A PROVEN STRATEGY FOR SUCCESS IN EXCAVATION!

Over the past several years I have realized that experience and knowledge is invaluable. And because of that, success and failure pivots around having wise counsel. Having a mentor and being a mentor to others is a proven method for success in excavation and in life.
#tristardiggin #tristardigging #CATD5 #CAT313 #Trimble #Earthworks #caterpillar #excavator #dozer

[@steadfastlandworks9881]

Just found your channel by accident. Glad to see another believer on here that’s not afraid to share there faith! I hope the LORD continues to bless your business.

[@tristardiggin]

Thank you, I appreciate that and welcome to the channel. God Bless, Sam

[@theleastofhisbrothers]

Great words of truth God bless I’m glad I found your channel greeting from Australia I’m an owner operator of a kw with step deck moving tractors and farm machinery around I would like a dozer or excavator in the future you are so right nothing matters as much as Jesus and the word of God great content thanks looking forward to watching more

[@tristardiggin]

That is cool you found the channel in Australia. Would love to visit Australia some day. Welcome to the channel and I appreciate your support. Hope you get that dozer or excavator to use. Thanks for the feedback on the message too. God Bless, Sam

[@blackdogexcavator21]

I was lucky enough to have someone to help me along the way. He took me on when I knew very little about operating equipment or the excavation industry. First, he taught me to operate the machines, and then he taught me about running a business. Luckily, he's still around, and I still get to work with him occasionally. That guy is 76 years old and still works every day. He's probably the best skidsteer operator I've ever seen. It's good to have people you can go to for help and one should certainly pay that forward when he can. Appreciate the message and the video.

[@tristardiggin]

That's cool to have someone take you under their wing. Taking the time to teach you, passing on their knowledge and experience. Like you said "pay it forward". God Bless, Sam

[@JerichoRally]

Thank you for making this video. It's encouraging. I recently had a very, very negative experience with another owner/operator so it's nice to see you and Brian sharing knowledge.

[@tristardiggin]

You are very welcome and I'm glad it was an encouragement. We all run into folks like that on occasion. But know there are also folks out there who will help you as you are also a help to others. God Bless, Sam

[@Dirt_mountain-earthworks]

Definately enjoyed this type of video. Its always nice to see what the expirienced people do to be succesful! Thanks for the message, its always an encouragment.👍

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks. I enjoy watching videos like this as well. I can always learn from other people's knowledge and experience. Glad the message was an encouragement to you...

[@Kleiminc]

Thank you! I love the message at the end!!

[@tristardiggin]

Thank you Elijah, I appreciate that. God Bless, Sam

[@ambitiousdirtwork]

Appreciate the video good content & topic would look forward to more videos like this to help out with the logistics & strategizing in this industry/Buisness keep coming ❗️🎯

[@tristardiggin]

I appreciate the feedback. Will plan on some follow up videos as well. Thanks for supporting the channel...

[@constructiondan78]

Hey I have been in construction for around 23 years and just now felt like I wanted to step out and do some dirt work. I have bought a skidsteer and fixing to beat the bushes to put this thing to work . And I am also in Bradley County and the greatest thing is the Gospel that you share so just keep it up and never let that go.

[@tristardiggin]

Thank you Daniel. I enjoy hearing about folks starting up their own business. Should be plenty of work around Bradley County for a skid steer. Beating the bushes is what it takes to get your work started and then repeat customers and word of mouth will kick in. Wish you well and if I can answer any questions feel free to holler. My email is in the "about" section of the channel page. Glad you are enjoying the message too. God Bless, Sam

[@Monmorrangr]

Amen

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks

[@350FMC]

Another great video. Thank you.

[@tristardiggin]

Thank you and I appreciate you supporting the channel...😁

[@Closedaccount924]

Great video sir Having someone to talk with that has true life experience in whatever your going to do in life is priceless Awesome video with an on point message

[@tristardiggin]

Thank you. 😁

[@ledirtworks8403]

Hi Sam..What a Great Time to get the System on the Dozer up and running 😀 That is a Nice size pad, 9 foot of fill ain’t no joke. I’ve used apps to help figure things, They do not compare to someone that has done it for that long and using their knowledge as well..👍🏻 I sure Do Appreciate You Sharing the Message, You do a Mighty Fine Job at it ! Take Care Boss !!

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks Evert. Hope to get that job but I think sticker shock will prevent that from happening. That is a pretty big pad and a lot of fill. Will wait to see what happens. Do have some work coming up for the new 2D system on the dozer. Excited to try it out...

[@mbeck9680]

Great video! I am retired (kind of 🙂) and am clearing some land for my son-in-law. Will be building a couple of home sites for family and am enjoying every bit of it! I've been renting an excavator and have a Cat D4C dozer. I enjoy learning from you and I share your messages with my family.

[@tristardiggin]

That is great that you are able to do that work to help your family. I know that is a blessing to them as well. I'm certainly glad I am able to help you with what I do in the videos. Also it is very encouraging that you are taking the message in the videos and sharing it. God Bless and I truly appreciate you supporting the channel... Sam

[@johnprue]

That's cool I can't wait to see that dozer in action with the laser system. Thank you for the message 👍✌️

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks John. I am moving equipment in a couple days to a new home site clearing and house pad build. Looking forward to using the 313 and the new system on the D5. Thanks for the encouragement on the message as well... God Bless

[@j3farming566]

Love how you tied the message into the video. Keep the yellow equipment and the word moving. GOD bless

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks, will keep on moving the word and the dirt... 😁

[@j3farming566]

That would make a good t-shirt or bumper sticker " keep on moving the word and the dirt" 😆

[@tristardiggin]

@j3farming566 Yes it would...🤣

[@MyTractorGuy]

Great stuff! I tend to do the old way and draw squares on paper. I know I need to get better at using technology to help me work more effectively.

[@tristardiggin]

I'm with you on that. Pen and paper does an ok job. But sure would be nice to nail down materials a little closer. Thanks, Sam

[@rdemarco0]

Amen brother!

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks Bob! 😀

[@naterussell6025]

i'm so glad you bought that 308 instead of working for brian, because i enjoy your videos and jobs that you do. hopefully one day i can make my own videos

[@tristardiggin]

Thank you Nate. If I would have called him first there likely wouldn't be a Tristar Diggin'. I appreciate you watching and supporting the channel. Maybe you can start making some videos. It is very hard to get a KZbin channel going. I wanted to quit countless times. But I'm glad I didn't, it seems to be going in a good direction now... Sam

[@TheLandscaperman1]

Another great video Sam.

[@tristardiggin]

Thank you Ray, I appreciate that...

[@jimmytew9468]

Great video Sam. I enjoyed the message. By the way those skid plates have bolts so you can take them off and clean the dirt out. I think SmithWorx waxes under his equipment. 🤣 When I was around 14 Dad had me taking ours off at least once a year and clean the dirt out. He said it helped them run cooler. Plus it's easier to work on clean equipment. At the time I thought he just wanted me to stay busy. But as I got older I learned he was right. I hated working on dirty equipment 😂 Be Safe and GOD BLESS.

[@tristardiggin]

Thank you Jim. Definitely have that task on the plate to do. It is a mess in there and needs cleaning out. God Bless, Sam

[@michaelweatherhead9470]

Thanks for the video Sam well done 👍✅❤❤. You need to pressure wash your equipment get the dirt off it, just saying. Take care of yourself and family and be Blessed ❤️❤️.

[@tristardiggin]

Thank you Michael. And I agree, the equipment definitely needs a bath...😁🤣

[@daviddavis6855]

It’s good to have friends like that

[@tristardiggin]

Hey David, that is right. Good friends sure are great to have…

[@poorfarm-nn6ii]

Awesome video and awesome message Sam!! Keep up the good works! I hope all your gps stuff works perfect!

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks, I'm definitely anxious to try it out. 😁

[@poorfarm-nn6ii]

@@tristardiggin man it’s gonna be kewl!! I’m over here trying to adjust the level in my heiny and I think it’s broken lol.

[@tristardiggin]

Right, that tale bone grade control takes a lot of training for sure...🤣

[@pigslayer106]

Great video brother

[@tristardiggin]

Thank you and I appreciate you supporting the channel... Sam

[@GetThrottled]

Brother Sam, Love the spiritual words at the end of your videos! I know the Holy Ghost led me to your channel! Thanks, Chuck

[@tristardiggin]

Hey Chuck, I appreciate that and I believe the Lord directs folks to find things like this too… God Bless, Sam

[@stovebolt448]

Good morning Sam from eastern Oregon, believe me in today's age it's amazing just to find people and business that know what there doing. It's so bad that we pay taxes on our access road, but the county wont keep it graded because our address has a Lane in it.....yeah.

[@tristardiggin]

Right James, but occasionally I run into some folks doing it right way! God Bless…

[@diggingwithdylan9092]

Cool video ! I definitely need to start bidding more projects. I’ve always been hesitant just because I second guess myself. But I always work by the hour and give the customer my best guess always over shooting and I always come in under what I said. Definitely leaving some money in the table.

[@tristardiggin]

Dylan, I feel the same way. I have almost always bid jobs by the hour/day. There are some positives in doing that. But like you said, I also need to learn more about estimating the jobs I look at. Thanks...

[@shawnwalters641]

Sam I am glad you made this video other than the reasons I mentioned in my comment above, it gives me a chance to share some of my thoughts on bidding work and things I wish I would have known went I first went out to work for myself. I found a great source of income in the playground companies and the surfacing companies in my area. They pay way more than the residential jobs. I did one the other day cutting and hauling away dirt that took about a day and half, for a residential customer I would have probably been around $1700.00 I charged this playground company $4500.00 and they asked me if I was sure that I had enough in the job to even show up? I laughed and said yep I will be there with bells on. If I do work by the hour I charge from the shop to shop, hauling isn't free on my end so I charge for mobilization, these big iron companies shouldn't be the only ones getting paid to haul equipment to and from the job site. Also I charge for each attachment whether I use it for 5 mins or all day. I also do work some electricians/plumbers in my area. there are quite a few in my area that don't own the equipment to do there own digging and most of them will turn down the jobs because they don't a source for the digging and they don't want to mess with renting the equipment I also do concrete tear outs grading and gravel placement and dig footings. I was shocked to find out there was concrete guys that didn't own equipment. Also when I give a bid, that is the price. There is no "Well I was thinking "we" could do it for this" No "we" can not do it for that. Joe Bob with the 1985 Case 1840 could probably do it for that but I got some over head here. Also I always mark up materials, your time to go get them isn't free. I made the mistake in my early days of trying to meet customer's numbers and losing my ass along the way

[@tristardiggin]

@shawnwalters641 Definitely good info in that comment. I have just recently, this year, started charging for mobilization. Still trying to figure out what the market average is for hauling big and small pieces, obviously distance and location influence that too. It is definitely hard to compete with folks who can do it cheaper. I tend to win jobs on quality over price. The KZbin videos are essential in showing quality over price. Once someone sees the videos they almost always schedule the job, mostly because they get to see some work versus the cheaper price where they can't see the work. It is definitely a learning curve in this business for sure. Those playground jobs sound like a good deal for sure. Thanks for the info...

[@Kempfkattle]

Awesome video Sam! Sounds like Brian is a great guy, and a great mentor. Hopefully he taught you enough that when I call you with questions you’ll have good answers for me! 😂 Message was spot on as usual!

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks Lee. I'm always available for a call. If I don't know the answer I will make it up! 🤔😳🤣😁 Obviously just kidding there. I just believe sharing information is crucial to success. If I can help someone succeed that is just as important as doing the jobs that are on the schedule. There are certainly more important things to life than just grabbing every dollar we can. Sam

[@Kempfkattle]

@@tristardiggin 🤣 fake it till you make it right!? I agree, money isn’t everything..

[@tristardiggin]

@Kempfkattle lol 😆

[@brianmckinney8018]

It's more like sammy has great advice for me

[@tristardiggin]

@@brianmckinney8018 Now that is a bit of a stretch! 😁🤣 As the verse says, as iron sharpens iron one man sharpens another.

[@medlinlandmaintenancellc]

Very good video Sam, I would like to hear more on quoting jobs video's if that is something you would be interested in sharing, great message. Thanks for sharing!!

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks Mark. Will see about mixing in more of these type videos. I enjoy watching other channels do this type videos. I learn from all of them...

[@medlinlandmaintenancellc]

@@tristardiggin yessir same here!

[@brianmckinney8018]

You should send sammy questions about estimating. And see if we can't help you with those questions

[@tristardiggin]

@@brianmckinney8018 That sounds like a plan!

[@medlinlandmaintenancellc]

@@brianmckinney8018 I feel like I aggravate Sam enough with other things, don't want to be a bother. I've never met him, but I believe Mr. Sam is a good feller!!

[@digginandbuildinwv7012]

Nice video, I've been in excavation business for myself for 23 years but started out of high school in 95 working for my uncle till he died in 01. I don't work by the hr but do use those figures for bids just like you and your friend. On cut and fill pads like your discussing the formula I use is the average say 9 ft at highest but maybe 2ft at lowest, so I'll figure 4ft for entire area, get my cby from that then add 50% for compaction because loose fill not the same as compacted. That works for me. Septic systems is a big part of what we do too!

[@tristardiggin]

Sounds like you have been at it for a while now. Thanks for the info and formula you use for cut and fill. I need to learn more about estimating/bidding. I’m still learning and figuring out how long it takes to do certain things. Put in the first septic system last week and learned a lot. Hope to do more of them this year… Thanks, Sam

[@digginandbuildinwv7012]

@tristardiggin We mostly use Infiltrator chambers for our drainfields here in wv. It's a good system, I'll probably do a video on one soon, on septics I try to clear $5-6k on a standard system.

[@tristardiggin]

@@digginandbuildinwv7012 nice, that is good pay for sure! We used the infiltrator system on this one also. Let me know if you do a video, would like to learn more about installing septics…

[@digginandbuildinwv7012]

@tristardiggin sure, I believe I heard your in TN? I'm affiliated with Honest Abe Log Homes, don't know if you've heard of them. But I'm kinda retired from the home sales now. I know they do alot of homes down there might be good see if they are doing anything in your area, maybe get some work that way.

[@tristardiggin]

@digginandbuildinwv7012 Yes, I’m in SE TN. I have heard of that company but not sure where they are. Thanks for the info…

[@6582rg]

What a great mentor. My son works Union construction in California, primarily roads and bridges. The problem he has is the darn Union doesn't allow working outside your classification. He has a mentor, but every time he gets in a piece of equipment for training other workers threaten to report him and the operator to the Union. That can result in large fines and worse. It's very difficult to gain experience and grow in the industry.

[@tristardiggin]

Bryan is a good fella for sure. That’s a difficult environment to try and learn a new skill. So, he would have to join the operators union to run equipment?

[@6582rg]

@@tristardiggin Yes sir.

[@bkelectricinc]

First off….Thanks for sharing Gods Word! It is the discerner of all things on this side of heaven! What are you using for truck/trailer hauling of your equipment? I am wrestling with choosing the right size truck and trailer to move D5 and 315 size units?

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks I appreciate that and I agree it is the discerner of all things. I use the tandem axle Mack dump truck and a 20 ton trailer to move the D5 and the 313. I would be looking for something similar to pull your D5 and 315. I suppose the 315 is in the upper 30’s in weight.

[@rustrtal]

Hey Sam, always enjoy your videos! FYI - I often watch them in the evening and use ear buds. For whatever reason, your recent videos have only worked in the left ear. Other KZbin videos work fine… just so you are aware

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks I appreciate the info. I saw that while I was editing the last couple videos. I'm pretty sure it is my audio cable from the receiver to the gopro. I will get a new one and see if that fixes it. I will have at least one other video with this cable.

[@rustrtal]

@@tristardiggin I will be sure to 1/2 listen in!

[@tristardiggin]

@rustrtal Now that was funny 😁

[@harrisgodwin4541]

Enjoyed the video Sam and learned that I under priced a horse arena job I got that I’m about to start that’s 16,800 sqft. Thankfully the customer decided to make some major change orders with add ons like a border with 2x6 and several layers of different gravel that we didn’t plan on with my initial estimate. Sam, can I email you with some questions about this job? I’m a one man show like you with a crew of part time labor and operators when I need them. Enjoyed your message as always. God Bless!

[@tristardiggin]

Harris, I'm in the same boat when it comes to estimating jobs. I've been working for hourly/daily rate plus materials. But the bigger jobs seem to always want a fixed price. I believe a lot of us little guys certainly struggle with this. I guess we just continue to learn from folks and get better at it as we go. I'm pretty certain this bid is to high to get the job because someone else will eyeball the job and have fill material a lot closer. But it was an opportunity to learn more about estimating. Feel free to email me anytime. Will be glad to help. Thanks, Sam

[@Monmorrangr]

Did you have experience running equipment before the 308 and starting out on your own? I’m considering purchasing a 6 ton and mulching head to get started. I’ve run skid steer and tractors my entire life but no experience moving real amounts of dirt. I need a excavator and mulching head for my 300 acre cattle farm and would love to get enough work to cover the cost of the equipment. I retired from the military 5 years ago and am a stay at home dad with 3 kids under 4. My schedule doesn’t allow me to be reliable enough to go work for someone else but I could schedule a few days a month for side jobs. It’s just a really big investment.

[@tristardiggin]

Sounds like you have a full time job with the kiddos! 😀 That’s pretty cool that you have a 300 acre cattle farm. That we be something I would definitely enjoy. When I bought the 308 I had no experience in an excavator! Actually had to ask the guy I bought it from to load it on the trailer. 😀 But I got it home and just started digging with it to learn how to use it. Like you, I had experience with a lot of different farm equipment and a couple years on a skid steer. A 12 ton with a mulcher would be great to have on the farm without a doubt. I believe you could easily get enough work with the mulcher and smaller land clearing jobs to pay for it and some side money as well. Around here the mulching work would go for $200 to $250 per hour. I generally charge $150 to $200 per hour for excavation work. Hope that helps, Sam

[@jacobbuckley8232]

Would love to see his equipment.

[@tristardiggin]

I would too! 😁 We will get something lined up on that. I definitely want to run one of those D10s... Thanks

[@musschootski]

I’m planning on hiring Sitech to install a 3D machine control on a mini-ex. Will plan to use the Siteworks rover/machine module system.

[@tristardiggin]

That will definitely be a cool setup! I'm sure you are going to love that... Sam

[@musschootski]

@@tristardiggin It’s much cheaper than the traditional 3D setup with Earthworks. And, can take a bunch of survey points, and do stakeouts in rover mode. I think very useful for single operator operation.

[@tristardiggin]

Yes, it sounds like it will work great. Let me know how it goes...

[@matthewferguson2515]

That is a 99% savings on that repair.

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks Mathew!😀 It’s good to save where we can for sure…👍 Sam

[@NewDayExcavating]

How do you find a mentor? I own a sany 35 mini ex and a dump trailer but can't find a way to get my foot in the door here in Ga. I have a 12" bucket a 30" bucket a 36" brushcutter and a jackhammer attachment

[@tristardiggin]

Just have to beat the bushes and talk to folks. One thing I did that has worked out great was talk to a guy wearing a concrete company shirt. I was standing in line behind him at a restaurant. Struck up a conversation about concrete and excavation. Now we work together reffering each other work. Concrete guys are a great source for work. They always follow excavation work. Some do it there selves and other are waiting on excavation work to be done. Go to the min barn and shed places. Leave cards with the folks you meet and offer them a commission on each referral they give that you where you do the work. Yard sign are good at generating calls. Basically you have to find ways to generate business. Mentors are harder to come by. But you can start with reaching out to larger excavation companies and offer commission on jobs they refer to you. Larger companies turn away calls every day that they don't have time for.

[@NewDayExcavating]

@@tristardiggin Thank you so much for your reply I have been advertising on Facebook and passing out business cards. I didn't even think about going to bigger companies I figured that they wouldn't even talk to a smaller company like mine! I will definitely put your advice to good use! Thanks again for responding!

[@tristardiggin]

@NewDayExcavating You may try several of the bigger excavation companies, but you only really need one good one to get you more calls than you can handle. The most important part of that is actually following thru with some cash commission in their hand and you will be set. Eventually word of mouth and repeat customers will take over... God Bless and wish you well. Let me know how things are going... Sam

[@dannyhunter1225]

What is your secret to be so successful to be able to afford all that equipment only being in business for 5 years. I really enjoy your videos and your Christian beliefs. Keep up the good work.

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks Danny, I appreciate you supporting the channel. Basically I have invested a good bit of the profit back into the business. Also, we have been blessed buying and selling equipment and real estate. God Bless, Sam

[@brianmckinney8018]

May I weigh in. There is no formula for success. There is hard work and when others get off from work your still working. When others leave at 5 your still working. When others turn off their phone and don't think about the trucks still on the road. Or the day you get a call that There was an accident you can't turn it off. It rests on your shoulders. There is Noone else to turn to. But Christ to make it thru the bad. As Sammy said reinvestment Continuously. But Dont be struck by all that equipment. I have ask the same question. It takes time and It comes with a price. When others take vacation. You trying to figure out how you tell someone you built a road on their property because you were leaving that night to get to the beach. Example. Most of all it's not Sammy's business it's the Lord's. He has been entrusted to steward that business. Not a prosperity gospel either. Because there are a many a days that it comes with thorns and thistles. One secret is keeping Christ as a mentor and him first

[@tristardiggin]

@@brianmckinney8018 Well said, "keeping Christ as mentor".

[@dannyhunter1225]

@@tristardiggin I would agree with you it takes hard work. I’m slowly getting there thanks for the response and keep up the work

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks Danny. Wish you well moving forward in your business... Sam

[@wanabetruckerdave3776]

So I'm a long time viewer of letsdig18's channel and oneday found your channel/video in a list of suggested videos, after watching the dirt work part of the video I was pleasantly surprised to hear a word of knowledge about the Lord. Needless to say I've come to enjoy watching your vids, but I have a question... in this time of evil that we are living in, whats your position on the rapture?

[@tristardiggin]

Thank you and I appreciate you supporting the channel. I have been watching letsdig 18 for a good while to. He does excellent work for sure. Definitely glad you are enjoying the messages. I believe in a pre-tribulation rapture. As far as a date when its going to happen that I don't spend much time thinking about that because the Bible says no man knows the day. But I do know it could happen at any moment now or in the future. BTW great question... God Bless, Sam

[@greggmcclelland8430]

@@tristardiggin Yeah, pretrib view has only been around since john nelson darby and then schofield put it in his KJV bible study notes. It is not the predominant view in all of church history. If you read Matthew 24 without the mental contortions of Darby and Schofield it plainly states that the rapture happens after the tribulation. The last trumpet from 1 cor 15:51-52 is the same as the 7th trumpet from revelation. The Christians dying in North Korea and South Sudan for their faith in Christ are living their own tribulation. What makes us in America think we should escape the tribulation through some secret rapture? Arrogance.

[@tristardiggin]

@greggmcclelland8430 Truth is noone knows for sure. It's highly debated along with other things in the Bible. I tend not to debate, just share what I believe and fully trust that God is the authority on all things and it will happen as he has planned it. We get to focused on being so certain on what we believe that we loose focus on what is important. And that is Christ is coming again! And in the meantime Christians are the hands and feet to share the Gospel of Christ, not argue and fuss about who is right and who is wrong God Bless, Sam

[@greggmcclelland8430]

@@tristardiggin Its true that no man knows the day or the hour. I don't set dates, but I am confident about the order or events. I don't spend a lot of time trying to convince others I am right about future prophecy. But I try to share the things that are clearly taught in scripture over and over. 1 Depravity of man. Need for a savior. 2. Jesus - creator, savior, sacrificed to reconnect us to God the Father. 3. We are forgiven by God through Jesus Christ as we confess our sins and ask for forgiveness. 4 Our forgiveness is conditional on us forgiving others.

[@brianhoward6896]

Do you ever Subcontract For Brian and his Business?

[@tristardiggin]

I did on a few jobs in the beginning. Word of mouth and repeat customers is how I do my work now.

[@anthonyyoung7344]

What part of Bradley county are going to be in I live in the south east part of Bradley county.

[@tristardiggin]

This job is on Keith Valley Road. I do some work in Bradley but most of my work is in Mcminn, Polk and Meigs.

[@anthonyyoung7344]

@@tristardiggin that's just about two miles from me.

[@tristardiggin]

@anthonyyoung7344 nice! I hope I get it. Do you know anyone in that area where I could get good fill dirt?

[@anthonyyoung7344]

@@tristardiggin no not really most everyone down here has took all the full dirt and pushed in the low areas on there land but I'm sure someone has probably got some around here.

[@anthonyyoung7344]

I just going to let you know that me and my dad are mechanics we work on construction equipment and farm tractors so if you get this job and you need something worked on just give a holler iv got about 25 years experience and my dad has got over 40 years experience.

[@mikec8519]

So you think I need to find someone smarter than me !!!!!! Just kidding. A great message, thanks.

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks Mike...😁

[@coltongarber8087]

is it Brian or Bryan? And does he have a KZbin channel?

[@tristardiggin]

It is Brian McKinney. One of his employees started a KZbin channel years ago but they didn’t do a whole lot with it…

[@LAKESIDEBOB1]

what is brian's web site, would like to look at it.

[@tristardiggin]

McKinneyexcavating

[@smithworx1091]

Well you one upped me with the 313 thumb. Now you got to one up me again with the dozer! 🤦‍♂

[@tristardiggin]

Just trying to stay ahead! 🤣😁 That dozer is a lot smarter than I am now. May have to hire someone who knows how to use it...🤔

[@shawnwalters641]

well it is a good thing you didn't call Brian before you bought the 308, there might not be a tristar digging channel, I would never found a guy that was nice enough to answer my questions about earthworks or put me in touch with Blake and I wouldn't have the earthworks on my machine. And after using it, I am 100% sure I never want to go back to getting out and checking with a tape measure or a grade rod. 😁

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks Shawn, and you are right! If I had called before buying the 308 there likely wouldn't be a Tristar Diggin'. Glad I could help you with that and I know what you mean. I wouldn't trade it in even if I was given all the money back. It truly is an essential tool, in my opinion. If I can help you again just give me a shout... God Bless, Sam

[@brianmckinney8018]

You should hear the rest of the story about the phone call. There is a message coming about that one.

[@tristardiggin]

@brianmckinney8018 yes, there definitely is!😁

[@LifeWithChase]

I believe you're going to need a taller tripod for your laser now 😂. Yikes! On that quote 😮. In my area they will build a chicken house pad for 15-20k per house usually. I'm thinking in my area someone would do that job for a similar price as a chicken house pad if they could supply the fill themselves or get some off site. If they had to source fill from 3rd party I'm guessing the bid would be so high they wouldn't get the job. If you have to buy fill from a 3rd party you can't compete with the guy 10 miles down the road with 100 acres of free clay fill and a dump truck. Cause even if it took him a month, he could make good money at 20k hauling free dirt a short distance...

[@tristardiggin]

Definitely need a tall tripod. They quoted a price for one and it was over $1000 for it. So, in the short term I will just use the one I have and secure it in the bed of the truck and keep my eyes open for a tall one. You are right on that job. Someone close by with fill will get the job. It hurts my chances when I have to buy fill material. My cost for building the pad is around 10k to 12k. But dirt was like 24k to 28k. And I make nothing on the dirt. A pad with 9' of compacted fill on the low side and all of the slopes will be expensive though no matter who is doing it. I almost think they would be better digging a crawl space or basement to get most if not all the dirt needed.

[@LifeWithChase]

@@tristardiggin I think you can get a pretty tall tripod for around 500 from tiger supply I think I paid 200 ish for mine I think it goes to 9 or 10ft I think they had another one that went 12-13 ft. They also make the trailer mounted ones they use on big jobs but that's probably overkill 😂 yep buying fill makes it hard to compete on that job. I think your idea of a different plan is a good idea, seems like a lot of fill on one side that could potentially slide if enough rain in a wet season.

[@tristardiggin]

@LifeWithChase thanks, I will check that out. You are right about settling. If they go with a much cheaper price and the person doesn't properly compact that 9' of fill there will be big time problems in the future.

[@user-yq7de8wh7q]

So have a daddy with money

[@tristardiggin]

?

[@jameslindley924]

Why do you want to "BUY" the Dirt ?

[@tristardiggin]

Customer has to have around 130 dump truck loads of dirt. So you buy that from someone who has it.

[@LAKESIDEBOB1]

5 minutes in you say if the volume of dirt on the bid project is 200 yards less the customer saves money. WHAT? If the volume of dirt is 200 yards less then you bid you keep the money. If the volume of dirt is 200 yards MORE then you bid you eat the cost you do not bill the customer for your error.

[@tristardiggin]

Depends on what you work out with the customer. We all do it a little different.