DIY Land Clearing and Cleanup with Mini Excavator

[@ThatPartsGuy]

My opinion would be to hold off on the new one. You don't "need" one right now with the option of using the neighbors. Keep an eye on marketplace especially after winter is over and you'll find them fairly inexpensive. If you find one that needs work, pick it up cheap. Make video of repairing it and maybe adapt it to use on the 304, similar to what Farmcraft101 did.

[@randycook4364]

Yes, one with bad engine, run it off the tractor.

[@richardwest-q8w]

I always enjoy when the Vice Admiral participates in your videos. The two of you make a good work crew.

[@CaptainKleeman]

She's the best!

[@chrissheathewoodguy]

we bought one from farm and track about 5 years ago. one like the one your useing. I split around 8 cords a year for all the buildings and our older nieghbors. that type of spilter is just perfect. i never stand it up. i use the tractor to lift and roll any larger logs on it. when you get it done I'll come rent it some and put in one my channel. I hope that would help. we come up your way twice a year for several events. next year we will be doing two more closer to you. that's up to you mike.

[@ErictheAmateur]

The KZbin yacht is cool. But I do enjoy the variety on your channel. Yes, you have a six month construction schedule, but applying DP scheduling theory, you could make years worth of videos out of it, lol. The dump truck and mini excavator videos are my favorite, but you’re the one steering the ship Captain. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@zachtaylor737]

Can’t wait for the carpentry and finishing work!

[@resiliencyisrough]

I’M SO FREAKING EXCITED FOR THE YACHT!!

[@jeronethompson1059]

Good news thank you for sharing the update. Get her done.

[@kenmazer9481]

👍🏻👍🏻Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours Captain. 🤛🏻🤛🏻

[@bobbydawson7706]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@dougyurecko6500]

Happy Thanksgiving Mike, have a great day with the family. I always look foward to the new video, no matter what the content is.

[@garydillon3960]

Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving.

[@billbergquist4722]

I made a splitter starting out with an old mini bike that had a 5 hp . Found an I-beam from an old grain elevator scale and bought a pump, cylinder and valve from Northern Tool. The rest was from my scrap metal pile. Think I spent about $150on parts back in 1985.

[@nancyannirvin4507]

Looking forward to the "boat" being finished. It's amazing how you can make the most mundane work exciting to watch. All the best and hope your T-Day is the best!!

[@chrisjones-ys5zg]

yaaaaaay .. really exciting news.. so pleased for you.. it will workout great.. even more than you imagined.. xx much love xxc

[@joshuamassie3505]

Happy Thanksgiving Captin. Hope you all have a wonderful day. Always a pleasure to see what you got going on. You have some of the funniest but informative content in this sphere of KZbin. Just glad you take the time to bring us along.

[@jeffs2809]

Log splitter: since you aren’t using wood for heat or selling firewood, I’d just keep an eye out for a used one. Maybe even let Clint know that you’re looking for a used one & he might find one on an auction. I found a “ran when parked” one about 20 years ago that needed some work for under $200. It was a rental unit at some point in its life, so not very pretty. It’s a 20-25 ton horizontal and still does great. Even with the repairs, I’m still under $200 into it. I’ve split a lot of wood with it & still use it today. KZbinr Farmcraft101, modified/built a unit for his excavator. Might check his build out for some ideas.

[@VRM-uu3si]

John on Farmcraft put one on his excavator - not sure if he built it or modified one he had purchased previously. Looked like a good idea, maybe slower, but definitely a back saver on large diameter logs. You should have 3 sources of hydraulic power with the equipment you have, so you could look for a good deal on a used splitter with a bad engine and/or pump, then use the tractor, 555, or 304 for the hydraulic power. One other suggestion as someone who owned several acres of woods for the past 20 plus years - if you can find the time, try to do some forestry management for species and quality of tree. I was working 50-60 hours a week at my paying job, kids in all kinds of activities, built a shop and a house, and taking care of the normal tasks in life and just never had time to do much in the way of forestry management. I sure wish I had put the time into it as I would have a better looking and more valuable forest now.

[@CaptainKleeman]

We have videos on forest management for the past three years explaining the process and have been working on it for close to 8 years now. 👍

[@welch1227]

This should be at the top.

[@VRM-uu3si]

@@CaptainKleeman That's great, and you're way ahead of where I was 20 years ago. I'll go back and look for some of those videos where you explain your strategy and process. The OCD in me though would ask why would you leave that tree with the "C" shaped trunk (at 27 seconds into the video and other times later) standing when you were right there with the excavator. Love your videos!

[@CaptainKleeman]

@VRM-uu3si yeah, it just takes time, and it we open up too much canopy at once, it let's the invasive take over. Have to leave some trees, even if not the healthiest, to hold cover while some younger hardwoods come up for us. It's a life long journey honestly

[@MrGrimCarnage]

The new splitter, while more of a want than a need, would be useful. If you have the money, go ahead and buy it. For modifications, I'd suggest a set of diverter valves, like you'd have on an excavator boom for attachments, then you now have a portable hydraulic power pack that can be used for various applications. First one that comes to mind will be a tubing bender that would typically use an air over hydraulic bottle jack. Those are painfully slow, but you could instead use a hydraulic cylinder, powered by your new power pack, and greatly speed things up. A tubing bender would also be a great addition to your growing fabrication arsenal. There are plans available online, and you could even build your own....

[@leer-winnobbeefarms2131]

Mike, I'd buy a used one, like you want. You can get one fairly reasonable. The hydraulics almost never go bad - it's the motor that does. New motors are fairly reasonable, too. Get nothing less than 26 ton. Mine's a 32 year old, 26 ton, and I did put a new motor on it 2 years ago. I've split 100's of cords with it. Great video & Happy Thanksgiving to you and the family! Lee PS: I'd rent the KZbin Boat until it's paid for! My guess is, it would stay rented full time, just from your Subs!

[@clarencewiles963]

Happy Thanksgiving 🦃 thinking about you and your post and appreciate your work.

[@GrantRowell-u9q]

as always you are fun to watch. I totally understand your driving skills, my mother taught me how to drive also.

[@DarthVader1033]

Happy Thanksgiving Capt.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Same to you!

[@brentjensen85]

Happy thanksgiving to you and yours CK. Thankful I found the derby clan to follow this year.

[@alanbierhoff6831]

Mike, you should check out mountain maple ranch and see the quick attach H or I beam (whatever you want to call it) grader Marc made for his excavator. It seemed like a quick and easy job and he says it turned out better than expected. It works just like your log grader only it’s more durable and fireproof 😂

[@timwight9471]

I get a little uneasy when my plans become adjusted due to external factors, even when the plan is coming together. Usually my apprehension goes away when the tools come out. Looking forward to more great videos Mike.

[@mikedobson2988]

Happy Thanksgiving and glad the finish is in sight.on the YTY.

[@michaelridenour8054]

Love to see the boat finished bud

[@fritzie1968]

Hey Capt. For how much you would use the splitter, I would recommend buying the discounted splitter you referenced and modify it to your needs. Although you could make one for that price, it would likely cost you more than $800 in time and materials and would have an unproven product. Given your relationship with C&C I would see what they have (or what they might be able to find for you, etc) as an option as well. Not sure your time frame for buying (if you have time to wait vs have an immediate need), it is always a good idea to keep your fellow youtube channel creators working with each other. Clint with C&C is just a good guy and I am 100% positive if he knew you were in need, he would find you something you couldn't say no to and if he can't he would advise you to proceed with something else. He has alot of relationships and if he can't get it done, he would likely know someone who could. Just my 2 cents and best of luck on your decision.

[@LeeintheWoods]

I have that same splitter you borrowed. I bought it used and have had it for 6 years now. I've done nothing to it besides maintenance. I personally think there are times when it's worth buying something vs building and I think this is that time. We're busy guys and honestly $800 isn't bad vs the time and money you'd spend building one. You'll get the use out of it over all the years of owning it even if you don't use it regularly.

[@CaptainKleeman]

I agree. Just buy the thing and be done with it. Happy thanks giving man!

[@LeeintheWoods]

@@CaptainKleeman Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

[@geraldhaury4199]

Very excited about the youtube yacht. I started watching your channel before you had even started on the project and hope to see you finnish it. Your dream has become our dream! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

[@kurtloftfield4537]

Good news on the yacht, looking forward to the series! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family-

[@michaelmcclure8673]

First thing Happy Thanksgiving to you and the Admiral plus the First Lieutenant. And I understand the loan deal. Glad they gave you the money to finish the yacht. Hope you get the best renters . 😊😊

[@fransinyard891]

Good morning sunshine! Happy Thanksgiving! Glad to see you had some help from my favorite little helper! Much love and respect from Henderson Ga USA

[@sparky11772]

Good morning Mike Happy Thanksgiving!

[@rhondasweeney7271]

HAPPY THANKSGIVING CAPTAIN, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS ! The future sounds exciting! Thank you for sharing 👌 😊

[@iexcav8534]

You should Make a spiting attachment for the excavator. You have the quick attachment. And the tumb on it all ready. Also I think some kind of collaboration with another KZbinr on the yacht would be pretty cool

[@billsears1622]

As a subscriber that has been with you since the retaining wall at your house, I am so happy to hear that the yacht will be moving forward. I enjoy all of your content, but I'm excited to see your vision come to fruition! Happy Thanksgiving to you and the family!!

[@richardhedrick5601]

Happy thanksgiving to you and your family

[@randydobson1863]

Hi Mike Randy and i like yours video is Cool & Thanks Mike & Friends Randy

[@dianelabelle6939]

Yo could make up spacers (steel boxes) to put in front of the end plate to shorten the stroke length to speed up production. You could make several boxes to allow for different pieces of wood. Great video.....

[@morgansword]

I kinda resent being #2... just sounds wrong.Well a few minutes have passed and seeing you love for the land is thank you for this effort. I see getting the cabin finished a smart move as its not cheap to have setting either. Heck, I am old and dumb as a hammer head so trusting your thinking.. happy T day Mike

[@dansevern3291]

Outstanding, getting YTY done. I know about being nervous on financing, but sometimes, you just gotta go with your gut, it's almost always right, and even when it's not, it seems to work out okay. On the log splitter, only buy it if you use the 304 to load it, having spent the last 10 days at the house due to a re-injury from "lifty-twisty-turny-ouch" that originally happened 20+ years ago, I wish I hadn't "powered through" stuff like that. (But seriously, I've never gone wrong on purchase of a tool, even one that's used infrequently, because even if I only need it once a year, when I need it, I don't have to find one to buy, rent, or borrow.) I hope y'all have a great Thanksgiving, thanks for the video, take care.

[@rons3103]

Mike, here is what I am thinking. When you borrowed the log splitter from Clint (C&C), it used hydraulics and worked with DP skid steer. Well, you don't have a skid steer, but you do have two vehicles that have hydraulics: the Ford 555 and CAT 304 (Not sure how powerful the JD 755 is). So, how can you "build" a log splitter that could attached to either or (Bucket Arm)? It will be one less gas machine you have to pull around as it would be attached to the equipment. I would say, do some research and figure that out a plan/design. If it is less than the $800 then let's start the new project. If DP can build an "e-limb-min-a-ture", then you can build, well, we can come up with a name for it later on! 😁😁 You have the tools!

[@jaymepaxton797]

Happy THANKSGIVING to the KLEEMAN Family!!!

[@everestyeti]

Glad you managed to get the Admirals Christmas Present, I've successfully not bought my wife any sort of present for about 35 years, we've been married for 42. I once bought her something which she kept on about, apparently it wasn't what she wanted, anyway to cut a long story short she now buys herself what she wants for Christmas and Birthday and I go without. I say that every six months I normally treat myself to a new power tool. Re the log splitter, to me the main benefit would be you could cut the logs when you need to, plus if your neighbours brakes down you could always lend them yours. Bet when you were moving that ash around, you wished that you hadn't broken that glass. 😂👍

[@Durwin-q9j]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family

[@seanpierce7673]

First and formost. Happy turkey day to you and your family and coworkers! I hope the crew at gour station has a nice slow no call day! You have a great day with your family and nice i so want to see the land yaht done lol!

[@northalabama2264]

CAPTAIN...remember, I have been a subscriber to your channel since the first time you wrecked one of Dirt Perfect's trucks and put my reservation in for at least a 2 day rental of the You Tube yacht when you broke ground. PLEASE keep me on the reservation list for the "limited" rentals. Quiet old man who will be a good guest just ticking off my bucket list. Thank you! Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving to you the Admiral and the girls.

[@stevenhogan8476]

You might consider, placing the money you’d spend on a splitter into a replacement tooth on the bucket and also see if Clint at C&C would line bore and rebush the dipper arm on the cat 304. DP might even help. LOL happy thanksgiving!

[@Chris-jj7tb]

Mike I was in the same boat about 5 years ago. Local store had them on sale just like your talking. I bought a 26 Ton. I paid 650 back then. I prefer to cut and split the wood on property that I have connections to. I used to rent a splitter, and it became more cost effective to change the oil and maintain then rent,(time to pick up, Time to clean and return). Now I have a deal that the splitter is stored on the property I cut wood on in a shed. If the $$$ is there it is worth it.

[@benjaminallen4678]

Look for a splitter on market place. We see them in Missouri around $400 most of the year here. Awesome news on the boat cabin build. We're excited for you! Happy Thanksgiving my friend.

[@Camping814]

I'd buy a bargain (cheap new, or used) log splitter for the time and back savings. People with less land than you get good use out of theirs. I would be interested in seeing what types of modifications you make to it. Just make sure that it has bluetooth. Happy Thanksgiving! Excited about KZbin Yacht :)

[@beelerfamilyfarm]

At $800 I’d not hesitate to get one. You couldn’t build one for that, especially if you included your time. It’s a good farm investment that would make it much easier if you decided to burn wood regularly, like in a greenhouse or just as heat for your home.

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

Cap’n you asked about DIY splitters… well, let me tell you about Frankensplitter. If it was 1988, and iffen you had a few spare parts…. - hydraulic cylinder from a 15 ton CAT excavator boom - 15HP gas engine from a Murray lawn mower - upright from an industrial shelving rack, long enough to make a frame - front axle and wheels from a 1962 - two ton farm truck - 12”X12”X8’ H-beam from an old county bridge demolition - PTO hydraulic pump and control valve from a 1950’s Farmall tractor - access to your Millwright neighbors fabrication shop You could build a log splitter that would develop well over 30 tons of splitting force… for under $400… in 1988 dollars! It would be uglier than a mud fence but as durable as a T-Rex fossil! Congrats on figuring out how to get the CKS YT Yacht ready to launch. I wish you calm seas and following winds as you set sail on this next leg of your journey. Holler if you think I can help in making it a smooth trip. I hope you and your loved ones have a blessed Thanksgiving!

[@lennyfitzgerald4714]

$800.00 for a new splitter sounds like a good deal but on the flip side a 3 point for the John Deere tractor might be a better option or an add on to the 304 save your back. Good luck thanks for taking us along. Happy thanksgiving

[@patrickcolahan7499]

Many years ago I used a log splitter like the one you borrowed. But like you too many rounds were heavier than a single individual could lift. Always thought about adding a hydraulic lift to the side running off the hydraulics to lift. If you may it right, it would also allow you to put the larger chunks onto as you split the smaller pieces and not have to re-lift them.

[@joycefuller9177]

I am glad you are able to finish the Yacht. I am sure you will make a wise decision for you on the log splitter. Take care and have a great Thanksgiving weekend.

[@curtiswomack46]

hey captain check out mountain maple ranch this guy took a I beam turned it into a grading implement. for his excavator

[@nmkranz]

All gas, no brakes, full beans, let's go!

[@tomswindler64]

Mike,everyday you get to check off another little project,always improving the looks of the property. I personally don’t think you need a log splitter at this time,too many other projects going on,maybe later date.your doing good work for a man of your age LOL.hope to have a quiet thanksgiving for you,other than work.just keep entertaining us with your banter and sarcasm,all good.be safe.next maybe one project whe have been waiting for.👍👍👍😎😎😎

[@randallquiring9525]

I started watching because of the KZbin yacht and stayed for the rest of the content. So I’m glad to see it finished up. P.s. I’m not as much interested in the technical builds ( truck / rebuilds) but repairs are ok But something for everyone.

[@gakrazykajun]

Kleeman Khronikles kontinue....good progress on clean up, excavator is a handy piece of equipment to have around the homestead. Hey Bud, I've got a way you can kill two birds with one stone. Have you thought about buying a wood splitter for the Admiral's Christmas present?🤣 I'm sure she would let you borrow it from her when you need to use it. As always, great channel, great content.

[@jeffpeters1014]

I bought a used one for 250 and put another 200 into the hydraulics and 50 into tires and tubes. I did miss an opportunity on a rental that was being moved on for about the same money. 800 would be a good deal for the limited use you have for it and it’ll be ready to go with no tinkering!

[@mattfetters7321]

Happy Thanksgiving 🦃

[@martylost167]

I'd check with the neighbor and see if he'd rent that 1 very reasonably with the understanding that if the motor goes bad you'll replace it or fix it. It's good to keep the splitter running and not under the shed. If you buy all the toys u need, you'll spend all ur time working on toys.

[@TomLee-y8w]

I purchased a used log splitter for my Kubota tractor, three point hitch type. I like it, but my neighbors that borrow it complain that it is slow because of the hydraulic pump of the tractor. But since I'm 67 yrs old, it's plenty fast for me. Thanks for the videos.

[@michaelfularz1055]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.. happy Thanksgiving to the your you tube community.. you might want to replace the bucket teeth.. one is missing and other one is really loose there . Other than that another great video..

[@levi-brakes971]

Hey Mike great idea about log splitter whichever route you take. However having watched your video today I can't help wondering if an excavator would compliment it massively. After all its nearly Christmas😉🤫 P.s Happy Thanksgiving to you and all the family.

[@erinmeyer6526]

I’d buy it! When you start having people stay in the KZbin yacht you may allow them to have a campfire.

[@bobmoroney3643]

Happy Thanksgiving Captain.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Same to you!

[@JanneRanta]

If you get one and modify it then you could make it mountable on the excavator? I dont have one myself but from what I've seen on YT that was my favourite.

[@robinredman5192]

Whatever you decide on the Log Splitter, make absolutely sure that all the screws and bolts are Fart Tight. Yep, that's always my reassurance that the parts are Not Going Anywhere. 💩 Happy Thanksgiving to your and your family Mike. John here, photographing the beauty of the back-roads of Northeastern Tennessee, y'all.

[@brianelliot2719]

Looking forward to the KZbin Yacht finish, Mike… I suspect a lot of subscribers were attracted to the channel because of it . I don’t think the log splitter is a big item in the interest list as a KZbinr … we’ve seen lots of similar things on the web. You might just get a used one and repair it or if your neighbour will loan you his, just keep borrowing it as long as you give him some firewood or whatever he values. I do think building things are higher on my interest than a lot of other things…

[@hankzoerb317]

I think you should call Clint, make upgrades. You'll get plenty of use out of it. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!! Be safe...

[@ukoldgit]

I have a mini tractor horizontal dual action 3 pt 16 ton splitter, the beauty of it is that you can lower it to almost floor level on the hydraulics for the heavy rounds and of course you can split wood on both out and in strokes, I think Boss do them in the states but at $1300 it might be a bit pricy but a good used one (or even a bad used one would be easy to repair)

[@chrismartin3158]

Make one for the mini. I’ve made a couple with motor and pump even one for my skid steer. One for the mini would be the ticket

[@garthneild1879]

If you are only using the wood splitter a few times a year, it doesn't make since to buy a new wood splitter. Keep you eyes open for a good use one that should go for at least 1/2 (or less) of a new one. Rock on for the cabin build!

[@lionelgardiner4408]

Investing in a "new" log splitter for as little as you actually need it would seem to be a large expense. I think that picking one up of marketplace and doing modifications/repairs , making a video out of it would be the way to go. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

[@JOYR1234]

it's good when you get your kids to help it give them something to do and it's good learning exp

[@CaptainKleeman]

Absolutely. Try to teach them how to be safe and have situational awareness in the limited time I get to be influential in their life

[@ralphups7782]

i got some time off before my project arrives, and there you were in my inbox, i see that the Admiral sent the kids to report on progress.

[@AllSpeed]

random idea, maybe you can make a maul attachment for the 304. it squeezes a round against the thumb and spits it into 3 or 4 pieces.

[@ccass7329]

Go with used splitter. Also, excited about the yacht. Are y’all thinking Vrbo or AirBNB.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Used to for about the same price as new here. We are in that weird time where people over paid the last few years and now they think their used splitters are worth what new ones go for now.

[@jilldunn1041]

Buy one at least you will have it and like you said you can modify it to the way you like cheers

[@charleswelch249]

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. You should probably get the logspiter, but only if it has the same wedge as the one you're borrowing. If it has the fat pie shape wedge, you can't get through tough twisted wood and limbs. I'm glad you're getting back on the building. It's sad that you are doing it in the worst weather. Hopefully, you can get some help when needed to speed it along.

[@72hourbob61]

Happy Thanksgiving.

[@jerryc3050]

Good that the KZbin Yacht is getting finished but I'm more interested in your other projects. Been here since the boat was just an idea in yalls heads, so maybe if you started working seriously on it, my motivation will increase. As others have said, the future looks promising. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! 🙂👌

[@CaptainKleeman]

Well I got bad news lol. You won't see any other projects for six months

[@gloriaa5060]

Wood ash is a good fertilizer.👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 have a safe Thanksgiving day!!!!!!!!🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks! You too!

[@jamesross6251]

Now you have the option of using your mini excavator. You have the pump and third valve already! You are ready a fabrication guy, Edd some steel, splitter wedge, and one cylinder. Good luck!

[@jonno6674]

Mustie1 just got a skid steer and it came with a log splitter & seperate power pack so you can run it on the machine or just seperate, it’s worth a look it’s in his latest video

[@donrandall4606]

It is down to how you value your time, either way it will make KZbin content. Building a log splitter or using a log splitter. Personally I would concentrate on yacht which will be 2 sources of revenue, one building and then rental. Which hopefully will allow more revenue to fund your other projects.

[@tmacie2]

$800 for a new 25ton would be a steal around here. I'm considering making one for my mini ex. If you can find a used splitter cyl. and I beam the right size that might work well for you. Otherwise, I'd jump on the 25ton. if you dont find you use it much, you could always resell in the future for not much (if any) loss.

[@adubbelde1]

I bought a 50 ton splitter on auction. It's way more than I need and because of the cylinder size, cycle time is slow. But the one thing I wish I had is a log lifter. While my splitter will go vertical, I think it's a lot of work wrestling rounds under the ram and avoid using vertical as much as possible. Consequently I split a whole bunch of rounds that were all I could do to get them on the splitter. I paid for it later as I blew out. a disk and had to have surgery.

[@cohill25]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@CaptainKleeman]

You as well!

[@wink9970]

Wood splitting video's are so RARE on KZbin, glad I did not miss it.

[@CaptainKleeman]

If you think this was about the wood splitting, you missed the point lol

[@MikeInTrafalgar]

How about a excavator splitter like Niel Koch has on his backhoe? It's something you could build for the mini perhaps. I think they're better for the big rounds but might not be good for fine work. Still, it saves the back.

[@joemartell2916]

Used splitter, if you can find one that needs a little TLC, all the better. You need a 4 way removable splitter head either way.

[@flightace1]

The best mod we did on our splitter is a table large enough to store 3-4 rounds and place to keep the wood from falling off so we can reesplit large pieces and its easyer to pick wood from a table than it is from ground,

[@kylejones2075]

Excited 🎉

[@rsbracer]

I have a project for you make a wedge for the back of the 555 or the excavator to split wood. Don’t know how good it would work but may make great content

[@tsparky236]

Mike, how about trying to find a splitter without a motor and using the hydraulics from the 304 to run it? Just a thought sir, lines are there for the thumb already, don't know if good idea or not. Hope you and your family have a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving sir.