EXCAVATOR CRASH COURSE!!!

[@_el_javs_]

Next time, when you're using the scoop to excavate, put the blade down until the front of the excavator is off of the floor about 4 inches so that it is more stability. Did you notice how you were kinda teeder toddering when the machine would jerk? Putting the blade down creates more leverage for the machine to do it's thing

[@crumsberry]

😂 I was just logging in to say the same thing!

[@stealingtomorrowband]

Also seemed like.the throttle was not very high.. should probably gi e it some more juice

[@fnitup]

@@stealingtomorrowband I thought the same thing but didn’t know if it was edited out to allow the voices to be heard over the engine.

[@spazoq]

Excavators under 3 tons you put the blade behind you. You lose digging depth close to your machine by adding the extra length of the blade under your arm, and risk the possibility of hitting the lower arm cylinder on the blade. If you're going to lift something with it, then put the blade under your arm, front or back, that will keep the machine from tipping forward. All excavators are not created equal and aren't operated the same way.

[@_el_javs_]

@@spazoq hell yeah, thank you for that information brotha, I've never actually driven one myself but I've ridden in one with my pops who drove backhoe with the union. I've seen a thing or two but I still have a lot to learn. I appreciate the input ✊😎

[@htownblue11]

Poor Paul, having to be patient with the greenhorns on the excavator while he’s hung Ho about getting stuff done. Jordan was for real pumped. Good stuff fellas.

[@MrWaldorfian]

Jordan said that none of them have any experience with excavators.

[@wcvp]

@@MrWaldorfian Seeing Paul run it the little he did, he must have some experience with some kind of hydraulic equipment even if it wasn't specifically an excavator

[@MrWaldorfian]

@@wcvp I don’t know, just going by what Jordan said.

[@moneyfornothing3264]

Im sure at his age he’s been around some equipment. I don’t think he’s lived under a rock.

[@poeticsilence047]

@@moneyfornothing3264 Yeah he's the one that moved the rock your living under. Lol

[@mattwilliamson1714]

Awesome video! I'm no expert, but have driven a lot of eqpt. I'll probably miss some, but my own personal rules of thumb (when I taught my kids) were: Seat belt on before the machine is on, & only off after the machine is off. Keep the front arm as far inward & low as possible when driving (especially when carrying stuff... if you have to go around the tank twice to keep the arm in closer, that's better on the machine, & much more safe). Always increase rpms when working machine... at least 1/2 throttle to grade & around 4/5ths throttle to dig (I like 2/3-4/5, but you should be able to tell what good RPMs are by looking at the machine). The front blade is your stabilizer & all stabilizers should be down on the ground to dig &/or swing. Ease into and off of the controls when operating; jerky hand movements don't make smooth operators. If you hose the biggest glops of mud off of the machine every night (while they're wet), it'll be much easier to clean up when you return it. Otherwise you'll have to scrub hard if it warms up and bakes that nastiness into every nook & cranny. This machine should do all you need, but it'll be a little slow. You may've been better off with a tracked skid steer and front bucket: can dig, scrape, & carry dirt much faster. Lastly, that soft soupy junk you're digging up... you really do NOT want to put that back into your driveway... use it for grading/raising/leveling the yard (preferably in places you don't plan to drive &/or park frequently/long term). Everywhere you plan to drive: definitely want good drainage (French drains will help) & something that you can compact to drive one (much better long term). Can either excavate all the soupiness then bring in fill (preferable, but more expensive) or (this sometimes work, but have to get a soil test to find out if possible) add gravel &/or small stones to your current ground. The engineers will be able to read the soil report and let you know. Anyway... that's all things I'd do; you keep doing your thing. This was a great video, & fun to watch!

[@andrewlewis9266]

You sure you’re not am expert? That was all great advice.

[@MrAbcdefghi12435]

But it seems like he didn’t watch the last episode when they went over the soil report. Seems like they have been told to excavate 3 or so feet of material. And we’re told the specs of what fill to order

[@TJMODLA]

100% great advice.

[@dallasarnold8615]

As a long time heavy equipment operator, it is really funny watching you guys learn this machine. It really brings back memories of my first time operating a backhoe in 1973. That machine was tricky because it had 4 separate control sticks. So, when we go a newer, and bigger machine that had a two stick control, it was like heaven. You will likely learn that when digging you should put the blade down for stability. Also, if you get stuck, do not try to push yourself out with the bucket. That will make that side raise up so the tracks act like a plow. The better way to get out is to spin around and use the bucket to pull. This helps bring the tracks up to a better angle, sort of like going up a ramp. And with practice you can run the tracks as you are pulling.

[@lolife999]

You are money ahead to hire a qualified excavator operator. If you owned the machine that would be different. But you are paying rent and time is being wasted. A good operator can do a LOT of work in a short time. Choose your battles.

[@RyanVillian]

True, but it’s an opportunity to build the channel. It’s content that the viewers will find entertaining and a good opportunity for Jordan to learn. Remember his dad did say they can take as long as they want. They’re gonna drag this out while staying as busy as possible, as they should :)

[@markfisher2224]

and think about where you want that dirt during construction

[@michaele1201]

You are correct, or at the very least, hire a guy for a day to show them how to use it most efficiently. I tried what they are doing one time and wasted half a day getting very little done. Sure, I learned some, doing it myself wasnt money well spent.

[@AlAmantea]

Watching Jordan run that compact Ex brings back some memories for sure! Great Job on your first time! Remember this guys: Slow is Fast and Fast is Slow... slow deliberate moves are best and most efficient. If you try to move things too fast, it gets jerky and bucks around. That machine, while fun and exciting, has the power to kill or maim in the blink of an eye. Be careful, have situational awareness, and you'll be fine!

[@markbleavins4039]

Like painting a floor, need to plan so you don’t paint yourself into a corner plan your work, work your plan. Start in back work your way across and towards the front

[@andrewlukianiukphotography1652]

Dad was grinning ear to ear seeing his boys having fun...that's the best :)

[@clem24u]

Yeah, he was. :)

[@richbeguin2201]

I've been doing "shade tree renos" for nearly 20 years. I just wanted to say that Stud Pack is one of the few (if not only) "real world scenarios" videos that keep my attention, while still teaching me a possible new way of doing a project. Keep up the feeds and excellent craftsmanship! Thank you!

[@ThatsMyBass614]

I think Rad is a great addition to your crew. Life is always better when you have a good relationship with your in-laws.

[@bigred000]

Dig a trench along the side and a sump hole to help a little with the water. Will cover you until you install drainage properly. Good luck with it fellas! Oh.. and.. get a skid steer!

[@clintprice2123]

Please wear the seat belt, my neighbor tipped forward and had he not worn it he would have laid on the controls and made it even worse. Remember if it starts to tip move the bucket in front and save you. The Stud Pack family is needed to be happy and healthy. Enjoy your new equipment, I look forward to this build, best wishes for all that’s coming.

[@ccgsales]

Agreed! I thought you couldn't operate it without the seat belt or lap bar engaged?

[@imhooks]

Good points. Also I know they want to get good footage but riding on the side of the machine while someone is driving is never a good idea.

[@steves1749]

I think you have to hire a professional if you want to finish the project in this decade

[@carlmccoy662]

@@steves1749 Made on heck of mess, real quick!

[@Bear-pf2kc]

I would definitely suggest renting a skid loader instead. That will allow you to have a nice wide and level bucket to scoop with. Also, another tip would be to check the engine idle speed. It sounds like it is running at low rpm and it should have a way to increase the rpm so you can have more power to the hydraulics which will not cause it to struggle so much when you dig. Hope this helps

[@steveloux4709]

I was thinking the same thing. They have a lot of dirt to remove!

[@jameshwalker]

They really need a bigger trackhoe honestly, digging footings with a machine that size is a nightmare

[@marklockwood7592]

When Jordan was checking out the switches there was a switch that was marked "ECO" and a mountain. I think this is the "Economy" or full power selector. He needs to take it out of economy mode.

[@_el_javs_]

Could that be the knob he was turning on the armrest?

[@myopinion69420]

@@_el_javs_ my thought was that it was the control sensitivity, not that I have ever used one, I just know some machines allow you to turn down the sensitivity for more precise movements

[@Onlooker71]

That yard drainage is a nightmare. I’m really interested to see how you’re going to address that.

[@warnerwinborne]

Gotta be french drains, but tying into the storm drain is gonna require a permit. Wonder if in the interim they can dig a sump well and pump the water to the street. That's what I'd do.

[@Onlooker71]

French drains to where? Whole yard is lower than the street. Almost need to raise soil level to street level or higher so water runs off properly.

[@warnerwinborne]

@@Onlooker71 Pump to the street. Long-term solution is to gravity drain to the storm sewers. That requires a connection into the storm drain below grade. And yes, raising the soil level is a good idea.

[@evictioncarpentry2628]

Its pretty simple really. The new foundation needs to be poured above grade in respect to the height of the street and then back filled, and graded away from.the structure.

[@lostreb]

@@warnerwinborne I'm also wondering if the location of the storm drain is going to permit enough slope for the french drains to work efficiently. I wondered that the first time I mentioned the possibility of french drains in a previous video.

[@4GSR]

Oh you guys are bringing back old memories of when dad decided to build our house in 1972 north of you guys in south Montgomery County. We didn't think it would ever stop raining to get the foundation poured. Nothing but sand for several feet down. Old house is still there and as far as I know the concrete slab only had superficial cracks develop over the years. Thanks for sharing, Ken Oh, I forgot to mention, we didn't have machines to help us. Me and my brother were the machines shoveling dirt and help from a wheel barrel!!!

[@shawnupdegraff8138]

You know, y’all have just taught me the fastest way to learn how to do something you never (or rarely) have done before. Show a lot of people what you are doing and the ones who really know and care can’t help but give you tips and tricks on how to do it safer and more efficient. So so much information in this channel not just in the videos but also in the comments! Much respect to Paul and Jordan for launching this channel and putting yourselves out there for the world to see! Also for the new addition of Rad to the channel helping and learning along the way! Great video and look forward to this series as you move forward! Maintain good communication as you work with all the new equipment and know where everyone is at all times! Talk about the work before you do it so all around are aware of the plan and can be safe as the work is getting done! Take care and keep up the good work!

[@saeklin]

Surest way to solicit correct information from an unhelpful peanut gallery is to put up incorrect information. The know-it-alls will swarm you like pigeons to bread crumbs.

[@terencemerritt]

The comment section from all these you tube equipment operators has literally made my day complete lol 😂

[@kcl2862]

You need to dig drainage ditches and get a large pump and get rid of the water . You might want to dig a couple deep sumps with pumps with floats and keep the water table low

[@flowerstone]

The little knob on your right is throttle control. Turn it up and the excavator will rev up when you use any controls. Hard on the hydraulics when running it so slow. When lifting anything pull the bucket in as close as possible and you can carry more. Handle the controls gently. Don’t slap or jerk on them. Smooth is good.

[@marklockwood7592]

Whenever you are digging, put the rake down so it picks up the front of the machine. This will make the machine much more stable while digging.

[@Doodad2]

All the best guys! I won't lie, that was a bit painful to watch. I'm thinking a skid steer might be a better machine for cutting out and leveling before the fill. It is going to be a real pain working in that swamp!

[@jonperryman6477]

I'm not an excavation expert but you've ignored your cardinal rules. Prep and planning. Add drainage to the back of the lot to get rid of excess water. Soil may be soft but excess will make it soup. Work back to front because the first hole is in your way. Reduce driving by dig and pile. Move the pile using the scraper instead traveling with each bucket. I think the scraper is intended to push dirt (not digging). Separate pile for reusable soil and garbage soil (grass and rocky soil).

[@peehandshihtzu]

So I am not an operator but I have used these on a few occasions. My biggest asset is I have been instructed by a few really good operators and there is a couple pieces of advice that they all universally coached me on. I will share them with you. First, the hydraulics are better engaged in multiples. What I mean is, instead of doing each operation linearly, do them in tandem. For example your scoop and downward push should be done as one fluid motion. More over your scoop and dump should be thought of and done as a complete circle rather than a bunch dead end of segments. The engineering is actually designed to be super productive in sets of 3, so actuating 3 things at a time in a good goal to stand by. If you can chew gum, pat your head and rub your belly all at once you can be a AAA+++ operator. So if you can do any one two of the three at the same time you will do, LOL. Number two, and this one really helped me. Hold your sticks as though you had two delicate eggs in your hands that you don't want to crush. This is key to being smooth and having lots of control. Remember those sticks are eggs and you have to be gentle. There's no need to reef on them because they are operating hydraulics that do all the work. This will also keep you from feeling so cramped in the shoulders at the end of the day. Good luck Boi's, you are off to the races now! One novice to three I hope this was helpful. :)

[@Yutani_Crayven]

When you're done with work and park the thing, you will always want to put the bucket down onto the ground in order to take pressure off of the hydraulic lines.

[@Lsx70Velle]

I’ve been operating heavy equipment for a long time. My parents owned and operated several mining plants in Oklahoma. The largest excavator was a Komatsu pc400. You’re right, it’s fun but I’d caution you to be careful, dont ride on the machine especially with inexperienced operators. Stay clear of any moving/swinging parts. Once you get more seat time you’ll be less jerky and more smooth and you’ll be able to make a good cut and keep it level. Good video guys.

[@JFirn86Q]

The rental money was worth the smiles on your faces having fun with that together, to be honest. FYI - put the blade down into the ground when digging, it keeps you from rocking back and forth while scooping and swinging.

[@mulliganman33]

Just remember that all those ruts the excavator is making will need to be filled in and smoothed out at some point. So, I would minimize driving all over your lot and limit yourself to only the necessary spots. It's going to be difficult to smooth out the grade while the ground is still so saturated. Probably have to hit it all again when things dry out later in the year.

[@lesleykoz3311]

Now I know what I want for Christmas! Great job, Jordan, and thanks for taking us along on your 1st ride.

[@stephiluttrell3416]

Love watching your videos. I grew up on a farm and our dad built houses including the one on the farm we grew up in and we helped most every step of the way. I still love doing all of this stuff. I am in the process of updating a 3800 sq ft house to get it ready to sell and I'm 61 now. It is my biggest project to date. Funny story, we had a tractor and Daddy got it stuck working in some mucky area on our property. He bought a bulldozer and promptly got it stuck and had to get someone with a bigger bulldozer to come pull him out. Anyway, he let me learn how to operate the bulldozer. It was a blast but he never let me operate the tractor. Roll cage on dozer not on the tractor but I did drive loads of logs down a barely graveled mountain road with several hair pen curves. This road was only one lane wide in most places. I gotta say I was kinda yelling at the monitor put the blade down and thinking why didn't you watch any excavator videos so you would know to put the blade down. Anyway. love your videos and I do learn things from time to time. I have never done any tile but I have a couple of projects to do in my renovation. So, I love seeing various tips.

[@DASHwithAllen]

I have been a fan of the channel for a little while now and when I heard on the last video that you were renting an excavator I knew it would be a mini but was still excited for you because they are truly fun to operate. I had to laugh though when you said you were hoping to be good enough to feel like 2nd nature by the end of the week lol I love the enthusiasm and confidence, I've been operating a CAT 330F for about 5 years now (among other equipment such as a Deere 655c and 755c dozers, wheeled and track skidsteers, bachhoes, wheeled loaders, asphalt laydown machines and more) and yes it feels like 2nd nature but there is always room for improvement even though I've been told on multiple occasions I make jobs look easy. Glad you're having fun and just FYI yes they can get "stuck" in the wrong situation (you're nowhere close to the wrong situation) but having a bucket you can pull or push your way out of most situations and don't forget to use that blade for stability and keep loads close to maintain center of gravity.

[@mitchgunn4149]

Think about renting a skid steer. It would help a lot more with grading than the mini ex.

[@gasgasgas]

Maybe you don’t have any family owned businesses around, but United rentals is super expensive in my area when compared to local shops. At least 2x as much.

[@LetsRepair]

Guys, I don't mean to brag. BUT I'm on Vacation, sipping some dutch bros coffee and watching studpack. I mean can life get better than this? Love what you guys are doing and love the addition to the team. Can't wait to see the next one!

[@emilywhite6853]

Best video to date!!! Didn't know whether to giggle or pray.

[@chrisosti]

Paul and Jordan...I knew this video was coming, and it terrifies me. Maybe not so much terror, but just a little sad because you're about to learn a tough, expensive lesson. You have a high water table about a foot under the grass. The excavator you got, is not the tool for what you need. You need a bucket dozer, a qualified operator, and a dump truck. You need to excavate and remove at least a few feet of overburden, before you can even think about footers and slabs. You will also need a supplier for your fill, and a roller compactor. You are going to have a tough time figuring out the grading and drainage for your lot. This is where a soil engineer will pay off. Seriously. Again, I wish y'all all the best of luck.

[@DrewMtl]

Thats what I was thinking. Pay for lessons and not rent to learn. Many small important things to learn will make your job go faster and better.

[@phonedave]

They have a soils engineer. My guess is that is perched water on top of clay. It likely drains but VERY slowly. I'm not sure what their footing design is, but you are correct t, a skid steer would likely have been easier.

[@connerblah]

They go through all of this in the previous video. They outlined all the steps in the site prep, and their soil and structural engineers seem very helpful. They addressed drainage there as well, saying that the architect will be responsible for the plans. Everything is tightly regulated and they'll certainly be following the rules after the fiasco that ensued while building the Chevrolet bathroom. Sure, maybe they're overestimating the capabilities of the excavator they have, but it seems like a childhood dream of Jordan's to operate one, so why not give it a shot? These guys are successful and popular because of the way they do work, and if they just hire out the work for these things, they're going to lose viewers. Yeah it's an insanely ambitious project, but that's why people are so interested.

[@mr.g937]

You know they have a soil engineer, right....

[@sabarjp]

Welcome to Texas. Y'all should consider a monthly rental of a bobcat skid steer, it will be very useful for leveling out that slop and for grading/shaping the rest of the property. You should be able to get a better rate with some negotiation, especially being a KZbin channel.

[@pqworks9019]

Hard hat harry was my favorite video ever when I was younger!! It’s so funny to see I wasn’t the only one who watched it back then. Brings back great memories

[@droberts73543]

I think my major concern would be irrigating the property first to shed the water from the property then move to digging the foundation after assured the water moves away from the building site and oh from experience drop that front blade to give you more stability when digging with the bucket...if you noticed the way the machine leaned forward until it hit the blade on the ground drop the blade will prevent that. Good luck you guys and fun but be safe

[@buddyrobinson2453]

It was nice meeting you guys and your family at the IBS with my dad. Some genuinely cool and humble dudes! Hopefully the weather improves when you get back from Vegas. Thanks for the Stud Pack hat!

[@StudPack]

You got it Buddy! It was awesome meeting you and your Dad. Best of luck out there in Cali! 🤝🏼

[@charliexu1099]

This Channel just goes to the whole new level. Fun and valuable ! Subscribed!

[@bryandano]

Get a skid loader for a few days to get all of the dirt off and use the excavator for digging the footings it will go so much faster , I cant wait to see how you are going to deal with the water

[@Micale22]

lets gooooooooooo. I'm embarrassed to say, I gasped when I saw the notification.

[@gkbuilding]

I’m not gonna lie it’s actually hard to watch a beginner on equipment! I find myself wanting to scream at the Phone that’s not how you do it! Lol keep up the good work!!!

[@StudPack]

😬😬

[@shibby4389]

Just wanted to pop in here to suggest a structural slab. I once worked on a 2 story office / living space building. Downstairs was office and garage space while upstairs was nice living quarters. The building was the hub for a decently sized self storage complex where the owners wanted to live and work from the main building. The problem was that they were building on muskeg (Northern Canadian term for very wet muck, much like what you are looking at there except more clay and less sand). Up here we used a "structural slab". *disclaimer from here, I am no engineer and didn't design this structural slab* This consisted of driving piles (screw piles or otherwise. It may depend heavily on how deep the solid base layer is). Underneath the slab consisted of several inches of foam to account for the freeze thaw cycle in Northern Alberta and then an 10+ inch heavily reinforced concrete slab. The basic idea is that you have a concrete slab that is supported by piles and rebar rather than a "slab on grade" which is supported by the ground underneath the slab. Anyways it worked great. It is more expensive but made for a very solid foundation on very squishy land. (the land we built the self storage complex on had previously been basically a swamp (we call it a slough or slew)) Of course it would have to be thoroughly engineered by professionals. I was merely building to the plans but it worked out great.

[@ThunderDivine]

I Had a grin on my face from start to finish, It's so fun to watch you guys play on the toys for big boys. - You guys need a plan for the soil you dig up. - and buy a couple of plywood boards to drive on in the wettest areas.

[@unreadmessages-tl6sd]

One of my favorite channels on you tube. This family is genuine.

[@fhuber7507]

You guys need a "Lifting and rigging" class if you are going to play with lifting things using an excavator.

[@The.Real.Reaper]

Fun with the excavator! The yard has horrible drainage. I had a home with a backyard like that. Could not use it most of the year. It was always muddy even weeks after rain. Finally, I had to use a skid steer to dig up the first 3-4 feet of bad soil. Then added in sand, gravel, and good solid dirt. We planted new grass, too. It drained great after that and had a good slope away from the house. You probably should do something similar there if you want a usable yard? It could be expensive to bring in the fill dirt, but it's worth it.

[@sgwsteve1665]

You guys have my absolute favorite utube page. Hands down

[@astikennel]

🤣🤣 That thumbnail Jordan... I was laughing so hard I had to restart the video 3 times

[@oldnstillworkin5709]

From someone with excavator experience… that was painful. 😂. Put the front blade do for much more stability. You guys need to dig a hole and pump the water to the street or a storm drain

[@outcastedOpal]

It makes me do happy seeing jordan so excited. A grown man fulfilling a little boys dream.

[@chrisowens2003]

Jordan still GOATED on the sticks lol. Can't wait to see the progress on this one.

[@tphvac87]

Idk why but I’ve watched y’all’s videos backwards and I can’t wait to see a new one. I know this is a lot of work and y’all mailing it look easy (kinda) but you’re a natural Jordan man, these videos make my day bro!! You and your dad have the best relationship I’ve ever seen…my dad has been gone since 2016 and I only wish we had that relationship. Godbless y’all…I know y’all busy but a response would be nice 😊

[@PericiaMedia]

I missed getting to meet you in person at the Halo booth in Las Vegas , I did get a Stud Pack cap and a selfie with your picture in the booth. Keep up the good work, I can't wait to see the new house and all the awesome stuff from the Builder Show.

[@pbv61]

Guys, first the tip on excavating that occurred to me. While I can't say I have much experience doing it, I always watch and ask, how I would do it? Watching you practice with the machine, it occurred to me that you'll want to scrape out your 2 feet of dirt toward the street with the blade. This moves the direct closer to street (and truck) for easier haul away, and it puts pile of dirt in once place to load from (with back hoe). Forgive me if that was just too obvious, but it wasn't to me until I watched you two working. My first expectation would be to dig out the 2-feet of dirt with back hoe, but as I watch you, I realized, you'll just be piling small piles of dirt all around you. Scraping the dirt away, toward street, into a big pile puts the dirt so much closer to a truck too. Now I'd just like to tell you both how much I have enjoyed your videos. I have done this kind of work all my life as an amateur, but I still learn something every day. I was lucky to have a dad who was self reliant and able like you. So few men and do this work today, or even recognize being able to do this work is priceless. Paul, I love your positive attitude and passion. Jordon is lucky to have a dad and teacher that is so positive. Paul, I've picked up a little from the videos that you started in Los Angeles area. We're about the same age, I think. Perhaps you went school in LA area? (You don't have to reveal that publicly in this post). I live in Pasadena and rehabbed a Craftsman home, which I still live in (built 1913). It's the second of the two homes I've owned that I rehabbed or added on to. I can commiserate with you how difficult permits are in LA county. I've done it on Covina and Pasadena. Nightmare. I wish you and Jordon great luck on the build and the channel. Jordan, you're a talented guy as director and producer. This time with your dad it priceless. Sorry I couldn't get to LV; would love to meet you guys and say hi.

[@hunterowens8474]

If u turn the knob inside the right armrest behind the right joystick it will throttle up. And after time u will be able to track, run ur boom and stick at the same time. Happy digging fellas.

[@Wolfburns]

Awesome to see the work. Rad making great work of the camera too. Can't wait to see how it all comes along! Super exciting to watch.

[@briansmith-wp5qn]

I think you should work on the drainage first. If you don't get the drainage in , as soon as you dig it will fill full of water. Get the water away and then scrape off the top soil to the back yard so you can use it later. Fun to watch you guy's because you show it how it is.

[@ra4yu]

Moving 2 controls at once on a machine that size will often have them both run at half power/speed because of the pump. Feet off the pedals when you arent moving too, you want to be able to brace yourself when your machine rocks around and you dont want to accidentally press the pedals when it happens Its less efficient but when working around people you want to bring your arm in close when you rotate, as in you take a scoop, bring it close, rotate, then move back out to dump it.

[@nilewow]

+1 for the Camarata name drop. Dude has an awesome channel

[@tonysandbrook3603]

LOL I watch Camarata for the comic relief, he is a hack

[@wcvp]

If you guys are gonna actually buy some heavy equipment, I would definitely go with a skid loader first (unless you find an amazing deal on an excavator). They can just do so many things well compared to other equipment. I think I use my friend's skidloader as a forklift more than for digging, although I did dig a smaller foundation with it.

[@chrismohlke5086]

Paul you make me nervous standing so close to that machine

[@MrAntonioHo]

Great video …Did yall call 811 to locate utilities before digging… it will save you in the long run

[@rickgriffith280]

They said they did - I think it was in the previous video

[@sparky2059]

You Guys made a complete mess of the yard. Sorry but I had a good laugh and smile. As long as you learned something, it's all good.😃😃👍👍👍

[@TheFatesLieutenant]

My Health and Safety spidie sense was on overload on this one (especially at the start....)! Be careful out there, and glad to see things moving along - I, too, am extremely interested in how you plan to handle drainage going forward!

[@thegrimreaper7777]

If you've only got a week hire (or less) I suggest getting a trained, experienced operator to do the digging for you, It'll be faster, safer and in the long run cheaper for you and he(or she) will make a much neater ( and to the plan) job than you will no matter how much you think you will learn 'on the fly'

[@MasterSauceMuslim]

Lol this was a great video. I watched all your previous videos and look very much forward to seeing this come together. So much fun

[@sadwhatsittoyou1009]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.......that was just AWESOME!! It was so much fun watching the absolute pure joy you guys had while "playing" with that thing.......This build/video series is going to be EPIC; keep up the great work guys! Thank you for all your hard work putting out this incredibly entertaining/informative content!!

[@ntaft0904]

Jordan you're 28 and I'm 62 and retired. I just purchased a new mini Excavator about 5 months ago. Did I really need it? No! Am I sorry I bought it H NO! I like my toys and love tools. You think it would be great to have one of these things around and can never imagine how much more you would use it if it is there at the ready. The difference between a man and a boy is the price of their toys. I vote to go gotcha one you won't regret it. And number one and top suggestion that has already been addressed. All of you {PUT THAT SEATBELT ON} for crying out load. Keep it up your content is awesome. PS Wish I was closer I would love to bring my tractor and Mini ex over and let you play and help.

[@kookiethebear]

That's a MINI-excavator and this was painful to watch. Based on the water table, you have a lot of foundation prep to do before a structural engineer will approve a slab pour.

[@nathanaelharris513]

Oh man, I remember hard hat Harry! I used to watch that when I was about 5. I got the opportunity to use a mini excavator for the first time last year, we rented one to dig some trenches. after using it for about 2 hours, something clicked and I suddenly could use all 4 arm controls at once, and I got about 3 times faster at digging.

[@MikeHarris1984]

Holy crap... my little brother watched HardHat harry as well!!!! I was a bit older for that... 38... ugh... but that screenshot you guys showed, I remember it completly!!!! Didnt the backhoes and trucks all have voices that talk?

[@FLA30561]

Best way to strip the area is to use the blade to push the soil. It makes a cleaner job and just use the bucket to move the mounds you will make from pushing. Front wheel loader or a skid steer would of been a more ideal for what your need are for a pad but a excavator is always cool to operate.

[@johnhaller5851]

Yeah, but with that wet soil, it's just going to be a tracked-up mess. With a real backhoe or excavator they could stay out of the build area. The reach on that isn't long enough to stay off.

[@stevel6422]

Possibly the most entertaining video you guys have put together yet!

[@gtravis1]

Love you guys. Been watching you videos for a long while. You keep getting better and better. Awesome content. Love the way you talk through everything and even explain your mistakes. You are a breath of fresh air from all the other junk out there. Keep up the great work! That said, I too, have a 28 year old son. And we used to sit and watch Hardhat Harry VHS videos all the time! Wore them out. My son loved excavators, bulldozers and anything like it. So great to reminisce about our time together. My brother in law is a contractor in Houston too! (Clear Lake area, currently working near Kemah).

[@evictioncarpentry2628]

Im no expert, but This is the wrong piece of equipment for this job so far. You need a tracked skid steer so you can have a bigger bucket to move the dirt around 10x faster and be able to back blade and pack it down it other spots.

[@lennygriffin4464]

Love watching you guys work. I learn a lot! I got a text a few days ago they said they were you and that I had won table saw?????

[@terencemerritt]

Saw stop coming your way like mine then! Congratulations 🎉

[@MrFlightDirector]

I think you'll need to be careful not to dig deeper than the elevation you're going to pour the slab on... if you dig deeper, even if you fill it back it won't have the same compaction as the soil around it. If you dig deeper by accident, you may need to re-compact the area, but it could still be an issue for differential settling of the foundation. Just excavate to the depth needed without going deeper. A skid steer may be the machine you'll need for the grading!

[@johnhaller5851]

From the soil report, all topsoil has to be removed. If the clay top level isn't uniform height, it means more fill material.

[@aname4me]

100% agree. Don't “fluff” the soil (like a rototiller). The teeth on the bucket help it dig, but the fluff the soil left behind. The last 6” of soil needs to be cut off.... like pushing a shovel horizontally to cut, then lift the soil away. Your goal, for a foundation, is undisturbed virgin soil (not a fluffy garden).

[@TJMODLA]

A foundation must be built on Virgin Soil.

[@aljohnson1439]

The front blade does stabilize the machine and you don't have to pick the machine up off the ground to accomplish that. The more you operate the machine you will be able to use both hands at the same time. By doing that you will be using more of the available hydraulic pressure and that will make the machine much smoother to operate. Whenever you operate around people move the controls slowly and both left and right hand controls at the same time. once you master that you will not scare people to work with you.

[@Obarkc]

Get with French drain man on KZbin. He’s got awesome systems and videos for handling all that standing water

[@ddutton0]

This one was extremely exciting! Man I am pump to see what comes! As a Texan welcome and as my Grandfather said If you stick with the black clay when it is dry it will stick to you when it is wet! Lots of guys are talking about the drainage, I am sure that will be addressed. Another comment here saying you may have more success with a skid steer. With the amount of clearing and backfill it will eat up that dirt! But get after those stumps and working the land while you can.

[@milliewilson9614]

Your videos are so amusing!! You all look like children in a candy store. I have never operated or sat in one. You make it look so easy that maybe I can even do this. I have to rent a machine to dig a trench. Not looking forward to that. I can pay someone or try and do it myself. I opted to try myself. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I look everyday for a video from you 3. I pray the weather changes for you. DRY weather please and thank you for the "Stud Pack"

[@MrWaldorfian]

Awesome job so far. I would be pumped too to operate that thing. Are you sticking with 1 video a week or will the frequency change as the build gets going?

[@catsmeow5566]

This is when going online to find the manual or tutorial videos comes in handy. LOL. There is something very satisfying about watching an excavator dig. I remember watching when they were digging for my new septic tank. Although, they started pulling up white sand and almost hit water. If you're allowed to burn stuff, you can burn the stumps and branches to get rid of them.

[@OldMan_PJ]

If you set the blade down when working with the bucket it will help steady the machine.

[@ThaGreatestAlexander]

definitely that thing needs to rev up somehow. i agree it had something to do with the dial and maybe also the eco/mountain mode

[@inconsteveable91]

The look of proud on his fathers face when he instinctively lifted the bucket was palpable. I wish me and my dad had a good relationship. It kills me that he chose his drinking over his family.

[@davidrising6919]

Good Job. Still upright for the win.

[@dereksellars]

That is going to be toooooooooo much Material to move and get out of there. You need to Bite the Bullet and get a dozer with a bucket on it and just get it done. Hire someone with a Dozer and a dump truck and just move it out of your way. Sorry, but I think you are throwing good money after bad. Just my thoughts. :) I'll still keep watching!! Thanks!

[@montyharder3663]

All that standing water makes me think your next collaboration should be with French Drain Man.

[@robbysalz8710]

Jordan is like a little kid in a candy store in all these videos hahahaha

[@thebeggarswoodshop8756]

Got to operate one of these mini excavators when I was 16 and boy was it a blast. I think the electronic were different but the controls were the same. The things I had to worry about was not only watching out for 3-4 guys I was working with but also a set of double doors with large glass windows and a large glass window next to them. I want to say the guys I was working with told me to put the blade down when using the scoop. Look online for a manual to confirm that.

[@tonydavis6487]

Other people have commented this as well but you should definitely have your seat belt on lol.. Everyone used to laugh at this when I went thru NCCER training and during those few weeks of training, I seen multiple people tip over a mini but luckily it was a Kubota with a cab so it didn't eject them... just funny times watching them peel themselves off the glass! Also the blade should be down when digging

[@thecow697]

go for it, buy an excavator when house is complete - store it in the back and have it as an attraction and fans can come over with donation/admission $ to support channel and play with the dirt pile that you're gonna accumulate anyway from building :o playing in the dirt taken to the next level

[@DarKMatter.1]

You guys are great carpenters, operators not so much. 😂😂😂. You guys will get the hang of it tho. Great video fellas. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@wojciechbartczak3109]

Now I want my own excavator too! I'm moved back to being 5 years old again 🤣

[@johnhaller5851]

If you are going to use an excavator as a crane, use rope lines to control the load, preferably one on each end. I shuddered while Paul was manipulating the propane tank while it was swinging. But, you will need something to get materials onto the top of the first floor after it's built, as well as the roof of the second floor.

[@rodmills4071]

Mate , I've see some swamps , but that yard takes the cake...😂😎👌. Can see why your talking about doing good ground work. Looks like your getting plenty of tips in the comments on how to safely operate the new toy. Great work. 🤔😎🇦🇺👌

[@margaretbear]

Paul you are the best. It looks to me like you guys are going to need a mountain of fill dirt...