New Excavator! How Much it Cost and How we Did it!

We are a DIY family trying to build a better life. We like to share projects and regular life updates. Our goals are to create a happy home, live healthy, develop our life skills, and see where our life leads us.

[@nanetteholt1957]

I’m super excited for all of you. Anyone who watches your channel knows that the two of you are very frugal and intentional. Keep up the good work.

[@pietervandenberg5257]

Use the old pier blocks to build a platform for the excavator. So that it is not standing in water when the rainy season starts.

[@damogranheart5521]

Now that is a very good idea!

[@donnashort3223]

You shouldn't have to explain why you spent money it's your money I just like watching you and your family work on your home 😊

[@maryfrench9757]

You really don’t owe anyone an explanation of how you spend your money, you spend a lot of time on making videos and providing entertainment for thousands of people. Keep up the good work, doing a great job!

[@barebones5884]

But this is one more video that can bring in more income..

[@richardjones5255]

The new machine sounds like a great way to improve the property. Hiring can be okay if you only need a tiny amount of work done, but once you start scaling up the work, hiring becomes a recurring cost that mounts up rapidly. The small discount for a second hand machine sounds like a major gamble, such hardware can easily lead a hard life at the hands of many users who do not always care what happens. Some people will wonder if you are enjoying a new toy, but that machine faces some hard graft sorting out the land and waterways you own. Treat the machine well and help it retain the best possible value, the next buy should likely be a good grease gun, have fun, think safety and clear your issues. I can see some competition between you two as to who gets to drive and work this new machine. I think Ashley would make a great, considerate operator, as she thinks about how she wants thing to be.

[@kurtbilinski1723]

I think your channel's success is due in great part to your openness, sincerity, and unpretentiousness. So many channels have a "look what I did", or "look at me" subtext that's a real turn off. You guys are "normal", which is a complement on YT :)

[@JuneHott]

This was such a smart buy. When your land flooded up to the house earlier this year I was concerned. This will really make such a difference with rectifying that issue alone. Then when you think about the tree thinning and using it to carry heavy construction material when you are working on the outside of the house. Just an all round good, well thought out purchase.

[@debbymiller8828]

My thoughts exactly

[@BonnieLeah]

Doug, congratulations on getting your new mini excavator. I just want to also say that please call your electric company and find out whether or not you have underground power lines and where they are located before you dig anywhere. If you cut into a live electric line with that excavator, it could possible kill you or who ever is operating the excavator. Have fun, but please stay safe. May God continue to bless you and your wonderful family. ❤️❤️

[@Annew44]

Making the pond deeper then raising the ground around the house to slope to the pond will really help with flooding

[@jomac2913]

I have followed your journey since you lived in Kokomo, I am thrilled to be able to watch you prosper and succeed. Sometime when talking to my family about something you've done, I always refer to you as my KZbin family.

[@vickyoakes4584]

Very sweet to hear you say that we are your on-line family.🤗❤ In fact, after viewing your family and the fact that you've allowed us inside your life, this feels like a very nice and good thing. Thank you, and I'm sure that I am not the only one wishing you a happy, safe and the very best life has to offer!

[@angiebryant750]

Oh my gosh this brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart! I have been following ya'll for several years and to see how far ya'll have come is amazing! I am so very proud!!! Ya'll are a beautiful family and I'm blessed to be able to follow your journey!!! Hugs and love from Mississippi ❤

[@floracampbell6875]

Thanks for explaining your reasoning for buying the excavator although you are under no obligation to do so. I appreciate your attitude to your you tube "family". It's great to see the progress you've both made since I found your channel some time ago. Blessing to you all.

[@jmaxim80]

Congratulations on the new piece of equipment. 🎉🎉🎉 You can tell how appreciative doug is when he was talking about the sawzall and making the comparison he started to choke up a little.

[@diyfferent]

Thank you :)

[@whizzo55]

I noticed that also. They are truly good and humble folks.

[@obrasherk5942]

Praying for many blessings for your adorable family. Happy for you all.

[@joannewoodward3480]

Oh the fun you can/will have with your new mini digger!

[@nessabridge5019]

Well done. You need to give it a name! Not too noisy either. You don’t need to explain your choices , you always make thought through choices. Love your honesty and sensibleness. Enjoy your videos and love seeing your family develop. Thank you for sharing.

[@rontyrie2623]

Great choice for developing and improving your property. A couple of items for your consideration: Make sure you grease the machine before each use. The pins and bushings are expensive to repair and will last a very long time if you take care of them. Diesel fuel... Make sure you purchase the fuel where they sell a lot of it. Diesel fuel is subject to bacterial contamination and should be treated with a biocide to keep the fuel system clean and clear. Keep an extra fuel filter on hand in case you get a bad load of fuel. Last but not least, keep it out of the weather and out of view. These small machines seem to be magnets for theft. Make sure it's covered on your homeowners insurance and I would keep it chained and locked when not in use. Enjoy your new toy!

[@JamesCouch777]

Very good advice 👍

[@diyfferent]

Thanks for the tips!

[@twillbdone3273]

Gratitude and humility. Never lose that. Such a beautiful family. Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@brendapenner689]

You went from this ....... To that, because you worked hard, persevered, and now it's paying off! No one deserves it more! Your family is a pleasure to watch, and follow, and I personally LOVE to watch you grow, and have good things happen! May you have many more blessings to come! 🥰🥰🥰

[@larkatmic]

Inspiring as usual. Your life just got a whole lot easier with that machine. Bye bye flooding. Can’t wait to see the oak trees. Why do I have a feeling Ashley is gonna take the lead on that Excavator. 😊

[@melodysfiresidefarm]

Just so happy for you two!! You work hard and you reap the benefits!! Thanks for sharing!

[@ohiograndma8655]

Purchase some security cameras for your property

[@christianefleurant7089]

You are people of integrity and it's great that you talk about money. There should be more people like you. Thank you from Montréal, Canada.

[@a.butler1778]

I knew your daughter would want to drive it. She's awesome and can do anything. She ROCKS!

[@islandgardener158]

When it comes to tree removal, push the tree over if you can, it is much easier to get the stumps out if the tree is down. Plant some willow trees, the will help with sucking up the water.

[@l.5127]

The machine is well deserved from all your hard work. 👏👏👏👏 Congratulations 🎊🎉🎈💐

[@caroljean1962]

I can't wait to see Ashley drive the excavator like she did on her riding lawnmower. Great purchase!

[@riamariasowers2024]

can't wait to see the transformation in your property !! =D

[@sadiepaddy47]

Well done you so deserve all the best because you would help anyone who needs it you are a beautiful family and love all your videos enjoy your new machine love from London England 👍🇬🇧🎉💐😘

[@kosakira]

I am just happy that you are doing well financially you have been working so hard for the past few years you deserve equipment that will make your life easier

[@eleanorflynn370]

That's good you got your mini excavators you say you are better with your own stuff That's what I like as well and you will be able to get loads done with it and because it is made in America you will be able to get any parts you ever need a wise in vestment .

[@noelg1984]

Good luck with the new excavator. I believe you made the best decision. You guys will certainly use it to the fullest.

[@mrdbooks7285]

Congrats on your new Excavator. I do not know if you have an Accountant or not, but if you do not, get one. You should be able to almost write the expense off on depreciation over time, because that is going to be part of your YT channel creating entertainment. And therefor paying less tax or none at all.

[@elliefarnell-stuart9907]

You all deserve the best of everything! You have all lived on building sites, so to my way of thinking you deserve to reap the benefits. I absolutely love Maverick watering the pond behind you !! Adorable as ALWAYS!🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@Void_And_Absent]

it is a very good thing, Ashley will become the family expert in time.

[@DREWSLENS]

Heck ya congrats!!!!

[@auntmaryspals7978]

You guys worked extremely hard to make that money. It's wonderful that you were able to get something exciting with it. I agree that Ashley will take over that rig. 😄😄

[@Siansonea]

I think this was a good purchase. You have a lot of ground work on that property, and you'd spend a fortune renting equipment to do all the things you need to do, and you'd always be in a hurry. This way you can do what you need to do when you need to do it, and when you no longer need it, well, you know they hold their value.

[@thomaspaine6682]

I second the idea that Doug will be able to earn a lot of money on the side with that piece of equipment if he chooses to do so. People who do quality work are so hard to find. It will pay for itself many times over.

[@Ladythyme]

Yes! And for the cost that many people spend on new cars, you’ve got a piece of equipment that will really be useful… makes total sense! great decision! And once you get proficient using it, you’ll have a new skill! You could also rent it out or commission jobs you can do for others once you’ve used it for what you need. It will definitely be worth your money.

[@karinbrodin34]

Well deserved, you have been working very hard, and most of all it's so nice to see that you are at a better place, you all seems so happy 🏡❤️

[@jamjar5716]

Everyone needs to learn this new toy! You and Ashley now (Ashley is timid now but will feel empowered getting to know the machine!) and the kids little by little riding with dad, carefully!

[@beckiblack859]

Oh man, every guy in the room just got real excited. EXCAVATOR!! Woop woop! ;) You guys are so hard working and frugal. You totally deserve equipment that helps make your job easier.

[@bride8305]

(HUG) Doug you are such a hard worker, this will help you so much to do the hard work. You and Ashley work so hard, you needed this to help make your lives easier. God bless you Doug and Ashley and your beautiful kids. Never seen such hard workers, you are truly blessed by God.

[@audreywy1743]

I think that's a great investment! We have done the same thing, buy a house & fix it up. Sell it when we find a slightly better home to fix up, etc. We do the work ourselves (minus roofing & major structural) and always take great pride in our work. I've learned quite a bit just from watching your channel and others but I really appreciate your work ethic and how humble you guys are. Looking forward to watching your progress!

[@leonarddaniels6221]

Very wise to spend the extra $9000 for the new machine, the used could easily add up $5000 or more in repairs and you would still have an older used machine. When you add up all the money spent on renting a machine, you will be amazed how good of an investment you have made. Good luck with the new machine and it is good to become familiar with the it before you to use it for something that requires precision in a close quarters area.

[@rhorn79]

You will get so much done with this. It will be worth every penny. 9k for peace of mind with warranties no abuse. It's awesome to see all things yall tackle and willing to learn to do.

[@carolinedubose5537]

Come on Ashley!! Give it a go!! You can do a lot of work on cleaning up the pond that you've already started cleaning!!!

[@lmf7436]

Nice purchase. With the way your property floods maybe build a little higher around the pond. 👍💜

[@francinecannon1903]

Happy to see you purchasing new. Avoiding other people's problems. Woohoo....

[@terrisuzuki6367]

So, so cool!

[@maryallen6334]

Great idea to get it now while you are not getting huge amounts of rain. This way you can get the land relatively cleared in the drier season. Get the undergrowth cleared up too so the mosquitos will move away. Good thinking.

[@clarelove3738]

Congratulations and hope it serves you well. Personally I don't think it's any of our business to know how you were able to afford this, I'm just glad you could do it. Even though you make your life public on your channel, it's still your business. I hope you have lots of fun in using it. 🥰

[@janicemattox6964]

So wonderful for you! There will never be a dull moment recorded in your lives together! Quiet spoken, but ground shaking movers working hard to further improve and enjoy the quality of it. I just enjoy being taken along to watch the progress and growth. As old as I am, I don’t know as much about doing the things you do together, but I’m learning from you still!

[@lovelivesonforever7768]

Awesome plans. You are making YOUR way in life as a family. Your channel is interesting, entertaining and informative. I love your channel!

[@imaginethat2003]

You have proven to be wise in your spending, so I wouldn't even question your buying it. You earned it!

[@duane2243]

Kool- That being said get er done !!!! You know the old saying ? Nothing runs like a Deere.. I work In the plant that builds the 7-8-9-thousdand series tractors

[@peggywilson9929]

Happy for you ❣️❣️

[@kellyflynn467]

Congrats on your new purchase! Sometimes you gotta spend money to save money.

[@Llamathellegend]

And you both deserve every bit of it's enjoyment! Well done guys. 👏

[@mommisabommis]

Such an exciting time! I'm so glad you guys moved to Florida! You both look so happy!!! Congratulations!

[@funkymonk2462]

Literally seeing first hand that hard work pays off.

[@abcxyz1797]

I think you’re the kind of perfectionist, that to hire work done, would never be as good, as you can do it. Congratulations!!

[@poppynasserali2556]

God bless your family and congratulations on your new toy have fun and enjoy. Do what you got to do its your life

[@doreleimcmillan7924]

I also watch Chateau Diaries and they got one a couple of months ago. They use it all the time. Wise purchase when you do your own work. Have fun with this digger.

[@emmalove135]

My dad was a “ Back- hoe” Operator. Your Excavator looks just like a miniature Back- hoe to me. Keep oil on hand and the grease for the joints . 👍👍😀✨

[@NaomiC336]

I’m so happy for you. Now you need a barn !!

[@pattymoroney6953]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! THIS IS GOD WATCHING OVER YOU AND BLESSING YOU!!! it really is not anyone's business, but you sharing this is inspirational!! I just love you guys!!! I can't wait till you work on the yard!!! So happy for you guys!!!!!!!💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💕💕💕💕💕💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

[@donnavickery9623]

You can also make money doing work for other people if you need to or want to.

[@aatikahcarmenhappy3494]

I would do with caution as I understand any accidents on others property the liability would be crippling.

[@k2icc]

Great goal reached. You guys deserve the support. Better content than any home building tv show. Congratulations.

[@idalewis7169]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Wonderful New addition to your Collection. Need to encourage Ashley to get on board and start using it. Even Bell looks like she is living in hope she will get to try it out. Mum show your Daughter you can do it.... Then by all means she will know she too can do it one day. We know you are a real Power House Ashley when you are Ready. Look at all that Mowing you did up North. Good Luck with the New Excavator! 💖👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👍🏾✨✨

[@coffeefortwosolly]

Perfect addition…it will make light work of all the landscaping for sure! 🤗 🙋🏻‍♀️🇬🇧💕jane

[@tumblehome4522]

Bell on excavator YES PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@lquick6]

Literally NO ONE deserves it more than you guys. You work so hard and have a work ethic of excellence. So proud of you. And I love the excitement in your voices. 😀❤️👍

[@Kkuts37]

Great investment, and it seems to hold value if you need to sell it. Best of luck with it! Can't wait to see more!

[@georgiannmaloney6594]

How cool is that machine. Nothing runs like a Deere. John Deere has been good for us. We have a lawn mower that is 16 years old and runs great. We have it serviced every year. Great investment. Take care from Southern Indiana. 🙋🌻😁🌞🌼

[@margaretvargas1209]

Congratulations!!!! Ashley get on that machine and have a blast. I would love to drive one.

[@LIVINGRETIRED310]

Keep it maintained ,grease the fittings and kept clean. No rust makes a happy excavator. Practice your digging reach out- draw in while curving the bucket. Congrats

[@damogranheart5521]

I also watch "Cabin And 50 Acres". He bought something very similar to you and built a very simple covered area that had a small rise so it wouldn't be sitting in water. Now the seat and interior will last longer as they are now under a little shelter. This was a great investment as it will not only save rental fees but you can decide your own time frames. There is nothing like having to race through a job in order to get equipment back and if it rains you are out good money. Well done ye!

[@ailenesmith8207]

So happy for u all God Bless

[@dianalyman5950]

Excellent 👍👍👍👍👍👍 your back is going to thank you.🤗🎄

[@thesydmc]

Well done and good luck Doug, Ashley and Bell can be a Deere backup operators also.

[@janiceconnolly8740]

Doug and Ashley … you guys are amazing! Love watching your channel and how down your earth you both are. God Bless!

[@alicetaylor1001]

I'm so happy for you guys that's fantastic maybe that new piece of equipment might be moving forward for you to start a small business I bet you Sam is a little bit jealous but I'm sure he's happy for you at Green Acre Homestead thank you for sharing the good and the bad and especially your accomplishments you and Ashley and the kids worked for it enjoy it I'm smiling I wish I could drive it

[@lyndacuppage7353]

Congratulations. You will get so much use out of this. Hard work pays off.

[@myrthagunter4141]

This family always put a 😃 on my face . Nice !

[@dianaabney795]

Congratulations on your new toy😊it will be so nice for you to be able to get things done yourself. It is thoughtful for you to tell us about your money BUT it is your money and you owe no explanation on how you spend it. I am so happy for you to be able to have the money to do your home and whatever else you decide to do!! Have fun😁

[@margaretmarks6685]

That was a great purchase! For all the things you can do with it , you can do EVERYTHING you need to do! Good job! I cant wait to see how you use it. ❤

[@MimiMcWil]

I have loved watching you grow!! Never forget it’s been through hard work you put in!! I’m so happy for you!

[@amandaholt1979]

I can see y'all getting the whole property looking awesome. Also it will help break the ground if y'all want to do a garden. Just a little everyday.

[@WApnj]

First thing is to create a 5 foot high mound to park it on so you don't drown it in the next FLOOD....

[@MsWobie]

I love how you practice gratitude in your lives!

[@51Lorie]

CONGRATULATIONS, you two!! I think that was a very wise investment for you. A big blessing as well!

[@angelavaughan9477]

I want one! I hope you're able to get rid of all the water and make your yard dryer!

[@chubbyjaydraws]

Good choice in the Deere,I’m a little biased since Deere is headquartered in my home town of the Quad Cities,well the Moline part of the quad cities anyways. I want to see Ash give it go though 👍🏻👍🏻

[@timjohnson9830]

When you are done with work on your property, you could probably make good money doing work for other people.

[@minastirith997]

exactly

[@jamesscroggins3486]

Great piece of equipment, good for you. It will help you out a lot

[@carolaussie87]

Ashley is this a new toy for you to use, I can see you working it. Doug is going to have to fight you for it. Love what you have been able to achieve so far with the house, the door handles are so nice. You both have a flare for products you want in your homes. Congratulation

[@et5222]

First thing, use the new machine to build up an area 3-4' higher than the rest of the property where you can park it when it floods... Very cool