I think you are worrying too much. You're just trying to work a few acres, not make a living with it for the next 20yrs. Service it, grease it, adjust the track tension and get to work. If you're just working dirt, have at it and learn as you go. Clearing land is a bit more dangerous so you might want to proceed with more caution (and experienced help). A few very basic tips: Dozers can move erratically, if it has a seat belt wear it, if not add one. Breaking over a pile of dirt, large rock, log etc will pitch the machine up and back very quickly, go slowly especially as the tracks start over the edge. Always strip your sod/topsoil first and pile it out of the way to use it later. Anywhere you make a pile make sure you can get back behind it to spread it out, don't 'paint yourself in a corner'. If you have a big pile of dirt, gravel, etc to spread start cutting down the side and push it out as you go. A tandem dump truck size pile you should be able to push straight through with that machine. Most work will be in 1st gear, reverse in 1st or 2nd. Going too fast in reverse is hard on undercarriage. If you are trying to level an area start from a smooth starting point if possible and work your way out. Keep plenty of material in front of your blade as your go. Working an area in 2-3 different directions will help to make it flat, start running N-S, then E-W, then at 45*. I can add more if need be, but there are some good books and videos about dozer operation out there you might want to check out. After running several tanks of fuel through it you'll start to get the hang of it.