! cant wait for the next video!