Meadowlark I am truly grateful for the advice on seatbelts. I always wear one when driving my car, but I'll have to admit I never thought to wear one while driving a dozer, given its slow speed. Hearing about your accident has made seatbelt installation a top priority for both my dozers before they next go to work.
Having come pretty close to sinking my D4D in soft mud more than a couple of times, I agree it sure can happen quickly if the operator doesn't get the blade raised fast for a hasty reverse. And climbing up those steep embankments became so unnerving for me that I eventually did take on a trained operator. When it comes time to de-silt my fishponds, I'll probably call him back so I can do my nail-biting from a safe distance.
