What to look for when buying a used BULLDOZER! 

Ignore the criticism.Quality video and this type of information is a good starting point for anyone looking to buy any type of equipment.

I have never seen a video like this, I have needed a bulldozer but never had enough common sense to make a good decision on buying one. Good job on sharing thank you for the education.

This, sir... is a great video. Well paced, and not overblown with useless information. Just a good introduction to pre-work and purchase inspection and basic operation. Good work!

Ah, the video I didn't know I needed until I needed it. Years of being a fan of yours, but only now am I in the market for a bulldozer/backhoe combo. Thanks so much for your amazing videos. You taught me to be my own diesel mechanic and it's saved me countless times already on our homestead.

What I enjoyed was the smooth flow of just the right information without any extras. This might be excellent editing, but I had the sense this was coming from someone (Matt his own self) who was completely fluent in every aspect of what he was covering. This is mastery of the subject, which with Matt runs deep with many other pieces of heavy equipment. I have the feeling he could easily teach the operation of all his equipment which requires amazing eye-hand-equipment coordination, with unusual depth perception. He’s absolutely excellent with an appealing manner, fun expressions and an amazing work ethic. You cannot outwork Matt. Miss Eva knows all this and high praise to her for letting him go on his way to seeing his plans for the future come to fruition, she’s not holding him back. They are a good team.

A Big thank you for your video. You are very knowledgeable and a huge help to those of us looking at used dozers. I think it’s awesome that you would take the time to make this & other RU-vid videos! You Rock!

This is a GREAT video for someone looking to buy a used dozer! Good job man I love ur knowledge and continually learning new skills

What a sweetheart just starts up without any issues and in cold conditions dont even need Glow Plugs nice Matt 11:09 @Diesel Creek

I really liked this. Incredibly helpful for someone who is considering heavy machinery.

Worked for a fleet where I could work on everything from a weed trimmer to an excavator and everything in between. Watching the boys struggle with tracks and rollers made me really happy that I was the engine (CAT & Cummins) and electrical guy. I had enough fun rebuilding engines or wiring up our custom setups and building the occasional glider truck.

Good presentation. My Dad had an excavating company and I grew up running equipment. Started running a dozer when I was 15. That was a very long time go. Dad was a Cat man but Komatsu is a good brand. Dad rarely bought used machines, preferred to wear them out himself. Our smallest dozer was a TD25, long since discontinued. Actually a better machine than I would have thought. 2 D8s & a D9 used as a scrapper pusher. What you referred to as a pin on the chain would be better referred to as the bushing. Newer machines will have sealed and lubricated pins & bushings. Under carriages are expensive! You got a good one. Water & sand quickly destroy them. Machines that have worked in the mountains are often broken where it is hard to see.

That was well done, I enjoyed all of it, thank you. 🇦🇺

This video cleared up a lot of question i had about track and sprocket wear...thanks for the great flick...awesome info....BB \

Thank you for this video! I bought my first dozer, a used Komatsu D31E. I used your video and it helped.

Masterclass, as always! Thank you Matt! Is true and reasonable to search for those leaks and pick a dozer that actually have them will be like a bargain in comparison with engine and or transmission leaks which also can be fixed but, as long as they're operable at the most economic price, that's one equipment we want I think. Talking about the leaks, some are tolerable, that's why you and many keep them because they work regardless. It will look good fixed but, we'll need the time, energy and money for that.

I found this video to be of value, a lot of knowledge shared that is useful for first time buyers not familiar with this more affordable type of dozer!. I liked the radiator cap trouble shooting tip, and the undercarriage tips. Thanks for sharing!

I grew up on a farm and have operated everything EXCEPT a dozer, so I enjoyed your video!!

That was a really cool video. I can’t ever see a reason I would need a dozer unless bought a home with acreage with the potential for brush fires. After 30 years in the fire service I’ve learned what one dozer operator can do to save property. Really enjoyed that Matt.

Thanks a lot for this timeless video with very important informations! I´ve seen many of your videos during the last view weeks and I have to say: Chapeau, Matt! You´re a clever and industrious guy (the videos are not finished by themselves) and I love to see the progress in your work. Best regards, Walter

As a former Komatsu heavy diesel mechanic I give you a thumbs up well said. That being said, there's actually several Komatsu keys, some will let you start loaders but nothing else, others will allow you to turn the ignition but not start and others will allow you to unlock the door and nothing more. I guess these are for larger companies who want to control what detailers or semi-trained operators can do, but they're so ubiquitous that they really can't keep the master key out of anybody's hands. I love Dozers, D8s, D9s, D155s D275s, 375s, they have a real roar, I feel like I'm personally offending every rotten tree-hugger in the world every time I throttle one up. Thanks for the vid.

I appreciate the way that you do your videos and that you seem to reply to most comments well done!

I wouldnt have the need for one but its awesome and cool to watch you operate one tho. Thanks for sharing man.

Thanks for the video. I've taught diesel and heavy equipment at the local technical college. You have a lot of good information here.

Excellent information for those of us who are considering purchasing a heavy piece of equipment for the farm/lot.

Man if I try to start something up after 2 or 3 months I got to charge batteries, grease something, run to parts store. That dozer is the bomb!

These are all great things to look at before buying, just keep in mind the backyard mechanic / operator is probably not well equipped to do his or her own work on the machine if something does go wrong. I've got a Komatsu D53S-17 and I have to use my backhoe just to remove the hood. My son jokes that nothing weighing under 100 pounds is bolted to that thing... and you'll need very big wrenches. Probably the best tip you gave was to try it to move a little dirt. It will make cylinders squirt if they need rebuilding, the sprockets will slip if the undercarriage is badly worn and it won't push without the engine under labor as you said. The owner should be glad to let you try it if it's as good as they tell you. The buyer really need to think about the machine they are looking at and not buy on impulse or under pressure. As they say, there are plenty of fish in the sea. Great video Diesel Creek!

Incredible how it started with such ease.

I'm just learning and thought it was awesome! Thank you!

I had my own earthmoving company for many years. I would need to hire from time to time and if the new guy didn't grease the nipples at least once a day he would be out. I had rock breakers also which needed greasing a lot more often. I would watch from my office to see if the new guys checked anything before starting up, you would be surprised at the amount of people who just hopped straight into the drivers seat and start up. That guy would be on power wash for a couple of weeks. They seem to learn quite quickly. Oh I miss the old days. Love your videos young man.

That is an awesome dozer. My dad had a couple Komatsu dozens when I was a kid. They are really good machines.

I'm in computing and somehow found your video to be entertaining and informative, not sure what my fascination was about, but your thorough explanation kept me engaged, good job, thx.

everything from heavy equipment to machine tools and overhead cranes and more i haven't seen yet that's Komatsu , amazing company

thank you for the great video. Just learning and thinking about buying a dozer, and I found this video very helpful

I'm definitely going to follow every step, this is valuable info right here

2.5 learning more every time I see any of your videos.. Love it and thanks..

I agree I ran a dozer last summer and it was so much fun!

This is a great video. My father sold farm equipment and owned heavy equipment most all of his life. Your points are well taken and accurate. A lot of the time at an auction he would ask the seller the condition. That's all you have to go on other than visual condition. History and records help. Filters with dates of service help. Hydraulic cylinder leaks are common. Like you stated wear parts on the undercarriage are the most common issue. He liked Cat for parts and support. Thank you for a great video and service to those wanting to purchase a dozer.

This Komatsu D41A is a Sweet Dozer For the Age and time frame. Also very informational video On what to look for and What to keep a Eye on and What not To do i think testing and using before you buy should be standred for anything you can drive Matt thanks for sharing. 26:52 @Diesel Creek

Great info! Thanks for putting this video together.

"You shouldn't start anything if you don't know what the controls do" Well thanks for blowing a hole through my entire philosophy, bud.

An excellent series. This video was both interesting and informative.

Really appreciate you for the time to explain extensively on what to check for..... I'll love to buy good one D41A komatsu bulldozer

Thanks so much for this! Really like your channel it reminds me of being with my dad doing tractor work and keeping things running. Thanks again!

love this video Matt, very informative.

Thank u so much for video's like this these. The basic things for greenhorns. Like myself..

Thanks for a great video. Even though I'm not thinking of buying a dozer I really enjoyed watching and listening to your advice. Where I come from we would say that your dozer has a powershift transmission (torque converter) and 'direct drive' means you just have a manual clutch and gears .

Awesome video man... especially the undercarriage part. appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience.

thank you for the infos, i m a first time dozer buyer with no experience driving them, so i will take all free advice.

pull the throttle back engage decelerator then start the engine can govern revs from cold

I have seen a few videos about dozer checks and how to pick one but so far this best I have seen. Good videos, great content and tips as well not to mention I like your dozer. 😁 Keep up the great work and good luck on your many projects. Great channel! Quality!

I'm looking for a bulldozer, good points you made, keep up the good work.

You are very good instructor! Thank you.

Great video, I’m going to be buying some kind of bulldozer to break bush on the farm, finally a video to show me some things to look for. Subscribed!

This is The Best video that I have seen covering "what to look for in a used dozer". I've got plans to be on bare land, and I wanted a dozer. But did know for sure what exactly to watchful of. So Thanks. Just need some seat time now. My other peice of equipment I will need, an excavator...mid size for stumps and loading a sawmill. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Great informational video ,again great job to know the controls

This was well done and very helpful. Thanks for taking the time to create and teach. I learned a lot

great info here, I found a d21 to look at now I know a bit what to look at while giving it a try out

Great video, thank you for posting it!

I thought the teaching in this video was top notch , I learned a lot . I now know what to look for in a dozer. I'm not sure about removing the radiator cap on a warmed up engine. The pressure can push the cap off and burn you good easy. I had this happen to me on a truck while only running it a min or so thinking it wasn't hot but it got me. I am a mechanic but it fooled me anyways , so I don't recommend it. That was good advise about air bubbles coming from the water.

Never buy a dozer with final drives that are not a planetary style. Part are also hard to find for older machines. Enjoyed your video.Brings back memories.

Great video. Love the outdoors

Great vid!!! Thanks for the insight.

Thanks for the tips. Looking at an old Oliver OC 4. Never messed with dozers or crawlers before. Got a relatively small driveway to put in on our property. Plus it would be fun to play with.

Great info Would of never thought about checking the torque converter like that

Thank you for the video,& you help me to know what to look for!

Thank you again Matt always good.

we picked up a komatsu D85 about a week ago and we looked at exactly what you described great video

Other things I do. Do a true cold start if possible, it will tell a lot about an engine. Check all oils for any sign of water. Check engine when running for excessive blow by.

My cousin ran a dozer for nearly 35 years. Took a toll on his butt with all the cysts, hemorrhoids, and the like. Gotta love your job a lot to endure the wear and tear on your behind. He certainly loved it, plus it paid well.

Thank you for sharing makes me want to get my 3444 International resurrected and start using again. Used to have JD2010's with 6 way and ripper bar. It was a fun part of life. But like you said it's expensive to own and real easy to rent new equipment now. Us excavators a lot more than hoe's and only a few times a year. Keep videos coming I really enjoyed. Greg H.

Perfect, no B.S. instruction. Thank you!

I like your video, good job. You’ve had some negative ned comments, but who said one should look on RU-vid for video perfection! One thing I’d add is if the hydraulic pump is strong you can lilt the tractor with the blade. Then you can see things like the bottom rollers and leaks better.

one way to check that not would end up with you in the ER. is pop it open with the engine is dead cold start it and check for bubbles. if no bubbles feel the a coolant line get a feel for it. then warm the engine up and check the same coolant line should be firm.

Very good vid, you talked about pins and bushings. I thought your tracks were loose till I saw you had a single carrier. Again good video.

Will never buy a dozer, but found this very interesting and informative. Thank you.

You can do an oil analysis if you have time / access to the machine - it will tell the tale on engine and powertrain components. I also like to take an infared thermometer to the idler bearings / rollers to get an idea if they are running hot / have bad bearings. You can use a profile gauge on track components but most guys use outside calipers to measure the pin diameter for wear. Good video - good insights.

Great video! I'll go one further with the torque convertor stall and that is keep it stalled with engine wide open and see how long it takes for both engine & drivetrain temps to rise. We always went by the 3 minute rule. If it can take that for 3 minutes without overheating then everything is probably in good shape. Just as important is to see how fast temps drop after that test with trans. in neutral and engine wide open. Also check the final drives oil...I've also drained them and poke around in cases to see if there's any shavings or parts floating around.

Fair play bro, really enjoyed the vid. Thanks

Seriously, that was very good thankyou.

I am replying from Australia. Love your video and your farm. I purchased a D7G. I love it. I use it to clear trees on my farm. Look forward to more video's. Can you do one on maintenance. Thanks Geoff Bugden

Nicely done! Very informative

This may be a little off subject but having been a construction inspector for years around "yellow" iron that I've heard it referred to... I always look to make sure the operator can always see me and I never get into a potentially dangerous position around dozers, backhoes, loaders, scrappers, cranes or any other machine for that matter. I do observe the machines (especially older ones) for broken parts worn hoses or any other thing wrong and I let the operator know as soon as I can get their attention. It's amazing how well jobs seem to go when they know that you're looking out for their best interests as well as your own.

My second time watching. I am getting closer to buying my dream bulldozer.

This guy is brilliant..I just discovered him on RU-vid..I know nothing mechanical but been on enough country and outback properties with abandoned machinery..property owners are intimidated by their size and expense of repairs but most who purchased properties with abandoned equipment have never tried to start or move them..this guy has shown basics to at least turn them over, batteries, air, oils etc..then take it from there...from the Hunter down under, thanks mate🇦🇺🦘🦘🦘🦘🦘🦘🦘🦘

Many thanks!!! Very informative.

Love old iron like this and my N-series tractor with Dearborn tip bucket.

Excellent video. Glad i've found your channel.

Nice job on your video., good info and a nice machine. Thanks

i know jack squat about bulldozers but dang, this video was awesome! thank you!

We also look for blow by. We open the oil fill while idling and put a clean sheet of paper over it for a short while before closing it up and looking at the amount of droplets that wind up on the sheet.

Smell the fluids to see if they smell burnt. If they do smell burnt, run!

Very cool tutorial, I enjoyed it. I'm thinking about buying a mini-excavator for basement weeping tile work and making trails in the bush but who doesn't love a bulldozer.

By the way, the engine runs really well and the pins and bushings on the tracks look really good. As far as the cylinder leaks, that is the nature of the beast.

Nice to see that winch at work moving the container at the end of this video. Cool piece of equipment Looks like you are very experienced and well informed. Best of luck with all your endeavors.

Great vid with even greater information

Thanks for the heads up

Great detailed video

Thanks for sharing, great video.

Great tips for evaluating a dozer. I would check pins and grease points for fresh grease. Also hydraulic fluid for milky water contamination.

Excellent video 👍 thanks for sharing 👌