Day One On The New Pond Build: Monster Bucket In Action!

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#letsdig18 #excavator #VcePartner #LandClearing #volvo #amiattachments #graptor #ramcam
Starting A new pond build on a project i have done a lot of work on

[@RumMonkeyable]

"Before' pictures help us remember......great drone photos! 👍👏

[@stephengarner9109]

Can't agree more. The transformation on this is so extreme I didn't recognise it until I saw the 'before' pictures.

[@heatherlane9270]

This field has changed so much from those early days of the beginning of this redevelopment. Oh that beautiful topsoil will make this pond look so pretty. The 350 and big bucket are doing a great job. Get well soon Barney.

[@terryrogers1025]

When you first started loading the truck with the 350 it seemed like the dirt never stopped coming out of that new bucket, that is an awesome bucket for moving dirt. Thanks for the update, enjoyed watching.

[@blondeenotsomuch]

Gah, I envy that topsoil, the shovel is pretty awesome too.

[@Handygrandad]

You have done a lot of hard work to get where you are, now you begin to reap the rewards,

[@Popeyes66]

Chris has the shape and depth+ slope angles firmly embedded in his Cerebral Cortex,even before he leaves the house at ' Silly Oclock ' a.m Chris ,in my mind is the Undesputed King of Pond builders in both Carolina''s . And Rich men North of Richmond know I ain't lying.

[@roffclary6381]

It’s really amazing how you can turn a pice of “crappy unusable” property into something useful and beautiful! Machines and knowledge are the key! Looking good buddy!

[@Todd.Roberts]

Can’t wait to watch the pond build progress.

[@notyou6950]

You’re really good at slinging dirt. Been watching for long time now. I seem to relax when I watch you work… Weird!

[@craigpridemore7566]

I remember this! I honestly didn't think ANYTHING you did was going to make it any better. Wow. What a change!

[@Stratos53100]

Yeah back then it was a Total Sh--- show... It was a struggle just to get any drainage off of it, Amazing transformation no doubt....

[@theigamers2707]

Can you link the first vid of this serie?

[@craigwavra3495]

That’s a massive bucket and going to love a lot of dirt!! Can’t wait to see it on some more videos and ponds. Next up is a larger truck.

[@Vickie-Bligh]

Wow, does the 350 ever move the dirt. 4 scoops to fill Barney. It really is difficult to judge scale on video but seeing the bucket next to the 220 helped. The happiness in your voice while hogging dirt is fun to hear. Now, here's hoping Barney is an easy fix. Thanks for sharing this with us all, Chris.

[@markbaker3172]

Big?

[@Skorpychan]

It's amazing what three years of proper drainage will do to a swamp. It looks like the new pond is going to be a big drainage ditch, but that's kind of what the land there needs. And that's some lovely black topsoil there. Just one scoop of that would do wonders here.

[@papatomsthoughts]

Chris, the initial videos from 3 years ago really shows the perspective of what you have done and accomplished, thank you for comparison. That new bucket really moves dirt. Take care and God bless

[@douglasr.c.5622]

That new bucket is five feet wide, but he wants more,,,, LOL

[@ScottTheMarine]

Dang dude! That's a bucket! Wow it's amazing how dry that is now compared to when you drianed it.

[@Mtlmshr]

Holy Crap that bucket is almost as big as the entire cab on the 220! Geeeze!!!

[@davidhanson2351]

Hello from Florida. At 3:30 is quite an impressive machine you have. Glad you got the rattle fixed in the cab too.

[@Bill_N_ATX]

The color of that topsoil reminds me of a “topsoil” dig I saw in Mississippi. This was in the Delta, a couple of miles from the Mississippi River. This was alluvial land, which is a fancy way of saying it had been built up from thousands of years of river sediments from flooding and drying. Anyway, they were using large excavators to dig up soil thirty feet deep if it was an inch. It was the topsoil from every state north to Minnesota. Beautiful stuff.

[@blondeenotsomuch]

Aye, I'd take a bunch of that over this red stuff.

[@lgun1]

I have been watching your videos long enough that I remember when you first started draining that swamp. The land has changed a lot since then.

[@micahpaul20]

Watching you build ponds is my favorite

[@leolarocque-f6z]

Thanks for the Video on this pond Chris and THAT 350 Is big and love that big bucket too .

[@Sean-i4r]

You could always rent a top soil screener,witch you should absolutely screen that beautiful dirt to get rocks and roots and sticks outta da way

[@StirlingLighthouse]

3 years ago already?!? Dang! Where do the years go Chris? Thank you 🙏

[@benjaminbeamon877]

All right another pond build. Time to watch the master work.

[@paulcooper9135]

Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦

[@YK82622]

Chris you operate the 350 like you are conducting a symphony orchestra. Very smooth and precise. Truly amazing to watch.

[@Calovikie]

8:23. Lol such calm.... " That was the thumb hitting the boom"

[@tomblanton4726]

Man I am stoked watching the 350 and the huge bucket moving dirt. Loved every minute of this video. Thanks Chris! DP would be proud!

[@tommyhardin8720]

Watching your new pond build looking good always good and entertaining videos. God Bless

[@rossdean1061]

I have my own 14t Kobelco excavator on my farm and there is something satisfying about digging and shifting dirt and also using the log grapple to clear up trees....I love it!

[@Machines-TV]

Thank you for new project

[@tomdonnell814]

I remember the beginning, but due to life interrupting, I missed the finish of swamp clearing. Now, back to business. Looking forward to following this job. 😊

[@alfadoofus]

I wasn't sure which project this was until you showed the before pics , But you really transformed this plot of land. 👍

[@donaldmendes184]

Actually you can dig area to your dump road suite, refill area with better materials to support your haul road area and hauling equipment. We did that system and worked fantastic majority of time.. congratulations on you 350 Volvo.

[@charleswelch249]

The 350 is a beast for moving dirt in a hurry. I'm happy for you getting your dream machine. I remember that nasty swap when you brought the old 220 and started draining the swap. It's not even the same place in only 3 years.

[@joshuarichie8622]

Nice machine Chris!! We've found that the 40 ton trucks actually go across bad ground better than the smaller trucks. We have an older Volvo 25ton just like yours and a Volvo 30, they will get stuck all the time in bad ground but our HM400's will go right through it. It's amazing what those trucks will go through! Been watching for years, love your videos!

[@lucasaiken3978]

Always good to see an actual smooth operator, too many cowboys out there

[@bishopcorva]

Lemme see here... 220 average scoops to fill Barney is about ~11. The old 330 did it in 6 scoops. Now the 350 does 4 with the big bucket. All of those were with the largest bucket attached to each machine. I think we've hit peak scoop to truck ratio where another truck might be required to make higher production for sites that would have a longer turn/transport time. If not just a bigger haul truck, which itself becomes a "moving this site to site so it's not sitting more than working" issue. Still though, remember the older 220 wading through the muck and mire to drain that piece of land in the first place. Time flies.

[@user990077]

Each bucket full is the same as a brush stroke by an artist or a note played by a musician. Only after thousands of repetitions does the final creation emerge.

[@TheBest-ob1kj]

Wow I could see just how big the new bucket wad when you put it into the truck bed to give it a push! Wow! Nice new pond dig!

[@f150bc]

You and Mike have built very nice companies that do excavating..the wide range of jobs show how much has improved. I would think head and shoulders above the other podcasts about people in your trade.

[@gerrycarter4929]

I remember watching you track through water building those drainage ditches and removing the bamboo ticket three years ago!

[@donaldmendes184]

Trying to haul materials on existing grounds can be a big pain. Worked on bay salt flats , converting to housing areas, we also cut in ponds for housing areas that eventually tide into existing bay , some areas were strictly bay mud flats , were dug out materials and dried out materials and replaced and compacted it back.

[@steyrman2]

Love these pond digging videos all the way from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@donprater2754]

Great video shots on the pond build. impressive!

[@faylock7693]

You yelled "4 scoops" because you were happy!!! 🤩🥰

[@Sir_Leelord]

I wonder if he ever digs up some antique relics and notices them.....wonder what the coolest thing he's dug up thats been underground forever was.

[@cjenkins95]

I have been binge watching a lot of you videos I would really like to see a revisit to some of the ponds now that they have had time to fill up.

[@kenore4003]

Sometimes the owners don't want to be revisited. They may have done some things to make their land more identifiable and there are always a very few people who won't respect boundaries.

[@cjenkins95]

@@kenore4003 I get that but even the ones he could go back to would be cool to see them full and how they turned out.

[@kenore4003]

@@cjenkins95 Isn't it nice to have a conversation instead of just snarking at each other. Thanks

[@paullangjahr4071]

I have thought several times while you have gotten new larger buckets as to how quickly you adjust to slowing down your dump and return swing . Small bucket on excavator dumps quick, but going to a much larger bucket will dump much slower. It's clear just how smooth you operate, but it's still a learning process for a bit I'm sure.

[@jbonegw]

Dang… 3 years ago. Remember watching this series. Time flys.

[@donpanzer5348]

I was thinking the same thing. Can't believe it was 3 years ago.

[@danielcollier4401]

Same for me

[@paulhusky580bts]

Do you need Hyundai Dumptruck again 41ton Model

[@Jeffrey-ed8sz]

Big toys for serious soil removal. Thanks Chris.😊

[@jonathanzellner906]

No kidding. I was actually thinking about what ever happened to this property. Didn’t realize it was 3 years though. Same with the muddy mess of a pond he was dredging a while back

[@rhacker3058]

Now That Right There Is Some "Black" Dirt, Unlike That "Red" Stuff You Usually Scratch Around In!! LOL Load The Truck From The Back, You'll Never Miss!! Later Brother, T/Y For Another "Great' Video! Stay Cool, Dry And "SAFE"!!

[@johnroberts8475]

Just watching your hand movements while focused on the bucket wow can't get over how responsive and the amount of dirt that big 350 will move. Clearing and pond building just got a lot quicker not to mention easier. Good video Chris

[@Mrpaint06]

The "before" drone footage of the swamp was great! I know you aren't able to do that on every job but when you can please keep it up!

[@deernutOO]

I recall the beginning of this project, and seems like less than three years ago. But then, have been enjoying your great videos for more years than just three. Thanks for continuing to take us along.

[@johnbeam-d3v]

Looks really good. Love watching that 350 beast in action.

[@planeanddirtsimple]

The cab of the 350 is nice and quiet. I couldn’t hear hardly anything when you tracked over to get the truck unstuck. I remember the video where you were digging the drainage ditch. Property turned out nice.

[@ryanhoward1013]

Hi Chris, I timed you, and you were getting 5 buckets per min so at 5yrds per bucket that's 25 yards per minute and that's 1500 yards per hour so that's 15000 yards per 10 hrs day. So that's not a bad days workout. That bucket is amazing,, it was worth the wait to see that thing dig. I hope that the haul truck is going to be an easy, cheap fix. Thanks for the video, Chris. I enjoy every one of them, and God bless you. Be safe out there.

[@tf987]

I'm not in the dirt moving field but I wish I had a trackhoe and dozer SOOOO bad but this is next best thing!!!!

[@tonymcmaster8732]

that machine and bucket makes a monster it makes the work look easy great video TONY ISLE OF WIGHT UK

[@mikesettle7583]

I wish you were closer to Oklahoma. Arms Family Homestead could use your help with what he's doing with his pond. You 2 would be a perfect collaboration

[@whiskykiss]

Wow! I saw this job. I didn't realize that I'd been watching your channel that long.

[@larryskeeper1197]

This machine works well. I'm still in awe however, with the amount of dirt that hired 550 could move. Spectacular..

[@jrand2631]

That's a big a$$ bucket! But no problem for the 350, it handles it like a champ.

[@nickkirdan8922]

Soooo satisfying to see how you scoop and dump dirt

[@wallbawden5511]

Well now that's a bucket fore sure noticed when digging and the dozer was behind it you could not see the dozer Can certainly move some dirt 5 yards in a scope pore off road truck did not stand a chance keeping up Then it went down with a sore arm but bin good to you has done a huge amount of work with minimal maintenance Was good to see and here you speak of how much the 350 can dig and move very impressive fore sure pond will be finished in no time your efforts don't go unnoticed with moving all the top soil even if root bound just a pleasure to watch you in action getting it done Cheers

[@deanedeane4318]

Absolutely love the time lapse !!! Such fun 😉🙃😎 NZ

[@cbasscbass2196]

Love watching these videos. 46 years old and been at my job for 21 years. Still dream of being a heavy equipment operator one day.

[@alexanderbinnas9702]

@letsdig18 the a25c is a really good truck 👍 with a set of the michelin mega xbib 1000-50r25 tyres on it floats around almost anywhere! Its a whole other truck to drive with those puppies on 😊

[@charlesswhitlock]

The 550 filled the A25c in about 50 seconds, the 350 seems to be about 62 seconds. Pretty impressive

[@jamesgreenawalt9713]

You can build a hill pretty quick with that new bucket!

[@keithdunlap2701]

Oh Yeah Chris, I got the perfect name for the 350, " HogZilla" !! That SOB is getting one hell of a scoop !! You ain't lyin,' making some good time with it for sure !! That sucks the Off Road Truck went down on ya, may be you can get someone out there pretty quick , and have them fix it... But, still moving a long pretty damn good I'd say !! Great as Always Chris, Have a Great Evening, And, On too the Next !!

[@quintinstephens2573]

A grading bucket on that thing would be the size of your mats, when you use them as scrapers

[@thecatofnineswords]

With that monster scoop it feels almost worth getting a second truck and running 3-scoop loads instead of 4. Speaking of which you're about 3.5 scoops a minute.

[@paulcoote3094]

If you had stripped topsoil in small sections instead, it would have allowed you to strip the next section whilst you waited on the truck to empty. Strip topsoil, fill truck. Strip topsoil, fill truck etc. 30% more efficient.

[@michaelcarlson1528]

I miss the pond dredging days! Clearing trees and pond building days is not as challenging as watching Chris floating across the ponds. I guess I search for another pond dredging group. Thanks Chris for all the last 5 years! Your the best!

[@StevenRitchey]

Now, you're going to have to get Barney a big brother to go with that big excavator.

[@gregduello2816]

The 350 moved a mountain of dirt in the time you worked. Good progress I would say.

[@ignacio9552]

I haven't missed a video since March 2020. I can't help but have a sense of proudness and belonging when I can remember seeing the original video.

[@IOSARBX]

letsdig18, nice video keep up the great content

[@d6c10k4]

Years ago I watched two Cat 385 excavators with 10 yard buckets doing mass excavation for a sand pit. Top soil was 10-15 ft. deep on the bottom ground. Four scoops and dirt was running over the sides of a 35 yard haul truck.

[@s0wndman949]

I love this job site. The 220 fills the truck in 10 scoops, the 350 in 4, and remember the 550? It did it in 2.5 :-)

[@AndrewFroude]

Now that's a BIG bucket. It doesn't look that big until you stand beside it.

[@rogerlarge4827]

Wow I remember this place now. Just wow 👍

[@michiganengineer8621]

I'd like a couple of extra deep holes for the fishes to hide in. They'd also be great if a floating platform was anchored near them for diving LOL

[@folditnhalf04]

You’re living my dream. Wish I could build ponds and clear land all day every day.

[@davidepool5884]

Your 330 is making short work of this pond. On good solid ground you could easily keep two trucks busy. It’s amazing how much dirt that excavator can move in such a short time. I believe this is going to be the quickest I’ve ever seen you build a pond. The owner is probably going to have to dig a well to keep this one full because his land is so flat.

[@ranger2316]

Oh, man...I remember that project. I remember how you analyzed and solved the drainage problem. Huge project!

[@MachineryMasters00]

Excavator driving skills are great, very fast and neat

[@d.j.vanderschoot3717]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I get this funny feeling that Chris likes digging dirt. There are various hints during the video.

[@ryanhoward1013]

Lol, I thought that I might be the only person to have been thinking that. He probably gets up in the AM and says, "Oh shit I have to go dig a pond with my new bucket." I hate doing my job" 😂

[@frankmeleshko]

now we get to see some digging and problems... love it

[@Jake25755]

Crazy how well that dried up after all the work you did. I’m sure the landowner is tickled to death now!

[@hydraulic-hum]

awesome video Chris, love the big bucket on the 350.. you sure are moving some dirt..

[@ricktomlin5529]

I watched you digging those channels to direct the water; it’s amazing what nature can do with a little help from an excavator!

[@kenlawhon-vf7bt]

Dang, now you have all of us counting each bucket 1,2,3 & 4 Beep!🤪🤣👍 Love your “Pond” building.

[@CatMeow24-qr7uo]

That thumbnail is sick! This man is actually living my dream ❤❤❤

[@brianbiesterveld1678]

Its been a long time since you had to dig and bail a pond! The new machine and bucket is a game changer. Keep up the good work

[@Stasiokrol]

great video as always love your before and after pictures that you take with the drone before you start stripping the grass off

[@kevingeisel2395]

it's amazing how dry the property is now then when you cleared it looks awesome

[@Monkeysic]

13 to 15 seconds per cycle. Not to shabby. Pretty nice machine!

[@williammurfin6354]

Looks like its time for another Barney with filling it with four scoops!!!