How To: Spreading Top Soil With A Skidsteer

How to video showing how I spread top soil with a compact track loader or a skidsteer. I am in my Caterpillar 289D for this video. Like what you see? Check out The Dirt Ninja on Facebook here: / thedirtninja Follow me on Instagram / the_dirt_ninja Be sure to hit the subscribe button to see new videos every week!

[@readpsalm3726]

Very well done my friend, your efficiency is not only in your swift speed, but superior in your bucket filling. Your thought process was predicting change, keeping the landscape condition a high priority. No wasted rpm's, minimum drive train burden and no track/wheel spin. True operators are gentlemen in nature, only taking from the machine what it was designed to do. Years ago I had an older fellow give me the advice, make every move count, you have done just that. God Bless you in all you do.

[@DirtNinja]

Thanks for your kind comments and tanks for watching!

[@kllewyn755]

Thank You Dirt Ninja! You are saving my ass at my job right now!!!!

[@hanssolo1024]

You are pretty quick. I seem to spread topsoil in my track machine the best when I run full speed lol. I don't know what it is. I think the faster I go the less I think about it and it works better in the long run.

[@gyffjogofl7676]

Just bought a skid steer This was 👍

[@SW556G19X]

New subscriber here from the Milwaukee wi area, thanks for all your videos!!

[@aaronburford5701]

Good looking topsoil...love the skidsteer!

[@kamilzarzycki3866]

This is incredible.. tilling and hand raking a 4,000 sq ft slope in my backyard. Wish I had the equipment and know how. Looks like fun. Great video

[@northeasterndirtandpropert7974]

I hand rake and hand roll many upgrades on properties.Like ninja,all my rough work is done with machines,but all my edging,around trees,walkways,are all hand raked.I even hand rake complete yards on reseeds and new yards.Sometimes people don't even want to leave machines,it's part of my job.

[@laneburgess1643]

Enjoyed the video. Thanks for sharing.

[@chrishaupt9739]

I love bobcats machines and dump truck

[@crodyw]

Thanks for the videos man I've been watching ya forever and you've helped me out a lot I my career and I'd like to thank you

[@DirtNinja]

Thanks for watching!

[@shulka312]

Nice work! Curious how you like this unit compared to the bobcat t650? I run an S205 right now and do more oilfield related work but am looking to switch to a tracked machine for better flotation in the mud. Just looking for some feedback on either machine. Thanks!

[@randymaylowski2485]

yeah I don't blame you dirt Ninja the dirt doesn't look very smooth but I'll guess with a skidsteer it's faster of course but not a's easy a's much with a dozer probably wouldove but inerways nice video, and nice looking black dirt that will grow gress partty damn good, if it gets water if or when it gets dry.

[@danielblanke9427]

I believe this man really is a ninja.

[@Peter-fg7rd]

One thing I see in this video that could help you out tons is the way you back drag. When you spread your bucket it's rarely spread evenly and when you point your bucket downward backdraging with the cutting edge it only packs it down in place. Instead back drag with your bucket and cutting edge level, ! This grabs the dirt at higher elevation and will fill in the lower areas. Only point your bucket downward like that to backdrag on your final pass when everything is to grade and level to help pack it . Your back will highly appreciate this method over the method shown here.!

[@kelin12100]

I thought the same thing he should you use under his bucket to level out the dirt good

[@ryannastaj]

If he's already gonna use the Harley rake, then why waste the time. The powerbox / rake will handle that no problem... ALWAYS use KISS principle!

[@bendude6748]

Cool video, gonna be trying this out for the first time soon so I guess I’ll see how it goes lol

[@8jamiebolar8]

Pretty cool man , do you have a video of back dragging in a front end loader or skid steer without a self leveler

[@jaminflesher7094]

I just bought a 299D3. What size bucket you running on yours? Any reason I shouldn't go with a 86in wide bucket?

[@autobots54389013]

What is your cost per yd3 or ton for the loam? Where I'm from, anything decent for topping is about 27$-30$

[@Northeast_Mainiac]

DirtNinja You make it look simple, I am going to rent a cat track loader in May and redo my whole lawn with s Harley Rake, any tips for a guy that’s never ran either pieces of equipment?

[@holymoly2330]

Not gonna lie I would look outside and say "why the fuck Is this kid in such a hurry" lol

[@mikesbobcatservicesllc-mic6927]

What do you think of the Bobcat 5 link Suspension

[@dylanchalmers6231]

@Dirt Ninja some properties would require to go diagonally up and down. i've tried spreading top soil for the garage and it was a tough spot.

[@nivtek_2285]

why did you changé bobcat for Caterpillar??

[@andrewellis2964]

If you're digging as well why not do it with a mini ex and use the fill blade for grade?

[@kurtsweetser7861]

who does your hydroseeding

[@livingthedreammotocrossmod8237]

How many Caterpillar keys have you collected over the years

[@autobots54389013]

How much do you pay per yard/ton for loam?

[@livingthedreammotocrossmod8237]

Can you make a video and tell us how many keys you have for Catapillar

[@davidb7703]

Hello, could you please tell me how you quote jobs . Eg. Per hour or ??::

[@Suuuuhhhbruh0120]

What did that 200 yards cost if you don't mind me asking?

[@dylanchalmers3011]

@Dirt Ninja this could help with anyone that does it with a skidsteer or a backhoe

[@12ozbuds]

It is really great you showing us the spreading part and the actual work, you are an expert operator. Many of us new to the business and wanting to invest in equipment would like some information on bidding jobs. If there is any thing you would share about pricing a job and what to charge would be of great help to us newbies. Thanks

[@DirtNinja]

Thanks for watching! Ill keep that in mind for future videos!

[@libertyevanko1794]

Yes please👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@j.r.jonsson3624]

redtailhardwoods q

[@aaronburford5701]

Liked, viewed, shared, subscribed

[@murf1201]

how long would this job take?

[@davidb7703]

How to you price particular jobs??

[@everettbateman5864]

How fast could you spread 20 yards?

[@stevensundwall5062]

you should do more vidoes from the outside of the machine

[@alexrogue7557]

Great Channel eh Thanks for sharing eh Cheers! \m/

[@andrewcoles2256]

get rid of that gp bucket and get a 4 in 1 bucket and spread with that then you don't need a harley rake either, you fill your 4 in 1 bucket then travel forward or backwards and slowly open your bucket and leave a perfect job

[@toddanderson4913]

I've hardly ever used float in a skid, back drag by hand and feel of the machine. thats why its so rough riding for him. and his spreading could be more fluid instead of half a bucket at a time

hey, nice vid!

[@MIDRATZ]

So, dirt ninja, I'll bet you can answer this: I own a kubota bx25 TBL. I'm trying to dig out and grade a 40' x 30' playground (with a 1% slope toward the back end where I'm putting a French frail to handle runoff) in very doughey clay soil. I'm finding it very hard to get it all level by eye. (I really don't want to be busting out stakes and strings and flat shovels). Any tips how to do this w my machine?

[@davidhalliday616]

No

[@rickyfranceschi9782]

289D3?

[@zates2272]

thnx for the video

[@mikeo5523]

I saw on one of your videos that you installed the backup camera yourself. I asked my CAT dealer for instructions to install the camera yourself and they told me they didn't have but they could have a service tech come and install it for me. Do you have any documentation at all how to install it or how did you know where to hook everything up to? any help you can help me with would be greatly appreciated since I have been trying to find the instructions online and its like they just dont exist.

[@galehess6676]

mirrors!

[@dirtzoneconstruction292]

skidsteer are the best..

[@justicemukuna4692]

Wow good

[@Atheyst]

Did you have to grade the yard first? Are you grading any specific way as you spread your top?

[@DirtNinja]

Yes the yard was graded before starting to place the top soil. Top soil should never be used to level out a yard.

[@justinhamlin3829]

Dirt Ninja what type of material would you use to level out a yard?

[@DirtNinja]

I always try and use material from onsite. If I cant i try and get a fill material with no rocks over 6in in it. The smaller and less rocks there are the easier it is to grade out. Also depends on how deep of an area you are filling in.

[@keithraines298]

The Rubber track loaders are way to slow for me to operate. I can spread that soil with the bucket and it will look like harley rake done it. I'm still using a dinosaur of a machine a case 90xt with 18" wide loegering steel tracks. I have the two speed engage half of the time i'm spreading at 12 mph. I have never used float on my machine.

[@nickscustoms269]

I've never known anyone to use float in real life. Theres no point.

[@northeasterndirtandpropert7974]

Calculated moves,less fuel,wear and tear,time.

[@tac5698]

🌊✌

[@12vLife]

Vacant Central Florida lot .. FEMA thinks my lot is in a flood zone because elevation in some spots is 113' vs neighbors at around 116' ( I presuming this based on google earth elevation readings). The general neighborhood is high and dry patch with no major bodies of water so generally not in a flood zone. I've been on the lot after three 3 days of heavy rain and there is no sitting water on my lot. I think the FEMA map is bad. I emailed them. But anyways... County has told me I have the right of way on some unmaintained dirt trails to the state road I have permission to clear as needed. The trails are very high with sandy soil. Can a bobcat ALONE elevate a 50x50 clearing on my lot with that sandy soil roughly 4 feet higher? maybe create a parameter ditch/grade upward to the clearing? How much can I expect to pay for a job like this if no trees in the way? Is sandy soil recommended for elevating a future foundation? Really for now I just want to be able to park my car on the lot with no concerns about flooding but mainly want to get rid of the FEMA flood zone classification on the lot.

[@theawesomesquadbydominicm5527]

Do you like bobcat

[@DirtNinja]

I like their older machines, we still own a A300, but I dont like the new ones at all.

[@islandfd3s]

"use float mode" sure wish my old 1816 had float mode.....

[@WibowoSusilo]

I'am come 😁😁😁

[@bowsertownes]

I don't ever see you use a dozer, a dozer is the most efficient way to to spread and grade.

[@hoehandfromhell]

#1 rule never tote the dirt you gotta push it and you'll be more efficient

[@boitanoexcavation3564]

Man thats a rough riding rig

[@magnum_dingus]

It looks worse than it is. Sure, they don't have much in the way of suspension, except the air ride seat, but it's not that bad in person. Unless you hit a decently sized ridge.

[@DirtNinja]

Yea the videos always make it seem worse than it really is. It actually rides better than most other brands I have tried out in the past.

[@JB-jo5sm]

DN's right foot is an accelerator/decelerator pedal, he's running it wide open and he's smoking out the cycle times, if it felt too rough assuming he would've (easily) idled down. Machine has sensors that are compensating for his speed/bounce to help even it out. Air ride seat (standard) looks to be helping. Cat patented undercarriage torsion bars = helping. Also if not already equipped he has the option to add a ride control kit to this machine at any point. Easy add on for the D's kit price $1,050 + 4 hrs labor oughta do the trick. Make sure to get the nomenclature badges installed to raise the trade appraisal later 😎

[@laundrieshanging9077]

rough riding cause he cant grade forward lol nor backblade

[@richardtherien5162]

I agree. I was in a Cass Skidsteer for 2 days and my back is killin me. I wouldn't want this to be my primary machine. ( no air ride seat in mine)

[@normmallett8840]

Always watch landscapers level mud with flat buckets. Its sad, it's like watching someone driving backwards through traffic.. ass backwards lol

[@mattdave812]

is it me or does that house look like romanatwoods house

[@Michaelzeleznik4765]

its just you

[@thedirtmaster6503]

Get a 4 in 1 bucket

[@benjaminhernandez5823]

Kubota 90 is better

[@Fiberglasser03]

Man I'd hate to be bouncing around in a machine like that my whole life.

[@bocephus4770]

There's no bouncing behind the counter at McDonald's. You just ask if they want fries with it.

[@Kushert]

Travis B You would for $500-$1000 a day.

[@glennsebring1961]

Good thing you have the power rake because a good operators would make it smoother instead of beating you and the machine to death . You should learn how not to use float because that will make you a better operator

[@CnSwick01]

Glenn Sebring learning on a machine that has hand and foot controls and no float instead of joysticks is the way to go

[@ctdieselnut]

exactly. he gets it done and i love watching by why does the machine have to be lugged down to almost stalling every bucket full? it doesnt have to be run that way. i cringe every time he gets thrown out of the seat too. just so hard on everything.

[@maggiegoshorn248]

The cat needs more fuel

[@brentlutker9536]

Why are you bouncing around so much?

[@deezy8913]

Lol terrible.