Mini Digger vs landslides : Restoring access to my Hydro Turbine + Testing New hydraulic Grab Bucket

The track to my Hydro Turbine water intake has been blocked by landslides for over a decade, making it difficult to clear the intake when it blocks up with debris.
The track is narrow so I can't get my big excavator or dozer down to clear it.
Now that I have the Takeuchi mini excavator, I can clear the track and once again ride the ATV right down to the intake.
Thanks to Hamilton Diggers NZ for giving me a discount on the new Grab Bucket - / @hamiltondiggers6850 , www.trademe.co...
Takeuchi TB217R Mini digger from Central Group NZ - bit.ly/CGCE

[@rgr3427]

Washing machine water turbine running in the jungle longer than the one I have in my house, aaarrgh. Nice to see an update of the power system, this is what started me watching you long ago, thank you sir. ***Perfect attachment for the “Baby Beast”.

[@GimliNZ]

It was my first watch of Marty_T's videos as well. Have been hooked ever since!

[@BJ-Hunter513]

Working on my own off grid hydro turbine...😅😅I am planning on setting it up with a 1000litre water tank and a RAM pump.... stream not required... it's going to be recirculating system

[@ferrumignis]

@@BJ-Hunter513 Perpetual motion hydro turbines are definitely the best sort 😁

[@paulwalker4239]

Nice to see you have finally treated yourself to a shiny new machine, Marty. After coping with some of the older machines you have got restored. Think you're doing a fab job. Do you ever come across any old back?Hole loaders from jcb circuit 1970/80 would be interested to know if you do as I am a massive jcb fan.Thanks marty take care keep filming

[@Mark-xl8gg]

One slight correction, his second hand junk washing machine , has been running constantly , since before yours was born😂

[@Focaloren]

Takeuchi is such a bulletproof brand. We bought one for our miners/tunnel workers and they didn't manage to destroy it after 8 years of use or so 10/10 from me.

[@megape95]

Takeuchi is not bulletproof.. they are good machines but have their hickups. The undercarriage hoses are not enough protected and are low quality. Hoses on the main boom are low quality as well but they are easier to change. These tb215 and 217r have a weird hydraulic track handle lock system and does not work well after 2 years. I have removed it on my machine but thats a safety issue. On a cab machine it works better, since it is (sort of) dry inside the cab. Tb235 has some weird maintainance free bushes at the blade pivot. They goal up and then they are not greasable anymore. Just normal hardened steel bushes would be better .

[@ancientbuilds3764]

@@megape95 You can't call them perfect, as such a machine does not exist. What do you want? Track speed? Bucket strength? I like Bobbies. Slow as shite, but they can haul themselves up the stupidest slopes, and have mega strength on the bucket. The job is slower but more reliable. Very very annoying though. I used to pop the window open, stick my feet out and drink a coffee as I glacially crawled from A to B. What was more important is that they did not wobble so much as they were built like tanks. Saves a lot of trouble with the old spine thing.

[@Failure_Is_An_Option]

No different than CAT, Deere, Liebherr.

[@cdellis1000]

Miners are a severe test of equipment

[@Focaloren]

@@cdellis1000 Yeah, they get paid more if they do the jobs faster, so every piece of equipment is brutalized. I've seen them break just about anything, from excavator booms being broken in half, probably 20 of the A30 and A40 dumpers being flipped upside down and in rivers and what not. For an excavator to survive for 8 years without any major repairs, it's pretty much a legend already.

[@geoffstartswithg]

I can't help but believe you have tons of extra footage, and I'd bet a bunch of us would gladly sit through WAY longer vids. You are literally living my ideal life, friend. Cheers!

[@Stratos53100]

Well said, 45mins...more digging and cutting etc i'm game.....

[@warwicks2780]

Great way to get some extra revenue Marty. Start a second channel and just upload the full time lapse footage in normal time, no commentary :)

[@shize9ine]

Also, i feel a little robbed without the video of the ATV trying out the new path at the end.

[@Meshedupatx]

I’m a huge fan of the longer format. Would love to see it.

[@gordonagent7037]

That opening scene was worthy of an Attenborough doco, beautiful. Marty, I guess some would say maintenance like this is a chore and a bore but it’s not really aye, I can smell the bush, the fresh soil smell, so really it’s just a pleasurable morning

[@iamie153]

Thanks Marty, your videos are always therapy for the mind. The way you calmly go about things and look after your gear. No clickbait, just you doing things that need to be done and that you obviously, for the most part, enjoy doing.

[@JoshuaG182]

Ditto to this

[@googies12a]

5:45 in, the smile of satisfaction getting the new grab to work, the mini digger is definitely proving useful! All the best form Ireland ☘

[@blocka58]

I swear you only add the bird song to make this ex pat jealous. Look at all that familiar bush and not a snake in sight. As kids we use to run and play in much the same area, made tracks for our pushbikes long before mountain biking became the "thing". Thanks Mate. Miss the fishing at the Pass.

[@pauljoseph8338]

Never been to NZ, but my god, why anyone choose to LEAVE that paradise?!

[@Jacobtheunwise]

​@@pauljoseph8338 can't be that good when all the kiwis migrate to Australia lol

[@Drew-in-NoDak]

No snakes in NZ?

[@CJChild]

​@@pauljoseph8338Not all of us live in spots as nice as Marty does. Cost of living and poor pay are big factors.

[@daddybob6096]

@@Drew-in-NoDak No snakes, no crocodiles or alligators, no wild big cats, only deer and wild goats. Safe as in the bush, slept out there numerous times as a young guy.

[@canvids1]

Marty I have been watching your videos for a number of years now and you never stop to amaze me of what you can do with what you got. Fixing, mending, fabricating, you name it you do it. Thank you Toronto Canada.

[@JohnSmith-ud9ex]

The missus must be wondering what`s wrong with you, mate.... you haven`t brought a once dead tractor home in ages ! Hope you and yours are all safe, well and happy. Thanks, as always, for the "not just" entertainment = ) And a shout out to Hamilton Diggers for looking after you ( and us ) with that nice discount !

[@thedave7760]

I know right, I truly fear that this will start Marty down the path of getting new stuff in instead of finding junk in a field. It will ruin everything.

[@josephking6515]

He did bring a "dead" boat and trailer instead. Doesn't that count? 😲

[@nigel4425]

I don't think there are any dead tractors left in NZ, Marty has fixed them all.

[@hamiltondiggers6850]

We enjoy seeing our customers utilizing our products plus Marty's a top bloke and it's a pleasure to help him out.

[@JohnSmith-ud9ex]

@@hamiltondiggers6850 From what I saw its an excellent cross between dig and pick. An excellent compliment to any loadout. Thanks again for supporting a "top bloke" ! = )

[@RAKINAUS]

Onya Marty, good production! The sounds you've captured, the scraping of the bucket, the birds, the muffled digger, what a beaut microphone!! That little digger is perfect, so much less fuel than a bigger machine. Good thing you got the trees on the down side, that edge freaks me out. Now you have to name the digger " mountain goat". Love your work Marty

[@puirYorick]

Another task well done. ~ Yeah, Baby! 👍🏼on the five point turn. I appreciate the David Attenborough nature film touch at the end too.

[@andrewwilliams8365]

That little digger seems to be invaluable to the fleet. Good on you for picking it up. I'm looking forward to seeing it proving it's worth. 👍

[@stevejohnstonbaugh9171]

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to 'track' along, Marty! I can see the sites, smell the smells and hear the sounds of your forest. It is always a delight to watch you in the operator seat. No wasted motion, two and three tasks all going at the same time. I really appreciate the effort you put into your videos. Sounds like you may have bearing issues in your turbine? Happy that you now can 4 wheel your way almost to the intake. Looking forward to the turbine track! Best to the family (including your dog-o) :)

[@clamsthecat]

I first started watching your videos over 10 years ago, and I moved to NZ 8 years ago. I'm still watching, dude!

[@cadcad4974]

Marty, you make some of the best and most interesting videos on KZbin, and this one is a home run!

[@wolverine89893]

Wow! Talk about making your own pathway down the mountain. 😲 That mini - ex is worth it's weight in Gold, that grapple is mean with those fang teeth on the end. I like how it was like stump what stump 😂 Very multi-use attachment. 💪

[@garrybunting7231]

Greetings form from the U.S.A., the state I live in Missouri, has a motto "The show me State". All your videos certainly accomplish that time and time again. You Sir are a Wizard.

[@kiwi_welltraveled4375]

How exciting Alone in the bush making a track, I can't think of anything I'd rather be doing. Now that I'm older, having a digger to do all the work it sounds like heaven! Leave, Same or Better, Everything Be Kind ☮️🙋🏻‍♂️

[@ltdees2362]

Once again Marty, thank you for sharing your stunningly beautiful world and taking us along on your many projects !! The wonders you create to make you and your families life easier is never ending. A lasting legacy and model for your children for decades 💖

[@dalegunn9434]

Good stuff,, Love doing this sort of work Have a little digger myself that we used to carry around in the Fiordland Park with the choppers doing track work They can punch well above their weight but still demand a good amount of respect and skill as they are certainly more interesting to handle than the larger ones

[@MartyT]

Nice.. Yes the little ones are quite tippy

[@shhmule]

Greetings from Anakiwa, you've definitely found yourself a great slice of paradise there where you can tame the land. Love watching the variety of machines working to tame the wild landscapes!

[@Oodle-ox2vf]

Excellent video Marty. Thanks for the tip about Hamilton Diggers. Now I know just what to get the Missus for Christmas. 👍

[@shooterjohn7163]

Marty your trail down to the creek is very much like the one on my property. I started on the road working off of my ATV and using hand tools. I looked for a machine like yours but could locate one locally so ended up with a Yanmar Vi055. After getting used to it everything sailed along. I have to find a grab bucket like you have that thing is awesome. I think you said your hydro plant was about 2 kilometers down. I have solar for power but would like to put the creek to use also. Thank you for your channel… John

[@Guywithcrazyideas]

Your editing skills are pro level - thanks for no crappy loud music.

[@jasonheard9013]

Magnificent video Marty T. I think from birth ur parents played soundtracks on how to be a mechanic, a welder, a man of all trades & a husband & father, while you slept. You have staggering talent my friend.

[@bigchiefbear]

That's one brilliant machine in Martys skilled hands. Is there nothing this genius can't do. Wish I had a friend like Marty Hope you and family are all well. Cheers Jason.boston UK.

[@jeffparker3334]

You have a way of making things look far easier than they really are. Nice mini digger too. I had forgotten about the turbine down there. Thanks for a relaxing, positive video Marty.

[@oby-1607]

Man, that little roadway was really needing some maintenance. At least you have the machine and time to make it happen. Great work. Always love seeing any size excavator doing work as I have a 2 tonne unit and a 16 tonne.

[@larryjohnson9720]

Love the kit. The bucket with the thumb is a great addition to the machine and should work well processing fire wood also.

[@stevejake4316]

Beautiful country. Really appreciate the video. That's quite the road building machine there. I'm going to keep my eyes out for a mini like that.

[@Mopar46]

What a handy little machine that is; thereby proving that bigger isn't always, better!

[@gfrankum63]

Wow, you're getting a lot of good use out of that Takeuchi! It clearly looks like the most useful machine out of all the diggers and dozers you have, and it's not in desperate need of new parts either. Keep up the good work, and content!

[@MartyT]

Its ideal for these narrow tracks

[@craigsowers8456]

Amazing how much work you can get done with "the little Dude" !!! And how rapidly you've mastered its' operation. Congrats on "The Claw" as well.

[@PhotoArtBrussels]

If ever, the right tool for the right job. The little machine with the attachments did great. What a demo of a use-case.

[@danestormfeltz7815]

We need a part 2 to see how you make a walking trail to the turbine. That looked pretty rocky with a few good sized trees there. I know the Mrs won't appreciate this, but if you get a ripper for the Takeuchi you should be able to get the path to the turbine. 😁 Excellent content as always Marty!

[@Stratos53100]

And a Part 3 for the actual repair of it...

[@kiweekeith]

Wow, Just love that new 'Grab Bucket' .... You wield it as though it is an extension of 'Your Person/Body' .... I am sure that it is going to a Major Help with All the work that you do on The Property ..... Best to ALL from ChCh ....

[@g-man7938]

Smart laying the debris horizontal along the road bed to help hold it in place, instead of letting it slide into the abyss. 👍

[@MartyT]

Yep I do that with big rocks, you can see it near the end

[@lemagreengreen]

That little Takeuchi is amazing, perfect machine for the job and looks very capable.

[@assassinlexx1993]

That new thumb will be invaluable. You saw a good deal and went for it. Moving rocks with a press of a button. Now checking the generator is just a fast drive but with tools and a beer.

[@meirionevans5137]

Passed through that area last year, lovely. Micro machines are so powerful now, Takeuchi are super reliable, hardly need a spanner.

[@ClintsHobbiesDIY]

Great job Marty. You are getting good use out of the mini. I have one and didn't know what I was, missing before I got it. Cheers from the state of Virginia USA.

[@carabs3823]

YT actually recommended this channel / specific videos when you either first put them in or were fixing them up. Looks like May 2022. Been enjoying your vids ever since but have already wonder about these turbines. Happy to get a bit of an update.

[@MartyT]

I'm planning to film making a new turbine after I improve the track to the turbine site, hopefully in the next few months. Thanks for watching

[@topotone]

Great fun watching you work that little machine. I bet there’s quite a bit of extras to set up the cameras and move those around. All worth it for us, tho. Thanks Marty.

[@rays2877]

You know with that fine track, you're never going to have to service your hydro ! This has been a pleasant morning coffee, thank you.

[@Vault57]

I visited NZ some years ago. It's the only other place that I would truly like to move to. The forests seemed primordial, and hearing the birds is amazing. I truly enjoyed the all to brief time available to me.

[@oioi8037]

Always interesting to watch your videos. Thanks for posting. I have just finished watching Andrew Camerata"s latest video too - He was working at pretty much the same thing as you when his excavator caught fire, miles from any assistance. His fire extinguisher failed to work, so he had to watch the machine burn itself out before fire brigade arrived. I trust you have more -and better- extinguishers than he did!

[@ewanstewart8011]

Great size of machine that allows you access on your narrow steep tracks and with those buckets/attachments it’ll be almost unstoppable 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍🏻

[@BlairGuinea]

Great vid Marty...............picture that south island bush, great day job.................thank you

[@mischef18]

Nice one bro, that is an interesting attachment with the combined thumb and looks real handy too, awesome you got it a good price. (thanks Hamilton diggers) That little taco digger is right handy for jobs such as this. Safe travels. Ken.

[@rolandtb3]

Mini digger is a mighty trail maker. Created a couple of turning points for the truck and atv. Very close to the stream now. Over time, the steep slopes can be slowly graded or wider turns made and ground e en more compacted. Plus a few rain/water runoff channels to minimize soil erosion or landslides. If need be, the original 20 yr old access road can be widened eventually. For a seldom used trail, damn good job. Significantly easier access.

[@druckerman247]

Love your footage Marty. The bush brings peace while working.

[@everestyeti]

That new attachment is surely the business, your little digger was a useful tool before now it's gone into another mode. Just wondering though when we'll see it on the island, you just need a landing craft and you'd be all set. 👍

[@donbennington677]

Well done Marty, you cleared that track as though you knew what you were doing. I enjoyed watching and admire your skill with the the excavator👍

[@brentmulqueen377]

well what a great little machine and there are the great birds sounds of the NZ bush cheers 😊

[@bishopkinlyside8477]

Hi Marty , that little digger and the log grabber is fantastic. What a great little machine absolutely love it better than trying to get the big one down there which is probably impossible. Keep up the good work Cliff from Australia.

[@richardwooldridge1505]

Hi Marty - You certainly get your money's worth out of your equipment! I imagine a lot of us viewers wish we lived in such a paradise as you do!

[@lhaveAfoot]

I love how friendly fantails are, had one following and dancing next to me when I was out for a decent light bush walk up a smaller mountain in Welly.

[@MartyT]

I think we must stir up bugs for them

[@fhwolthuis]

Amazing bit of kit, that little Takeuchi ❤

[@CharlieXtreme]

It's so relaxing to watch you work while I lie on the couch 😊 Greetings from Bavaria

[@mupdog9697]

Letsdig18 would be proud! I bet you are liking the quick coupler and grab...makes a big difference in time saved.

[@alasdairhamilton1574]

The wee machine works well.👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@bumpkinrocks]

Very impressed by the grab bucket not seen one before. Great investment 👍

[@whiskeyinthejar24]

That looks like a very satisfying job to complete. That little machine is definitely earning its keep.

[@fredscheerle7592]

Hi Marty, That Mini Excavator is the king of bit of Kit that almost every home owner could use for a weekend or longer.

[@gman3218]

So glad you kept that beautiful fern tree.

[@alanfenwick9307]

Top effort Marty, it must be so good to have that job off the to do list! That little machine is quite amazing! Thanks for sharing and cheers from across the ditch.

[@jimronchetto8592]

Marty, that mini-ex has really been a game changer for you! I'm glad you got the Takeuchi instead of the Chinese gas motor one. This one will be much more dependable.

[@jimronchetto8592]

....And that grappler is awesome!

[@tony66au]

Something weirdly soothing watching you clean up and re open access tracks :-)

[@kragfearghal]

Mr. Marty T WINS!!! He's not only got all the toyes we "Boys" want but the land with reasons/excuses to go and play with them making inprovements! So jeolous Sir, congrats, envy from Maine:)

[@timothykiggins1601]

Hey Marty, thanks for the video, and hope you and your family are doing great!!!

[@jeffjenkins9529]

That excavator made light work of the project. Imagine side hill road building 50 years ago. Great Marty

[@kevinmccarey5015]

Well done Marty, Great clip and seeing your way of life there. God bless

[@mrmoses2434]

Good call on not widening the track, the wider you go, the more you undermine the hill above it, the more likely you are to get slips. this often gets over looked. keep the track cambered into the hill with a decent water table and try not to load the edge of the track with too much fresh material. good luck, I know you guys have got a lot of rain in recent years

[@taurota1554]

Outstanding and awesome as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

[@ian-c.01]

I love that birdsong and scenery !

[@MRrwmac]

Marty, Very nice work “mate”! I can see you and your kids driving down that new ATV path! Take a tent and spend the night by the stream.

[@Palomino488]

Marty, been watching your videos for years, they never disappoint! The Austin Powers cart clip had me rolling 😂.

[@tjcasper777]

It was brilliant! Had me dying as well.

[@terrytopliss9506]

The new mini digger is certainly earning its corn Marty. Thanks for the video.👍👍

[@Ejrupolsen]

Love the Austin powers comparison 😂😂😂. Hope we get a video of you make a new route to the turbines. 👍👍

[@chrissmith7655]

Hi Marty, good work and very educational for us Townies in UK. Many thanks.

[@AndrewFroude]

Great job Marty. That'll make life easier, and the little excavator and the new grab bucket were ideal for that job.

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Dear Marty T. 👍👌👏 Oh WOW, this little Takeuchi excavator works quite impressively well and is definitely stronger than I thought. I always seem to underestimate the power of hydraulic force. The new attachment does a great job. But of course it's nothing without such an excellent operator like you. Buying the Takeuchi new seems to be a way better investment than I could've imagined. Additionally Misses T. will like a clean, new and perfectly functional addition to your fleet much more than the stuff you usually bring home. At least I hope she does. 😁 ;-) As always: Thanks a lot for making teaching explaining recording editing uploading and sharing. Best regards, luck and especially health to all of you.

[@imalec]

What a lovely montage. Those goats are definitely living their best lives.

[@russellarendt5565]

Well done! This is a terrific episode, it demonstrated the versatility of the newest X2 “brand new and latest acquisition“ to the fleet, along with your considerable operating skills, editing and drone views. Highly entertaining. Thanks. ☮️

[@brucet8551]

thanks Marty.another great video.i wish the grab bucket was around when we were using the minitake tb650.

[@lileinstein104]

I secretly hope that this clearing is a precursor to a turbine update video, like many other comments, it was the video that got me interested in your channels, and have been hooked since. Keep up the awesome content mate!

[@arlingtonguy54]

It’s amazing how similar the terrain vegetation and soil looks like the tracks I built on my land in Western North Carolina. Cheers!

[@wileycoyotesr8623]

The grabber may be the best gift you've given yourself in some time. Excellent decision to buy it.

[@paulcooper9135]

Could have watched an hour of this trail clearing! Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦

[@josephlwallssr6166]

Great job, Marty! You will be ready for the winter rain in no time!😊

[@chrisrea7347]

Good to see you again and a great job with the mini excavator ! I remember when you put the hydro system in!!

[@roberthocking9138]

Nice one, that little mini digger seems quite powerful for its size.

[@pauljoseph8338]

The micro mini excavator seems incredibly powerful for its size! Great purchase.

[@joerodrigues3816]

Great video as always mate thanks again and all the best to you all. Love if you could give us some more videos mate yes I know you working a lot I just like watching your videos and where you live it’s great again all the best.

[@ToreDL87]

I haven't been keeping up the last month or so, now I'm like, wait, Marty T with an actual new machine AND equipment? What sorcery is this? We'll hold a hearing at dawn! 🤣🤣

[@terryshaw4756]

Threading the felled trees through the standing trees at the edge is a great way of providing a barrier for the five point turn

[@Taco_ocaT]

Your content puts me at ease. Thank you so much marty! Love the channel

[@jerryuptmor2826]

It's a beautiful place you have there my friend. Blessings. Stay safe.

[@captainover-tighten6729]

Geeeesh! You’re a brave man Marty. That “digga” could have easily tumble off the edge. Only a few trees to catch you in some spots. Thanks for posting and glad it went well.

[@tutekohe1361]

Seeing that bone-dry, firewood-ready Kanuka at this time of year brought tears of envy to my eyes!

[@MartyT]

I hauled out a few loads on the hilux on my way home 😉