Excavating your own rock for gravel. Is it worth it? /// E61

[@VowellVentures]

You're not nuts at all, every ounce of road and building pad material came from our own land too. I did have my neighbor excavate, move and lay it down where it needed to be due to time constraints, but it saves us a fortune on material costs. 2500' driveway and very large pad for the shop that was roughly 10,000sqft a couple feet thick. The same neighbor also commented that I had better material in our ground than he has seen out of his gravel pit that he sells from! That made us feel great too! LOL If we lived on our land full time while building, I would definitely be taking your approach and do it all myself with the help of friends and family when they are available.

[@patrikpersson9446]

You guys ROCK !!🤣🤣🤣 Wery mutch like a strongman/woman contest!!!

[@lylekoss3776]

You guys get a SUPER A + FOR EFFORT AND INGENUITY , I REALLY ADMIRE THAT IN THE BOTH OF YOU , WORK SO HARD !

[@joel530johnson2]

I like how you guys work so hard. I did a lot at your age also. I've watched a lot of KZbins of people building on a hill/mountain. One thing that stands out on most of these is the difficulty of getting materials up to the build site. Sometimes it's the turns where too tight, sometimes it was mud/ice and sometimes it was too steep to get a truck up there. Sometimes it's all the above. One thing you can do to test your driveway is to take your truck (which you said was not 4WD) with the trailer up there and see how it does. Then try it after it has rained. Then load up the trailer with as much weight as it will take and try it again. If all these tests pass, then you did a great job! Otherwise you will have some major problems just when you don't need them.

[@jackgurteeen37]

You guys are my kinda people! Love your approach to problems and just working at getting the job done! Blessings from England.

[@WalnutsandWineberries]

Thanks, Jack! We're big believers in "use what you've got" instead of running to the store for everything. It's very satisfying.

[@nookworm1]

You have a major operation going on here. It really needed your ingenuity to make it work so well. Lots of work, lots of satisfaction. Progress!!!

[@deanbarr5740]

I believe your doing a great job John and Meg. I remember growing up in the '60s and living a mile off the main highway me and my 4 brothers did our road exactly the same way you all are. Makes a good base to the road and topped with 1/2" limestone ot crusher run, and you'll have a good road getting to your property. I miss those days, always something to do. A great way to raise your family. Plus the stories you'll have for the next generation.

[@WalnutsandWineberries]

I feel like I was born in the wrong decade, Dean. I like being self sufficient and I get great satisfaction completing big projects like this. It sounds like I would fit right in with you and your brothers. 💪 I like how the limestone is nice and flat to create more surface area, which in result will resist getting buried.

[@hksm98]

Met you parents today in Abington. Wonderful people. They told us all about your operation. Good luck.

[@WalnutsandWineberries]

Thanks so much! They were my Aunt and Uncle. Good people indeed. Lucky to have them in my life. Welcome aboard!

[@nineoclockhero]

I've been watching a few of your driveway vids. It may be a bit late in the day, but I was thinking it would be a good idea to lay rocks in the wetter areas. This may help navigate the path easier in the winter months.

[@careyhaner]

If thor is the king of splitting wood. MR. JOHN IS THE THOR OF SMASHING ROCKS FOR A DRIVE WAY!!!!!!!😂Give them rocks heck.

[@Frank-bh3cm]

If you want to transfer more weight onto the rear tyres of the tractor, you could move the trailer axle further back. The tractor should also have a drawbar that is designed to pull loads..

[@WalnutsandWineberries]

I agree, good thought.

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

2000' of driveway...that's a long run for sure. Ours is 800' and it took 15 loads of recycled asphalt at about 10T per load with some put to the side for potholes. Gonna be interesting to watch Ricky and the trailer knock this out. You two are not scared of hard work!!

[@WalnutsandWineberries]

Neat that you used recycled asphalt. Was that just a base layer, or was it various sizes and allowed you to put one thick layer down? We're definitely not scared of hard work. We work hard for the story and adventure. So sorry for your Brittany, Brad and Deb. I grew up with Springer Spaniels. They're really great dogs. My sister had a Brittany also and they're very similar. Remember the good times 🐶

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

@@WalnutsandWineberries They were repaving a nearby highway so we got it fairly cheap considering. It's ground up but there are the occasional football sized chunks that either get crushed by traffic, or Deb would drive the tractor and I would throw in the FEL with a pitchfork. With all the dozer/excavator/concrete truck work we are having done, it's packed and solidified in the Florida sun--it was spread on top of a dried clay base...holding up well.. You can put a solvent and roller on it to be almost like an asphalt driveway, but that's money we didn't want to spend. You can see the road a little in our Pond video (E5). Did you notice at the end of the Gunner tribute...we have another Brittany now!! Trying to get Deb to introduce Bella with a new video! Stay tuned. And thanks for the words on Gunner - that hit us hard. Been 6 weeks and still hurts. But Bella is trying to get us through it. Take care. Brad and Deb

[@garryquiggins8183]

I'm really close to a rock quarry so I bought a used 7x12 dump trailer. The quarry gravel is really economical if you haul it yourself. The dump trailer gate spreads just like a dump truck. On YT there are posts where you use split tires under roadway to keep gravel in place. Works great and pays dividends quickly, every tire shop will give you the tires.

[@WalnutsandWineberries]

Love that idea, I was thinking of that for the switchbacks because I inherited a bunch of junk tires with the property when we bought it and I was debating whether or not to get rid of them. Dump trailer sounds like a luxury compared to our setup. How big is your truck you use to haul?

[@ramiromarin5005]

You should watch a video of Andrew Macarana, he is great with the skidster. Tank you for your videos, I love it.

[@heathalcorn]

I had one of these trailers. The channel fit a 2x4 perfectly and was enough to stiffen it up nice

[@WalnutsandWineberries]

I know I'm abusing it, but I get a half ton in that thing! I might add another tire on each side because that's the only weak point I see.

[@ironsales5669]

I am working on my own mountain property facing the same issue with local delivery of rock vs mining my own and feel the same way. Funny thing I have noticed with my property and equipment that I am seeing with you guys is that the mountain takes a tole on you and your equipment... Seriously not for the faint of heart but definitely for people with heart.

[@WalnutsandWineberries]

Keep at it! Think of it like you're going to the gym - haha! It's very satisfying to us.

[@KODArunner]

Hello there Meg-n-Jon, Now this comes after watching this video several times, (so I'm a little slow), maybe you could rent a ROCK CRUSHER to set-up at your quarry, then when you haul it to the road you will be hauling the smaller rock and able to haul more of it??? Jon, here is a welding tip for ya, do all the paint removal and rust removable before you do any welding. Also, I believe Harbor Freight sells a hand-held sand blaster that will help clean everything you are about to weld or paint!

[@WalnutsandWineberries]

Good thought! We have talked about making a rock crusher. After getting more into the rock part of the driveway we will see if we pick that discussion back up again. :) - Meg

[@KODArunner]

@@WalnutsandWineberries Meg, your driveway is a tad long and you will be running into a lot more BIG rocks that need cracked and moved. On a cost factor, you might want to watch a few KZbin videos on making BLACK POWDER and on how to use it to blow stumps and rocks. Blowing things up can be a lot of fun and it make removal a lot easier. JUST BE CAREFUL!!! God bless your entire family and the dogs too! P.S., while you're at it, you might want to learn to make Bio-char or Charcoal.

[@kgraydakota]

I have some land in central NH that I have been working on. I purchased a 3500 GVW utility trailer, the type they sell at home depot or tractor supply. I put a used pick up bed liner in the trailer, and on top of that I put a material handler that is made for pick up truck beds, they sell them at harbor freight. I'm able to unload about 2000 lbs of stone in about 1-2 minutes.

[@WalnutsandWineberries]

Very cool, Kevin. Way to make it work!

[@georget7995]

Great job on the rocks for the driveway. I can't wait to see what your going to do with the steep parts of the drive way. For mine due to 13 degree hill is had to give in and pave part of it. My math made more since to do that than spend over 40k to buy vehicles that could do that hill in the winter.

[@WalnutsandWineberries]

Can't blame you there, George! Good call on paving. Currently, the driveway is roughed in and we are now going back to widen, bank and do water management. Really looking forward to when we put the rock down and see it all come together. I have some ideas for the steep sections, but nothing is in stone yet (pun intended).

[@randalllinton9055]

You left out the discussion which I know you know, $822 in Sales Tax for the Rock. Which just seems wrong somehow. I know it's economic sales activity but it is just rocks. And your opportunity costs are : So let's say it all works, you are really good at doing this, and it ONLY takes 250 cart and small tractor bucket loads. and that one layer of rock is good to go. And you are really skilled and strong backs can do 5 load trips laid a day. That's 50 Man and Woman days of your labor, at your skill levels let's say, you are worth $350 a day each, $700 per man/woman day, before income taxes but after business expenses So figure plenty of deductions and you're only paying state and federal 20% income tax if you were working for money. So JUST for excavating and laying the rock, in labor your marginal rock cost is OUCH ! $28,000 in your labor for Rock, not counting 3 weeks and DexPan on the big Boulder removal, stump pulling with 4:! to 16:1 pulleys, grading, probably about few thousand in depreciation wear and tear and tractor fuel. that is one expensive driveway. The Adventure and Satisfaction ... well if all you've got is time, the best things in life are free, .... sort of / opportunity costs

[@WalnutsandWineberries]

We have all the time we need. It is about the experience and making memories for us. I can't wait to look back one day at all the projects (we will get to actually watch it!) It will be an amazing feeling to know we did it. :) - Meg

[@johngersna3263]

I know that this is a little late but a Harbor Freight quick hitch will make the hook ups on the 3 point a lot easier. Rural King carries them too. I got mine at H.F. with a 20% off coupon for approximately $84. You may need to adapt your implements to it but it's well worth it.

[@WalnutsandWineberries]

I can see the value there. Those 3-point attachments are heavy!

[@genegreear4183]

Good job on the rock. You didn’t add that the tractor will pay for itself just hauling the rock. I saw a cart that had four wheels on it at Tralvtor Supply. I bought the small one three years ago and have never looked back. Now they have a bigger one that I will get eventually. Mine is made of plastic but it’s tough. I’ve added two foot side and still load it to the top with logs. I tipped it over once but the cart was fine. I just half to reload the darn thing. Jut driving over that bigger rocks will crush it up too. Some will go down into the mud. But the top stuff will just keep getting fine and give you a smooth drive eventually. That drive will work off all that hood cooking your wife has been feeding you.

[@scotthoward7875]

I’ve been there, not as far (1500) feet. With the rk24 and it’s load after load. But has to be done I’ve got the base down and working on the crush an run. Have fun

[@WalnutsandWineberries]

Awesome, Scott! I know the feeling of dumping the loader and saying, "That's it?!" Then you turn around for the long drive back for another small scoop. Haha! Wondering how your numbers compared to the quote I got from my quarry. Be safe, enjoy the nature and have fun!

[@richmondshipton7079]

You should think about investing in a 4-4 side buy side with a dump back so Meg can Follow you up the road with a trailer two

[@goodgrieflouiser5807]

Autumn Olive Berry Jelly. It’s a thing and I bet it’s delicious. Doesn’t appear to be very difficult to make.

[@Barskor1]

In hindsight, if you crushed your rock at the quarry you could get more rock per trip if you plan on doing more road or pathways about on your land.

[@stumblin_along]

Well, how about that. I didn't know those berries were edible! Good to know! And great work on the cart and driveway!

[@WalnutsandWineberries]

They sure are, and they're very enjoyable. If they're too tart, it's too early to pick. It amazed us how different they tasted tree to tree, or even branch to branch. Enjoy!

[@redhawk4859]

Stop you are making me hungry 😀

[@roberto.peterson9917]

Here in Washington we have what's known as choke cherry when fresh really dry feeling in your mouth as if you stuck large ball of cotton in your mouth but make fantastic jam and wine

[@derekbrin4182]

I know that you guys already have the skid steer but have you considered getting an ATV so that you can move the trailer faster and then possibly double the speed of unloading it.

[@WalnutsandWineberries]

Stay tuned. ;) ;)

[@jdub229r]

What’s your time worth + wear/tear/maintenance + fuel vs. having stone trucked in. I’m a mile off the pavement. In my case, I wouldn’t have the time. Luckily after you get a good base, 20-tons of crush-run every couple years for maintenance is all it takes.

[@WalnutsandWineberries]

Definitely worth it for us! Nothing beats the adventure and time spent with your best friend. Really happy with how the base is turning out so far, and I think you're right about having a good base and then simple maintenance as time goes on.

[@andrewfuller8440]

If it’s limestone , pour some acid like vinegar on it if it bubbles,it’s limestone

[@johnbowen1493]

You do realize if you break that rock up as you put it in the trailer and the bucket that it will decrease the number of trips you need to make by about 1/3. You will get far more volume in there with the rock being busted up before you haul it so it will take less time to spread. Square tubing is what you need for that hitch bar.

[@richmondshipton7079]

John your so funny

[@jasonharris1877]

Are those switchbacks going to be accessible for large trucks suck as concrete and the potential fire engine? Not sure about your location and the need for fire department sign off for occupancy.

[@ronbridges7438]

LOL $5,000 x2 for a rock slab table top. some 1%'er out there might take you up on it! Thanks for the Video Happy Hauling!

[@WalnutsandWineberries]

If you know anyone, let me know 😉 Haha!

[@tedduke1699]

Jon, move the axle back further under the trailer

[@WalnutsandWineberries]

More tongue weight?

[@tedduke1699]

@@WalnutsandWineberries Yes, you are "butt" heavy

[@thedailyprepper517]

You should get chickens they will help control bugs and ticks.

[@phillipnash2814]

that is barn door track you cut up for your cart.

[@WalnutsandWineberries]

Yup, worked well. Not doing much good sitting in the rafters of the barn.

[@randalllinton9055]

I REALLY like the rock busting part. Looks way more enthusiastic than the guys on a prison chain gang. So Fun. And Happy Valentines Day. What address do I ship the California wine to ?

[@pnwRC.]

Now it just needs a rope to trip the box dumping from the tractor seat.

[@iwantosavemoney]

Get a boat trailer they have a dump bed and get 4 times more

[@timothybageant7429]

Those autumn olives and Russian olives will take over the property FAST,

[@WalnutsandWineberries]

There is an abundance of them, but they're under control for the moment. We actually took a few and used them as a hedgerow on the west side of the shed. They are small now, but hopefully they grow into each other and look nice after a few years of pruning. It's kind of fun walking through the woods and getting some berries as a little bite while you're on the go.

[@ramiromarin5005]

Sorry is Andrew Camarata.

[@Dukemeistro]

The clip that holds box down wears out from the weight of your load and the rough ride.

[@martinjohnwotherspoon6244]

What about Drainage

[@johnfint2847]

You could have bought a gravity box trailer from a local farmer and done 3 times what you did

[@timliggett5088]

That is acting exactly like shell layers

[@michaelrosario8590]

Have you guys ever live in North Carolina be for .

[@WalnutsandWineberries]

South Carolina. Not North Carolina though.

[@Dukemeistro]

You're adding too much weight to the tractor. You should have a trailer hitch right beneath your pto.

[@Dukemeistro]

The trailor will not last . Your axles are trash. The entire trailor is made for lite yard work --I had one.

[@WalnutsandWineberries]

Better off building your own, I know. Probably should have. Oh well - this little guy works good behind the zero-turn for yard stuff, too.