Fixing A Horribly Graded Gravel Driveway | DigginLife21

[@daveschmidt5713]

This episode should be in the KZbin Hall of Fame.

[@aaronburford5701]

I like your videos with you having the audio showing how the machinery sounds working, gravel being moved, the material being graded! I love it!

[@judyfenske1429]

So far, at the beginning, I hear no loud music, just the ground noise; I hear no talking, except for information; I hear no language, other than kindness; and you seem to have a regular greeting; so I'll stay awhile and learn.

[@jimmyluck4389]

💯 watching the whole thing.

[@damienfrizzell9394]

Omg

[@vahurtammis]

😮 1:28

[@padave29]

Seemed a little chatty about unimportant stuff at the beginning, and I was thinking, “I don’t know if I’m gonna watch this long video if this keeps up!” But once you got onto the job site, your explanations were on point! EXCELLENT video - and yes, I literally watched to the last second! Haha! You explained everything very well and shared valuable pearls gained through lots of experience! Thanks!!! Btw, is your box blade on a 3rd function top lift? It looked like you were changing the top loft as you worked. Thanks again!!!

[@JohnWatson-fw8pz]

🍉 🍎 🍌 🎂

[@justinncherish]

Can't say it enough... The way you explain things throughout the video really helps someone like me who, just recently started a small grading company with my brother. Love your videos and enthusiasm, thank you for your invested time and willingness to help the new guys getting started. Have a blessed day!

[@peytonlucas9890]

Hey

[@christianwest6531]

Man I don’t mean to be that guy but you should really know about grading before you start grading someone’s yard😂

[@justinncherish]

@@christianwest6531 who are you referring too?

[@jenlyon8371]

@@christianwest6531 To be fair, this KZbinr is pretty bad at it. Did you see him fill in the edge by blunting it? Absolutely a rookie move, I mean, if you're a 6 year old doing it for the first time, it would be OK but otherwise, it's a massive mistake. Look at how awful his final job is.

[@bp5558]

@@jenlyon8371 Where's your portfolio of top tier work ?

[@tomrobbins6166]

One of the most informative videos I have ever seen. Thank you.

[@aaronburford5701]

I absolutely love when you get out and open up the classroom to explain the problem and the solution of fixing this driveway! I love it!

[@jerryorrell4856]

Todd, I really enjoyed watching you do a professional job. I don't know anything about driveway repairs...but you are a joy to hang around with. Hope your business grows and God blesses you and your family. Honesty and integrity is very rare these days. You have both.

[@DigginLife21]

Thank you for the kind words and for watching!

[@TheRedPowerWagon]

I have a small tractor business I'm trying to get off the ground in Georgia and I really appreciate all the info it's really helped me quote jobs, good job keep it up.

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

A few years back, I retired the first time. My wife was still working and I got bored. So, I started doing driveways with my Kubota and box blade. At first, I just did work for relatives and neighbors. But, I gave each one a couple of business cards. That got me a few referrals. One day, I was driving around and noticed several driveways that were badly in need of TLC. At one of them the homeowner was mowing the lawn. So, I decided to stop and see if she wanted hers fixed. She did and told me that all of her neighbors were needing theirs fixed too. Well sir, I gave her a half dozen business cards, told her I was working in the area and could start on her driveway the next day. I also mentioned that since I was working in the area I could give her half price if she got a couple of neighbors signed up while I was there. (It was the truth... I was working in the area... I lived two miles away and the next job on my schedule was to clean my pool!) When I showed up the next day, she gave me names and numbers for three neighbors to call. I ended up working the remainder of the week doing culvert, driveway and stump digging on those jobs. I learned that doesn’t hurt to drop a few business cards and do a little marketing!

[@aaronburford5701]

This is one of the first videos I became a fan of Todd! Commentary and examples are excellent!

[@johnsellers2999]

Your explanation alone in the very beginning gives you a thumbs up from me. Thanks. Good job

[@DigginLife21]

Awesome, thank you!

[@aaronburford5701]

One of my all time favorites driveway repairs.... the commentary is excellent and it looked great when completed!

[@aaronburford5701]

The sound of the box blade hitting the ground and moving the material is the best ever! Love it!

[@EmsillCazm]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video, it's been a help 👍

[@SafariHuntersJournal]

I jumped ahead just before the work started. Recognized your voice immediately. Another nice job!

[@javirosalez5663]

You are the Michelangelo of Road leveling. Brilliant job, loved your video.

[@SRHMorbid]

I love how you project a humble personality. I was a few minutes in and thought I'm subscribing.

[@daviddenman7479]

I’m a newbie tractor owner (B2601) I really appreciate how you explain HOW you’re gonna get it done and WHAT happens when you do what you do. I definitely subscribed!

[@johnmatsacos4692]

thanks for the inspiration to tackle our small projects

[@joebacarella2829]

You sir, have a great attitude, I love watching these grading videos.

[@WaynesAdventure]

Great work with none of that loud music playing. Like how you explain things too.

[@ascott6804]

All that vid needed was an old dog by the drive just sitting and watching. Back and forth. Back and forth.

[@cradams10]

This is incredible, it's like Donny Baker is teaching you how to grade a driveway. In all seriousness, great video.

[@DigginLife21]

@@cradams10 🤣 thanks 🙏🏻

[@MySliceOfHeavenoutdoors]

I got to tell you, you did a great job explaining everything as you went along.

[@baggerf14]

Thank you for the education. I just got a house with a 1300’ long gravel driveway and you video is making me a better grader!

[@aaronburford5701]

Here is another classic that I often revisit that got me started with my obsession with driveway repairs. Your knowledge sharing of strategy, and you communication skills hooked me in!

[@DigginLife21]

🙏🏻

[@axe609]

Great job with the explanations, simple and informative.

[@DavidJones-smiley]

I love how you explained what was going on! You did not give any info that we did not need! Great job

[@aaronburford5701]

This to me is my all time favirite, where i really learned about grading and driveway work! This when you moved rhe needle for me with your channel!

[@lone_eye_4107]

Still don't know how I ended up here. But I certainly learned quite a bit. Thanks my friend. Live long and prosper

[@TaitGuy]

Enjoyed the video and learned some great techniques with your box blade work and other uses of your equipment. Thinking outside of the box (no pun intended.) Great Job! Thank you! ~ D2

[@carolbradley1941]

You are a true artist with grading that driveway.

[@rjmack3790]

Well done! I like how you repaired the base before you added new material. Thanks for posting!

[@77bweston]

Cold and trying to beat bad weather, appreciate you takin the time to make the video while tryin to get work done know its not easy. Much respect my guy!!!

[@DigginLife21]

We will just keep at it my friend

[@Melicoy]

@@DigginLife21 NICE but...may i suggest next time put some stone beside and bottom of the stairs... its all muddy as it is seen here... 26:10 1

[@charlesbessenbach6252]

Your box blade skills make me jealous. Every time I use one it comes out looking like a motocross track. I'm SO much better in a skid steer, but tractors are SO much cheaper, guess I'll have to keep practicing.

[@6bt_str86]

Yeah, exceptional explanation and detail, I've noticed a lot of guys out there don't want to let out those "top secret" secrets 👍😀. Your a true help my friend.

[@aaronburford5701]

Rewatched! Very educational, you taught the process of fixing a driveway on this one.... I kearned SO much!

[@DigginLife21]

It was a good one

[@steveo201193]

the hydraulic top link is now on my list of must haves after watching this

[@controlfreq9346]

Agreed! My list as well. Now to figure out how to pitch the BB to cut swales...maybe another hyd cylinder on one side instead of a turnbuckle?

[@o2boutdoors]

@@controlfreq9346 Hydraulic top & tilt is the way to go...if you can afford it.

[@ernieforrest7218]

You did a nice job of reshaping the driveway. But the water running down will eventually create more issues. You cant stop the water, but you can help by diverting it away from the driveway. Best to go uphill behind the house and create a swale to divert the water away from the driveway. Also a curve in the driveway as opposed to being straight would help as well Best to move the entrance from the road to the opposite side, then cut across the yard and then curve it again. Also a long downhill driveway like this can be dangerous when snow and ice build up on it.

[@susancruz729]

I read down through the comments looking for SOMEONE who actually knew what the problem was , and just how to solve it into the future, and into their old age ! I also love grading work, and never had a problem that I couldn't solve with some more dirt...... in the right place. All those who are looking to SITE and then build a driveway should place the driveway perpendicular to the slope. Spend the money up front, or you will spend it later. Build diversion bars of clay across the driveway itself to shunt water off of the driveway. Broad Based Dip. US Forest Service publications.........

[@TheAxelerator]

Thanks for taking the time to film, explain and cut this! Great explanations 🙏

[@shanniemegirl]

Great video! Thanks for explaining everything, it was very helpful!

[@anthonytyler8627]

This is by far the best video out there. Love how you explain everything. Now I need you to come teach the South Carolina guys how to do this. I'm about go buy me a sub compact tractor and do my own driveway. Thank you!

[@67hundredthz]

Nice to see a guy properly using that box blade in reverse. Thats where alot of the more technical skill is involved. Good job

[@ericb2247]

Thank you for the detailed instruction! Having to maintin my 1000' gravel drive has taught me a bit too.

[@nathanjohnson8703]

Thank you for the videos. Helps me appreciate the science to road grading. Former truck driver, and getting into equipment operation.

[@farmfitnesspham4913]

Honest working man right there learn a lot from you brother

[@Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha9]

I would also suggest to the homeowner to plant some tall water loving grasses along the side of the driveway. Then in April after the snow cut the grasses back for regrowth. Keeping the grass through the winter also acts as a natural snow drift screen (depending on the wind direction) and keeps it off the driveway.

[@randomvideosn0where]

Natural selection will have water loving plants spread along the ditches

[@aerofpv2109]

Your so optimistic & thorough in your explanations that not even 5 mins into your video I subbed and gave you a thumbs up. I never do that lol.

[@MannyNCF]

Lol I did the same thing lol

[@jillpelletier9062]

Wow... amazing to watch !!!! very impressive work that you do !!!!!

[@atomiam2874]

You are a great trainer! I love your style and attitude! Thanks for taking the time to produce these videos! God Bless!!!

[@KenWhiteConstruction]

Thanks for the mention! We are super excited for the little one to arrive! Great video, once this covid is over we have to do some videos together!

[@DigginLife21]

I’d be stoked to do some collaborations with ya!!! What’s your email? I send ya my number.

[@misterb1080]

Box blading is very hard to master. I’m not a master but I know enough to recognize a master when I see one. Nice job.

[@rondavis6672]

Just saw your channel for the first time last night. I really appreciate you taking the time to make these videos explains a lot with visual aids as well.thanks again.

[@johnstark3058]

Having rear remote hydraulics really helps, alot less getting on and off the tractor to adjust your 3 point, wish I had them on my tractor 😁

[@aaronburford5701]

Whenever you use to get out and show what you were talking to, we were getting educated! This is one of the first maybe the first where I was like this guy has it!

[@DigginLife21]

Thanks Aaron 🙏🏻

[@mrzed2349]

I'm a Yankee and I ain't scared to say that good old southerners are hard working .the backbone of our country .

[@DigginLife21]

Some of us are 😂

[@garygatto3410]

Thanks a bunch for the help. I just acquired a very long gravel driveway and a tractor in a box blade that I’m trying to learn how to use.

[@JR_SupportOurHeroes]

Glad I found your channel. I need someone like you here in rural Lafayette Louisiana Parish. Our backyards drain into the ditch and our septic system cleaned water drains into the ditch. We have busy ditches with all our 60 inches of annual rainfall.

[@DigginLife21]

Welcome!

[@the5-starreview871]

I liked this guy before he got to the job site. He knows water. Awesome

[@aaronburford5701]

Great teaching video to learn how to grade the driveway! Great content!

[@DigginLife21]

Thanks 👍

[@aaronburford5701]

@@DigginLife21 you do such a great job of teaching and explaining things with each project.... I enjoy it so much! I need to come and visit for a day to observe....

[@yukonpeteneff]

Nice job. Transformed the curbside appeal of that property dramatically. And a nice crown, it will last a long time.

[@rickalford1833]

Great Video & well explained. Do you ever place grids & what is your criteria & choice of grid systems?

[@terrellthompson26]

Idk how I got here but I wanna learn and drive that machine!

[@dalepremo3695]

Very nicely done and I must say that you really did an outstanding job with your explanations. Found you through Dirt Boss, who is really a class act as well. Thank you for being so thorough and doing all the extra work to produce these videos!

[@mikehornsby599]

You make it look so simple , I have a tractor an box blade and I still have problems!!!!! Thank you for sharing!!!

[@neben]

quick explanations, lots of action, you know how to teach!

[@ronniejones8508]

Great video.

[@chrisandsteve5238]

Well done! I really enjoyed your explaining the 'why" of doing what your doing.

[@DigginLife21]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Romelandservices]

Just Starting out your videos have helped me in a big way! Thank you

[@aaronburford5701]

One of the very best you offer.

[@samuelmarkovich8793]

love how you use two tools to do the whole driveway, nice technique

[@arlingtonguy54]

I appreciate how you explain everything that you do and why you do it. Cheers from Pisgah Forest.

[@n9viw]

You are AMAZING! I have never seen such a soft touch with a box blade, it was a thrill to watch. I only wish you lived closer to the Ozarks, our roads make that driveway look like a freeway... beautiful job, sir!

[@DigginLife21]

Thank you very much!

[@rickwasicki5609]

Looks like you do things the right way and take pride in your work that you do

[@Susky62]

Why is this so satisfying to watch?

[@emaglott]

you're a wizard on that tractor!

[@chrs1212]

Outstanding explanation! Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@billygarrity4379]

If you can't say nothing nice don't say any thing at all. Great Vidio my friend ,God bless y'all real good .

[@KingdomMinded1230]

Brother you do a fine job and you take pride in your work much respect ive been doing grading excavation and paving for 10 years now id love to start my own company watching you has motivated me to move towards this . If i could though offer a peice of advice after placing the material and establishing your grade you should wheel roll it then make your finish passes and wheel roll one last time it makes for a beautiful finish 👍

[@DigginLife21]

👍👍👍

[@khtractors]

Great job! I always enjoy your tractor working videos. I have a 2015 Kubota M6060, they are great tractors. I do a lot of driveway repairs with mine as well, you do a great job explaining the entire process of what your doing. Thanks

[@belindamanning9851]

Exactly what I needed to learn for my road. Thank you.

[@midnightrunner72]

Very easy to follow and explained very well thank you

[@d.j.robinson9424]

Great job, I like how you explain things. 👍👍💙

[@ww3ok]

Nice BoxBlade work!

[@errk25]

I learn so much from videos like this. Thanks!

[@2007crf450r]

its so glad to see someone who takes pride in his work good job brother

[@aaronburford5701]

Let's talk, would love to share how you have impacted me sir thru your videos! Let's do it!...

[@haileyhoobler8604]

I was taught to put a 6" rock down as a base layer and then put the finer rock down over it. It helps with preventing washout for a longer-lasting drive. I think you did a good job with the crown.

[@cryptocowboy1570]

you're as good of a hand I've seen with that box blade

[@martynwakeley5194]

Good job Todd, well done you smashed it

[@brendafain9962]

You're hired!

[@bennyhill3642]

I'm Love it!!? Really good video. Got another job as soon as I fix tractor for Tuesday this will be 1st time working on a hill putting water in tomorrow. A bunch of bush hogin and clearing lol Can't wait to get started!!! Thank you for the videos!!! O yeah , The wife was looking at newer tractors yesterday rofl Take care GOD bless you and your family!!! 😇😁😇

[@tadcobert1307]

Nice job, great explanations, thank you

[@DigginLife21]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jameshampton5228]

Man that turned out looking great ..... good ole red mud too

[@michaelmactavish1728]

yeah kubotas has good rear pressure wich its the best

[@tacticalretreat8594]

After renting a property with a gravel driveway for 5 years I will not miss it mostly because the landlord was not willing to do annual maintenance but hit the sub button because we need good guys like you around

[@das_it_mane]

Out of curiousity, what kind of maintenance did it need?

[@tacticalretreat8594]

@@das_it_mane Landlord would buy us crushed concrete but would not provide a way to easily spread it or compact it so puddles would appear all the time making it an every 3-month puddle patch .. wish I watched your vids sooner

[@Diver693]

Hey Todd, nice looking driveway. Funny, I play in dirt all day then I come and watch you do it. Nice work.

[@DigginLife21]

I certainly appreciate you watching!!!

[@johnking1428]

Great work! Rain is good but you can keep the snow and sleet, don't want it in Southeast Alabama!!

[@chadsharrow9269]

I bought a small vibratory rollor to jobs like this. Makes a huge difference.

[@airhammer2]

Todd, this particular job probably seems elementary to you but I hope you realize just how much we appreciate your videos, your explanations and your time. Keep posting! There are real lives on the other side if that camera that you are influencing in a positive way! I am observing and absorbing every detail of your operation. Really, really enjoying your videos. One question I’ve always wondered...do your customers ever comment about your KZbin channel? Do you get business because you’re “famous”?

[@migueljose2944]

very good job! you are a good teacher! Keep it up.

[@DigginLife21]

Will do

[@TrailWright]

Wonderfull information. Thanks for sharing...

[@MrYAMAHA32177]

Nice Video on how to grade a driveway.

[@stoneycarter5546]

You did a wonderful job !!

[@DigginLife21]

Thanks Stoney🙏🏻