Clearing Down The Old Abandoned Road To Clean it Up

www.letsdig18.... for shirts and more
#letsdig18 #excavator #VcePartner #LandClearing #volvo

[@heatherlane9270]

This property has come a long way from those wet muddy early days - 200 excavator hours were needed for a previous messed up clearing and drainage project. It really is so rewarding to watch this transformation and a privilege to see the 220 and 350 at work in the hands of LetsDig18. Love that trailer.

[@Vickie-Bligh]

Love watching you work. You make it look so easy when the reality is far from that. I also love how you take a 7ft tall, 6ft wide, 5400lb rake and maneuver it like a person would a garden rake. That's so fascinating. Thanks for sharing with us all, Chris.

[@steveminton8329]

Yep, he could almost thread a needle with that machine 😂

[@dandurham4288]

I wonder if some counter weights would help with that grapple excellent job t

[@larryshillings6672]

I agree, that's why we never miss an episode of letsdig18.

[@larryshillings6672]

I think not.

[@Vickie-Bligh]

@@larryshillings6672 Same here.

[@Machines.In.Action]

Watching this reminds me of when we cleared an old road on our property. It's hard work but incredibly rewarding to see the end result. 💪

[@larryshillings6672]

Imagine what you can do with the right machine, the right grapple and the right operator. Not to mention your unmatched technique. I am so impressed.

[@craigwavra3495]

Now we get to see what the big rake can really do!! Moves the brush pretty quickly!! I’d say it was a smart purchase!!

[@thatdave86]

I think he is getting the feel for the rake ,it seems to be working better

[@craigwavra3495]

@@thatdave86 yep, agree with that!!

[@larryshillings6672]

Chris never misses videos unless he has legitimate reasons. He's real consistent with posting videos. Going for bigger jobs saves trucking expenses as well.

[@maxmacdonald7174]

The smell of fresh busted up trees in the morning. Feel like a clearing day.

[@Della-ih5hj]

I enjoyed the video,..a lot of those trees were kind of brittle,..they broke pretty easy,..you now have a big burn pile,..you cleared a pretty big area,..

[@Todd.Roberts]

That property has came a long since the first time you start draining and clearing .

[@mischef18]

You have ended up fixing other contractors problems quite a bit over the years I have been subbed to you bro. Now you get to do a pond here after doing a bit of clearing. Great that both diggers have their place on this project. Safe travels. Ken.

[@cathiwim]

Chris is the only person I know who can take a 30 foot pine tree and fold it like a pretzel! Lol. I think the grapple on the 350 is going to become an industry standard. Wasn’t that custom made for you?

[@ronaldheit196]

Yes it was. The manufacturer he works with then puts his modifications in the equipment lineup. His first one they sell with his logo on it. I'd be surprised if Chris doesn't get some $$$$ from each sale. He definitely deserves it.

[@oleran4569]

@@ronaldheit196 Maybe they should work out some way to put a "breaker bar" on the outside of that rake. Just enough to get some concentrated force on the tree trunks he needs to break.

[@kenlawhon-vf7bt]

Agree. He should open a toothpick factory 🤪

[@Jeffrey-ed8sz]

Good job man, you're making the world nicer one job at a time.😊

[@MrWoodshoes]

Reminds me of eating rice crispies in the morning, snap, crackle, pop !

[@TimmyMoza]

Hard to visualize the property now from the time you started it way back… what a transformation…

[@bernardsteffen2788]

Yes, you just, again, gave a good reason for purchasing the bigger "Grapple head", sure is paying off, as you predicted before the purchase.

[@mikehughey893]

Grapple sure helps with removing dirt from the root ball! We've been enjoying your channel for 4or 5 years now. Always interesting to watch with the excavators. Have a great day.

[@RalphFreeman-ok5of]

Snapping off and cleaning out the tops with the 220, then rooting out the stumps with 350 looks like a good tactic ?

[@Letsfarm55]

I love the sound of trees breaking. I've never done that type of work. But I loved seeing big machines since I was a kid

[@IR-nq4qv]

1:07 Chris: "Everything needs to be fueled and greased... Me: I put a phone book under the back leg of my chair with the broken caster so I don't fall out of the cab when I'm clearing trees with you. I'm picking up a new 350 next week, but I think the guy at the store said that's not the model number, he said it was the load limit.

[@michaelmullins1290]

People wouldn't believe this property was a shallow lake when Chris first worked here. 200 of Chris's hours will work wonders on a property.

[@thomasarchambault9463]

Serious question. Respectfully, how much is the hourly rate?

[@davidwelling9471]

It almost look like the teeth on the "bucket" are too far apart for land clearing like we have to come to know it with other machines

[@shepherdcare1]

That cracking wood sound around the 23.0 mark is cool!

[@bubbawubba2307]

The place you got that grapple from needs to make you a bucket with the same type of thumb so you can use that 350 like the 220 in digging trees out. Doesn't have to be a huge bucket but a clearing bucket so you can grab and dig. Or maybe a stumper with a thumb

[@andedavi]

That 40 ton Volvo and AMI Graptor Rake looks like the perfect ticket for clearing! I have miles of farmland perimiter to clear out 12-30" diameter, 80+ foot tall Locust Trees and am trying to figure out the best equipment. Was thinking a big Shear, but brute force looks like it could be a better option.

[@kenore4003]

Don't allow anything with air filled tires anywhere within 5 miles. I don't care if they are the biggest haul truck tire in existence those thorn will flatten them in a heartbeat. There is one in Central Park in NYC that the park service put a big iron fence around. The good part is there might be some sawlogs in there. That stuff makes good rough lumber for trailer decks. Otherwise it will burn as soon as it hits the ground.

[@andedavi]

@@kenore4003 Roger that! Got to be careful even walking around them, those thorns will go right through a vibram work boot sole like nothing!

[@Patrick-jt4dk]

That bucket is impressive and I’m calling about one of them Monday.

[@donnamullins2089]

A lot of work today Chris. Extra big piles. Storm coming in? Fire day. Yippee. Take care have a great weekend.

[@johnleonard5323]

Your work in reclaiming this property is turning it into something great. I have watched every video on this acreage and the results are outstanding. Again, congratulations for your skills!!!

[@MustaphaCannon]

Very therapeutic I been relaxing and watching you for years my friend

[@doritleis2773]

A great Work, the old Abandoned Road new to building. You must much Trees and Thicket to pull out, and the Roots to take away. The Trees and Thicket to great Heap to Pile for Burning You work with the two Excavators, the 22o and the big 350 a good Tactic. The Video however Inform. Gladden my of the farther Videos.

[@timziegler9358]

I never tire of watching your videos. Always lessons to learn. Best wishes.

[@zacdrilling4554]

I know cris don’t exactly like frontend loaders but one with a grapple, would sure make it a lot easier to move all that brush

[@artshaw6962]

When I see that Volvo 350 uprooting trees it reminds me of pulling weeds out of my garden. to that mighty 350, trees are nothing more than weeds!

[@kennethstaszak9990]

The big grapple has a good potential to not hold as much dirt when stacking for a burn pile. It should make the burns more effective.

[@bosshogg3548]

Great job 👍🏻 1:35 love how you said hello root

[@jimmyculberson5013]

The 350 surely is a beast. I love how it can clean up with less dirt in the burn 🔥 pile. 😊

[@terryrogers1025]

I’m setting having home made pizza for dinner, watching you clearing trees and moving brush with the 350, and I notice how spacious the cab looks and I’m thinking, bet that seat being as comfy as it looks and if you had a little flip up tray that would be place for lunch, pretty expensive lunch room though!😮😊nice job of clearing, looks good, thanks for the update, enjoyed watching.

[@kenore4003]

Maybe AMI can whip him up an accessory package to convert the cab into a lunchroom? It's good for him to regularly put t hy e work aside to get lunch. It can be tempting to get started and just run until quitting time. That's a good way to get burned out.

[@johnbeam-d3v]

Great Video. Love watching you run that monster!

[@MotivationTech68688]

That bucket is impressive and I’m calling about one of them Monday

[@fredpitts9382]

We light the pile as soon as we can that way it's eating every grapple full we throw on it during the work day .we also drag the trees to the pile grabbing them just above the roots really enjoy your projects your one great operator

[@dougmay8924]

It's like your giving Mother Nature a Shave for Prosperity!! Life is Good 👍 Stay Safe my friend ❤️ 🙏 Let's Dig over and over again!!!

[@joebacarella2829]

Chris, when we watch from inside the cab, you don`t realize how big that claw is on the 330, when the camera was outside, that claw is massive, it almost looks too big for the machine, it`s crazy. You work that claw like an extension of your hand, every move with a purpose and precision, thanks for taking us along.

[@assassinlexx1993]

I wonder if you had two extra teeth welded on the thump on the outside edge. You have better stability in the small short sticks🤔 You really can take a huge grapple bit.

[@hydraulic-hum]

whilst I love being in the cab with you when are narrating what is happening, watching you operate the 350 and the giant grapple from outside is awesome and shows what a beast of a machine it is.. those trees don't stand a chance, love your work, thanks for your videos Chris

[@Michael_CS615]

Interesting to see the learning development on how best to use the grapple to pull out the small stuff.

[@axcs0119]

This site has had some epic burn piles

[@RGB06084]

Hey Chris! Have a good weekend!

[@ranger2316]

You got a little something caught in your... oh, never mind, you got it!

[@mickbaker2483]

Hi Chris I know it's been nearly a year you were hear tracking around in 2 feet of water but the work you done back then is paying off this site will be a great place to live, but who would of ever think you could do anything on this land but as usual you did a fantastic job in the beginning to make a fantastic job into the greatest job, thank's Chris for another fantastic video.

[@1959rossco]

The war against the trees continues without delay

[@dennis2376]

Trees have to go if they are in the wrong place. By the way did you hemp, non drug type, is a better collector of CO2 then trees. :)

[@1959rossco]

@@dennis2376 I agree with you on the hemp it is an amazing useful plant and I also agree that some trees are in the way and need to go but did you see a previous video where a beautiful forest of old growth was wiped out for what reason I have no clue

[@dennis2376]

@@1959rossco I do not think it was old growth forest. Hard to tell, but trees grow much quicker in NC.

[@kenore4003]

In colonial America and after farmers were required to plant a percentage of their crops to hemp.

[@josephcook4923]

Ok… now I understand the graptor thing a little better. You’ve got the tree breaking and the ‘comb and pull’ down and it’s amazing to watch

[@reganmorben9248]

Gotta say, really impressed by the Thunder Creek trailer Chris. I mean impressed by a lot of what you do, but that trailer stands out as particularly useful and cool.

[@kenore4003]

The amount of time Chris and Mike save having those service trailers is monumental. Having "greeze" on tap instead of goofing around one tube at a time, air compressor, generator and fuel right at hand is going to pay for them in no time. Probably already has.

[@reganmorben9248]

@@kenore4003 You left out the microwave man.... the microwave!

[@sueted1]

Look forward to these videos! That machine is a beast!

[@seekinfindin5669]

This was a literal Swamp, now it has been transformed into a really nice piece of property. What he needs now is a great big tremongous lake/pond!!

[@keithdunlap2701]

Yeah, the 220 is the all around go to machine but, Man, that 350 is a Beast now !! That is one Big Ass Grapple on there !! lololol... Gonna have some HUGE piles when ya get done there... lolol... Freaking rain is wearing you guys out, it's looking like on the radar, or just barely missing ya... But, Great as Always Chris !! Have a Great Evening Man, And, On to the next !!

[@richardmiller4104]

Your abilities on these machines in awesome. Its like an extension of your own arms.

[@GlobalistJuice]

Had me laughing and saying "MY GOD just look at the size of that damn bucket!!!" with the camera outside and I'm watching the 350 manhandle some of those trees! WOW!! It's great!

[@brookwilliams8663]

Chris, a new D10 cat would take care of clearing a road for you.

[@Rush47.]

it wouldnt really fot his needs though

[@Oldyellor]

Grape vines on one side of the property and bamboo on the other

[@lamontmajors5390]

Good Video Thax 👍👍👍

[@dankolar6066]

Reminds me of weeding the garden, only different.

[@jerrymclean8075]

That new claw is badass!!! Very nice investment!!

[@davidnelson6893]

Nice job well done Peace out

[@r1mein54]

Wet ground also lets big trees fall over in hurricanes. That place sure did grow a nice crop of 6 ft. tall dog fennel.

[@user-dn6ij6lm2g]

Love the video Chris Keep thems comings .love that 350 Volvo she's like monster.

[@dennis2376]

Dang that grapple is big. More pronounced in this video. Thank you tell us it was to be subdivision. Thank you and have a great day.

[@kayenicholls5473]

111 good Sunday morning everyone I hope you all enjoy your day ❤❤❤❤❤❤😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@BuckMasterNorm]

That thing can clean brush

[@Machines-TV]

Thanks for sharing

[@bryanb1259]

Always enjoy watching your projects.

[@Galerak1]

0:25 - I thought those trailers said "THUNDERRRRRRRR" when you opened the lockers. Zach must have a limited edition 😆

[@johnleonard5323]

We have watched clearing jobs using the bucket and now with the grapple. Is the grapple more efficient as it seems? Maybe I missed a comment from you so I'm just asking. I probably will catch it when I rewatch.

[@jerrypage4327]

Shaping up nicely for an old piece of swampland....

[@nancycaputo4128]

We love watching your videos! Id like to see what your puppies are up to if you find the time.

[@nigelhales874]

It's like match 🍡 Chris

[@BigTader]

Chris have you considered buying a bigger off road truck? The Rake on the 350 is awesome great investment for your business. Stay safe and hydrated.

[@jackiejordan2808]

Hey Chris, you see many snakes while clearing out places like this? I’d love to borrow your machine for about a week so I could do some clearing on my farm lol, thanks for the videos!!!

[@trumanwhippet]

Don't know why but I just love the sound of trees snapping 😅

[@rickmueller3817]

Burn baby burn The 350 is an amazing machine. Thanks for sharing.

[@crackstp]

Chris, could you weld a set of cutting edges to the side of the grapple, like the 220 has on it's bucket?

[@yenerm114]

That machines awesome 👌🏻👌🏻🤘🏼

[@stevegreen4875]

👍👍

[@danielgallion4809]

You need Barney !

[@tomjohn5162]

Thar 350 rake seems to need two more tines on the thumb... too much seems to twist away from it given how narrow the thumb is.

[@beardy4831]

Years ago you found out the 290 was too slow for clearing work and the uncle sold it, being unpredictable. But now you're using the 350 for clearing work. Did Volvo speed up the hydraulics for this size machine?

[@richardphelan8414]

I remember this project from years back when Chris cut canals in it to drain it it was a mess for sure

[@johncates5081]

What's the status on the big blow out behind the damn from probably close to 2 years ago now since you first showed it to us, last mention you said it was in engineering & permitting. Have you found a balloon yet in this phase of work on this site ?

[@bobbyb322]

Taking a count BRB

[@brianpesci]

Is doing it this way better than having a mulching attachment for one of the excavators? It seems like it's more time consuming and greater liability with the burn piles. Beside you could always sell the excess mulch.

[@audiebodine519]

Man that rake really can move some brush.

[@milesmcconway8523]

Would a blade welded onto the back of one of the outside forks on the big grapple help with breaking trees in half when you have them on the ground?

[@malcolmyarnold6172]

Good job mate another job well done

[@gregorysmith1107]

I know cris you probably already said but are you planning on putting a thumb on the 350 I'm looking forward to seeing the big bucket on it my lord it's huge love all the awesome videos

[@user-rd9kx7uq2l]

You have to say timber when you take down a tree

[@thatdave86]

For moving the trees and brush to the burn pile, the ultimate would be Barney ,but for times when you don't want to transport Barney to the job how about something like a shipping container,the top 1/4 cut off ,and a axel and wheels at the back with a hook at the other end for the excavator to grab hold and pull it to the Burn site ? Something that you can carry on your trailers and tow to site ,maybe small machines inside or bucket and rakes etc .

[@user-wo3eg1if5s]

What happened to the Hyundai 330 Chris......the new 350 looks an awesome piece of kit. I really enjoy watching your posts from England

[@LatitudeSky]

Still haven't gotten the 350 windows tinted? The sun streaming through the glass is blinding!

[@haroldhawkins9370]

Nice video Chris.

[@ronthacker211]

That Volvo with the grapple rake looks like some kind of dinosaur, chewing up trees.

[@user-di4qq6em6k]

Great video as always Chris. Need to slow down enough to get the window tint man out to tint the windows in the 350. Is Charlie going to purchase the Hyundai excavator from you? Hope you have a good weekend .

[@arkansas1336]

Good progress!