Excavator slot machine 🎰 aka old floppy 😁

[@Fault.Current]

Great video Mike. Like they say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Great explanation and info. Glad to see it getting the care it deserves now and can't wait to see this machine making you tons of money for the long term future. Really enjoying the rebuild videos. Your videos really give me the itch to buy a mini but the priority is to buy a big chunk of property first so I can use it.

[@iamcharliew67]

A very informative video, thanks DP!

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@letsdig18]

Id still fix the wobbly bucket LOL

[@bladewiper]

agree. that would drive me insane.

[@DirtPerfect]

May holler at you sometime thinking about a Volvo 145ecu

[@letsdig18]

@@DirtPerfect anytime just let me know

[@perryroberts3792]

Quit complaining about the loose bucket, as everybody not as RICH as LETSDID18!!!

[@samboslc]

And you worry about a little mud on your machines. Ha! Quality work also sir.

[@rickburns8492]

Sounds like you were listening when the old timers were talking about how to ran a business, your video made alot of good points and good business practices, keep up the good things you do.

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks rick

[@josephkessinger5973]

Thanks for sharing! Best tool I have ever purchased, is my 1996 Kubota KX101 Trackhoe. I purchased it because i was quoted a "HUGE" number for someone to do some work for me. For 1/3 that price i purchased the excavator and have done that work, and 10 other things. Not only did I save huge amounts of money, but also gained 100's of hours of experience. (wish it was bigger thought, but it is a great little machine)....LOL that's what she said... Thanks again for your videos, I learn a bit here and there for you and your other dirt movin youtubers.... Oh, I tried to buy mats for it, but ended up making my own for less than 400 dollars (6 mats). my quote was 2K for 4 small used mats.

[@LoBeau53]

One of the key factors Mike is that you have the skills and interest to do a lot of your own maintenance. Other operators only want a cell phone with the dealer on speed dial in their tool box.

[@DirtPerfect]

They gets expensive fast

[@jeffreykbevins7116]

This is a great video and I agree with your way of thinking and doing business . There's a lot of people out there who thinks that they have to have a big new shiney piece of equipment, but that is just not true . That excavator has been a good one for you . Thanks for the video, take care and stay safe . 🤗👍💖💫

[@timtaulu9914]

I agree with your thinking. Thank you for taking the time talking about your costs it was I interesting. Although this was a year ago and you have just completed upgrade maintenance. You are a triple threat you a mechanic, a operator, business man that has the special talent to know when to get help. I know you heard all this before.😋 Best to you and family

[@Ticolandscaping]

I like when you talk about your cost of owning equipment. It’s is a great source.

[@DirtPerfect]

Awesome glade it helps

[@michaelkoop6731]

If it works, dont fix it. That's the way I look at it. And that will most likely save u money. I'll be the first one to tell u Mike I'm not gonna higher u to build my road because u dont have a 250,000 dollar bulldozer and a 2021 Peterbelt dump truck. Lol lol. Great video Mike I'll tell u what I agree with what u talked about. It makes total since to me. That's why ur company is and has been successful. Keep it up and ur whole life will be wonderful. Thanks again for sharing.

[@DavidTheDave]

As an operator just getting started with my own machine, the information in this clip was extremely useful. Many thanks for sharing your figures and well done on all that mental arithmetic!

[@DirtPerfect]

Awesome glade you found it helpful and best of luck

[@kylesmith8769]

You know your business better than anyone. And you have a mechanical skill set most of us envy. Just keep rocking it out and putting money in the bank(versatile equipment). Your retirement funds can be hauled in on semi’s as the equipment is sold off. Best wishes

[@joycefuller9177]

Thank you for being up front and honest about how you do business.

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@teebugg66]

Amen man! The newest pice of equipment I own is a 1992 tractor. But all the big time boys are working on Sundays in the summer to pay for that shine on their equipment. I love your equipment, I think you've got a real nice fleet!

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@garywest8901]

Thanks Mikey. Very good explanation. I've done the same things my John Deere farm tractors. Have 3 '90 models, newest is 2005. We do the scheduled services . I wouldn't trade any of them . They are very reliable. You are a good manager and that what it takes. Great vid.

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks Gary

[@Matt-mq1ep]

Absolutely couldn't agree more about operators making a huge difference in machine quality. I see it day to day.👍

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@michaelmay7145]

So you watch Watch Wes Work and you and he have stated a lot of the same things. Treat your machine with love and fix it when needs to be fixed. And to watch you both it's nice to see people who care and takes care of things when you can. 👍👍👍👍

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@budlvr]

Great explanation, and NO COMMERCIALS ; DIRT PERFECT VIDEO ROCKS !

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@clydeacor1911]

Mike you have the right game plan just keep going! A good and well taken care of machine is a good machine! The problem with the new machines is when they need worked on you don't need a mechanic you need a computer Technician so you cost yourself money because you have to hire someone to repair it instead of fixing it yourself, not to mention the cost of emissions problems and downtime! And the older pre emissions engines get better fuel economy! One of my friends has a mid 90's Caterpillar 320 excavator with over 29,000 hours and he still runs it daily and it's reliable other than it's badly in need of another undercarriage. And you can always install an aftermarket air conditioning unit and rebuild all of your components cheaper than a new machine, but I wouldn't replace pumps and stuff until it was needing them. Why fix something that's not broken.

[@DirtPerfect]

Good points and thanks for the comment

[@clydeacor1911]

You betchya. And it's like you were saying, your customers are hiring you for the quality of work that you're doing and performing not because of the flashy new equipment and I'm sure some of it has to do with you being the stand up guy you are! Thanks again for the videos you make for us.

[@TheGingerGenius78]

Definitely the way to go older isn’t bad at all, it will always come down to condition not hours and the work that it needs to do ! If like yourself you can repair and refurbish during the winter Off season then why not and as you pointed out you’ve paid for it and it makes profit ! Ongoing maintenance and servicing is key to keeping any equipment running well :) Thanks for the insight to your thinking :)

[@danslawncare8594]

I agree with you 100 % new is not always better but more . I ran alot of the 350C . Love those machines. Good video.

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks buddy

[@dennis2376]

Cool information on the history of your equipment. Thank you.

[@louisianadirt2188]

I like that one too, the new machines are all computer now and will shut it down. You doing it right keep it simple! Stay safe Dwayne

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks buddy hope all is well your way

[@TheDavidarlen]

Thanks for explaining the business side of running your excavator. I really appreciate it.

[@DirtPerfect]

No problem thanks for watching

[@ken.outside]

I agree with you, @dirtperfect! I think the reason alot of people gravitate toward new equipment is that they aren't confident to work it themselves. Being a slave to dealer to do all repairs and maintenance gets very expensive. I think there is more pride in having old equipment that still works good and right! Keep it up!!

[@DirtPerfect]

I agree thanks Ken

[@ronpeacock9939]

One thing I've learned... IF you take care of them.. old machines can last forever. (Cars included). That floppy bucket was probably that way before you got it.. because you take care of them and those are often from not keeping the pins greased, they get sand and dirt in there and wear the pins and bushings out.. then again, You know that because I've already seen the series where you, MBTS and a few others help you line bore out things and put the arm, stick, bucket and such back together and no more mr floppy... I've found that most NEW stuff today has a shelf life... and even with perfect care.. WILL BREAK DOWN.... almost like they make them to break so they can get you to buy another... disposable equipment... I remember seeing 15 year old cars as the norm... good luck with that now...

[@mlhrepairsllc6942]

Mike I am in complete agreement with you. Have had many people tell me that I need to update my service truck. Why? It's paid for and it's paid for itself. Most of the equipment I end up working on are the older machines. They are the ones that are earning the money to pay for the new equipment that is sitting at the dealership. Older is not a bad thing

[@DirtPerfect]

Yup

[@LoggerWade]

There’s no doubt Mikey that’s a good rig and I’ve learnt so much about equipment decisions from you

[@IndependenceIron]

Good video and agree on your philosophy of how to own equipment and run a business. Appreciate the time, effort and information in your videos.

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@scruffy6151]

You are not the only channel that runs old iron to make a living with them. You could rebuild the 120 from the ground up and still be money to the good. You could have ac added at the same and painted.

[@DirtPerfect]

Yes ac is a must 😬

[@benlawrence8513]

Love the videos. If I was you I would look into adding a/c to it red dot probably makes one. They are easy to install. Then fix the bucket and keep on moving dirt.

[@glp1988]

I'd like to see a video on how to purchase machines sight unseen and not get burned. How do you keep from buying a stolen unit? What protections do you have?

[@DirtPerfect]

Good idea will at some point

[@brando8214]

Wow thanks for the break down I have been looking at a 120 very helpful

[@joehussey2693]

Another factor is the machine itself is a good machine , not a lemon. Sometimes you have to get lucky. I bought my 95 311 in 97, I still run it, it has 8,500 hrs, original starter,alt. water pump, i just changed the original batteries a year ago! But I'm the only operator for 24 yrs, It is not as fast as a new one, but it is super reliable. That 120 is a nice model machine.

[@DirtPerfect]

Good point joe

[@j.b.maxwell8300]

They may be a bit old but with good maintenance and some tlc they are sometimes better than new and more reliable especially now with computers fitted to most new ones, your bucket is a bit wobbly but it still works especially with a good operator each to there own keep her going mate she’ll go for a good while yet

[@topnotchexcavatingllc5193]

Great advice, thanks for sharing with us ! I don't see anything wrong with your machine looks like it performs like a champ.

[@lakesideranch]

Great chat and video Mike. You're a wise businessman and a fine operator. Much respect for your talents and business mission statement. Have a safe and happy 4th, keep up the good work! Doug@ the "ranch"

[@paulroxby8169]

I've been in the excavation business and your videos look alot like some of my memories.

[@ronaldheit196]

I definitely enjoyed your explanation of your business model. It's a very sound one in deed. It's the same with my electronics repair business. People ask me why I charge so much so I point out they don't pay me so much for my time as much as my knowledge I've accumulated over almost 4 decades in a business that requires near constant learning that knowledge which again takes time they're paying for along with my time. Much of that involves traveling 4 counties from West Palm Beach to Marathon in the Florida Keys. I flat rate my service calls (250 to Marathon and NPB that includes a return trip if required which my competition doesn't offer) and make most of my profit on circuit board repairs and parts markup. The further I go the more I charge. A lot of my tools and test equipment I bought used. Only most of my electronic testing equipment do I buy new. I'd love to be an a pro at what you do. I think it's the little kid in me 😅😅😎 Right now I'm repairing an electronic controlled Bull riding machine from a defunk company. I've already figured out it's circuit board problems. He's one of my regular customers. He has a party rental company. He has a 3 kid coin op carousel you see in front of stores he mounted on a trailer I installed a timed free play rig I designed and on it for him. He bought it at an auction. It's in near constant use 9 months of the year.

[@christopherputland3640]

Great video, and nice of you to break the costs of owning and running a machine.

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@rccole1021]

good info. that was how i did it for 33yrs. love watching.

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks buddy

[@gregallsup9522]

Awesome Video!! Great Business Sense!!

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@mp3625]

Its ok your bucket is still pretty!! Keep using it!! It works and making $$$$$

[@DirtPerfect]

Lol my point exactly

[@korton3665]

You're 110% on Sometimes feel older machine is better in the new one Old school Some people

[@thecraftiekiwi4919]

Your business models pretty solid mate!I looked at older machines but ended up with a newer low hour machine due to the price difference being to small had 2300 hours on it getting close to 3500 now with zero break downs! believe me once you get into a newer machine you'll love it! and I know it's the operator that makes a machine! But it's far nicer to run all-day!

[@dozer130]

Hell boring is about 100 bucks a inch. New pins and bushing are good for another 10000 hours...new tracks chains sprockets and pads if u need them..find you a dealer that sells red dot ac units they are the best aftermarket ac you can buy for equipment can install it your self comes in kit everything you need...and with all that might be 2 payments on a new machine probably just one lol...been doing heavy equipment for about 30 years you are on the right track...keep up the good work. ....

[@DirtPerfect]

Amen I agree thanks for the comment

[@casycasy5199]

love it. how you explained what you get and the profit the machine made for you .if you keep it and do all the work on it please video it

[@DirtPerfect]

Will for sure

[@DigginLife21]

🔥Thanks for the info my brother!!! Keep slinging that dirt🔥

[@reubenjohnston8473]

I agree, I operate with older equipment and I assure you that a newer machine is not going to get much more dirt behind the blade because its newer, not only that but your right, if something happens to me im not going to be stuck with bills should I land in the hospital or help out on a family emergency.

[@thomasdesmond2248]

Makes sense to me. Not going in to unnecessary dept is the way to stay ahead. Going in to unnecessary dept is the reason this country is in trouble. God bless

[@kennolte5801]

Good business philosophy on running older equipment. It makes perfect sense to me. Keep up the good work.

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks Ken

[@anthonyyoung7344]

That's about like me I own a 1990 Kubota l2250 that I bought for $150 bucks built the engine and it looks like crap but it works just as good as a new one.

[@jarr2800]

i enjoyed your explanation of your equipment. Good info and smart business sense however, i share the same opinion as Chris... fix the wobbly bucket.. lol

[@DirtPerfect]

Lol it’s coming

[@jeffwrightsman7797]

Great video for understanding the business.

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@toddreynolds8875]

Sounds like your doing something right. Sometimes the jd dealor up here has 100 hr take off buckets. Union companies will put. Twist bucket setups un. Dealer will sell quality bucket like a esco or geith. With pins. Like brand new. Hd rock buckets. I bought some for my Hitachi 120. Like $1800 each. I keep my eyes open.

[@DirtPerfect]

I have another bucket but don’t work with my thumb 🙄

[@briangardiner1015]

I remember contractor rule of thum was if it is costing more for repair then production that is the time to replace. What kind of machine are you looking for? I need to do some research to see if Deere/Hitachi make a 120 size machine. I worked for a guy and we did the grading for an Arby's parking lot with a Case 350 and a Case 580 Backhoe. Even preped the base for the asphalt with it.

[@DirtPerfect]

Looking at a Volvo 145ecu

[@lesr5737]

Makes perfectly good sense to me I was in the Excavating business out of high school 18 until I retired in 1966 I did keep trading machines on the machine that brought in the most money and that was a trackhoe the trucks which sport machinery Dozer with support machinery trailer support machinery louder with support machinery it didn't have to be the best in the world it just had to be reliable but I always kept my trackhoe well maintained and or would keep it newer than the rest of the machines due to the fact that it was used most and like you said it brought 77% profit the other machines never made that much money in fact sometimes it seemed like the track hoe made all the money but you needed the other stuff so that's the way she went sounds good enough to me. Ldr

[@samboslc]

Quality work will always generate opportunities for more steady work. Nobody will care about the age of the equipment at this operational level working for the general public. Have hauled many John Deere equipment and others in East Texas. Good video and commentary. Much continued success to you sir.

[@DirtPerfect]

Thank you

[@dewainwoodard4840]

Great video thanks for sharing have a great day and stay safe out there

[@dewainwoodard4840]

You do a great job

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@djhoisington1350]

The first dozer that I ran was a 1950ish John deere 40 i think small dozer the next one is and still run is a 1980ish john deere 350c good dozer for what i need to do with it it's the right size plowing the driveway in the winter and skidding logs for firewood and all the jobs I need to do on the property

[@DirtPerfect]

Thats awesome love the old equipment

[@danielmartin6765]

Haters going to hate anything is going to break at anytime I love your videos

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks Daniel

[@uggy7]

Personally I think older machinery are better than computerized new ones. If you look after your equipment and if works well for you then there is no need to have the latest shiny new toy. What you are doing works very well for you so keep doing it. 👍👍🇨🇦🐶

[@DirtPerfect]

I agree and thanks for the comments and watching

[@geltecmail]

Well at least the bucket didn't fall off at the end or throw a track. For one thing, the bucket only rattles when it's empty anyway, hardly hear it. Just as long as you don't slide in the river at the wrong time of year, that thing will keep on going. Yes I made it to the end. Is this a setup for the next video: The Tales of Rust, or Why My Dump Bed Still Has Holes? I hear EliteEarthworks stickers can heal rusty patches.

[@DirtPerfect]

Lol and yes have another video finishing this job

[@siscofarms5867]

Red dot offers a aftermarket a/c that will fit in that 120. I put one in my kobelco for around 1500 bucks and it will freeze me out in that Louisiana heat. Just something you could look into. It’s a lot cheaper than a new machine.

[@DirtPerfect]

I have looked into them and have considered

[@williamuskoski1385]

My dad added ac to his 93 t800 transfer dump truck instead of buying a new truck for 300k

[@Memyselfandmyguitar]

Seems like the older machinery still gets the job done, I have a '75 John Deere 410 loader backhoe with 5750 hours and it's always ready to go with very little problems. Right now it developed a decent hydraulic leak from a fitting on a steel line but nothing I can't fix.

[@gregpavone8485]

Love your business philosophy, that is why you are successful!

[@DirtPerfect]

Tanks Greg

[@jimdorman1550]

You made perfect sense. I've been there. But, you need a trackloader. You'll love it! It is a multi function machine. PS, My first was a 50's HD 5Allis Chalmers. LoL

[@DirtPerfect]

Lol my first dozer was a cat d69u

[@jimdorman1550]

Tough beginning's.

[@siscofarms5867]

Keep doing what you are doing. I own old equipment for the main reason of that I can fix every piece of it myself. I cut that expenses out.

[@DirtPerfect]

Yes it does

[@johnpeckins3323]

I quite enjoy this video Whatever information and interesting thank you

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@shanegillespie6014]

All makes great sense. This video made me a subscriber to your channel. Now, if you could just get yourself in the position to always pay cash for your equipment instead of giving the bank your hard earned money. There are investment products out there that allow you to pull your money out without penalties. You're still doing fantastic even if you borrow.

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks for the sub hope you enjoy the channel and yes have though about doing that before

[@maxandsherrywike2984]

Fix the bucket !! It's a cheap and easy job !!! Dam

[@03833550]

Keep the old 120 even if you get a newer machine it's always good to have a reliable back up

[@DirtPerfect]

I hope to

[@DirtPerfect]

Just for that reason

[@03833550]

I work for e@b paving in fort Wayne I was in our 312c all day Friday man was it hot I feel you with no air

[@scragmanw]

Do you watch other channels similar to yours? Andrew Cameratta has a good channel doing a lot of the same kinda of work you do. He never buys new but used in good condition. He’s located in Up State New York. I enjoy your video’s.

[@DirtPerfect]

I do watch him some hard to find time 😐

[@73DiamondReo]

Ive run some equipment with half the hours and twice the slop. maybe you could find another 120 with low hours with a/c and keep this one as a backup. i bought our 160 case in 2015 and its been trouble free. It may not be the fastest or nicest machine but it does everything we need it to.

[@DirtPerfect]

Not for sure what I am going to do but another 120 is not out of the ? But they are getting hard to find in good shape

[@bertrutledge4546]

Sounds like you have a great business plan. Love watching your channel.

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks Bert appreciate that

[@mrandrewdennis1]

The 120 is a darn good excavator! I really want my own. I would take a 50 jd. I don't need anything big.

[@ohhpaul7364]

how bad did that strand of barb wire get wrapped up in the tracks and around the center? Saw it rolling around in the shot from underneath.

[@DirtPerfect]

Not bad caught it early

[@toddreynolds8875]

My brother in law bought his new cat 211lc in 1984 for $80 grand. Still runs it daily. It has 23,000 hrs on it. And call me a liar it has the original chains and bottom on it. The joy sticks are completely worn thru from his finger and thumb prints.

[@DirtPerfect]

Lol dam

[@pjexc5500]

Catapillar has a very nice machine with there 312E series or the new next generation excavators

[@stangoodrich5721]

Have you seen the chipper attachment you can put on an excavator? It would chew those trees up in no time!

[@DirtPerfect]

Stan it’s not worth the money are time to retool the machine for one job

[@leifwilson7053]

I bought a JCB micro excavator for $9500.00 . I can haul it in my pickup, it uses 2 gallons of fuel a day and i get $100.00 per hr. plus transport fee. Best investment yet!

[@DirtPerfect]

Yup I believe that

[@vincescalise4821]

you have a good business sense good video

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@stangoodrich5721]

Can you drill out the holes and put in an oversize pin?

[@DirtPerfect]

Yes but the main issue is the coupler just needs to be lined board thanks for watching

[@bigjim5723]

good story indeed. u didn't say about whether u could depreciate the cost of ur equipment also? and ur right about the fact if u can and be able to turn wrenches on ur own stuff, and not be paying out high garage bills.

[@DirtPerfect]

Yes me can depreciate

[@rick8910]

Think my oldtimers might be kicking in. Did that break down include your wage when you were running it ?

[@DirtPerfect]

Not my wage but did include expenses of paying other operators when I was not available to operate

[@tiredoldmechanic1791]

The original owner of the company I worked for was very good at keeping things repaired. He told us if something needs work, shut it down and fix it. After he died and the company was sold, the new owners didn't want to fix anything. When a $500,000 material handler with 20,000 hours needed a new engine that would cost $10,000, they parked it and spent $650,000 on a new machine. Then they claimed they couldn't give anybody raises because they weren't making any money.

[@DirtPerfect]

I know some companies around here are the same way

[@patrikingeman5739]

Whats gona happen with all stumps and three mixt up?

[@DirtPerfect]

Farmer will keep them sprayed down large pile has been picked apart for firewood

[@Crewsy]

I am just a new subscriber so I don’t know the history on the wobbly bucket comments but I would just assume they aren’t meant to be demeaning and actually more out of concern. As humans we tend to get complacent and often overlook something that comes on gradually like worn out pins and couplings. I have not seen one single troll in your comments so their concern is that you will lose out on work when it breaks. Besides. Maybe like me they would also love to see video of the work required to weld and linebore the boom to fix the wobbly bucket. 💁🏻‍♂️

[@DirtPerfect]

Welcome to the channel and you are correct hope to fixe and video this winter 😁

[@CaptKirk1701]

A man has to do what works for him, understand completely, great video!

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks Kirk

[@rudyfisher7660]

Is that does that mean that you're trying to make up for something I have to have the newest battish equipment or is that the new thing of I gotta beat the Jones's again

[@tymaster22]

Amen! New machines are nice but those prices aren’t nice!!

[@DirtPerfect]

Lol you got that right

[@anoka114]

Many of those rows of trees were to help keep wind erosion away.

[@DirtPerfect]

Not here old fence lines

[@jerrymckinley7854]

Keeping it simple is best I agree

[@DirtPerfect]

Yup

[@williammatthews2948]

Let the bucket rattle. The excavator's paid for and profitable. Tell those that don't like the sounds of hard work to....... I'll keep it rated G. Lol.

[@DirtPerfect]

Lol thanks William

[@JasonWorksAlot]

Low blow picking on Zeus like that! He’s just a baby! Hahahah

[@DirtPerfect]

JasonWorksAlot lol sorry

[@danrossell6375]

You do what you do because you feel it is the right way for you period. As you said for anybody else their mileage may vary.

[@nuts319]

I was a little worried where this video was goin with the title you chose lol🤣🤣 just kiddin buddy great video!!

[@DirtPerfect]

Lol thanks for watching buddy

[@sassysaucysurviving7749]

It's a great business plan.. new is great but debt not so much!

[@josh33025]

The job I'm on now im loading 2 off road trucks with a Hitachi 350 for 10 hours every day and im burning 100 gallons daily. Glad i don't pay the fuel bill. On Friday it rolled over to 10,000 hours.

[@richwielechowski5191]

Makes great business sense. How about a short clip of the completed job?

[@DirtPerfect]

Have video coming of complete job

[@damarkushammond8775]

Only thing u got to do is get it rebushling an it's good to go it will an has been doing anything any new trackhoe will do keep it up