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

[@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!

[@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 :)

[@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. ❤️❤️

[@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. 😊

[@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! 🥰🥰🥰

[@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.

[@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 ❤

[@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.

[@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!

[@Notthelizard]

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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 👍🇬🇧🎉💐😘

[@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.

[@twillbdone3273]

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

[@Annes44]

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

[@joannewoodward3480]

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

[@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. 😄😄

[@melodysfiresidefarm]

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

[@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.

[@obrasherk5942]

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

[@caroljean1962]

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

[@l.5127]

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

[@Void_And_Absent]

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

[@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 😊

[@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 🏡❤️

[@robertmorgan2929]

I’m a plumber/septic system install and repair.Heavy equipment user daily.You made a great decision and the machine is money in the bank during and after your project.You won’t have regrets,you can’t lose.Thanks for sharing.Good luck.

[@noelg1984]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@lovelivesonforever7768]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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! 💖👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👍🏾✨✨

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@mommisabommis]

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

[@riamariasowers2024]

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

[@k2icc]

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

[@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!!!!!!!💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💕💕💕💕💕💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

[@abc123xyz-q2p]

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

[@DREWSLENS]

Heck ya congrats!!!!

[@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😁

[@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. 🥰

[@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. 🙋🌻😁🌞🌼

[@poppynasserali2556]

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

[@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. 😀❤️👍

[@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!

[@lyndacuppage7353]

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

[@kellyflynn467]

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

[@francinecannon1903]

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

[@janiceconnolly8740]

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

[@annieoakley8082]

Wow! You could barely hear it running! I am so happy for y’all! This will make your work so much easier and a million times faster ! Not only will the house be beautiful but so will the pond, yard and trees! I am so thankful that you could buy this; you and Ashley deserve it! You never buy anything for yourselves material wise! If anyone has been following you for any length of time, they know this, that both you and Ashley are very frugal people and work hard to make things better for their family! Can’t wait to see what you can do with your new equipment, Doug! I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ashley running it in a very short time! God’s Blessings to you and your family…..❤️

[@peggywilson9929]

Happy for you ❣️❣️

[@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

[@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

[@lcan2283]

So happy for you guys. I remember when I was younger how my spouse and I struggled. We made life changes and by the time we were 40 we were completely out of debt. We purchase with cash and it’s so liberating. Great job 👏🏼

[@diyfferent]

Thank you for sharing.

[@susiestokely3811]

Doug your voice clearly demonstrates how truly excited and Thankful you are! You and Ashley will be able to transform your home and property into a beautiful OASIS! CONGRATULATIONS ‼️

[@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.

[@calicocritterscrafts886]

I agree with your buying over renting and buying new. This hasn’t been used and abused by someone else. You know you’ll take care of your equipment probably better than most people. Congratulations and I can’t wait to see everything you get done!!

[@MsWobie]

I love how you practice gratitude in your lives!

[@lynnmurray4584]

Ashley and Doug you two are absolutely amazing!!!! I just love watching your your channel and all your projects. I love your positive outlook on things!!! Congratulations on your new excavator..... you two absolutely deserve this!!!!! You work so hard and you take phenomenal care of everything you own..... no doubt this will last you until Maverick is your age!!! All the best to you, sending much love💜💜💜

[@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

[@funkymonk2462]

Literally seeing first hand that hard work pays off.

[@dianalyman5950]

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

[@brendaunland4407]

Doug and Ashley you're such hard workers This brought tears because you kids are just so smart and deserving. The best to you and looking forward to seeing you make that property into a little paradise.

[@dezon9247]

My first comment, I have been watching this awesome family for years, since the mobile home rebuild, What a hard working family, and the kids are so cute. love that he likes to buy Made In the USA, good buy on the Excavator you will use it a lot!

[@lainyfromrainypnw]

I LOVE how appreciative Doug & Ashley are about getting the new excavator! And just about everything else they’ve acquired & accomplished. They are genuinely thankful that they can purchase equipment, etc., & do not act like they “deserved it”. They EARNED it. Also, in their thinking 🤔 💭, they’re wise beyond their years. They’ve made mistakes, but use those lessons to learn from & try to do better next time. I’m so very proud of them, for being able to get to where they are & remain so humble about their accomplishments!! Doug was right…he said we, their on-line community, are their extended family! Thank you for sharing…your family, your lives, your decisions, & how you came to make them. You both, along with Belle & Maverick, have taught me all sorts of things that help me make decisions & choices, that I might not have even considered doing before…you’ve given me the courage to at least try! (I even like bugs now & know so much more about them, & how important they all are to our ecosystem. (just one example of many!) Bottom line? I’m so glad to BE part of YOUR FAMILY & yourselves, being a part of mine!!

[@derecashort3332]

Congratulations!!! You all work so hard to make each of your properties so beautiful, this will really up help. Inspired as always🧡💚

[@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.

[@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!

[@NaomiC336]

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

[@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.

[@Southernbred52]

Congratulations!! If anyone deserves it, y'all do! You have worked so hard for a long time. I am proud of you!!

[@BobbleheadHomestead]

Excellent! Seems perfect for a property with a pond, drainage issues, and a forest to be managed. That'll be worth it and we get to see you have fun with it. Thank you!

[@alexzylstra6705]

Congratulations..I want to see Ashley learn to use this, She'll have a ball. You guys have done a lot of hard work and have the satisfaction of know you did it yourself .

[@51Lorie]

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

[@candidegunn3624]

You are going to love it! We have had one for years and it is always getting used, hubby can even make it dance LOL. Great for picking up heavy stuff, scraping down tall weeds, planting trees, moving the chicken house, cleaning out the pig pen, pull cars out of ditches, etc. He used it to put in a gravel drive way, clear and level land for a building, drive posts in the ground and lots more. He even used it to make our garden! The neighbors hire him to do work on the weekends and it was priceless after the floods and hurricanes we have here in Louisiana. Does a lot more than a tractor.

[@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.

[@LydiaPietro-xs1]

I can relate to you. I love to fix up my home and make my yard my vacation spot. Some people spend a lot on vacations, others like to fix up their property and make it their own little vacation spot.

[@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 .

[@MimiMcWil]

Also, it is very refreshing to see Maverick outside exploring instead of glued to an iPad like so many other kids!! Great parenting!!

[@camillegonzalez6875]

Congratulations. You have been frugal , smart and made things happen. You are awesome examples for us out here to follow.

[@ailenesmith8207]

So happy for u all God Bless

[@ohiograndma8655]

Purchase some security cameras for your property

[@pamelagay7535]

I remember school house property! It’s been a great journey with you guys!

[@patricialittle9024]

Great news, I just hate that you guys feel you have to explain why you do what you do. You two are great people and frankly it’s none of our business how you can afford anything. Just keep being you and we love you for that. I love watching your videos and I’m so excited to see what you do with this property. I think Florida has done you both good. Ashley you seem so happy, you smile all the time. So let’s get moving and get this done.

[@tropicalsheriq8596]

Absolutely fantastic purchase! You will be able to do so much to your place and definitely EVERBODY in your family should learn to operate it. I saw one in the rental yard a few days ago and could imagine all the things I could fix on my place, so now I am so happy to see you could get one of your own. Well, maybe even a bit jealous!

[@carolynshomaker9779]

I’m happy you guys are doing so well and I enjoy watching your progress 😃

[@carolyncarlson3825]

I'm so proud for you. God gives the increase. You are good Stewarts and I enjoy your sharing your lives with us.....hugs

[@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

[@MrJeffm66]

Congratulations guys. I will say keeping the excavator greased is crucial. Get into the habit of doing it before you operate it, that will preserve the life of your pins.

[@TexasBeliever57]

That new "toy" will sure be a blessing. Glad to see y'all be able to get something that can save on physical labor. It will be fun to watch you do projects. I have always worked with machines in my working days & I love learning new machines. That one looks like fun, but will also get some serious work done. I like that your daughter shows an interest in operating it. Congratulations on all your success.

[@myrthagunter4141]

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

[@pamsheldon29]

Great investment. It will help you out a lot. Can't wait to see use it to improve the yard.

[@bradsexton7295]

Congratulations on your equipment purchase. I know y’all are super excited.