Finding New Ways To Save Time

I think that one way you can invest in time for later is to purchase equipment that will save you work time, so I recently bought a compact track loader. This John Deere 331G compact track loader is the first skid steer I've ever had so I'm hoping that it will save me some time in the long run.

[@ibehere2]

I accidentally found your you tube channel a couple weeks ago and I have loved them all so far. I’m 72, retired and I was doing all my yard work until a few months ago. I sure envy those tools, equipment you have. My old bones don’t work to well anymore so I have to hire things done. I’ve always loved working in my yard, but now I plant some flowers and rake leaves. I will eventually get all your videos viewed. What a great family you have been blessed with and you are a good man. I’m in Georgia and I’m ready for some summer. I might be getting older and my body doesn’t do cooperate with me most days but I’m a determined old women to keep on keeping on. God bless

[@digdrivediy]

I'm very grateful that you found us and I'm thankful to have you watching! Keep on keeping on for sure! Thanks for saying hi!

[@HireFarms]

Congrats Neil and well deserved! (Awhile ago!) I can see the backhoe hitting the for sale section in the near future...

[@trevordavis1854]

*shakes can* "I'll fix it" 😂 Love it!!

[@brianconn2727]

The guy with the monster truck on sage rd. Is a buddy of mine. I live in Leo and my wife is your post master. The guy's name is John Nowacki and has Nowacki trucking. What you seen in front of his house is nothing compared to whats out back. Love your channel

[@owentimo]

We need a video tour with Neil

[@brandonwynn5107]

I’ve bought 2 Sterlings off of Austin. Great guy! My first truck a red single axle Acterra and the second a white L9500 tri axle. I got rid of the tri axle as it didn’t fit my needs, but I now have a Volvo that was previously a Reilley truck.

[@roger766]

Glad to see the paint at the end. Gotta change that!!

[@user-dn6ij6lm2g]

Thanks love the video Neil . and like the JD 331 skid steer too .

[@ackack612]

COOL BEANS! Now we have learning vids to look forward to. Congrats!

[@adrianspies2788]

Mate. So happy for you. I know you’ve wanted one for a while. I’m staring at my 1.7 ton Yanmar excavator and it has saved me so much time and I even make some money out of it.

[@noahbluesky1218]

I just bought a new Bobcat T66 for my residential GC business. I can't believe I lived without one! I used to rent but I did the math on rental fees plus my time for pickup and return and owning was a no brainer. Plus right now Bobcat is offering 0% interest loan. Why I went new. Another no brainer. Love the channel, really enjoy watching! This was a nice lunch break treat, see you on the next one!

[@KingsOutdoorLife]

Congratulations! I am very proud for you. You go about things in a practical manner and I appreciate that tremendously. Now go move some dirt!

[@neildufresne5342]

My father a lifelong contractor has had skid steers (753,763s) north of 30 years, they're an awesome tool. Loves them so much he's had one etched into his headstone (hoping he doesn't use that too soon). Buy a rock bucket and never pick up a piece of firewood again, you'll love it. Also check out frostbite grapples, and never run a saw in the dirt either

[@workingmanrondoyle3287]

Congratulations on your purchase, Neil 👍👍

[@livingforthenow2236]

Always like seeing your dad making appearances in your videos. Thanks for another good video!

[@stevenknutson1967]

Dude. Stop saying u gotta sell shit. Ur obviously working hard. We enjoy learning things outta u

[@digdrivediy]

Well I do gotta sell shit! I don't have room plus I wanna buy more shit for the skid loader! 😋

[@user-xh2so8ef3o]

Those tilt grapples are good for this sort of piece work. The free-swinging grapples are the choice for production logging on a skid because you can throw the logs "more naturally" I guess is the way to describe it. The ideal grapple would be one that could tilt or free-swing on demand. I haven't been around logging for years so maybe those exist these days

[@MattHamm-vj2yy]

Great addition Neil! You might want to check on pulling it down the road facing backwards. I was in the rental equipment business for 10 years and we ran into turbo problems on CAT, John Deere and Bobcat, finally a dealer told us the wind going down the exhaust pipe was spinning the turbo without lubrication a flap over the exhaust pipe fixed our problems. That was 15 years ago so maybe engineering changed something.

[@digdrivediy]

I wondered about that actually. Most have said it's not an issue anymore but worth a second thought. Good reminder.

[@LordRiggz]

That may have been the issue back then. Now when it's a DEF machine I urge you to check how much "stuff" there's int the way before the air reaches the turbo. There's a few mufflers and scr stuff in the way so I seriously doubt that it will spin the turbo anymore.

[@Erhorn300]

Casey ladelle blew that claim out of the water. I'm sure the rumor came from somewhere, but likely just an old wives tale.

[@davidepperson2376]

“….for projects I do for friends, family and community” - the older I get, the more I’ve come to believe this is what life is all about. You have figured that out. And in my opinion it’s one of the great advantages of small-town living. And relying on one another versus relying on the government is always the better way to go. Good on you.

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

Agreed… 100%. The satisfaction from doing for others is eclipsed only by doing with others! But, please keep quiet about small town living… mine is getting crowded already!!!

[@Hunt0qt]

That 331G is a HELL of a Machine! That thing is basically bullet proof! good choice!

[@livedlearnedDIY]

Congrats Neil. This skid loader will open a whole new world of things you can do. glad you found one. Can't wait to see the content you create using this machine. Happy Spring!

[@gwbaker]

Bravo, Neil. So smart. Common sense on display!

[@bigchuckyinkentucky6267]

So get down on your knees and thank the good Lord above that it DOESN'T have the electronic bucket disconnect. We have that identical machine at the quarry that I work at. We use it to clean up under conveyor belts. Add lime dust , water, and gravel and you have a mix that took three hours to get off last time. Ours is being converted back to manuel soon. The only other issue is the door. I don't know if the guys are just that rough or they are that fragile but we are on our forth door in a year. Great video. Can't wait for the paint job video.

[@Ede74]

Hi Neil, I hope you enjoy your new purchase. It was immediately clear to me that you were going to repaint it, it wasn't your first time :) Greetings from Germany

[@DudeRanchDIY]

Congrats Neil! I recently just bought my first mini excavator and in my video showing it for the first time I listed out many of the same reasons and justifications for buying it as you! Let’s be honest though… the real reason for buying is because we all love the big boy toys! 😂

[@digdrivediy]

Very nice! Congrats on the mini! Yeah, the line between toy and tool is pretty thin for me it seems! 😂

[@watershedoverlook]

Man, that's awesome. Congrats on the new purchase Neil...look forward to seeing what happens next!

[@CorwinBos]

Money well spent! Trackloader with the right attachment can get alot of work done. Grapple, forks, and a bucket will cover 95% of everything. Getting a snowbucket or a snow plow is great too if you think you get enough snow to warrant it. Youre spot on with the assessment about it being a rental machine, they might get abused, but they are maintained. Im with you on the creature comforts, use hearing protection with bluetooth if you need music, but AC and heat are must haves. The doors on the Kubotas and Tacohoochies are easier to deal with, but they do rattle, alot.

[@rirebel6029]

Congratulations!!! You deserve it man 👏 !!! I hate to say it bit once you get used to that skid steer you will have less and less use for your compact tractors ( the tractors are still way more forgiving on your grass ) but as far as moving material or running a grapple you will do in 30mins with the skid steer what it would take you all day to do with an compact tractor !!! It even has the snow tracks on it for winter ! The regular HD construction tracks won't barely move in 2 inches of snow the tracks make all the difference .

[@Tomhoss16]

You won't regret that! I have one identical to it. If you have need to load large dump trailers, you can manage 11' 6" sidewalls with one of those flip up dirt buckets..not sure what they are called but they make loading a truck much more efficient. And less wear on your pivot pins

[@dwjr5129]

When I was doing utilities I finally decided to buy a used 753 Bobcat. I told my crew that in a month, they’d wonder how we ever got along without it. It was more like two days! We used it for everything! Pulling wire, as a mule, loading/unloading… oh and moving dirt. It will become your “go to” machine for everything, I guarantee.

[@digdrivediy]

Hope so and I definitely agree!

[@michaelmcguire3983]

Wow Niel! You will never regret this one! Take care my friend

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Mike!

[@ScotReeder]

Congratulations on your new Skid Loader. That is a great investment.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks 👍

[@dannydunnagan3267]

Neil you can find some good stuff keep it up.

[@aaronburford5701]

Gm Neil! I am absolutely obsessed with saving time and being efficient so I can appreciate this video. I am so glad you have a skid loader! I love them! They are the best and can do so much! Excited to see how the stuff you will do with it! Thanks for sharing and great content as usual!

[@digdrivediy]

Really appreciate it Aaron!

[@m9ovich785]

Geeezz Neil, Some guys have all the Luck. Nice score... The new purchase is nice too. Thanks Much....

[@timwight9471]

Good decision!! Looking forward to seeing this new machine in action.

[@owentimo]

Congrats on the new acquisition. It definitely needs to be yellow!!!

[@MasonWelds]

Congratulations Neil! Can’t say I’m not jealous, I love the style of those JD loaders, and the green paint too. I think you should embrace the green and put large DDD stickers where the old Sunbelt stickers were, that would be pretty sleek😎

[@digdrivediy]

I thought about keeping it green, but I just don't like the shade of green. I'd rather it match the backhoe.

[@jimgermain6622]

Congratulations!! Look forward to seeing it in upcoming videos!!

[@Drfsr77422]

Congratulations on the new purchase. Best of luck with the new machine. I think you will enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine. I love it to death. It’s a great little machine. Thanks for sharing.

[@digdrivediy]

Glad to hear it!

[@briancarpenter8297]

Nice purchase Neil! It will be a while before I buy a skid steer as I have a compact tractor with a cab and skid steer quick attach already. Though I'd love a mini excavator, like a Deere 35G. I rented one from Sunbelt a few years ago, it had just arrived from John Deere/Yanmar so I was the first renter. I got to spend 40 hours in that machine over a week and loved it. Deere is the closest service to me by far and parts availability is excellent, so I'll try to stick with them. I wish the skid steers had the roll up door like the mini excavators and such have, maybe they'll offer it by the time I'm ready to buy one.

[@markbrown9838]

One good thing I learned about DEF from a KZbin landscaper is that when diluted and mixed properly it makes a great (and cheap when compared to other types) liquid fertilizer for your yard. Have to be careful with the mix ratio or it could burn your yard. I don't remember the name of the guy or his channel but he gave the proper mixing instructions and he used it on his yard. A Google search will probably find him and his videos.

[@carloskawasaki656]

Thank you for sharing, great purchase , always a pleasure watch your project 👍👍👍👍

[@BigFarles]

Great video Neil. Can’t wait to see this tool get put to use. Can’t wait to see the paint job.

[@featheredcoyote5477]

And a tracksteer levels gravel and dirt so much better than a traditional skidsteer with less yard and road damage. Awesome purchase, Neil!

[@digdrivediy]

Right on!

[@Nicholaskleyn]

Good morning Neil. You will love the compact skid loader. It’s one of the best things you will buy in my opinion.

[@digdrivediy]

I hope so!

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

Neil… that’s gonna be your next ‘handy as a pocket on a shirt’ toy! Having it will make you think totally differently about your whole approach to the projects you tackle. Moving and processing wood, dirt/stone work, neighborly assists… you name it… the range and execution will all change. I hadn’t thought much about how tools are paired within a project before I got my grapple. You know, chainsaws did chainsaw work and tractors did tractor work. But, the simple addition of the grapple blurred those lines. Where before I coupled the chainsaw with log tongs, axes, log chains and such… for clearing brush and trees. Having the grapple has almost retired all those other chainsaw helpers. The grapple is so much faster and labor-less it makes me wonder why I waited so long to get one. And, the range of tasks it adds increases constantly. My back, my patience and the decreasing time that I have left on Earth, all improved with the addition of the grapple. That’s just an example… the same can be said when I went from a sedan to a pickup… the pickup reduced the time spent dinking with a small trailer. It also allowed me to haul more loads and even get a bigger trailer. Then, there’s the whole evolution from hand scythe and machete to tractor and brush cutter… cane pole to spinning rod and reel… adjustable wrench and pliers to impact driven sockets. So, yeah! I think that skid steer will be a great time saver… and that is no doubt a big deal. But, I also think you will be pleased with the perspective it gives you on which projects you tackle and how you approach them!

[@digdrivediy]

As always you hit the nail on the head. I can't believe how much I can get done with that little grapple I have. It's ridiculous that I can't even imagine doing firewood work without it now. It would be like going back to bucking with a cross cut saw! One line or concept I wanted to use in this video was: "when we're young, we freely give of our time in exchange for money, but as we grow older we give up our money to free up time". Something like that... I didn't get a chance to use it but I think it's worth an entire video concept all it's own. Every time I pay to go through the car wash I think the same thing cause I save myself an hour+ of hand washing. I welcome any input or thoughts you have on that concept too BTW! :) Have a great week Dave!

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

@@digdrivediy yes… that is the way it is with me. It isn’t necessarily that I have more money now… it’s more that I realize I have less time. I repurpose the money that I used to spend on things that wasted my time… parties, keeping up with the Jones’ on the latest fashion and popular toys and the like. Instead, I invest it in making my time more enriching. More volume of work is part of it… but there is also the higher quality of outcome that can be achieved. Both improve my satisfaction.

[@digdrivediy]

@@sassafrasvalley1939 I always appreciate your take and perspective. Thanks my friend.

[@TowMater603]

I am glad you gave Diesel Creek a shout out. Matt's channel is awesome.

[@digdrivediy]

Oh yeah! I've met Matt and he's a great dude!

[@spencerhalupinck94]

Congratulations on the big purchase! I was hoping you may paint it back to construction yellow!

[@joebacarella2829]

Nice Neil, another piece of equipment to the arsenal, it looks to be in good shape, it hope it works out well for you, be well.

[@josheppley2767]

Congratulations Neil! You’ve been talking about getting a skid loader for a while. Looking forward to seeing the projects!

[@KyleHeiny]

At the end ...I'll fix it. Loved that!

[@jackel440]

Nice machine! Pallet forks and a grapple bucket will cover most of your needs. I made a jib pole to set trusses. I have a small boom pole that i use to mount my old snow blade for snow clearing. I have a new holland wheel machine with heated cab. Wish it had the 2 spd but it does have hi flow. Cant wait to see how you use and modify it for your use.

[@dann988]

You should to talk Clint @ C&C about a Halverson Firewood Processor as much wood as yall use. maybe even be able to pick up some custom cutting on a customer site.

[@kennyp507]

Nice skid steer!!! I learned the hard way of buying the largest you can afford / store when I did my compact tractor. I knew I wanted one / needed one for projects, I rented a kubota and was able to accomplish one large project I had, and was certain that I should purchase one for future needs, I went to a dealer and told them what I was looking for, since I was a homeowner I was steered towards a sub-compact chassis, pulled the trigger and when I started doing project I quickly realized how under-sized it was for my needs, the idea that I was sold on was if you own it, you dont have to worry about hours adding up and can take extra time to do a project. It wasnt good, thankfully my dealer is an outstanding guy who runs a great business, I told him how unhappy I was and he bought my machine right back on the spot and literally had me measure my garage to see what I could fit, the credit on the trade in cut my final tax on the new machine which created a zero dollar loss from trading in the old one and getting the new one, couldnt be happier with the situation I'm in today, moral of the story, go as big as you can afford and store.

[@digdrivediy]

That's good advice! I definitely went big on this one!

[@zachdobbs7810]

If you can find any sort of evidence of it's old unit number from Sunbelt I bet you might be able to get a hold of the maintenance records for that machine. You won't be able to run a forestry mulcher but those skid steer brush cutters are pretty sweet too. Make sure you're running 4 chains and binders in that before Officer Hoover catches you.

[@christophermee5214]

Boys and their toys. Great video

[@joshyoung]

Congrats Neil!! Knew it was a matter of time before you got a skid loader!!

[@ischmidt]

Great to see your dad again, and the skid loader should be a fun tool once it's the right color. I would've put up with regular Deere green for the novelty value, but Sunbelt green ain't right. Funny thing, I was just thinking "this is turning into a Diesel Creek video" and then it actually did! Someone should tell whoever has that monster Kenworth about the Off-Road Games. I don't think it'd climb rocks, but it'd definitely be a crowd favorite for the sand pulls.

[@digdrivediy]

For sure! That thing would be neat to see out there!

[@blackdogexcavator21]

Congratulations on your new machine Neil. Once you get used to the hand controls, you'll love it. I'm not afraid to buy a machine from a rental fleet. I have an excavator from a local rental company and it has been great for 5 years now. I checked it over before I bought it and found it to be in great condition considering it's age. I've just done regular maintenance on it and it has been as reliable as the one I bought new. Can't wait to see it in action.

[@digdrivediy]

That is reassuring coming from you BD. I'm glad to hear those kinda stories. I've had other folks say that rentals are usually just fine. I actually looked at a lot of different machines over the last couple years and this one was cleaner and straighter than most comparables in this hour range. It also had the highest wear items already replaced like new quick attach and brand new tracks. The green paint saved me a ton of money too.

[@redmonna]

Congratulations Neil on the new compact track loader addition! It looks awesome! I agree that equipment can be a good place to invest. You have a perfect equipment combination and I'm looking forward to seeing the jobs you can accomplish with that machine in future videos. Thank you for sharing!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks 👍

[@charlesopperman5674]

You are going to love it. Kind of jealous that you got all those toys 😂 Any time you want got 5 acres in N.Y. You can come play on with them , trees to cut stumps to remove and land to grade. lol

[@FieldstonefarmOH]

My farm dump also has hit or miss wipers…I use rain-x on my windshield and it works great

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Congrats on your purchase. I ran a 329g when i built my last house. It was a beast.

[@digdrivediy]

Hey thanks Kyle. The funny thing is of all the machines I have run, I don't think I've run a newer Deere on tracks. Hope I get lots of good use from it.

[@natem939]

Neil, we rewatched last year’s birthday wish you made to Barrett. He turned 5 today. What a treat that was! Best to you and the family!

[@digdrivediy]

Wow time flies! Happy 5th Birthday Barrett!

[@philhoeppner9240]

Been waiting for you to finally get a skid steer so excited! Hope you paint it yellow!!

[@adammiddleton4037]

She’s a beauty Neil! Excited to see this join the stable

[@260woodman]

Hey Neil! Cool loader, I used to work for KFG ( at that time), I was in field service. Your 331 looks good from what I can see and I’ve certainly seen worse machines. One thing to note, with your AC system make sure you keep the filters behind the seat clean, there are 2 filters, and don’t leave them out because eventually the dirt will plug your evaporator core and that is no easy job to clean out. You’ll know they’re dirty because you won’t feel much air flow. Just blow them out with air.

[@digdrivediy]

Awesome! KFG in Woodburn? I love tips and good advice like this. I just used the AC yesterday and it was blowing so cold I had to turn it down. Hopefully the filters are clean but I'll be sure to check them out! Thanks!

[@260woodman]

@@digdrivediyyeah from woodburn. I still live here.

[@farmingsmallkubota1783]

Build or buy a lifting jib. I have a Landhoner because it was cheaper than building one, but for always lifting stuff it is great load is centered and easy attachment point I just upgraded last year from a Kubota L4060 to a SVL 75-2.. I dont miss my tractor at all accept visibility and ease of access

[@clayseale]

Re pilot controls....I would not have it without. Used to run an old bobcat with hand and foot. At the end of a day, I felt like I ran a marathon. Pilot controls make me much less tired at the end of the day.

[@jerrydenley2397]

Looks like a nice machine I've only ever run the Bobcat brand

[@samsdoinstuff]

Congratulations on the new loader! I knew you would want to paint it! Yes!!! Nice machine 🤠👍

[@digdrivediy]

Oh yeah!

[@tgmod]

nice skid steer, you're going to love it.

[@JimFinlayson]

Congratulations on the purchase.

[@toddpederson333]

As an OTR truck driver. Be aware that Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) can crystallize when stored for long periods of time, or when exposed to excessive heat, or infrequent use. DEF is designed to stay liquid at temperatures up to 90°F, but higher temperatures cause the water in DEF to evaporate, leading to a higher urea concentration and eventually crystallization. DEF issues will disable your equipment to prevent you from running "dirty". If it were mine with only occasional use I would store it with as little DEF and diesel in it as I could get away with. I would add only the expected use amount (and bring extra to add as needed). DEF issues are the bane of over the road semi trucks.

[@charlesmckenzie1685]

🎉congratulations on the new skiddy

[@DanP001]

You don't need windscreen wipers. In the army they taught us to cut an apple in half and then rub the window with it. Try it, it works like a miracle

[@alittleofthisandalittleofthat]

Congrats. Great addition to your equipment. 👍

[@James-ou9hc]

Perfect way to start a Sunday morning. Wish I was there. ❤✝️ 🕊️

[@timpratten2258]

You wont regret getting a skid steer. Especially with tracks and pikot control.

[@goptools]

Hi Neil. Congratulations on your new upgrade! Hope it serves you well through the years. When you mentioned that you didn't like the color, I thought to myself that you could always paint it. Looking forward to seeing it in future videos!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks so much!

[@insAneTunA]

Congrats with the new machine. A new tool day is always a good day. 👍

[@ericreinoehl4350]

Congrats Neil, glad you found one you liked. Put it to work. Careful you don’t spend too much much on accessories

[@digdrivediy]

Yeah, that's no joke!

[@littlejason99]

Congrats on the new purchase! Can't wait to see you put it to good use! It feels like the channel has really grown a ton in the past year!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks 👍🏻. Yeah it has certainly grown, but I'm still doing the same stuff 😂

[@halliwilljon]

We were fixing are ballfield in town and the contractor we hired to remove the stumps brought me 4 dump truck loads of logs for free.. easiest firewood I've ever got. ive ever

[@carguy_tmh]

I want to see it painted! Lol

[@DirtBrute]

Congratulations Neil. Looks like it’s in great shape!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Steve! I really hope so.

[@DirtBrute]

@@digdrivediy I bought the skidsteer I have now from a rental company and it’s be great so far !

[@digdrivediy]

@@DirtBrute That is reassuring!

[@SLCFarms]

Congratulations Neal. You will get years of use.

[@tylerwilkins2096]

Congratulations Neil !

[@bcganong]

Congrats Neil!

[@EdBrumley]

Use Rain-X on your windshield and you won’t be bothered if your windshield wipers don’t work. That skid steer looks like an excellent purchase and painting it yellow will be a fun video too. Meanwhile, that pond is looking beautiful, but we need an up close update.

[@digdrivediy]

Hey thanks Ed! I actually rain-Xed the windshield before Dad and I went to get the skid loader! Then it never rained :)

[@Jonnysjunkgarage]

Congratulations on the new toy

[@JonStratford1234]

Nice addition to the fleet. Knew you'd be pulling out the paint lol.

[@ianmckay1780]

Well done Neil, you've got yourself a suitable m/c for what you want to do. Anything smaller, and you would be asking why did I buy this, when I could have bought that! Hope you enjoy your new purchase. From UK.

[@digdrivediy]

Exactly! Thanks

[@SkiddingF350]

Very cool, enjoy the new 'toy' :)

[@johnhepburn7419]

Nice machine Neil you’ll love it I’ve ran 333G they are like little mini dozers

[@johnezell1366]

Glad you found one. You can get an adapter cord with a rocker switch to run the Harley Rake. I just got one for my Takeuchi, I bought back in O7, it didn't come with electric hook up either. But that works the angle on the Harley just fine. My is also not high flow, but it does all I need, it does run a Blue Diamond Bush just fine. A little smaller than yours it's 140. Good Luck with your new purchase looking forward to see what all you do with it. I enjoy the channel with all your content, especially when it includes your family. Have a Good Day!

[@digdrivediy]

That's great to know! I will likely need to do that at some point.

[@Montague38]

Thank you Neil! Love your videos!

[@rcguy18]

Congrats on the sunbelt green compact track loader. Now I am jealous.

[@brickpasta]

Love these videos, your editing skills have improved

[@thedelcodave]

Congrats on the new machine. I got myself a skidsteer last year as a project and have learned many things skidsteer vs tractor. I look forward to the conclusions you come up with for the age old battle CTL vs tractor. The Skidsteer is a far more powerful and capable machine but does considerably more damage to finished surfaces like lawns and driveways. Each machine has its purpose so don't sell off your smaller loader tractors too fast.

[@digdrivediy]

Of course! I will definitely keep my compact tractor for yard work and light duty. I picture most of the work for this away from home.