POINTS TO BE WATCHED WHEN SUPERVISING DOZER WORK - 1963 "v" 2024

The recent excellent journal entries by Jamie Tavui on his learning experiences since recently passing his dozer ticket prompted me to look at my own learning notes (see below), as a young Royal Engineer plant operator in the early 1960s.

61 years later and the basic fundamentals remain the same though my learning curve on rope operated blades are all but a memory and generally non applicable in a modern environment here in the UK.

Environmental considerations now dictate that in 2024 going at "full bore" as in 1963, is not the answer we're seeking on site whether we're push loading scrapers, stripping material or even when reversing.

However, what has changed for the worse I think is the modern day plant operator is often totally ignorant of what's under the dozer bonnet or indeed how the transmission function or basic adjustments could be made toward creating healthy preventative maintenance understanding.

On my Cat D8H dozer, (see image) I was expected to operate all functions and be able to adjust steering brakes, main engine clutch, track assemblies, change all filters as required along with the oil changes. I had the training and tools to ensure the versatility required so no excuses for any downtime while we waited for a fitter with his laptop as in 2024!

I was also trained in "pegs and boards" and understood about profiles and batters and worked along with the surveyors and soil mechanics to give me an enhanced operator portfolio.

My final comparison is the seemingly non availability of bespoke dozer training providers with certain exceptions Katie Baker whose DOTTS team provide the competence so desperately needed by the sector.

NB: IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT IN THE 1960s THE INTERNET/GPS HAD NOT BEEN INVENTED AND A FORMAL HEATH AND SAFETY ACT WAS ALL BUT A PIPE DREAM!

SUPERVISING DOZER WORK IN 1963

LOADS

Is the dozer working with as fully a heaped blad as conditions permit?

ENGINE SPEED?

Is the tractor dozer engine keeping up full rpm yet working at full capacity?

TRAVEL?

Is a speed of 1 to 5 mph being maintained when under load?

Is backing up being done in a s high a gear as possible?

Are haul distances being kept down to 200 to 300 feet?

Is the slot dozing method being used whenever possible?

Is downhill working being employed?

SPREADING

Is time being wasted after the spread is made?

MECHANICAL

Are all adjustments to the power unit being maintained?

Is the blade assembly in good condition?

On cable controlled dozers, are sheaves in alignment and cables running free?

GENERAL

Is the right machine being used for the job?

Is the right operator being used?

Is the right procedure being used on the job?

Is the machine properly maintained