Only use the dozer for the heavy lifting. You need a tiller for the prep work, a landscape (rock) rake for the post dozer grade finish and seed prep and then a packer and seeder. So you'll spend most of the time on the job getting the finish the way you want it. I use my stuff for everything but moving large amounts of dirt is almost beyond the scope of lighter equipment. A dozer has the mass to move the dirt over a long stretch and put it in the right place while smaller equipment will cause the dirt to hump up and wind up where you don't want it. Plus, the dirt will or could be packed inconsistent and that could cause it to settle that way and not remain smooth.
The fact of my own life is I did NOT hire out to a dozer years ago when we built and have been spending a great deal of effort since then trying to fix my own problem. For one area, I've now decided to chisel plow it, rototill it smooth and bring a dozer in to push it around. Then I'll be back for the finish grade and prep. That uses enough of my equipment to keep me happy and yet I will have a good job. What especially makes the dozer work is the soft, tilled dirt that has been prepped first.
When I correct someone else's issues like this, it is common for people to stop and take pictures during the work and when the grass starts coming in. I get many positive comments and lots of "maybe you can fix my place" invites. Mostly, I can't because the trees have grown and other obstacles are in the way.
Now, you can do this yourself but there is a multi-year learning curve that involves learning through error. You could do it yourself but it's hard to get that long heavy sweep that a dozer can do. There is plenty for our equipment to do and I look for every way I can. In fact, most of my equipment has been "free" by my not paying to hire out many jobs. I'm just reluctant on grading and swales because of what I have seen with landscaping on new property and dozers. If you do it yourself, however, count me in on doing all I can for whatever advice you may ask to do a good job with your equipment. Call me a team player.
