Breaking Ground on a First Bulldozing Job and the Start of a Bigger Journey

[MikePhua]

From Tractor Delivery to Land Reclamation
What began as a simple tractor delivery turned into a full-scale land clearing opportunity for a retired FAA radar engineer with a passion for machinery. After delivering a New Holland tractor to two Caterpillar engineers managing a recreational property, the relationship evolved from technical instruction to collaborative land development. The property, once cluttered with a dilapidated rental house and overgrown vegetation, was slated for transformation. The house was burned down as part of a volunteer fire department training exercise, and the cleanup began with excavators removing the foundation block.
The owner, having previously discussed his bulldozer with the engineers, was invited to take on the task of clearing approximately 35 trees and dense underbrush. No price was asked—just a handshake and the words “We all got to start somewhere.” That sentiment marked the beginning of his first bulldozing job.
Terminology Annotation
- Tilt blade: A dozer blade that can be angled side-to-side for cutting roots, shaping slopes, or working uneven terrain.
- Grapple bucket: A hydraulic attachment used for grabbing and moving debris, logs, or brush.
- Wet kit: A hydraulic system installed on trucks to power dump trailers or other hydraulic equipment.
- End dump trailer: A trailer that unloads material by tipping backward, commonly used for hauling dirt, gravel, or demolition debris.
- Strip mine reclamation: The process of restoring land that was previously mined, often involving grading, vegetation, and drainage improvements.
The Scope of the Project Expands
The initial cleanup was just the beginning. The engineers had also acquired a second derelict house nearby, which would be burned in a similar fashion. The bulldozer operator was invited to clear the surrounding scrub and debris once the structure was removed. The land, part of a 660-acre recreational property, included lakes, a skeet range, and plans for an RV park with permanent spots. The building where the tractor was dropped off would become a clubhouse with meeting rooms, showers, and a kitchen.
This wasn’t just a bulldozing job—it was a contribution to a long-term vision of transforming reclaimed strip mine land into a vibrant recreational destination.
Equipment Strategy and Logistics
To handle the volume of concrete and block debris, the operator planned to upgrade his hauling setup. His 1951 Mack dump truck, while reliable, wasn’t sufficient for the scale of the task. Instead, he would install a wet kit on his R-model Mack tractor and acquire a 28-foot Dorsey end dump trailer with a composite aluminum shell and steel floor. Though the trailer lacked a barn door, it was in good condition and had been used for dirt hauling. Modifications would be considered to improve unloading efficiency.
The trailer featured:
• Single-line hydraulics
• Neway spring suspension
• Approximately 50% brake life remaining
• Usable tires for short-term operation
This setup would allow him to haul clean fill to a nearby ditch, where it would be buried under four feet of topsoil and converted into productive ground.
Learning Curve and Personal Reflections
Despite being new to bulldozing, the operator embraced the challenge with humility and determination. He acknowledged that his progress might be slower than a seasoned professional, but he was committed to learning and contributing. His grandfather’s advice—“small bites thoroughly digested don’t let you get fat”—guided his approach. Rather than rushing, he would take his time, learn the terrain, and build confidence with each pass of the blade.
He also planned to install a new laser grading system and fabricate a custom blade mount, further enhancing his capabilities. The job wasn’t just about moving dirt—it was about building skill, earning trust, and becoming part of a larger transformation.
Conclusion
This first bulldozing job is more than a task—it’s a gateway into land development, community collaboration, and personal growth. From teaching tractor controls to clearing reclaimed mine land, the journey reflects the power of relationships, readiness, and respect for the land. With the right equipment, a patient mindset, and a willingness to learn, even a beginner can make a lasting impact. The dozer may be small, but the vision is expansive—and the work has only just begun.