Fixing A Horribly Graded Gravel Driveway | DigginLife21

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Fixing A Horribly Graded Gravel Driveway. Using Ford F750 Dump Truck and Kubota Tractor With Box Blade to repair a washed out gravel road.

[@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 ?

[@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]

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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@daveschmidt5713]

This episode should be in the KZbin Hall of Fame.

[@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

[@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 😁

[@MySliceOfHeavenoutdoors]

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

[@yukonpeteneff]

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

[@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 🙏🏻

[@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.

[@johnsellers2999]

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

[@DigginLife21]

Awesome, thank you!

[@ericb2247]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@6bt_str864]

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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@nathanjohnson8703]

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

[@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]

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 🙏🏻

[@aaronburford5701]

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

[@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.

[@kennethzielinski7295]

Well it's been 2 years , would love to see a follow up video on it, to see how it held up.

[@alexdownard1948]

I would also like to see.

[@javirosalez5663]

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

[@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

[@terrellthompson26]

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

[@rjmack3790]

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

[@arlingtonguy54]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@bowlweevil4161]

you need a couple of loads of crushed limestone base, once you shape it and it rains on it, it hardens almost like concrete, my driveway is 1700' long and the limestone base holds it's shape long time, less grading and wash out, good vid thanx

[@johnmatsacos4692]

thanks for the inspiration to tackle our small projects

[@atomiam2874]

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

[@SafariHuntersJournal]

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

[@mikehornsby599]

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

[@joebacarella2829]

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

[@aaronburford5701]

Driveway Guru: what is the main objectice with completing a driveway: water drainage, apprarnce/feel, or build up of material to avoid decay?

[@chrisandsteve5238]

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

[@DigginLife21]

Glad it was helpful!

[@WaynesAdventure]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@sonsofliberty3081]

Something for people to keep in mind. If you need to make a small drainage swell, you can use a middle buster to ditch out along the side. A lot of their water was already in one area, a little drain with that ,if your driveway wasn't this bad, would have bought you more time to save up to get the grading done. I'm speaking if you don't have the extra money to spend, that middle buster is pretty cheap at 150 dollars max. He did a nice job.

[@randomvideosn0where]

Gravel rake is $2 at the auction if you REALLY don't want to spend the money. I raked in the sides of my gravel drive to build the tire tracks back up and create ditches at the same time. Took me a full day on my 1/2 mile long driveway but made a massive difference in washouts.

[@TheAxelerator]

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

[@butchgreene]

When a heavy rain hits, it's still going to create ruts down that drive on that pitch. That driveway really needs 2 or 3 angled rolling grade dips to move the water off the crown. Forest service did some rolling grade dips in Bent Creek that are holding up 10 years later. First time I'd ever seen them do it on a gravel road. Impressive stuff.

[@ascott6804]

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

[@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

[@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!!!

[@guppieye]

Without geotextile, it's only the matter of time (and rain) when the stone sinks deeper into the mud

[@Ful-OGold]

So how do you work out what to do if the customer is on a budget and therefore you can’t bring in things like a compactor or not enough material?

[@SRHMorbid]

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

[@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!

[@chadsharrow9269]

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

[@tomrobbins6166]

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

[@karenredding9439]

What's the difference between gravel and road bond? Nice work. My brother has a horrible private road to his house. It is only good for trucks, and by the grace of God, I didn't fall in a hole and get stuck or car damage. Your video is very detailed, and I appreciate your video.

[@DigginLife21]

Road bond is gravel combined with fines that make it stay in place better

[@michaelmolter6180]

We did our 65 ton driveway and culvert with the loader on a Kubota BX25 this fall. Its harder than it looks to get the grade right! Box blade would have helped a lot.

[@craigkeller]

The problem is mud pumping through your gravel. Use geotex to prevent that from happening. Lay down 6” minus , crown, roller compactor. Done.

[@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

[@brentking-gmailking2570]

Beautiful work... You always improve people's property when you go out. Have a great weekend.

[@DigginLife21]

Thanks Brent!!!

[@michaelmactavish1728]

@@DigginLife21 hahahaha i agree all ways count on kubota and thats why im getting there generator for the house wich it uses the same filters your nice kubota tractor uses as well wich kubota sart make life easy for maintance wich other brands its makes it difficulty have to go different places for parts or supplies wich is a pain

[@johnking1428]

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

[@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.

[@tymccall8417]

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”?

[@brandonschuster556]

Beautiful

[@neben]

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

[@EmsillCazm]

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

[@jillpelletier9062]

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

[@brendafain9962]

You're hired!

[@Drsploodge]

Wow you really did a good thorough job on this and with explaining every detail perfectly. much respect and great work. Good bless the hard workers out here its not easy

[@jackhume4532]

That’s another driveway gone from horrible to fantastic in two days Todd and it also seems to me that all your hard work 😓 on this project, is probably something that you would do for your self at your own home 🏡 and that I reckon that you would do it the very same way and that’s just excellent, keep up the good work and see you next time.

[@DigginLife21]

Yes sir!!!

[@ronniejones8508]

Great video.

[@PilotJames3]

I appreciate this video. Helpful since I'm about to do my first gravel driveway repair

[@the5-starreview871]

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

[@campnut6076]

Bet the biggest pain is moving the equipment around. Thanks for sharing the video, I'm sure it's a lot of screwing around with the camera and editing to share with us. I've got a B series Kubota and always wanted a box blade to maintain my gravel driveway. I am constantly fighting grass and weeds growing thru the gravel..

[@DigginLife21]

Its quite a bit of work . You'll get better and better all along. Thanks for watching!!!

[@10tenman10]

The driveway is calling for an asphalt surfacing.

[@WaltWW]

Can also use the rounded bottom of your loader bucket to push drown and drag along to smooth off those cut edges. That dump driving was smooth, and saves you so much time spreading the material. I might have to get a small truck like that to haul my own material because I never seem to get a driver that can dump smoothly like that.

[@stephenjones8735]

Nice work, looks great. You could use a hydraulic tilt to go with that hydraulic top on your three point hitch. Great job

[@samuelmarkovich8793]

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

[@001jacksun65]

LOOKs good I love your use of the hydraulic top link. Rolled it in would have been better , You don't need a roller I find just driving the loaded dump truck up and down a few times does great and is a good practice for knowing where your tires are.

[@carolbradley1941]

You are a true artist with grading that driveway.

[@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.

[@farmfitnesspham4913]

Honest working man right there learn a lot from you brother

[@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 😂

[@rickwasicki5609]

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

[@TheWinezen]

geo-cell system would help maintain the road integrity long term

[@judyfenske1429]

Think about highways and the slight tip from the middle to the sides of the road. We don't feel it but no water build up, unless it is a very low land that floods, then they need this man.

[@chrs1212]

Outstanding explanation! Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@stevemenegaz9824]

Gravel driveways will last longer with a good crown.. My rule of thumb for the crown is 1/2" drop per foot away from the centerline.. So a 20' wide driveway falls 5"" either side of the center line. Have zerio experience with driveways on slopes, so cant advise on the ditch.

[@danieloconnell1107]

Todd, just now picking up on your channel. I have recently purchased a box blade and your video(s) will be of great help as I “dig” into it. Thx!

[@Sethhaun78]

Beautiful. Wish u were in Tennessee. East

[@smfvmd]

You’d be expecting a visit from the plod after the first ten seconds if this was in the UK, lol.

[@HippocratesGarden]

Great tutorial and information. I just purchased 6.5 acres of wooded land and will be doing or having driveways done, the more info I have the better I can plan. Kudo's

[@rolfjohnson1825]

Not sure if have hydraulic ram adjustment for right side lift arm (didn't seem like it), but its a game changer to have list tilt on the fly. I just got one for my tractor and can't believe I've waited as long as I did. Easy install too. Oh yeah, great video thats for taking time to make it.

[@louish.9414]

French drain check dams withe 2” gravel helps slow water down.

[@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 .