QUOTING LAND CLEARING AND PASSING ON THE JOB...WHY!!! | DigginLife21

[@Diver693]

It's hard to turn down a job since out goal is to GET jobs...until you do a few that you wish you passed on. A hard lesson everyone has to learn. Great video Todd.

[@DigginLife21]

It sure is

[@timothyboone5003]

You are so correct. I’ve repeated that lesson the hard way more times than I care to admit. Just because I can do the job, does not mean I can do it efficient enough to be profitable. In the past, over estimating my equipment capabilities. Has lead to costly equipment repairs and under estimating time required to complete the job. I wish I could say I have learnt my lesson but I’m still susceptible to repeating every once in a while.

[@jdq79]

I always appreciate any video where you get into the business side of the business! Thank you sir!

[@DigginLife21]

More to come!

[@hansen370]

Good advice bro! Quote big jobs and pass on to friends if you don't want them!

[@Jeff-nl2qe]

Thanks for the straight talk. Starting out on my own this year and learning more off you than anyone else.

[@goingcrazytrain1453]

Don't ever stop, cause you have motivated me to go out on my own with the knowledgeable information that you have provided to all of us viewers. You my friend are a welth of knowledge and inspiration. Do keep up the good work and video's. They are very much appreciated. Thank you, your friend and follower.

[@delcasaleexcavating9508]

You're daily rate is spot on for what I usually charge up here in NJ however alot of customers nowadays are so use to all the landscaping companies who claim they do everything cheaper than us excavating companies and 99% of the time they can't do the job correctly. Then I get called back asking to requote what they screwed up... and of course I have to charge more than originally quoted to fix the mess... and once again they look at me like I have 3 heads and can't understand why it's more now than originally quoted ?? I just tell them good ain't cheap and cheap ain't good ! You got what you paid for !

[@tomaszciolkosz9346]

I’m from NJ and you are 100% correct, i always say you get what you pay. Nice video as always, i like some education from it!

[@gregchiles8353]

I find it very commendable that you helped out a friend rather than just walking away. Job well done sir

[@armandomarquez9824]

Just bought a john deere 7775 im 19 really wanting to get into this business, hoping to stick around and learn as much as I can!

[@markmason2692]

Great channel, simple facts clear info

[@smokeeater1769]

Love the honesty and integrity that you show your customers Todd, hopefully I can find someone like you to clean up the wood line of my property, or rent a mulcher myself lol

[@DigginLife21]

I hope so too!

[@edwardgarea7650]

I love your videos when you discuss the business portion of your company. It’s fascinating to listen to your reasoning process and I come to understand how and what you make your decisions. By subbing it out to someone you know you strengthen your working relationships, which can only pay off on the future. You may pass yourself off as just a hillbilly, but you are one shrewd guy and one can learn an awful lot from just listening to your train of thought. Kept on giving us more videos like this, please.

[@SouthernComfortOutdoors]

Yes sir I’d rather take the trees and stumps out whole, it’s rough on your machine breaking those stumps up. Plus I don’t like cleaning up a mess someone else left behind. I tend to pass on these jobs unless I’m slow and can take my time. Keep em coming bro!

[@toddwall8160]

I appreciate the sound bus advise. Keep it up. Best channel out there for that.

[@garrysmith5224]

You answered my question before I asked about trees. If I cut a tree down before the clearing, I would leave 4-5’ above ground.

[@stephenchilcott991]

Hey thanks so much for all your videos! Super helpful information!

[@Kleiminc]

Great video Thanks for sharing the details

[@chrisbenson2629]

Todd honest go's alone ways..Love all your videos and way you teach in them helps me alot ...I work for a company but I'm the only employee other than the owner...we do alot of what you do so I'm learning on equipment and putting in driveways and everything...Thanks for all you do..

[@Gary67242]

gotta know when to hold 'em and when to fold "em...thumbs up my friend !!

[@DigginLife21]

Great to see ya Skidboot!!!

[@truesouthlandscaping7657]

Just found the channel, and I am enjoying the videos! Im down in Upstate Sc, so its cool that your close. Keep it up!!

[@WillDMay3]

Every customer is a potential job. Why walk from a customer, any customer, even though they have a number in their head, doesn't mean they are realistic or know what it will take You to do it. So estimate/quote the job in pieces: 1) Land clear 2) Stump removal 3) Foundation excavation 4) Driveway Give the customer a presentation to educate the customer on the subject of what it will take a professional like you to do this project. Selling is educating a customer on the project and the process. YOU are the expert. YOU are the person that people come to because YOU can be trusted to do the best job at the best price. Imho

[@rtwllc4793]

This is why " They are unnecessarily SUPER pricey.. they tried to charge us $3600 for less than an acre worth of stumps and roots to dig up.. 😒😒"

[@DigginLife21]

You make good points but from years of experience.... I have learned that sometimes it's a waste of one's time to try to educate someone when its obvious it wont make a difference. And unless you are standing there reading the persons body language, facial expressions, tone of voice you can make that judgement call.

[@DigginLife21]

@RTW Ive been in that boat my friend. They shouldn't have given a review when they forced an estimate out of you.

[@WillDMay3]

@@rtwllc4793 Any time a customer demands an estimate is the time that you walk away. There is a hidden agenda the customer has and frankly you aren't obligated to give an estimate or quote. Know when to walk, know when to run.

[@go5582]

Hi great comment. Would it easier if the quote was done over the metaverse? I mean just put a head set on and there you are standing next to the customer and jobsite. That job is 15 days easy.

[@MrJraymond30]

Thank you for the info! This stuff is a lot of help

[@travisshook974]

Thanks for the info, love the channel and the honesty you share!!!

[@c.454mo6]

Nice video brother. You really inspired me to keep digging 💪🏾💯

[@dot854jc]

I appreciate the willingness to be honest and share the love around. I have had many a job where everyone would have been better off to sub it out. I have one guy that my family has used for years that subs frequently and I don’t mind at all. He gets a commission and he knows who to contact and get the job done he subs are always on time never had issues.

[@DigginLife21]

Thanks and true words Scot

[@1168sandpile]

Another great video . You and your better half have safe and happy Easter. Also love my Diggin life coffee mug👌

[@DigginLife21]

Thank you! You too!

[@jeremiahshaneburgess9866]

Man I e been watching ur videos for awhile now and learned so much from the content. Thank you so much for the detailed explanation of operations on jobs. I e been working on trying to start my own business like this here in central Arkansas. I’ve been climbing ladders since I got out of high school in 1995. It’s past time to do something different. Again thank you.

[@Danwynne]

Awesome! Thanks for the great content

[@PilotJames3]

Thanks for the props Todd. And I'm not sure I qualify as being "educated" just yet but maybe one day haha. Thanks again for that referral too. I might post a video about milling the logs afterwards

[@DigginLife21]

You bet!

[@fredschultz8267]

Totally agree, never understood why someone would cut the tress when you can use the tree as leverage.....

[@DigginLife21]

Just people who have never experienced the difference

[@Vermont_EarthWork]

It’s hard to pass up jobs when starting out but I think you are right and learning what your limits are and identifying when they have been reached.

[@WillDMay3]

Well, limits are like stepping stones. Limits help us learn to grow beyond them. Limits are points that help us connect one after the after the other to help us go beyond what we know.

[@WillDMay3]

Once you know your limits, you then figure out how to make changes to the limits to create new limits.

[@Vermont_EarthWork]

WillDMay3 good advice ... never stop learning. Thanks

[@DMHRC]

Appreciate you being straightforward on these jobs!

[@DigginLife21]

It's the only way to be

[@AllstarVentures]

Usually if the customer has worked on it already, the price is going to be higher. That goes with numerous different trades. I always like the tree still in place if removing the stump also. Less strain on your equipment letting the leverage of the tree help pop the stump out. Always nice when you have someone else to refer the work to and not have to tell the customer no yourself.

[@DigginLife21]

I agree 100% Joey

[@godsdozer]

Yep, if the customer or another contractor has been there before, price is usually way higher.

[@davidedwards3734]

Great Video!! I believe we need to look at jobs and make a conscious decision, we win some. We lose some. Have a Safe Day

[@DigginLife21]

Thanks! You too David

[@johnking1428]

Good referral , I am with you on trees easy to push over with stump attached, then remove stump, and if can get some money off of it all the best!

[@DigginLife21]

Right on John!!!

[@joshgargis8945]

Question? How many people would suggest it takes to operate a crew just starting out in forestry mulching and cleaning?

[@KingBiscuit-iw9mu]

Getting better with every video

[@Sventy11]

I was immediately thinking the same thing you said about pushing the tree over still attached to the ground. Not sure what size ex you have but I know it takes me anywhere between 20 and 60 mins to dig out stumps with my bx23s.

[@mikeymike2195]

Great video and great advice. Thanks!

[@shortcircuit9588]

This is great thank you. Question when you quote your daily rate how many hours do you work in an average day?

[@DigginLife21]

We quote for 8 operational hours. So that’s any piece of equipment running including haul time

[@450rmaniac]

Another well produced business video, Todd!

[@DigginLife21]

Glad you like them Dakota

[@hotshottocoolu2794]

I think this is a helpful video I appreciate you I was thinking about getting into the business and this was just one of the parts that I was very curious about so again thank you for the helpful information and keep doing what you do bro

[@roblane5699]

Thanks for the expertise 👍🏿

[@poorfarm-nn6ii]

You got a great channel here. I really enjoy watching your vids. I just bought a new skidsteer and started a business of my own. Your videos are helpful and fun to watch as well. Just watching how you go about completing a job or getting a job and so on. I have a lot to learn and your videos have helped with with knowledge and boosts my confidence that I can make it in this world. Thanks

[@bossturbo]

Curious how's your business going after 2 years? I just bought a mini ex

[@poorfarm-nn6ii]

@@bossturbo it’s good. I still have a day job but it’s a different day job. Getting my work by word of mouth these days so that’s good. I post a lot of it on my KZbin channel.

[@timw7481]

Great video as usual always love the advice thanks

[@DigginLife21]

Glad to help

[@Mgrand99]

I have a E70b Caterpillar excavator. And am looking to put my equipment to use have any ideas?

[@dalefirebird69]

Appreciate your time you put into your channel, great content that’s hard to find! New follower and I love how you do business! Keep rockin on brother

[@DigginLife21]

Welcome aboard!

[@edgundlach2811]

Appreciate your videos.. Never understood negative comments on youtube. Most times it's by people who do not put out videos themselves. Anyway, continued success on your business. Sincerely, Ed

[@65BAJA]

Watching your videos from oldest to newest. Between watching the last vid and this one you turned over 43K subs! Congrats!.

[@rjsuper6587]

Good info as always. Thank you!

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Enjoyed the video

[@howardjohnson1964]

I like your youtube channel very much keep it going

[@DigginLife21]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@terryclement9811]

Sometimes you have to do what's right for everyone and you always do that Todd.

[@DigginLife21]

I certainly try Terry

[@leakonafine4744]

I'm in Australia loving your videos! I bought a 6t Hitachi excavator to start my own business. I'm learning a lot from your channel!

[@kornfedkustoms1548]

Love your vids just found you yesterday and already subscribed. Im in iowa and just about to start trying to get into the biz. I already bought my gooseneck dump trailer and occasionally rent skidder/mini x for stuff but would love to own a skidder or tractor and then rent out whatever else i need until i know its going to take off or not! Your vids have helped me decide what I want to do

[@meloniewalston2273]

Keep the great videos coming Todd! I am torn right now as to the more but shorter videos versus the longer ones. Anyways, keep 'em coming and I'll keep watching, commenting and liking! Take care brother

[@DigginLife21]

Thanks Tim!!!

[@Downeast1100]

Wise choice on this job. Thanks for the video.

[@DigginLife21]

Thanks for watching!

[@axe609]

I would have to agree with you on that one. With my 10k machine those stumps would be a drag. would need a much bigger machine to make quick work of those.

[@DigginLife21]

They look small till we start tugging on em huh. LOL

[@servihomestead4324]

Very helpful, as always. $1500 a day seems reasonable to me for a typical land clearing job. Do you find people feel shorted by a "per day" quote instead of something like a per acre price? (Like do they think the worker will work slow to make more money )

[@massimmortal6782]

Appreciate this type of content!

[@DigginLife21]

I'm trying to keep it rolling

[@robertogonzalez7444]

Thanks buddy for great content

[@mikewhittemorejr]

thanks Todd

[@gibsonlandscapeconstructio7984]

Love the honesty Todd Good video👍

[@DigginLife21]

I try my friend. Great to see you in the comments

[@EliDeGrave]

Sir, your videos are a real help. Too many on KZbin

[@EliDeGrave]

Are not but your videos really help people. Thank you!

[@tonythrasher3913]

Yep, some jobs are just not worth it, especially when the customer says this is what I want to pay Keep up the good work.

[@ronaldjohnson8697]

Where are you located cause I just bought 7.5 acres in charlotte County va and looking for someone to clear 4 acres for home site and cut in driveway

[@kubotajordan9502]

You are dead on with the clearing its always easier to take the whole tree with the stump down. In less safety is an issue with structures in the way or utilities above or below ground. Good choice on the hand off. Cant wait to see the one stack Mack with a box on the back in action.

[@DigginLife21]

You know it Jordan

[@olegzaretski6977]

Great video! Does James have a Chanel? Would be curious to know how to price lumber into the job to off set the price for the customer.

[@PilotJames3]

Not yet, but I want to when things slow down enough. In most cases, the cost of cutting trees and hauling them off exceeds the value of the logs. Yes, there is some value but by the time you account for the fact that you're moving a big heavy obstacle off someone's property and not charging them to move it, I consider it an equal exchange. The value of the log is not added until the time/labor is added to mill it into something useful.

[@PilotJames3]

In the case of this guy, my agreement with him as a favor was to pile up the brush while I'm loading the logs, then charging for stump removal, driveway install, & basement digout

[@jacklisena3144]

Was waiting for this video thank you

[@DigginLife21]

Thanks for watching Jack

[@fredydelao43]

Do you need a license to do grading or clearing?

[@ogomarzie4998]

How many acres would you say it was? Just wondering how many acres a day you would clear

[@amritpal43]

How many days to clear 10 acre of thick wooded land?

[@abikerinpa]

Good video bossman ♥️😎

[@jalenharper9475]

What excavator would you recommend getting versus the Yanmar.

[@DigginLife21]

At this point I would lean heavily toward CAT. Seems they have the best dealer in my area compared to other brands

[@jalenharper9475]

@@DigginLife21 That's what I'm thinking about getting CAT

[@allenwc]

Ya, one no longer sees so many troll bait and hater comments on KZbin. Glad for that myself. Appreciate your channel. Makes me feel good about humanity lol. There really are nice guys (and gals of course) out there. Oh ya, the lapel mic, definitely an improvement.

[@andrewsmith9980]

what areas do you work in? do you work in south eastern Virginia?

[@kthemi10]

And the 10% (from subbing the job out) would also go on the 90 minute travelling costs to quote the job ... incl coffee fix 😊😁

[@DigginLife21]

Gotta get that coffee on!!!

[@matthewdugan3060]

Buying a house atm but next big purchase i want is a f550 dump truck. Setting up a tiny house in corner to keep house rented and i want to build (2) 20x40 heated storage units to help with costs. I could have this all done by december. I want to start my own company in a few years: clearing lots, gravel pads, driveways etc. I am new to equipment but im working for a great company that has every machine you could want so im learning the dozer and excavator very quickly atm. Boss lets me use his machines for clearing my new property, I could be moved in very soon. I figure if I focus on getting my lot fenced off first to establish boundaries I could focus on my storage units and have them up before december. 200 amps is coming in for tiny house in just a few weeks, pretty excited. My question is this, IF by december I could realistically afford to spend 1500 a month on a equipment purchase; what should it be? I want the truck to haul rented equipment to get started.

[@rtwllc4793]

First get your Class A lic. if the sticker in your Truck + the sticker on the trailer is over 26001 you will be illegally driving and will be facing misdemeanor charges. Sec, Market and sub everything out to sub contractors with a 10 to 25 percent mark up. This will get your feet wet on how to deal with people and negotiations, contracts etc. This will also tell you if the market is healthy for the business. I would not mess around with a 550. They're too small of a truck to get anything done. I would get a Class 7 dump landscape body or something with a swinging tale gate. Class 7 is your 750, 7500 ETC. You can pull much heavier equipment and still do a wide variety of projects and debris jobs. And start with used. I paid 6000k for my F700. It paid for itself in 2 weeks. Dont buy new unless it is costing you REAL money not to have it. Build a relationship with rental companies and just rent what you need. When something cheap comes along then get it. But before you do any of this. Sit down and really crunch the number. Talk with a CPA and figure out. HOW MUCH DO I NEED TO MAKE. What ever your breakeven point is you need to add 20 to 30 percent profit on that. I mean everything Fuel, Power, Equipment wear and tear, food, Marketing cost. website. ETC.

[@DigginLife21]

I have to say...RTW read my mind. I think he/she is providing solid advice

[@DanielCruz-tv8ji]

What about labor and other cost

[@fuddmethen]

that job up here in the northeast is about $20-$25K all day long

[@planeanddirtsimple]

Good video. Looked like a good job but if it is not going to flow like you need it too then it’s a better job for someone else.

[@DigginLife21]

Exactly

[@floridabrushanddirt2482]

Looking forward to seeing that new truck work.

[@DigginLife21]

You and me both! It should be finished this week. Im up to about $7500 in repairs. LOL

[@floridabrushanddirt2482]

@@DigginLife21 I can certainly understand that. The last one I bought I had to put new trunions, and injectors in it about a month later cost me about the same. I sold that truck I’m going to go back to a single axle for now because the insurance is so much cheaper for the amount of use it gets with me it’s a better fit.

[@5068jdl]

Couldn't agree more on him pre cutting and that not helping and so much harder to dig.

[@wayneyoung8408]

Great video i know you said the other day people won't shorter videos don't make them to short can't wait to see big mac in action.

[@DigginLife21]

More to come!

[@mimnaex7263]

Good vidja to watch with my digging life mug ☕️

[@DigginLife21]

Thanks for the support Eric!!!

[@rtwllc4793]

I would of bided around 7.5 to 12k for that project. after the logs where cleared out .I would of rented a Large 50- 70k excavator and ripped the stumps out with that over the weekend. No need to wear and tear on my smaller equipment.

[@DigginLife21]

Yes indeed

[@go5582]

1500 a day great job. Well could you approximate the customer quote from the customer.

[@ericlarsson7109]

Its better to be safe and do that you are Good at and keep the machine in driveabale

[@DigginLife21]

du har rätt.Låt mig veta om mina översättningar är bra

[@ericlarsson7109]

@@DigginLife21 de locking good here and in your ende

[@ricardoc.4262]

Do I need a license to start a clearing and grading business? Also what would be the best machine to start with?

[@DigginLife21]

Always check with your state for licensing requirements

[@pakmudecrew]

Nice working 👍

[@DigginLife21]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@HankinsExcavating]

I'm with ya on popping the stumps!

[@DigginLife21]

Great to see ya in the comments Ryan!!!

[@HankinsExcavating]

@@DigginLife21 ya haven't been on for a minute!! Driveway work is crazy in IN rite now!!

[@cyndikarp3368]

Excellent choice to refer to a friend. You still might have some work to do.

[@DigginLife21]

I'm sure James can handle it but I'll be there if he needs me

[@runngun9408]

Great video!

[@DigginLife21]

Thanks!

[@NeboGold]

Great video,. I'm sure James will refer you to another customer some day.

[@DigginLife21]

Im sure we will work together on a few of them

[@Bambamlynch704]

Love to connect with u have an 16 acre clearing job to bid in nc bigger than we have bid before love to link and possibly partner

[@ryancoorey158]

What flavor coffee do you get at pilot?

[@DigginLife21]

Pilot House Blend

[@ryancoorey158]

Ever try the blueberry coffee? It's amazing

[@timothyboone5003]

I would worry that you may be under bidding that job at $1500 per day times 5 days. Those low cut stumps are going to be a pain in the @$$.

[@janetbrown8265]

Thañnk

[@WillDMay3]

I'm looking for a "generic" contract document that I can modify per type of job. Can anyone share a contract they might use or direct me to where I might find a generic contract online for a heavy equipment operator/contractor.

[@DigginLife21]

My wife found one through a google search. Not sure which one she went with but she got a generic one she modified.

[@WillDMay3]

@@DigginLife21 do I need to ask?

[@codeywilson8900]

I’m looking to get into the land clearing business my self I would really like to talk with you cause you are close to my area I live about 40 min east of Marion nc

[@DigginLife21]

Sure thing Codey. Email me at [e-mail] to setup a consultation

[@dawsonreeves3003]

Do you have your CDL class A or B?

[@DigginLife21]

A