DO NOT buy that!

What to Buy starting out

[@williamiteconner9918]

I must be doing it right Stan, KX 057, SVL 75-3, dump truck and equipment trailer and no employees, I'm having fun!

[@grimwaldreaper9605]

Make your own power jack. Cut the crank off, weld a socket to the stub and then use a battery impact wrench to raise or lower the trailer

[@cyclesingsleep]

...unless you live in the mountains! Then, buy an mini-excavator first. For a first size, I had a Bobcat E-26. It was perfect - could pull off the canopy and get indoors or cut away a mountain for a home pad. I had a straight blade, 24" bucket, 12" bucket, and a thumb. I cut new roads, trenched in commercial buildings and exterior for all kinds of things, cleared land, did basement waterproofing, stacked finger boulder walls, repaired lots of crushed stone drives/pads, and did a lot of tree felling. ...excellent size, cost. Paired with it a '99 F-550 dump truck and a 16', 10,000lb equipment trailer.

[@zpoedog]

I bought my first Case backhoe in 1966 and made a good living with it. At age 86 I have a Cat 304 excavator and a Kubota l35 with a full hydraulic scraper on it. I still love a backhoe but find the mini very useful. I develop properties and love moving dirt. GOOD VIDEO!

[@ifyoutip]

This was a good video. I started out with a shovel and a garden rake. Later i got a push mower. I knew as yard work started coming in i needed a leaf rake and wanted to get serious in the material moving so i bought me a wheelbarrow. I should have bought a tarp when i got the wheelbarrow but i didn't want to spend more money. Last year I bought me a wagon. It has the big pneumatic tires. I wish i would have got them foam filled but was to excited with how easily it rolled to think about future regrets. Now that im all set up and in business im thinking my next investment should be geared towards health benefits. Seriously thinking of purchasing a large igloo to keep Gatorade in. I think they are cheaper than a yeti and should work about as well.

[@Josecham-mm1bk]

😂😂😂

[@JasonHarvill]

Awesome video I own a landscaping company in South Georgia. We started with a used TL8 track skid steer and a new d2e high side dump trailer it worked great. 2nd year in we added a cx 37 mini x 11000 pounds machine and it was a game changer absolutely get the hydraulic thumb I can do so many jobs from trenching to tree removal the most useful machine I have. Year three added a case 380 track machine it it the biggest track machine without government juice aka def. Awesome machine and service. Year four we have added Harley rake and 19 ton mack dump truck. We continue to grow our fleet with attachments for this machine . We also added a gooseneck trailer year two but used dump trailer to haul equipment for years. Couldn't agree more in my case a back hoe is useless. Thanks for videos they have helped me with purchase great videos and content stay safe.

[@alangraham8926]

Stanley your words of wisdom will benefit so many novice guys and probably save then from bankruptcy too!!!

[@Hummin_Along]

I wish more people would watch stuff like this. All my years as CAT and now Kubota lead tech, I still see people buy way more than what they actually need. All the time people are coming in and buying a SVL 97 with a FECON head to clear land and they are just starting out with no customers yet. The SVL 97 is like $95,000 thousand dollars and the FECON head is like $25,000. But a lot of these guys are not actually taking down big trees, they are clearing thick brush and saplings. A big brush cutter is a way better option and is under $10,000. It's also not nearly as hard on the machine as a FECON head. People don't realize those things will literally destroy their machine over time. As far as machine goes the SVL 75 is awesome and same size as a CAT 259. Both of those machines can run so many attachments just fine. And the SVL 75 is only like $68,000. So you don't need to spend $130,000 for the big equipment when can spend $78,000. That also leaves money for a trailer and other attachments. Lastly people forget that the bigger the equipment the more expensive the parts will be and more expensive repairs. Our dealership cost $125 an hour for labor. The CAT dealer I worked at is over $140 I believe. Please please please keep up with maintenance though it will save you so much money long term it's not even funny. I don't care what any manufacture wants to say. Every 250 hours you need to change your engine oil and filter both fuel filters and both air filters. That might sound like a lot but that SVL 97 engine is $35,000 and you still have to pay to have it put in.

[@chrismiller3120]

Everything he said about the trucks is so true. This ain't 1990 where the biggest gas motors only made 200hp. These modern gassers make plenty of power and with maintenance and care last as long as any frame they make. Modern diesels make stupid power but the emissions systems are killing them

[@IndependenceIron]

Newer gassers do make good power but you don't have to get newer ones. Older gassers such as 2000 and up are pretty good, especially if you can find good condition trucks with the bigger 8.1 or ford V10s. That said even the older 2v 5.4s and chevy 6.0 were good reliable motors. They won't win races but they will pull the load. Only trucks i would personally avoid is the older 6.0 chevys. I currently have a 2003 and its a good truck but the trans really limits its towing ability. 1st gear in the 4l80e has a 2.48:1 ratio vs the Fords with 4R100 and a 2.71:1 ratio. Doesn't seem like much but really helps getting the heavy loads moving. The newer gas trucks really don't make that much extra power, just have more gears with lower ratios down in the 3.9:1 range to really get those heavy loads moving.

[@AlanPhillips-g1c]

For residential landscaping a mini skidsteer is a brilliant machine. My Toro TX1000 wide track with the turf tracks replaced with dirt tracks and multiple attachments has made me the bionic man :)

[@RiverValleyAcres]

I’ve never been in the residential industry. So when I started my business I had no clue where it was going to lead me so I rented everything and only owned a 3/4 ton pick up and hand tools. I used my profits to buy grade laser, water pumps, battery powered tools, chop saw, and etc. without having loans on small equipment I was able to be versatile with different pieces of equipment. I was able to use my capitol and a LOC to start funding commercial projects. It allowed me to get into a larger revenue projects with larger equipment.

[@ironworkerfxr7105]

"PAY as you go" Maybe the government should try it.😂

[@TalkinToolswithT]

Agree 100%, this is how I operate my business. Use my LOC to operate my jobs and I factor whatever rental I need for the job into the job. No notes on idle machines that I have to cover every month. If you can’t put 500 hours a year on a machine you don’t need to own that machine.

[@aprilgeneric8027]

interesting considering banks only want to lend based upon assets they can seize and guaranteed income. i'm guessing that asset and guaranteed fund is your own home. that bites many people in the arse when there is a down turn.

[@TalkinToolswithT]

@@aprilgeneric8027 Honestly most banks don’t consider tools or equipment older than 10 years old as an asset. Therefore they won’t lend against it or if they do it’s not much. It goes by your credit score and your debt ratio as well as you business income or your potential if your just starting. All of which is in your business plan when you go to the bank. Then the LOC amount that you get approved for will be considered unsecured and you just pay a higher percentage. Then after a year to two of good history of borrowing and paying on the LOC you can get an increase then be considered a secure loan and get better rates. No need to tie your personal assets to it at all.

[@RiverValleyAcres]

@@aprilgeneric8027 my home isn’t being used as collateral. At first I got a personal LOC for 35k. Along with all my business credit cards gave me a total of $80k. I funded a mobile home park demo. Then I used it to fund a state game commission project. All while still doing residential work which 6 months in I was at an average monthly revenue of $25k. I went to my local bank and said I wanted to keep doing commercial work and they sent me to a non profit organization called the SBDC that helped me write a 2 yr business plan with very detailed revenue projections. Once I completed everything the business plan entailed I submitted it to the SBA as a LOC through my bank. I also have a line of credit through multiple supply companies which also was helpful when applying for the LOC.

[@Tcw2019]

I fully understand that a backhoe isn’t amazing at everything but starting my landscaping business it certainly allowed me to do jobs to grow and eventually get my kx040. I’m still working on getting a skid. There’s also jobs where I don’t want to take 2 pieces of equipment to as I’m solo and it just makes time sense and small much more forgiving on lawns. Excavation I could definitely see it being different though!

[@Lee-At-Green-Pheonix-Rc]

Plus u can drive to and from sites without a trailer and rent skips till u get ur own dump trailer or truck my uncle to carry his motor bike to jobs in the loader if the machine was staying when he work for the local council

[@crodoutdoors]

Growing up for years on the farm our loader tractor was a jd 310d backhoe. My step-dad built some pallet forks for it and ended up using the forks to take a 4 wheeler to jobs. Hes upgraded a couple of times. I believe he's up to a jd 310se now. Still does everything he needs it to do. The ability to level yourself out without moving a ton of dirt is handy digging water and sewer​ lines. Hes a well driller by trade. No problems digging basements either @Lee-At-Green-Pheonix-Rc

[@ltslogging3776]

I have an S185 and I love it. I use it mostly for things around my house and plowing snow in the winter. It is honestly the best thing I own. I’ve used it for the odd job here and there. The dump trailer is also a must. I use it constantly

[@IndependenceIron]

I agree with Stan as a S185 is a good choice, but he should have also mentioned the option to put on a track system on a wheeled skid like the VTS. I have a Deere 270 skid which is a good bit bigger than the S185, and we did some driveway demos and work while wheeled but it would sink easily in dirt.. But it was a game changer to get Loegering VTS tracks for it. Love the tracks and its not fun to swap back and forth, but when your starting out and lack funds its alot better than having 2 skids.

[@ksw501]

One issue that’s not directly related to the choice of equipment is what, if any, licenses are required to operate loaders, excavators, and other earth moving equipment in your state. In my state a hoist license is required for all uses with only one exception, agricultural purposes.

[@ReRe-yl6dq]

get a better state

[@calvinismistrue]

I just bought a kubota m62 with thumb, graple / root rake and 1 yard bucket... all quick attach. No regrets. I can dig out a 40"+ diameter stump, grab it with the graple and then bring in a couple scoops of dirt to cover the hole with just 1 machine. I can work it hard for 8 hours on 15 gallons on diesel. With the crawl mode, i can trench without having to turn the seat around.... but i understand your point that it's not as efficient for each task as the machine dedicated to that task. Hauling 1 machine to a site certainly has an advantage.

[@RedbankMan]

First timer on channel and I’m thinking about starting my own business. GREAT pointers and advice. Kabota, Bobcat and John Deere dealers are near me. I’m leaning heavily towards Kabota. I’m loosing my factory job (plant closing) so I will be a whole new business from ground up. Truck, trailer, skid steer, mini trackhoe and few different attachments. Was thinking about grinder/mulching head so that jumps me up to largest body size with high flow pump. My goal is to clear lots, grading, tree & stump removal, driveways or right way cut-ins… I have a friend who wants/needs me to come with him again to run a crew on mowing and reclaiming right aways that run through Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee. On the road work yes but I can learn and hone my skills while working for him. I have major decision ahead and if I decide to stay home work for self…more decisions ahead concerning equipment. Lots to consider and pray about. Good video and congrats on your lifelong successful commitment working dirt. I assume we are alike in that we want to make a decent living; not get rich overnight. Anything that comes in fast can and probably will leave just as fast. The turtle might not win all the races but he does always finish each race.

[@freepatriot6313]

Kubota....k"U"bota !!!

[@georgea6403]

I retired 3 years ago and got a $5k Chinesium Jinma 2 cylinder diesel. With 3 attachments. Having fun learning how to use it and tricking it out.

[@wadebow]

The old saying is a backhoe isn't the perfect tool for any one job but it can do every job.

[@LIFEISHARDSTUPID]

It's the Swiss army knife of heavy equipment. All the equipment mentioned in this video is a joke. The money 💰 you need up front if you went his route is crazy expensive. If you know what you're doing with a backhoe, you can do anything you want it to do. Operator vs. Seat warrior.

[@rirebel6029]

I run them all and backhoes are almost never seen on jobsites anymore . The last 2 big companies I worked for they owned a couple older backhoes and they sat for a long time until there was a water break in the city ( and even then if a rubber tire excavator was available we would grab that instead ) backhoes have been totally phased out and replaced with a skid steer and a mini . A mini excavator will dig circles around a backhoe no matter who is running the backhoe

[@nextlevellandscapetreecare4257]

​@rirebel6029 neah not accurate. Backhoe is so versatile, plus more comfortable to operate, and a ton better at loading truck/stock piling materials . Plus ability to dig tie ins jump form boards/tranches. Faster to get from one end of the job to the other. Every Comercial job I have ever been around has had a Backhoe on it.

[@maxjones9139]

Thank you sir! Been dreaming about getting into this kind of work. I rented an excavator to get some work done on my little farm. Turns out I love operating! I’ve been working in the corporate world for 20 years. Been thinking while the market is up turn some earnings into real equipment. We are living in the twilight zone, working in the woods is the only way to stay sane! I’ve learned a lot from you. Thanks!

[@maxjones9139]

@x__mwr-iu2ev That’s exactly what I’m thinking. It’s a scary thought leaving what’s comfortable but I’m done with that world. I want to work in the dirt.

[@maxjones9139]

@x__mwr-iu2ev I agree with you! Just spooky leaving a consistent paycheck but I’m going for it. I’m 38 and figure I’m not getting any younger and I don’t want to regret not trying. Thankfully I know a contractor who would be happy to know someone with a skid steer. Thanks for your kind words!

[@MagnusVox]

We operate with several mini skids doing landscaping in tight residential areas and I wouldn’t choose a different machine for that application. The mini skids go to 100% of our sites. Full sized loader maybe half. And the minis are being developed further every year to lift more weight.

[@bluebludded]

4in1 bucket is on the skid steer is another bell and whistle virtually standard here in Australia

[@davidboreham]

Not used much in the USA for some reason.

[@polobbie]

Hatred of backhoes is unfounded, especially considering the construction grade Kubota TLB's that can drop the backhoe for 3 point implements. Think of it. A dump trailer hauling a Kubota TLB can do everything the skid steer and excavator can and more with one trip. It certainly can't do the individual tasks as quickly as a skid steer or excavator, but you have to consider the cost of three machines and the time to haul them individually to the job site. Kubota's L47 has comparable performance specs to a mid-sized skid and a Kubota KX040 and all you have to do is flip the seat around.

[@rickychunn8786]

The M 62 will dig 14' and move a pile of dirt or mow or box blade the list goes on .

[@stephenkonopadchenko4828]

I have the l47 backhoe and a ssv65 tire skid the backhoe definitely isn’t as strong as the skid you can’t even grade driveways like Stanley said one thing I did like about it is if you put a grapple on it you can move trees quickly and easily to a burn pile but as far as digging with the back it isn’t bad but after running a kx040 the mini ex is definitely stronger I’d say get the skid and rent a mini when you need to if I were to start out

[@chuckman2219]

100 % agree on your points today. Only Unit I'd add to the fleet, is a compact tractor. Especially for a personal use property owner that needs to brush hog, grapple logs, loader work for bulk materials or spray chemicals, etc...although most people who are watching this, and own acreage, already have one.

[@strykerv1620]

articulating wheel loader like his Cast would be better. better turning.

[@bobbowlinex9319]

With the dump trailer make sure it's got rear supports so that when you load your machine you don't tip the trailer and run your truck down the road. Also, with the mini excavator, make sure you get one with at least a manual coupler if not a hydraulic coupler. I think the perfect size is a 3 or 3 and 1/2 ton machine to start out with.

[@WaltWW]

Sounds like you know about the trailer rear supports by experience 🤣

[@bobbowlinex9319]

@@WaltWW yes, luckily I had the truck in 4x4 with the parking brake on.

[@francisdelaney2228]

I loved the instructional view from an experienced contractor, I've been watching the various jobs that your company has been worked on for a few years now, Thank you Stanley & company

[@OffGridExcursions]

Thanks for the advice. I have 35 acres that is on steep terrain. I am clearing old mining roads and am wanting to build pads for cabins. The property is full of old roads overgrown with trees and brush. Lots of tailings all over. I was going to buy a backhoe with scraper until this video. Here is what I have! I repaired a 1974 D8H bulldozer that was left on the property and will start clearing the roads with that soon. I got nearly free a Case 30+4 trencher with a small backhoe. The trencher is a death trap though especially on hilly terrain. I am in need of removing large trees, moving rocks and grading the roads. Miles of roads including a national forest easement. I am thinking now of getting (In order as I can afford them) an older medium tracked skid steer, Mini excavator , Dump trailer, Old used crane truck "Trees, building cabins" a rock crusher (Roads and getting rid of tailings). I'm on a tight budget! I am not a heavy equipment operator but have caught on well with the bulldozer. I am however a pretty good mechanic. What are your thought's about a cheap Chinese excavator for those of us who are broke! LOL.

[@LifeofaCampRanger]

I do facility/ grounds maintenance at summer camp. We have compact tractors which offers us a lot of versatility. They aren’t the best at everything but they get the job done.

[@s_ren1641]

Never skimp on trailers. Good axles that are sized right to carry the load and brakes. Nothing like going 60 and trying to stop a trailer with 10k+ of equipment on it. I've had some scrap/demo guy tell me the opposite about tracks and tires. They like tracks because rebar, angle iron, sharp concrete, etc can't deflate a track.

[@johnrobinson8504]

solid tires designed just for that application, demo

[@MattMan362]

I’m not disagreeing with 95% of what you said, however I think a sub compact tractor should have made the list, I can pick up logs with a grapple, dig out stumps with my backhoe, grade dirt roads with my land plane, brush hog with my tractor and many more jobs depending on attachments, it’s not the fastest or best to for the job but it will get allot of jobs done and many of them with one machine, personally I have completed a verity of jobs with this one machine. By the way great video and I’m glad you brought up the topic 👍🏼

[@FormulaXFD]

That's pretty much my route for my 140 acre homestead. It's slower than a skidsteer, yes, but it does have a fair amount more 'general utility' than a skid-only. As someone who has a backhoe that is now looking at an ex, yeah I agree with him on the backhoe topic.

[@IndependenceIron]

@@FormulaXFD On a farm/homestead its compact tractor for the win everyday. Especially with a cutter a tractor will eat a skid everytime with a pto driven brush cutter. Now if you want to lift i up and cut trees thats a different story. But skids are no fun traveling around long distances alot.

[@ClinttheGreat]

I started out w/ a 38 HP tractor for our property. I now have a skid steer and mini excavator. A compact tractor is like a backhoe, a jack of all trades, but master of none. The skid steer can lift more, can actually dig, and has a lot more attachments. My mini ex can go places the tractor can't.

[@OutdoorsEquipmentInFargoND]

Rent equipment as you need it. At the end of the year, look backward to see where to invest .

[@tristenklein5940]

100% spot on! No faster way to go under then buying equipment and either having it sit in the yard or inapplicable for the projects and market you are servicing.

[@davidboreham]

Except when the equipment rental places have no machines left to rent to you.

[@robertwinger7405]

We have built driveways, additions , complete houses, septic systems, and everything in between with a backhoe. Before they had skidloaders and trackhoes, guess what piece of equipment you used? A backhoe

[@GrassRootOutdoorWork]

I started with a Bobcat CT 2040 tractor and a 20’ Deckover trailer. I picked up driveway grading, storm tree clean ups, brush hogging, and post drilling. I always looked for palletized goods hauling. Bulk sheet material for home builders can be picked up at the box stores. Now I have a 14k Lamar dump trailer and I’m looking for a mid size excavator to grow with.

[@lightryder85]

Hey Stanley. Always great content. Your videos have been extremely helpful as I'm nearing my first year in my side business, which at some point will become my full time gig. I've started out with a Mahindra 38hp tractor, only because i needed something for my property. After many neighbors in my area started calling and asking to me to spread gravel, dirt, move rocks, ect i decided to start the business since i saw a need and a way to make the money back on the machine. I'm still very green in this line of work but continue to push myself outside my comfort zone to learn more, and that's where your content has helped me greatly. Next years purchase will start with an excavator (because i too think a backhoe is inefficient) and since i already have a loader on the tractor, i can skirt by for another year without a skid. I also like the tractor because of the rear pto, where i run different implements, cheaper. However, there are downsides to that too. It takes time to build up the equipment, used excavator - 25-45k, used dump trailer - 5-7k, used skid - 8-15k. Plus hearing "you brought home another piece of equipment!?, where are we going to put that!?" lol.

[@Liimpy]

I got a JD 110 tlb.... its been a great tool for just about anything, it takes attachments in either end with hydraulic provisions..

[@steadypressure6505]

You nailed! Everything Iv been operating heavy equipment since 16 years old you got the plan worked out

[@ishnifusmeadle]

Work for 2 small companies as an operator. 1 has a deere 35, 2x60, a 160 echavators all with tilting ditch buckets as well, and a 244 loader with pit tires/bucket/fork. The other company has a sany 35 and a deere 120. Few companies here use skidsteers but i think its an area thing. Theres far too much ledge for them to dig effeciently, and as such most the time the ground is solid enough to get trucks close enough that they loose the advantage they have of moving lots over distance. Also weve noticed that we didnt see an efficiency increase when we used em in snow but i think thats just cause of the accounts we had werent condusive to them and needed a truck or a plowbox/loader. But i do like them and when u need em theyre amazing. I 100% agree with having a thumb. And get a machine with ac/heat. They get hot as sin and itll keep u makin money longer my best advice is go ask a few local companies that do what u wanna do what equip they love and why.

[@dig2fly316]

I don’t really miss our backhoes, BUT I could dig 1,800’ at 4’ deep and also a thing called a water box that measured around 12’ by 8’ by 6’ deep all in one ten hour day. Was glad to switch to larger excavators but no chance a mini would even come close to the production of a backhoe. This was done in an agriculture field on a daily basis in the winter while irrigation was off in the Columbia basin Washington.

[@brendankoth3821]

My first machine was a brand new 883 Bobcat Skid Steer. That machine was a huge part in building a company. 2 years later I purchased a new John Deere 310SG backhoe. Another great machine that I still have in the fleet. Currently we have 1 track loader 2 skid steer loaders 2 mini excavators 1 backhoe and 5 3 yard wheel loaders. It all started with the 883G skid steer, we ran the hell out of that machine for 20 years. The year we got the machine we got a blizzard where the bobcat ran for 8 days without shutting off. For a first machine you can’t go wrong with a skid steer!

[@stefano101]

I'd like to point out that if you are going to buy a backhoe, it will make more money than a miniex overall for a skilled operator going on their own. You can work road jobs digging curb work, utilities, subdivisions and sidewalk programs better than a mini/skid combo because of the travel potential. You plow more snow and you can load trucks more efficiently in the sun or snow. Skid/ miniex has a much easier learning curve and that's probably where new startups have the advantage. I own both setups. Backhoe wins on concrete/snow/ civil works, but never on startup size landscaping.

[@darretblack9209]

Or a tractor...

[@heavyequipmentdude6615]

Very well said

[@jerrywelch870]

Properties less than a half acre, mini skid steer is where it’s at! We have 900 hours on our mini skid versus 300 hours on our full size. Residential landscaping and Hardscaping. You need a full size though for moving full pallets and tree excavation. We would use the full-size more, but it breaks stuff everywhere it goes so we only use it on full renovations and land clearing

[@EchoTangoSuitcase]

Well hell, I'll chime in too. For General Purpose, living in the country on a good size piece of land type of equipment. Arbitrarily; 20 acres or more, but that's a guideline. It didn't come down from Mt Sinai, carved in stone. In no particular order... 1. Skid Loader: Find something that fits you comfortably. Not so large it feels cumbersome, not so small that you have to start skipping burgers to get in it. Spend money on the hydraulics up front, because the skid steer is the one that's going get the most variety in attachments. 2. Tractor: Using Kubota for reference: Some in the size range of the L3560 to the MX5200. If you need bigger, you're getting out of the General Purpose range. Get the extra hydraulics up front, which you'll want for a grappler. Skip the 4-way bucket. Sounds great in the showroom, not really all that useful in the field, outside of particular things. Also get the optional extra hydraulics in the back, even if you're not sure what you'll use them for. 3. Excavator: I have a soft spot in my heart for Takeuchi. You never forget your first. Something in the 7,500 - 12,000lb range. I am particularly fond of the ones with a blade that articulates on the horizontal plane, like a bulldozer

[@bman6502]

3 yrs ago, I bought one of those cheap Chinese mini excavators…. I’m making a killing off it.. I can get it into any space and the build quality is amazing..

[@flapjackson6077]

My first time using a skid steer was an S185 I rented to clear an acre of land to build our house. That thing is a great all around beast. I had a tooth bucket which was great for uprooting saplings and getting honkers unstuck, not to mention hogging out a 100’ x15’ driveway down 12” and dumping and leveling out the gravel. The S185 is a great piece of equipment. For a pro starting out I suggest getting both a blade bucket and a tooth bucket if you can afford it. It’ll make the machine more versatile.

[@TheWestAspen]

Interesting perspective, don't disagree.. Homebuilder who does his own back fill, landscaping, etc. Started with a Kubota B7800 with a Land Pride tiller, worked the heck out of it (still own it), then added a Takeuchi TB 235-2 mini ex for digouts, utility work, boulder installs. Kubota landscape tractor does most of the work a skid loader would do except moving heavy pallets of retaining wall block, so now use a heavy strap with the mini-ex to slide the pallets (which isn't time efficient, but gets it done). Only thing I'd add is an angle blade to my Takeuchi. Good video, keep em coming.

[@Dennis_Blankespoor]

If I were to start my own business, the wheel excavator is the most interesting, but the market in the Netherlands wants you to have an excavator on SPECIAL TIRE FOR EXCAVATOR, such as the 650/45-22.5 24 175A8 NOKIAN TIRES EXCAVATOR SF TL or the NOKIAN TIRES GROUND KARE or a similar tire without With the tiltrotator, it is almost impossible to get the machine to work in earthmoving In our area the customer expects us to come with a trailer with this on it a wide, narrow, skeleton bucket, normal excavator bucket and pellet fork bowls, this is what the local market requires from us, and they also often rent out a demolition sorting grab.

[@MrBrandon17617]

I do concrete work, mostly flatwork in central ND. I own a S185, and just bought a T66. I like the T66 for taking out driveways, especially if there has been any moisture…. It doesn’t leave ruts the way the wheeled machine does. Totally agree with the benefit of having a dedicated equipment trailer over using the dump trailer to haul all equipment….. my dump trailer hauls the 185…. Equipment trailer hauls T66

[@Tryagain205]

Kubota articulating loader with backhoe attachment is what I’ve used. Turns on a dime, great visibility, larger wheels that are all the same size, you can move the bucket or hoe side to side with the steering and fantastic reliability. Many attachments available as well.

[@brett76544]

For PA the State police have a chart on the website that explains the weight of truck, trailer and load where you would need a CDL or not. It may be the best chart out there for that. Even better than talking to the officers that go through the training for checking trucks.

[@johnjaco5544]

Check with your local department of motor vehicles dept, As far as I know Anything over 26,000 pounds Requires a CDL license.

[@jonasnielsenconstruction]

I would not completely rule out a backhoe, if you get a good one. On a daily basis I wouldn’t be able to do what we are doing without a backhoe. It must be said the backhoes we run are articulated ones which makes a hell of a difference. I can do every thing a skid loader can do including leveling driveways, and I can also dig like an excavator, the one I’m running currently is even able to run a tilt bucket and a hammer, and we also have one with an extender hoe and tiltrotator. On the site I work on, we also have 10 ton machine with a tiltrotator, and a wheeled 18 tonnes excavator. And the one machine that is guaranteed to be used every day is the backhoe. The backhoe I’m running is a Hydrema 906E, weighing about 9 tonnes, but I would not change it to the ones you are referring to in the video, but I could change it to an older Hydrema model, like the 806, that was built in the late 80’s to the early 90’s, and still be about as productive. But I also have to mention, when recommending backhoes, that they have a higher skill requirement for the operator for being effective, so if you are new to equipment, don’t buy a backhoe, but if you are used to running equipment consider a backhoe if it suits your applications.

[@darretblack9209]

Agreed!

[@pjp80s]

All this nice equipment looking brand new! Put it to work already!

[@darretblack9209]

What equipment to run can be a very complicated thing. It depends on so many factors. For me and what I do my 40hp tractor works great. There are many people with skid loaders and mini ex machines...in some cases thoes machines are too large and impactful on the ground. I get calls from people who need work done but not at the expense of destroying the ground. My tractor can dig trenches, put in post holes, grind stumps, till, clear snow...and the next day you can't even tell I was on the lawn. It's truly a Swiss army knife. The biggest benefits for me is the versatility and snow clearing ability. Again, skid steers and wheel loaders are just too big to clear snow in tight spaces like condos and little parking lots. I completed a job last week for a customer where I built a garden, moved large rocks for a garden wall, put in 80 plus post holes, moved a utility trailer and dumped it in the woods and a few other small tasks. It was raining the whole time...a mini excavator or skid loader would not have been able to fit where I fit, tow the trailer, or make the garden...it was just too soft and his property would have been a mud pit. My tractor can till, put it post holes, dig trenches, load, grind stumps, excavate, all in one day, one machine, while it's raining and hardly leave a mark. And I can legally drive it down the road....

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

Great video bro!! Thanks for the advice!

[@bobvomhof5699]

I started in 2010 with a medium size skidloader (Case 60XT/tires) actually still have it, that machine will keep you working 7 days a week if you hunt work, at least it did for me.

[@adamlanning2639]

This is such valuable knowledge to be passing on. Thank you so much. I’m just getting started in the dirt business and love the content.

[@03treefitty]

1.8 ton escavator for personal property use. Best shovel we ever bought

[@notsure6182]

a sany sy16c is a no brainer, smoothes in that size I have ever run. rented hitachis and kubotas many times before I pulled the trigger on one.

[@kelvinelrick807]

And best toy you'll ever buy.

[@LatitudeSky]

Not sure which brands are popular locally, just visit your local QT or Wawa or whatever at 6 any morning. It will be jammed with landscapers and jobber trucks towing equipment, and just take note of brand trends. In my area, Takeuchi CTLs dominate. TL8s and TL10s abound. Bobcats come after that. Bobcat and Kubota for mini excavators. These crews have already figured out works for them, which ones have support, which ones have lowest cost per hour. Not saying base any decision on who's getting coffee or anything like that. Just take notes or recon.

[@two-strokesmoke7289]

If I had Stan's money, I would buy at least one of everything.....seriously!!!😁😁😁

[@timw7481]

A full sized backhoe is hard to beat for any excavation company. We use ours all the time it doesn't dig as easy in most places as our excavators or move materials like our tracked machines but it gets used one way or another more times then the other machines especially on bigger job sites just jump in the backhoe and do whatever is needed vs the other machines.

[@cre8ive34]

I'm not going into business but I have a Kubota L3901 TLB and it works great to manage my 40 acres. I have a grapple and I've cleared huge fallen trees across my driveway, etc, and the bucket does a decent job at maintaining the gravel driveway. I also own a smaller 25 horse John Deere TBL that I bought initially. It's a good little tractor but It wasn't long before I knew I needed a bigger unit. People laugh at the little John Deere until they operate it. It operates surprisingly well for its small frame although with its small wheel base it can be "tippy" on uneven surfaces so some common sense goes a long way with it. My dealer said that alot of plumbers etc were buying the 1025 TLB for trenching work. It's light weight doesn't tear up customers grass as much as heavier equipment. I live in a hollow and if it's rained alot I can't drive tye Kubota with ag tires and ballast as it will run the yard so the John Deere 1025 is perfect for cleaning out the coops etc.

[@playingbadgolfwell9732]

Once you get into 16k+ machines, you're facing the need for a CDL and heavier-duty and more expensive tow vehicle and trailers. Just another thing to keep in mind.

[@Lee-At-Green-Pheonix-Rc]

A backhoe can definitely be a viable option as u dont need a pick up strait away Plus u can drive to and from sites without a trailer and rent skips to hual of spoil or deliver materials and can pallet stuff of id say atleast a 4 in 1 bucket with fold away forks like the JCB's 3cx and 4cx till and a roto demo graple for the backhoe arm till u get ur own dump trailer or truck my uncle to carry his motor bike to jobs in the loader bucket if the machine was staying at the site overnight or a few day's when he work for the local council his had the 4 in 1 bucket with fold away forks rear roto demo grapple a breaker and a few other buckets he had a long ditching bucket but in the Uk we use them as a all purpose buckets u can grade, strip top soil grass, pay load out waste and load materials like gravel, sand ect had a trench bucket and a rock bucker plus a ripper

[@williamjones4456]

Newb, got acreage logged maybe 40 years ago. Lots of poplar, birch and maples. Some old growth pines. I want to build rental cottages, lakeside. Clear a spot for a sawmill and a firewood processor. I was thinking of two 40ft seacans with a connecting canopy. Safe storage for mill and splitter. First purchase was a pickup. Second purchase? A 1.8 ton mini ex in a 6x12 dump trailer,or a skid steer with a grapple and forestry mulcher. All in good time.

[@Ekatjam]

Our heavy construction company had a fleet of Case 1845's. They took every type of abuse possible and kept on going. Many other skids came and went, but they were like the Energizer bunny... Kept on going.

[@lancespangler8487]

I have 12 ton and 33 ton excavators and do house digs, builds and landscaping. Buying a skid next. I use portable screeners for stripped house site soil and use it for lawn areas. 😊

[@me2onthenet]

I just welded the second cutting edge on my "disposable bucket." Works like new! I paid $200 at Titan Attachments. 6"x3/4"

[@seanmccaffrey6378]

In the uk no one uses skid steers,a zero tail swing excavator can do everything needed with a good operator with out the mess of a skid steer especially when it’s wet , you can trench,grade subase to a fine tolerance and different angles ,load a truck or dumper ! Horses for courses

[@swere1240]

the type of equipment you buy is very subjective to what jobs you have to do. one of my first jobs was doing field tile repair and installing intakes in corn fields and we used a backhoe and it worked perfectly. all the jobs were close enough to drive it to the jobs.

[@briandannels6636]

F250 is a 3/4 ton, so it’s not “or” gas trucks are garbage. Mini excavators is the first piece of equipment. Second piece is a dump truck with a trailer for it. I can do everything you can do with 3 pieces of equipment to your 6 pieces of equipment.

[@maxreed501]

Agree 2 hoes sit. 7000 mini ex is perfect for me. My skid is used daily. Have forks, buckets,breaker and the thing I use the most often is my 5 foot ball extension for moving trailers etc around my crowded area. I’ve bought all my stuff used over the years and slowly built a debt free business.

[@Max_Persic]

I do paver patios and In my area, most of the jobs I work on, are pretty tight. And for the most part we use the mt100s since we can get them in virtually every backyard. Only issue is, is that when we are doing small jobs. It’s not worth tearing up yards and using 20 gator mats or plywood to get back there just isn’t super efficient, so we just find our selves hand digging. But one thing I wish we had was a CAT 301.7 cr. They can get through any 4 ft gate and we can excavate faster, and save our backs. What would be your thoughts. Or do you think there is a better and more efficient way

[@App1eDash]

Have you looked into slat tracks there quick and easy to move

[@Max_Persic]

@@App1eDash we use a similar brand. I don’t remember exactly but virtually the same. I guess the issue is just the challenge of getting a bunch of them there and if it’s worth laying that many out. Which I’m sure it is. I’m still learning how to be more efficient so I’m sure I’ll figure it out

[@larrythompson8630]

Trailers. I got by for years using dump trailer as skid loader hauler, and small loader tractor hauler. Today I would get a GN dump with tandem duals. You put fuel tank in truck, oils hook trailer with skid. You unload, load dirt, brush, etc haul, dump, return. I never have had tracks. Rarely wished I did. I regret not buying a mounted tire/rim skid loader. Only twice I damaged tire bad. But to be able to zip off/on worth it. Forks my cousin borrowed them. I told him his kid would demand a set. His kid bought a brand new set. *I had told the father of nice used sets cheap*. But kid in construction. He wants, he buys.

[@croftslochsengineeringcont2959]

In the uk hardly anyone buys equipment any more it’s usually just rented or leased as the job requires. Maintenance and repairs are therefore the hire/lease company’s problem. Rare to see an owner operator anymore.

[@jason-things_to_do]

Tires for demo? Not if you are ripping up concrete garages. Been there done that with side wall punctures from the steel mesh as a home owner using a loader rental for the first time . Got my own loader 3 yrs later, T250. Nice machine when it works.Yes these things break down, but I can fix pretty much anything, else would not have got an older machine with the high hrs.

[@bertdrake]

Thank you for the video, as someone just starting out, with building some basic structures on our property. I have a better understanding around some of the options and uses for different equipment types.

[@oso9809]

You can always weld on a new cutting edge.

[@jfoti8078]

This was the best informational video for beginners on KZbin I’ve seen.

[@anthonykeane154]

For your first piece for equipment in landscaping i would say a compact tractor with front lorder with a skid steer coupler so you can use all the skid steer attachments and it cheaper then a skid steer and you can use it for mowing scarifying aeration hedge cutting and spraying and pulling trailers all doe a zero turn might be better for mowing but when you're on a budget you have to go for the most versatile piece of equipment you can afford 😂😂🤑🤔💬

[@asdasd-ni8eg]

I'd say you dont need to do every job out there. It can nearlly be a trap. However efficent work makes good money.

[@3_Klos1122]

Crazy coming on a million subs I’ve been here for a bit good to see

[@sbron99]

What about forestry mulching , lot clearing? Tracks for sure I would think on the skid , right?

[@gregorybower2759]

I really appreciate the fact you added the caveat that it is job dependent.

[@ChrisHarding-lk3jj]

About a year ago I purchased 3 pieces of equipment and I had no intention of starting a business with the equipment but the deal was too good to pass up and I had to buy all 3 pieces. I purchased 3 pieces of brand new jcb equipment in a package deal and I got a 3ts8t teleskid and a hydradig 110w wheeled excavator and a 1cxt tracked backhoe.

[@blaqkaudio6]

How do you like JCB? I'm thinking of going that route (specifically the 3TS8T). Any out of the norm issues?

[@ChrisHarding-lk3jj]

@@blaqkaudio6 Part availability is the only issue. The equipment I purchased was brand new but damaged in transport so I had to source parts for all 3 pieces of equipment. I paid 30k for all 3 pieces of equipment and the 3ts8t was the least damaged, I had to replace the cab and a bunch of trim and interior pieces. I love the teleskid and the side entry door is so nice because you can enter with the boom in any position. I don't have a warranty since the equipment was damaged in transport so any repairs will be done by myself. JCB would have never been my first choice for equipment but I couldn't pass up the deal. I did get a brand new 3ts8t for under $20k including repairs so I couldn't go wrong.

[@challe_challe3622]

Interesting video! It's cool to see the difference in how you guys choose equipment. I would never buy an excavator without a tilt rotator, huge time safer. It's also interesting how you guys use skidsteer, here in Sweden it's a pretty rare thing to see. Wheeled excavators are quite common here in Sweden also.

[@Charlie-go6eb]

Started with a Bobcat T190. Then went to a SVL75-2 and a Kx040. Sold the SVL75-2, bought a SVL97-2. Still have the KX040. Will probably add a wheeled unit fairly soon. I wouldn’t buy an excavator without the thumb, period. Completely agree on the closed cabs, even if you want to run it open like I do much of the time. The only thing I disagree on, but this is very budget driven, is the 3/4 or 1 ton truck. I use a 550 now and wouldn’t ever step back down. I completely get the cost side getting started. But once there, there is no comparison to this truck and a 3/4 or 1 ton. Truck related as well, I absolutely hated working out of a pickup even though I did it for years. A service body is a gsme changer as well. This was one of your best videos. Kudo’s.

[@johnsmith-xr6qy]

Pull the crank handle, add the correct nut size and use an impact wrench as a power jack.

[@stevem6711]

Important to point out Kubota Track loader vs. other enclosed cabs. You started to show it at about 20:00 and that's the roll up door vs. the side opening. I have an SVL for that very reason vs other makes. I've had many instances that it would have been inconvenient to have a side opening door. I'd also say a 75hp machine would suit most needs over a 90 hp.

[@Mr456sb]

The man on the seat the ultimate investment , be a good operator before going on ur own .

[@chrisc1859]

I started with a Chinese 1 ton excavator digging trenchs for utilities. Towed with a karavan home Depot trailer and f 150 with in a year got big enough up graded to a cat 302.7 and a f250 and a magnatrack mini dozer

[@garyhumphrey8936]

I’m just getting started in the civilian market. I ended up buying a new kx057-5 and recently acquired a dump trailer a t590 bobcat and a bigtex goose neck. I’m struggling to find consistent work in my area though.

[@rogerbing5314]

keep at it my guy. They say the 1st 5 years of business is brutal.

[@garyhumphrey8936]

Thanks. I’m retired from the military and needed something to do with my time. Lol. It definitely hasn’t been as easy to get going as I thought it would be but I’m slowly figuring it out.

[@Excavation99]

Hello Gary, I would recommend getting some more experience from another company and grow your skills in business, marketing, and experience. Not anyone can have a successful business with no experience. Keep up the good work. I wish you all the best.

[@garyhumphrey8936]

I was a equipment operator in the service among other jobs and have a lot of experience doing the work but I’m definitely lacking on the logistics and marketing side of things. I partnered with a friend that has been quite successful in the industry but he had a aneurism and passed unexpectedly.

[@GrassRootOutdoorWork]

I’m doing the same thing, Retired Military, on my second year. Bid on everything you can. Driveways can be good sales.

[@Diddley-js6lf]

Well I Bought Bobcat For 40 Years, I switched to the Takeuchi, So Between The Bobcats New Purchase Prices compared to Takeuchi, Then Terex an American Company, They all Are Great So we bought Both, The Tracks Lasts Four Years Doing Concrete on Concrete and Asphalt. I will take Track Any Day OverA Wheel Loader. Now What Everyone needs to Consider is Hourly Costs to Operate The Machines. Fuel Consumption Is Huge, Cost Repair Prices, Comfort while Operated. Takeuchi is Very Expensive For Hours To Profit Figures, they Eat Fuel like Crazy, The Parts are Absolutely Crazy Priced. Bobcat is The Same Way. We are Buying our First Terex Largest Size Mini Excavator in The Winter when The Deals are Better. I absolutely Wouldn’t own a Dump Trailer, we went to All Five Yard Rock Box M2-106 Freightliner Trucks because of The Various Engine Selection. Michigan Back in 2015 under Public 231 Of 2015 Created a Law That Says Any Vehicle or Combination of Vehicles That Ways Under 26,001 Pounds Your Company Is Absolutely Exempt From Any Federal DOT Regulations. So There Is Zero Need To Have a CDL, The Only Thing Required is a Physical Card, Now Regulated Work Hours, Zero Lettering, Exempt From Weight Stations, etc.etc.etc. So that was Done Under Governor Snyder. No:DOT Regulations.

[@gbsorenson]

In MN, buy a 1 ton truck, not a 3/4. License on a 1 ton is a flat $100/yr, on a 3/4 ton they consider them a passenger vehicle and license is based on value, newer truck could cost $500/yr or more. Personally for pulling heavy equipment I'd go diesel, but that's just my preference.

[@jesstrueblood2317]

I've been in excavation all my life been in business myself for 38 years. I've operated dozers scrapers loaders haul trucks ... the only thing I never had an opportunity to operate was a drogline. I bought a CAT 226 the first year it was introduced in 2000 still have it and it runs great, the thing I dislike like the most is flat tires, seems like everytime I want to use it it has a flat or low tire, I like MICHELIN 's airless cushion tire bit just can't justify the cost for a tire. Last year I bought a used CAT 279C its pre Def and has more HP than newer models, to me CTLs or worth the extra money over tired machines. Going up, sideways on slopes they are so much more stable. The other thing I would like to add is no other machine I've ever owned has a better percentage of profit on an hourly basis that a skidsteer

[@Z-Bart]

"They all break" But Stan, they last longer on 4 wheels. Lol.

[@anthonyramirez3152]

The perfect set up is a s185 with a 709 backhoe attachment smooth&tooth bucket & a breaker Doesn’t get any better Just gotta get the hang of it

[@whitefam2000]

I do have one issue with what you said about the bucket on the Bobcat, that you may not have heard of, or have availability. You can buy bucket lips that can be purchased in the size you need for your bucket at 300+ a piece and have someone punch, drill, whatever holes along the lip of the Bobcat bucket that would match up with the lips you would purchase for the equipment. At least that's what the company I worked for in Wa state (west coast) would do. Just wanted to let you know. Love your review and advice. By the way, at my age, I'd rather have a push button trailer jack too. 😁

[@makeamericahateagain]

When first starting out it’s more important to avoid payments than to get a specific machine, a good operator can use a spoon or chopsticks doesn’t matter if you have no overhead and you bid the job right you can take twice as long to do it yourself and not have to worry about maximum efficiency when you likely do not have other jobs lined up after you finish the job your on. I do everything with a 20k$ backho from paving loading grading laying pipe. operator is what makes the money not the specific machine. I can run everything grade all ,grader anything. Low payments first starting out when you have more work than you can handle you start financing the other machines for your employees who won’t have the same skill set or strong will. People with his mentality make it easiest for people like me 😊

[@mccoulombe941]

A non-inflatable rubber tire is excellent insurance against ever having a flat. Then having metal tracks over your rubber tires during this winter and spring on your dirt sites you can't get stuck with those things

[@ericglaude4953]

Thanks Stanley for the great advice. I’m a large property owner and I really think that I should be looking for one of those turf loaders. The Telescoping boom on it just seems to be way more user friendly if you just need to go easy on the equipment. That ANTS dump trailer is just the best idea. How is it for handling firewood logs and firewood since that track may not be able to survive direct hits by logs?

[@App1eDash]

Its not good for hard dumping you have to dump stuff in gently or you will damage it

[@TractorWrangler01]

Hard surfaces wheels. Sand, mud, and forest floor needs tracks. You can do forest floor with wheels, but you better have another machine on site to pull you out.

[@michaelhoneycutt7138]

Mini excavators are good. And very versatile. I just bought one. I wouldn't say a backhoe is useless. I operated one for 10 years. They could do about anything. They can move more dirt than a skidsteer. They can do a bit of everything. If you know what your doing. I have built roads, cleaned up sights, ditches. Broke rock, demo. Anything excavating I have done it with a backhoe. A backhoe will outdig most mini excavators if it's a good one. I have 20 years in excavation. I have run just about everything. Rubber tired skidsteers are useless. They move dirt but not very good in loose clean rock. You spend more time trying to figure out how to attack the job than doing the job. They spin too easy. Everyone has preferences. Track skidsteers can be a dozer if you get the right one. Cat so far have impressed me on what they will do. It all depends on what your going to do. Heavy work. Or landscaping. Most people use track skidsteers anymore.

[@smurface549]

As much as I agree that a mini ex is superior to a backhoe, I still have the latter one and I'm very happy with it. Surely I'm dreaming of a proper excavator, but convincing my wife of the need for new toys is more challenging than making the backhoe doing jobs it's not very good at... Disclaimer: I'm not using it for commercial purposes. Just yard maintenance, snowwork, moving lumber and similar.