This Could Be My New Favorite Thing!

Back to our roots this week to do some tractor driving and play with a new 72" pull type grader box from North Woods Fabrication. I had to do some light assembly on the grader box and then I put it to use to see how it would do on our driveway and then in a little dirt.
Check out North Woods Fabrication:
www.northwoodsfab.com/
Also, if you need a sweet cup and cell phone holder for your tractor:
www.etsy.com/shop/CobbRiverDe...

[@SaltyOpossum]

Man people can say what they want about you being rich. And it may be the case. Maybe you are. But if they watch all your videos and hear you talk they would know you’re a very smart man. Your parents had a great work ethic and they’ve obviously passed it on to you! Money may be in the picture but I can guarantee it came from a ton of hard work and an absolutely great work ethic!! These days people don’t want to put in the long hard hours and the weekends of working rather than relaxing and partying. You my have earned all you have and that is very apparent!

[@digdrivediy]

Thank you.

[@steingat]

So, Not sure if you have figured out the water situation in the pond, but you should consider re-directing the downspouts from the home to fill the pond.

[@trevorrowe6231]

Put a small settling pool/pond in so the roof junk all settles out and doesn’t end up in the pond.

[@georgewelker853]

Or just do it and it’ll be fine for sure.

[@genesispuredeaf2390]

It’s never nice to “should” on anybody.

[@ramosel]

@@trevorrowe6231 Or, clean the gutters well and use "Gutter Glove". It's a high end leaf blocker that has an aluminum substrate that supports a fine stainless steel mesh. Once it's on you get water out the downspouts graded higher than feed water.

[@trevorrowe6231]

@@ramosel even with leaf blockers as shingles degrade the texture comes off and that will end up in the pond

[@ECEV]

Everyone who’s ever had a gravel driveway groans when he says, “this is a pretty bad spot here”. 😂. A bad spot on my driveway makes me question if I should shift to 4wd. 😉

[@annetteladle5116]

New to your channel but we think you, your family, your dad and the inspectors are awesome. I think we need more videos with your dad and his bothers and their advice. Thanks for sharing your life and jobs with us.

[@digdrivediy]

Thank you so much! I tried to get Dad and my uncle's in a video. Anytime I can. You'll probably spot them next week 😉

[@annetteladle5116]

@@digdrivediy whoop! Keep doing what you are doing.

[@bigowen]

That grader box looks well made and the prices are really reasonable! Definitely will be looking into them.

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

And now Bruno’s big brother can come out and play too! I like the slow lift/lower of the electric actuator. Controlling my auxiliary hydraulic flow depends on ‘feel’ for fine adjustment. Getting just the right feel takes a lot of fiddling. Having micro-increments built into the controls is nice! You teased about this during the pond build… and I must say you didn’t disappoint. It’s a fine piece of work… I can see how it’s gonna be your new fave!!! I see the RV made it home… are you going to take any more trips soon? After all…. You didn’t really get to enjoy it on the maiden voyage! Congrats on the new acquisition… and for reminding me about grilled cheese and tomato soup. We have a basket of maters sitting on the kitchen counter. And, I know what I’m gonna request for dinner!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Dave. Unfortunately, the RV hasn't made it out since we got home. We're still lukewarm on it so need a little time to heal 😋 We're going to try to take it on a regional trip, maybe over fall break. I sure am glad someone commented on grilled cheese and tomato soup. It's my favorite Saturday lunch! I can't wait to get this greater out in some serious dirt and see if I can slow down that tractor!!!

[@chrisserena429]

A tractor for every occasion! I love it! Thanks for another great video!

[@rdyardie]

Thank you for sharing your driveway maintenance episode. It certainly works for you.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks for watching!

[@user-vn6hi2bi3g]

Nothing better than playing with new tools. Ray PS It really makes your drive look better worth the effort.

[@robfate8781]

That cool. You gotta love new toys.👍

[@aaronkleiber]

THE KEY FOB! Wow that’s a game changer, getting on/off to adjust made me give up lol I have so many spots I’m trying to smooth over and that would make it muuuuuch easier! Thank you!!

[@mjrc123]

The last few videos on the channel have proved that your name is perfect: Dig - a giant hole in the yard Drive - half way across the country DIY - battery replacement on buggy Love it! Keep up the great work 👍🏼

[@vaalrus]

I love those towed box blades. We have 10 and 12’ hydraulic versions, and we’ve built miles and miles of roads and countless square miles of parking lots, not to mention a few hundred building pads. They’re one of the fastest and most economical ways to do so many earthwork tasks. Heck, we’ve been known to string the 10’ with a ripper in front of the 12’ to move even more material with the larger tractor, and occaisionally following up with a set of wobbly compactors… all-in-one if you have the room. And Just Because, we took an old quad snow blade and built a 4’ angle capable blade with an electric winch to pull behind the lawn tractor just to level up the gravel around the homestead.

[@brucemitchell5637]

Very well thought out grader, I especially like the built in racks for adding weight. The only thing that I would change is cleaning up how the wire between the grader and the tractor is routed and putting in a quick connect plug at the back of the tractor so you don't have to keep hooking up the battery with alligator clips.

[@digdrivediy]

Great ideas!

[@DEADB33F]

Think I'd probably use a couple of worn out truck batteries as weights and connect the actuator to them directly. Then there's no need for wiring to the vehicle. ....Stick a small solar panel on it to keep the batteries topped off and they'll always have enough charge to do the actuatoring.

[@jdh395]

Neil's driveway restoration ....your new side job! im sure you will have plenty of people wanting there driveways done ....Awesome job Neil .

[@Mach34i]

Do not listen to those debby downers. Great skill you have! Your a smart man keep sharing the vids. I enjoy watching them thanks for sharing eli. In CT.

[@edsecorr7812]

Looking great love your videos keep up the great work thank you

[@matthewjenkins6388]

if your going to use it regular i think i would change the battery clips to an anderson plug

[@IndyFarmLife]

That looks like the perfect tool for a driveway topped with #8. Quick, routine maintenance with any machine to keep the stone turned and free of green growth vs spraying.

[@BealyGood]

I need one of these!

[@ErictheAmateur]

I greatly appreciate your videos. I always look forward to your postings. I have finally bought my first backhoe! It’s an original John Deere 310. It’s the 3 cylinder diesel. It’s definitely a fixer upper. It’s kinda rusty looking, and it needs a bunch of hoses replaced. But it’s all mine and I’m proud of it lol. And so far, my wife has been very tolerant about it sitting in our yard. I’m close to having it running. There’s definitely a learning curve.

[@digdrivediy]

That's fantastic! Congratulations. I had a 1976 410 before my current backhoe. I was able to do a lot of work with it! You'll love having it once you get her going. Thanks for sharing.

[@troyweyerstrass7312]

Smooth (and shameless) ad! 😂😂. Gotta get me one for the Kioti 😁 Oh yeah… for the phone and cup holder. 😁

[@mrkevind]

I’m pretty sure you have one piece of gravel out of place in that driveway!

[@aaronburford5701]

Neil, I just love this content. You know I am fascinated by your driveway and how you maintain it! Love this and the channel!

[@michaelmcguire3983]

Nice Niel, as always your videos are fun and informative! Glad you are back in the saddle making us all a little bit smarter . Take care my friend

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks so much Mike!

[@rupertkempley2933]

ABSOLUTELY LOVING THIS - keep going - the true American Spirit - lots of positive vibes from Devon, England - can't wait to see the end🎉🎉🎉🎉 cheers Rupert

[@dougbunn5018]

Maybe add a battery box and a cable from the tractor to keep the battery charged while using. Seems like you wouldn’t have to raise the hood every time you you use the grader box. I like what I saw. It looked like a quality product.

[@terryrogers1025]

I like new favorite things, it looks like it works pretty well, so we gonna get to see a vid on how it works in the dirt there young man? Congratulations on your new favorite thing, and thanks for the tag along video sir.

[@joshhurst5649]

Love your content you put out ! Keep it coming !!

[@richardclifton4120]

Just a thought on the battery hookup. Why not use a separate battery mounted on the grader so you can hook it up directly without powering from the tractor? I have extra batteries around that I keep charged for use with a motorcycle and for starting a generator and they would mount easily on the box blade with a simple tray to hold the battery on. Just a reminder, I built the one you provided plans for and that is my next modification for it. You don't use the battery that often and it will work for single jobs easily without needing a recharge until the job is done. I do like the new one you have because you are right, building one takes a lot of effort but it is rewarding, and thanks for the plans because it still works great.

[@digdrivediy]

That's a great idea on the battery tray! The self-contained unit would be really nice for just hooking on and going. I'm so glad to hear that the one you build is working out well. Yes, it is definitely rewarding and I think you get to experience the pride every time you use it!

[@aaronburford5701]

Rewatched! Love this channel and content. The best driveway in America!

[@1coppertop]

Very interesting. I like the cell phone/coffee holder

[@digdrivediy]

I actually have one on both my tractors and use them constantly.

[@ArmoredXJ]

Wow! Really loving that! I am finally starting to get a sense for where and when to use the pull type box. Might be time to pick one up next year. Thanks Neil!

[@aaronburford5701]

Your videos are ALWAYS must see! Enjoyed this one..

[@jerridavis6462]

Enjoyed from Texas!

[@JimFinlayson]

Nice video. Definitely in your wheelhouse 😀

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks! 😀

[@ivanaleksejenko9811]

a true American dream, thanks for sharing your life, it is very inspiring how you folks are building the pound and family members are always there ready to help!

[@frontagulus]

Yes, they invented graders for a reason : ) and the longer between the axles and with the grader blade in the middle, the better. What would be good on that Woods grader is if the wheels could be extended backwards to further center the box/blade

[@AmericanShiba]

I literally have no use for watching this kind of content, but I just love your channel and it’s wholesome-ness. God bless 🇺🇸❤️

[@iainhetherington4608]

Neatest damn drive I ever seen ,let alone after the box blade Cheers from Aus

[@slyknowledged]

These are great, but i have to recommend a land scaping rake if you haven't ran one, they are amazing at reconditioning a drive or getting dirt smooth.

[@ChasandAmyChasandamy-zw4jg]

Haters are gonna hate. Who cares what people say about YOUR pond? I just discovered your Chanel and it's fantastic. I've really enjoyed watching as your family works through the pond project. My favorite, oddly, is the failed well dig. You are truly "the man in the arena." Thanks for the viewing pleasure.

[@PhilCrews]

Neil, I came down with Covid 2 weeks ago and at about the same time discovered your channel. Your videos have made being stuck at home much more tolerable. Keep up the good work!

[@marykoch5168]

Awww..such a kind thing to say. Hope you're all better soon!

[@CowboyCarCrushing]

Holy Flip Neil 😳 168K 🎉 good for you Bubba. This is great 👍🤠

[@digdrivediy]

Hey Cowboy, good to see you! Yes, the KZbin gods have been kind to me in the last few months I guess. 😋

[@CowboyCarCrushing]

@@digdrivediy nah Bubba, you a good dude. You deserve it and tons more 🤠👍

[@digdrivediy]

@@CowboyCarCrushing Appreciate it bud.

[@centauri61032]

You could actually place a 12v deep cycle battery on one of the weight boxes instead of a block. Them you can just connect the grader to that, and not mess with running the wire to the tractor. (Speaking from experience...)

[@curtis026]

Love you Neil and family. I honestly don’t know how I feel about these advertisement videos, but I DO know you guys have no clue how rich you are already. Not just monetarily, although you guys are Millionaires easily already, but with family and money combined….priceless. I’d love to have one of your old pull type grader boxes, and I hope to use your provided plans from a video years ago to accomplish that. I just love your videos and content, but I think what makes it so special is the fact that you’re relatable. What I mean by that is you obviously are much further ahead than most your age, but you are relatable to all ages because of the family oriented nature of your videos, and because all of us can truly picture ourselves as being you. Please never ever apologize for being successful. Do not punish yourself, because you did everything correct in life!

[@glennspreeman1634]

Beautiful 755 too!

[@shanesherwood343]

Well I know what I want for Christmas be this year

[@darthgbc363]

I like this product & the land plane. Adam showed on his channel The land plane helps keep a nice crown in the driveway. 13:39 I would drill holes in tongue to ziptie the wires to.

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Nice grader. Great shots with the 360

[@BG-vq9fd]

Your drive in your drone shots always looks so good.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Thats a great attachment. Im always messing with the height on the grading scraper. Thanks for the video and great info.

[@maxobara1496]

Nicely done Neil!!👍🇺🇸

[@jjlpinct]

Looks good!

[@timf6916]

Nice, GOOD JOB.

[@oliverking8029]

That was a little bit of a drive to the neighbors. Nice job.

[@markmallery6009]

Awesome stuff!! Kind of feel like you're family now lol!! Cheers!!😄😊🍻🍻

[@inspectable]

Best video have ever done you should do more like this!!

[@Hogger301]

I bought a grader from another manufacture, and add a linear actuator years ago after dealing with the arm strain from using a rope. Awesome video

[@tii2015]

So glad I subscribed! Great information & Great explanation of what the products & processes are! Keep em' coming!

[@digdrivediy]

Really appreciate it!

[@ronaldfierro9986]

Must be nice to have so many big boy toys to play with

[@digdrivediy]

Oh yes

[@postulatingspin4470]

What a fabulous property and driveway. Regal !

[@blackdogexcavator21]

Ah, just a man and his toys! I love shiny new toys, but I like getting them dirty even better.

[@digdrivediy]

I thought it looked much better with dust on it than it did out of the box 😁

[@ponypwr]

Looks like a quality built bargain! Please spray bomb the grille on that 755, Yes commented that last time it was on camera lol!

[@digdrivediy]

This is probably the first time I've had this tractor out since you commented the last time! Looking back on the video now you are definitely correct sir! 😬 Looks ugly...

[@corydriver7634]

I’m a bit leery of the control box, seems to be exposed and I wonder how well it’ll hold up in a rough dirty or wet environment. The electrical in general seems light weight. I am impress they are USA made and the price point isn’t terrible considering.

[@connorsvintageelectronics909]

Looks good

[@danielmeyer403]

Those pull type graders work well for this application. I think their biggest down fall is you can't use it in reverse. You won't always be able to turn around to go the other way. My tool of choice would still be the land plane with a hydraulic top link. Once you get it set you just drop it and drive. You can use them backwards as well. However, you usually have to lift it up to turn it around as the side rails plow a lot of material sideways an wrecks your finish unlike your implement that takes tight turns very well without messing anything up. But that isn't a game changer, just lift, reposition and go. Gets gravel and dirt very flat and smooth, does it very quickly, and stays on the back of the tractor for transport as well as being able to grade backwards.

[@digdrivediy]

I've tried land planes and find them incapable of doing what this can do. Mainly in the form of not being able to move material over distance. I've found the material just "flows through them" and it is hard to move a like from A to B. I certainly think they have their application but if I could choose just one, it would still be the pull type. Mainly cause it will do the work of a plane and better work than the 3pt. If I have to use a 3pt box backwards I'll probably just prefer to use my loader bucket is all. Your point about not being able to turnaround with it on is also one thing I wasn't crazy about. Great input though and thanks for your take on it.

[@TheGoodguy68]

I love it. I'm going to the neighbors. Go 1/4 mile then make a left turn for 1/2 mile. I so love country life! BTW nice video!

[@johnnylindsey5808]

Good job

[@frikkied2638]

Can’t wait to see the pond fill up!👍

[@joshsadventures1776]

I am absolutely in love with your fleet of tractors you have. I drive a Deere 870 for the local FFA chapter, but man, one of those old deeres with a loader would be so sweet to have!! So useful!

[@valleytractorservices9310]

If you have a 3 point, a land plane will address the shortcomings of a box blade and can even add a crown.

[@digdrivediy]

Can it move material from A to B? I have found them to be about the equivalent of a drag.

[@valleytractorservices9310]

@digdrivediy not really, if you hit a high spot followed by a low spot it will move the material. I do a dozen or so driveways a year with mine after switching from box blade and it's been producing much better results with none of the humps created.

[@doughiggins1094]

Neil, watched the video about the wider pull box scraper. As usual, fantastic. I followed your video for the construction of the pull scraper that you made in the past, but I made mine 1 foot wider which sort of matched what you got from Northern company. It would be really neat to have the side panels hinged to go out either by hydraulic/electric or manually so you could capture some of the material from the sides and pull it in. Your videos are extremely helpful. Thx

[@craigschiller1599]

Your videos are so well done. Great camera shots & info. Cheers !!

[@digdrivediy]

Thank you very much!

[@rickclark3744]

You have a beautiful yard, can't wait to see the pond filled.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks! Me either!!

[@joebacarella2829]

Boy does that work well for finish work, the stone looks great, and I think the dirt is gonna work just as well, $1,400 seems a good price, I love it`s made right in the U.S. and not some cheap flimsy China junk.

[@bradc6056]

I’m in the market for my first tractor and I was thinking of getting a traditional 3 point, but now I need a pull behind.

[@hollandduck79]

Hello from the Netherlands Koch Family . thanks for the video Neil 👍. Sincerely Hollandduck

[@brianrittenhouse1122]

Beautiful farm, nice video.

[@ackack612]

I look at the curtain of corn beyond the pool/pond and wait for 'shoeless Joe' to appear...

[@sharynmontclair]

Electric Actuated Pull Top Grater Box. Never heard of it before but very cool.

[@C-M-E]

Ooo, new toys, and better yet, a new toy for making primo NottaCrop Circles! 👍 Fun coincidence I hadn't realized until just now, I found your channel while looking for grader boxes way back when. Might have to go rummage through ancient history to see when that was!

[@MasterBuilderofTruth]

This guys place is so clean !!

[@ToddKing]

Those cup holders are nice. Larson Farms uses them too. But I can't justify $70 to hold my drink. Oh, and my phone too.

[@digdrivediy]

A third hand is much more expensive 😂

[@BS.-.-]

With how quickly you easily lifted that off the pallet I think that box is built a little light. However the prices are prety darn good.

[@snurb48]

Ha! I was also ashamed of My front end loader and what a beast his was to grab that pallet with such ease! Lol.

[@steventhury8366]

Looks like it would work for maintenance better than construction.

[@erikgiggey4783]

i bought a box blade ratchet rake and pallet forks for my tractor so far and i think the box blade and pallet forrks are the best investment. the 72 inch pull behind looks awesome but i dont know if i can justify it yet. my driveway is 75ish feet and i installed the stone and smoothed it with the tools i have. if i got a few jobs installing driveways i would have 1 in a heartbeat. im going to be ripping up my front yard next year, seems the dirt has migrate out away from the house to the edge of the road leaving quite the low spot and that pull behind would make short work of smoothing everything after the bulk dirt is moved.

[@christophermee5214]

Great blog. Boys and their toys

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

I'm a potato soup and grilled cheese kind of guy...but tomato soup would work. lol Great video.

[@scottgoddard7243]

Looks like it be awesome on a driveway

[@SmithyScotland]

Another great vid. Do you have to pay a royalty to your daughters every time you use their song? 🙂

[@digdrivediy]

Yes I pay them one way or another...

[@aaronburford5701]

Neil, have you ever watched GCI Turf ran by Pete? He has the best yard and grass I have ever seen! Match your driveway up with his yard, PERFECTION! Check it out when you can and let me know!

[@dannypalmer7701]

Very nice! My favorite thing to do too.

[@jeffdavis9738]

Tomato soup and grilled cheese; “Always a culinary delight”❤

[@uvcoach42]

Nice SRX you’ve got there ..

[@jasongrinnell1986]

Awesome

[@fricknjeep]

hi there looks like a nice implement ,john

[@mrluva74]

The Hell with the machine. I Want some of the Tomato Soup and Grill Cheese. Thats is My Favorite.

[@bucktownpsd1590]

I had a thought about the older grader box that has the hydraulic set up. You said that you like how slow the newer one moves up and down for grading the driveway, but you like it moving faster when your moving dirt. If you add some adjustable flow valves in the hydraulic lines on the grader box you could screw them in for slower finer adjustments and then also loosen them up when you want it to move faster. Shouldn’t be too expensive to add and could give you much more versatility.

[@ambrosethomas5339]

Love the videos. ❤

[@aaronburford5701]

Great video and great commentaary..

[@digdrivediy]

Thank you kindly!

[@aaronburford5701]

@@digdrivediy The Best Yard and Driveway in America! You have my vote!