Pull Type Grader Box ROCKS! - Gravel Driveway Final Grade w/John Deere Garden Tractors & 2 Box

[@TractorTimewithTim]

First time I've seen one of your videos, Neil. You did a great job, both on the editing and story, as well as on the project. Tough to do both the project AND the video smoothly. Looks like that pull-type box scraper is perfect for final grading!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Tim I really appreciate it! Yeah, sometimes it's really tough to figure out what I'm concentrating on more; the video or the actual project! That pull type box is great for finish work and hands down my favorite toy, er I mean "tool" in the shed. Glad you found the video and thanks for the comment. I thoroughly enjoy your channel for sure so pleasantly surprised to see you here. Take care!

[@TractorsNStuff]

@@digdrivediy I also just found your channel. Subscribed. As a budding KZbinr, I find it really difficult to focus more on the filming aspect. Seems like I'd rather get the work done, and the video is secondary. But I do enjoy making them! I find your content, your editing, shot placement, everything, as something to strive for in my videos! Good work!! And thank you.

[@kbliss9229]

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[@kbliss9229]

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[@kbliss9229]

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[@justforthetv]

This is the first gravel driveway I've seen that looks clean and decent. The homeowner is smart..edges matter to the overall look, for real.

[@digdrivediy]

It did look nice with those edges done. Appreciate the comment!

[@dozerboy67]

Pro tip: put a cb radio in your bobtail and look for a sign when you’re coming in to a quarry. It’ll say loaders on channel such and such. It makes it a lot easier when you haven’t been to a particular quarry or building supply. Things change an awful lot around those places and the scale lady may not always know what’s going on. Be safe and good job 👍

[@digdrivediy]

I have a handheld CB for this very reason! Just didn't have it with me dang it 😂 Great tip Philip and thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@MHow-qc3ns]

The aireal shots with the drone (?) are wonderful. It gives a real overview of what you are accomplishing. These videos are very interesting. Thank for sharing.

[@MHow-qc3ns]

You think it "turned out pretty good"? No, it turned out perfect. Great job. BRAVO

[@aaronburford5701]

I continue to rewatch your videos especially when you are using your infamous box blade process! You do driveways so well! I love watching and learning!

[@chucknichter3233]

Every day. I have lived in Montana for the last 22 years but am from Harlan, In. Great video!

[@digdrivediy]

That's cool. Great to hear from you Chuck!

[@aaronburford5701]

Your attention to detail is on another level!

[@aaronburford5701]

Rewatch! What's so impressive about this video is that Neil work so clearly and efficiently! And he's doing this project by himself! 😊

[@aaronburford5701]

I am ready for some new content in 2024! Love your channel and content! My absolute favorite channel!

[@digdrivediy]

Working on it!

[@flat6fever680]

I love spreading gravel. Instantly gratifying. Nice job.

[@digdrivediy]

I love it too!

[@Max_Snellink]

"Every day" 😂 since I made a muddy incline into a gravel drive I watch videos on it afterwards. 14 tonnes shovelled and raked alone no machines. I love watching the machines do the work. Gauging 30 mins of my work to 3 seconds of machine.

[@aaronburford5701]

Grzat video, grear work being done. Love yojr attenrion to dtails!

[@aaronburford5701]

I continue to marvel at your attention to details and your organizing skills!

[@aaronburford5701]

Simoly you are the BEST Neil!

[@aaronburford5701]

Another Master class on driveway care and upkeep by the McGyver of KZbin! You are the best sir! Love this video, content and channel!

[@aaronburford5701]

Another great video from a great channel! I always love driveway repair and refreshes, and you sir have the best in the US. So watching you work on others is a pleasure and a great teachable moment. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and expertise...... make more of these videos!

[@maxjones9139]

Those little Deere’s are nice. I have a 322 gas and 430 diesel. They’re fun little toys. Nice job!

[@aaronburford5701]

Whenever i need my driveway additction to be taken care, i ALWAYS come to your channel and content. You are hands down rhe best, hall famer, the goat! I need to come and learn!

[@TonkaTruck94]

Pro tip: to help ease the issue of not having an air tailgate, buy yourself a long dog leash. Loop it around the handle, raise the bed up about halfway or so (enough to load the tailgate) start rolling just a little and give that dog leash a swift tug. You’ll hear the stone coming out then you’ll know it’s time to shoot the fuel and raise the bed up a little more. Just a friendly tip from a guy who can tail gait with a tractor trailer. 👍🏽

[@digdrivediy]

That's awesome and great advice! I've tried it before but never perfected yet. I'm looking forward to more practice though! Thanks for watching!

[@johnzona3591]

I love what your doing. The way think is just the way I think. I believe God is blessing the work of your hands. Jim Zona west babylon ny

[@drakenicholson6799]

Good job. Like to watch differed methods of doing things. Makes me want to go out and buy a pull type grader!

[@russorpcom]

I get the same feeling at the gravel pit you do. You want to make it easy for the loader but because you are not there a lot, you are unsure. I did have a bad experience once where (it was my fault) in that I misjudged my surroundings behind me, did not get the truck where he wanted and got "beeped" a few times until I did. The next time I was there, same loader and operator, I could tell there was no "grudge" held. It never happened that bad again, but I always remember that time when I go to get loaded. I like your channel a lot! I relate to every thing you do.

[@digdrivediy]

Wow, I appreciate you saying all that very much. That quarry that I go to has had the same loader operator there since my first trip that I can remember back in 1995. His name is Tommy. You're spot in with your description though still! Thanks for sharing your story and for checking out the video Richard.

[@webmastercaribou7570]

I remember a product dumped on my street that looked like bluestone but it compacted down to a new road surface with no roller, just car traffic. Nice job

[@digdrivediy]

That sounds like good stuff. Thanks for watching!

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Great video. I like the pull type grader box you used The pro tip at the 10:45 second mark was straight fire

[@digdrivediy]

Hey thanks Brock! That pull type grader box is the best implement I have. Hoping to build a bigger one this fall or winter for the bigger tractors. Yeah, that pro tip is a throw back to my excavating days. My boss would say stuff like that all the time and he hated moving dirt or stone twice!

[@taterhater2086]

It took me so many trips to the quarry to be comfortable lol. Now they are all pretty cool.

[@digdrivediy]

Haha! Glad I'm not the only one :)

[@aecox1265]

I wish I had a clone almost everyday! Another nice job Neil.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks so much. Appreciate you watching!

[@aaronburford5701]

Neil, if not the best one of the all time best videos I have watched on KZbin! I love it!

[@digdrivediy]

You're too kind Aaron!

[@aaronburford5701]

@@digdrivediy Neil, I am it even going to lie to you, I have viewed this video at least 100 times! So we'll out together and the steps to make your driveway look like that is phenomenal!

[@enduser1982]

Using that old equipment is what drives me to continue to watch your channel. Awesome!

[@digdrivediy]

Well you're in luck! I like making the old stuff keep going. Plus I can't afford anything with shiny paint!! Thanks for joining in on the fun.

[@enduser1982]

@@digdrivediy wouldn't be here if it were new equipment

[@carolewarner101]

Excellent result!

[@youdigg5051]

Come out to Cali you'd be making bank, out here Mostly all done by hand tools, Awesome video Man !

[@digdrivediy]

Really appreciate it! Cali sounds really nice about now as we start to look for our winter coats and snow shovels! Thanks for watching.

[@tomn6863]

Everybody forgets wheel pack. I use my pickup because PSI is higher than any tractor but would do it like you if needed. Great work. Dealing with those culverts wasn't easy especially without transition ends.

[@digdrivediy]

Great catch Tom! I usually try to wheel pack everything. When available I usually fill the bucket with material to increase that PSI on the tractor. Thanks for the kind words and appreciate you watching!

[@mrmikeyd2]

This is a very labor intensive video, lots of editing involved and it shows.....some great camera work with different angles and drone shots.....really enjoyable and the gravel work looks good too! 😁 Thanks for posting

[@digdrivediy]

I am very grateful for the kind words. It is a fair bit of work and it is rewarding to read a comment like this. I really enjoy making the videos as well as doing the projects and I'm humbled that folks are willing to watch. Thanks as always MrmikeyD for your support of the channel.

[@KingsOutdoorLife]

I’m new to the KZbin videos but I’ve learned it’s harder to edit the videos than do the work! This guy is a talented pro!

[@digdrivediy]

You're right, the edit can be very time consuming. I'm hardly a pro yet but I appreciate the compliment and really enjoy trying to keep it interesting. Thanks for watching!

[@kyledoseck1480]

Love the battery powered wireless innovation. Definitely looking into one of these in the future (if I don’t win it🤣)

[@malpeli1]

Love your videos keep up the good work I learn something new every time I watch.

[@movaughn20]

Interesting process at the gravel pit. Here in Oregon we go straight up the hills to a quarry and pay by the yard, simply state rip rap, 3", 3/4 minus, etc.

[@rcote1234]

Great job. Like your dump truck.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Ron. I really like this truck too!

[@dh1986pete]

Neil, great to watch how to do it. I’m in middle of doing my own power grader per your plans on KZbin. It’s a great project and looking forward to getting it completed and working with it.

[@digdrivediy]

That's awesome Doug! Best of luck to you.

[@gone2dmtns]

Having done a few driveways myself, you sure do make it look easy.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Mike. I appreciate that. I've worked on a few as well :)

[@ryanselleck6035]

I like this video! I operate the same way. Full time job with side jobs like this, grabbing stone on lunch and running to jobs after work or the weekends to stay on top. I remember my first drive way job was a lot of trial and error. Done enough now to get some food technique as well as how to bill. Great video.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Ryan! Sounds like we would get along just fine. I'm always trying to take advantage of any spare time in the day it seems. Just had another lunch time job on my most recent video today. Appreciate you watching.

[@randywilson6869]

Thanks for telling about checking your tailgate my boss always told us it does not take but a second to walk back and check your tailgate and the tail board. Take a rag and wipe tour tail lights off from gravel yard and road. He said to do it after filling and dumping . And get in a habit turning your flasher to make sure lights work. He wanted his trucks to b safe

[@digdrivediy]

That is great advice! I always try to check for loose stones. Thanks for watching!

[@bryansnapp7364]

Neil, sir, been watching your channel for a month or so and thoroughly enjoyed every episode so far. Thank you for that. I also watch a channel called Mustie1. You might pick up a few pointers on small to medium engine repair along with carb adjustments and the like. Hope this tip helps. P.s. thanks for the "watch wes work" recommendation. Take care, and all the best

[@digdrivediy]

Cool, thanks

[@laviniajohnson9210]

Just wish we had kit like that in the U.K. for this type of job. Have sub to the Chanel great video.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks so much!!!

[@frankcastro3127]

Hello, sent over by Neil. Glad to be here.

[@ronnieo6867]

Good job sir.

[@karuza82]

It looks great Neil. Both the driveway and the video. My clone would be grading the edges before I get to them with the tractor. Grade 18 inches out from all edges and it makes the tractor guys job much easier. This comes from nearly 3 decades of concrete work....15 years full time. The angle you set your box blade when you hook it up has a impact on how aggressive it scrapes or floats. Don't be afraid to experiment.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks! That would be a smart way to do this too, to treat it kinda like pouring concrete. If my clone had been on this job I would have had him on the rake the entire time! Always appreciate anytime there is experience talking and providing feedback so I think you much for the box blade advice. I don't play around with the top link action as much as I should so that is a good thing to keep in mind. That would be a great topic for a video and I bet someone has done it. I would probably get impatient though and hop on the other tractor and finish! 😄 Thanks for watching and the helpful tips and ideas. I should experiment a bit more for sure. Take care.

[@dannystubblefield5478]

captain Kleeman sent me here- good video thanks

[@D70340]

Great Job Neil ! I subbed & liked your channel. Those little sub-compact tractors are the way to go. They are very nimble and can get into these smaller driveways with ease. Keep putting out the videos too! Great Job!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks so much Larry! I appreciate the sub and having you take the time to watch some videos of mine. I love these little tractors. Plenty more to do with them this summer so stay tuned!

[@SkiddingF350]

Another amazing job. I have a large gravel driveway and I love watching your work. Gives me ideas

[@digdrivediy]

This stuff is so fun to me. Hope you enjoy it like I do. Thanks Verle!

[@christophershivery829]

Great work!!! Thanks for the video!

[@johnteelsexcavatingjohnnys7095]

Nice job Neil, I had the same problem with my old dumper, I put a rope attached to my tailgate release, so I could pull it from the cab when I was ready, worked great.

[@digdrivediy]

I should have known to bring a rope along. I've played that trick before but wasn't prepared I guess and didn't plan very well. That is a great idea. Thanks for the tip and as always, appreciate you watching John.

[@reddirtadventure]

Nice job, and I loved the comment at the end about the free grazing mini excavator!

[@digdrivediy]

Hey thanks Randy! And I appreciate hearing that someone caught that at the end! 😋 Thanks for watching.

[@timothyjerry2455]

Looks great. Love those JD sub compacts👍🏼

[@qjimq]

Every Day, cool show, the music cut ins too. Loved the edits because most shows about this are 45min long and a no no for me 10-15min is perfect. Thumbs up and sub-ed. Thanks!

[@digdrivediy]

I really appreciate that feedback Jim! Glad to have you watching and thanks for the sub.

[@qjimq]

@@digdrivediy I bet those granite? edges the owner put in could transition nicely to the inlet and outlet of the pipe near the main road. Use them like pavers where the most erosion would occur then back up to the main road. Maybe suggest it to the owner and offer a price if he isn't able to do it. Nice weekend job for you! Good Luck and thanks for the reply.

[@digdrivediy]

@@qjimq That would look really nice. Nice idea for them!

[@joshgaines4632]

Everyday, so i don't have to go to work! Love the channel!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Josh! Yeah, that would be a great use of a clone! Appreciate the comment!

[@lechstryzewski9350]

Great job Neil !!

[@koryleague8833]

Great job neil. You made it look easy.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Kory! I've had a few opportunities to practice is all!

[@holbrook134]

Slidin rock with the best of them

[@digdrivediy]

Oh yeah!

[@upandadam9080]

Pro tip for your tailgate, I use a short rope I keep behind my seat, I use to singe it to my handle and pull the tailgate from the seat using the rope, while the bed is in the air... works quite well!

[@digdrivediy]

Had a few other pros suggest that tip as well. I've got a nice piece of rope all picked out and ready to try on my next opportunity. Don't know why I didn't think of that! :) Appreciate you watching and commenting Adam. Take care!

[@FK-kr3xs]

Haha... I like the pro tip👍

[@digdrivediy]

😁 Seems obvious but so many people don't consider it!

[@dukedavis8444]

Excellent video!

[@digdrivediy]

Thank you Duke.

[@TheAgentmigs]

So satisfying.

[@KingsOutdoorLife]

Everyday - to the clone question. Great camera work and editing as usual!

[@digdrivediy]

Thank you for the kind words sir and thanks for contributing with your comments. Always much appreciated.

[@beabea2661]

I’m dying to have a clone to work with at my job right now lol awesome job btw, thanks for sharing. Have a blessed day ❤️🙏❤️

[@digdrivediy]

Hey thanks so much for watching. Good luck with that clone. I'll take one too!

[@TheWorkinMan59]

Thumbs up for the JD 755. Love mine

[@digdrivediy]

Boy, they sure are handy little tractors. Did you see my other 755 blowing snow? Just great little tractors.

[@stuartkorte1642]

Everyday 👍 Nice work.

[@PetersonFarmsofNashvillePFON]

Nice driveway work Came over from My Cluttered Garage Live Stream And subbed up to my fellow Hoosier !

[@digdrivediy]

Hey thanks so much! Glad to have you on board. Always room for another Hoosier!

[@tonynieuwlandt1290]

EVERY DAY!!! Another nice looking project. I did get the Paul Baughman reference from the Pro Tip ;)

[@digdrivediy]

Haha! I knew someone had to know where that came from. It is so simple but true. Thanks as always for watching Tony. Feels like I haven't seen you in forever.

[@bush600r2]

Very nice finished job mate👍

[@digdrivediy]

Appreciate it! Thanks for watching!

[@TheHobbyShop1]

I’d take a few clones ever day!

[@machone7580]

Excellent work on the drive, looks great!! Love to see you use the old-skool Deere's, I'm a fan of those.

[@digdrivediy]

Thank you! I'm a big fan of them too! Appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@DCS026]

Looks good. You should consider adding a hydraulic top link on your big JD, makes life so much easier.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Douglas. That's not a bad idea. I've been wanting to add the power beyond so may look into that some day.

[@ccroson7935]

I have a John Deere 54C Centerblade for my John Deere 300 my dad bought this tractor with all the attachments and one of these attachments is a very very rare John Deere 54 C Center blade and it does the same job as the blade that you have on the back for a gravel

[@SimonVidal-r9d]

Neil, you much invest in a tow behind roller/compactor. As a full size grader operator, I always finish my tasks with a compator which gives it a fantastic look. You won't regret it my friend. Good luck...(Simon V.)

[@digdrivediy]

Great idea

[@darcysoutar5980]

Every Day!. Made it through all your more recent stuff and now enjoying the older projects that keep popping up on my stream. Question for you - I've got a gravel driveway with concrete curbs (at lawn grade), and I'm preparing to do a refresh of the gravel because I have weeds and moss all over. How close would you typically fill up to the top of the curb? I feel like there must be a sweet spot between going too deep and having gravel spill over versus too low and creating a 'trap' for weed and grass seeds to pile up and start growing on the edges. Thanks!

[@fullers1966]

Pretty cool how you did the tailgate on that dump truck there for a while I thought you were going to make the hook so you can just take the tailgate off

[@itsmeagain8518]

I had Miller Quarry from nearby pour gravel mixed with lime (packs down great) and he overlapped the center area while dumping gravel and after driving over it in time it is firm and the driveway has a crown in the middle that moves rain away. No puddles and lasts years without adding new gravel. I used to use my skid steer to spread it out, but Miller does such a precise job of pouring I don't need it any more other than some touch up areas near buildings.

[@digdrivediy]

Nice having a bit of crown. This driveway has a nice crown although it doesn't show up well in the video. Appreciate you watching 👍🏻

[@LukesJohnDeereGarage]

Great job on that driveway! I know that grading a driveway like that isn't as easy as it looks on video. I've been helping a neighbor with his dirt driveway and it takes a lot of patience.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Luke!

[@RCRCustoms]

Looks great 👍

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks a lot!

[@brownsrvlifecampground9322]

Cool video 😎

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks!

[@mrrodneyalong]

Pro tip: on JD without a cutting edge or lip on the underside of the loader bucket rotate all the way up till the bucket stops then set the bucket down and put it in float and back drag for final passes to dress it up. As you get to the end of the pass bump the bucket to roll down a few inches while still floating and as your pile of materal dissipates under the bucket lift loader straight up. That will fill and pack any low spots and level the high spots. Not as easy as a skid steer but will turn out nice with some practice

[@casigiasthebest1395]

Great job !!

[@puddlejumper3534]

Great job. I have to hand it to the KZbin creators. I find there’s more work in the editing of videos than the project sometimes.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Patrick. So very true! I spend longer on each video than I do the actual job it seems. I think some people might feel I have a screw loose! It's good fun though as i enjoy the video process!

[@Bubbas_carolina07]

That was really really good

[@blackdogexcavator21]

Good morning Neil, you're up early. Thanks for the video, I was in need of some quality entertainment this morning.

[@digdrivediy]

Dang, I replied to this first thing this morning too but it must not have posted. You're more than welcome on the video. I'm grateful that you're here to watch and comment. Thanks for the support of the channel!

[@2009waterfall1]

First time on your channel. Enjoyed watching your attention to detail and neatness. Might need one of those graders for my PT-30!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks for the kind words. Those types of graders are great in my opinion so I bet you'd love it. Thanks for giving the channel a chance!

[@jejoko]

Thank you so much for your videos. I am starting up a side business offering driveway repair and maintenance. All I can afford right now, and only because I found them used, is a lawn tractor, a gravel grader attachment for lawn tractors, and a trailer to haul them. So I'm choosing my jobs wisely, where I can dig up existing gravel (reclaim) along with braking up the pot holes and then grade. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you once again.

[@MAGATonyG]

Great job. Very professional

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Tony! I love projects like this!

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Top notch work Neil! Thanks for the shoutout too! I’m the same way when I spread with the truck I think about you lol. Your videos are fantastic, love the editing and everything you do. Keep up the great work and this channel will definitely keep growing. 👍🏻 oh yes everyday I wish I had a clone lol

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks a ton Brandon. I appreciate the kind words and glad that you caught this bit in the video. I'm thankful for you supporting my efforts here and hope we run into each other some day. See you over on your channel!

[@eliteearthworksllc]

@@digdrivediy you bet and I appreciate your kind words. It would be great to meet some day

[@KingsOutdoorLife]

Nice shout out. Two top notch guys!

[@bobbydee1187]

Looks really good.

[@fullers1966]

Wish you were closer I need dirt tested I had a three acre Hayfield

[@scrider5493]

Does look good.

[@calvinjohnson7806]

👍👍👍great job

[@darylcompton3433]

Great job

[@Bomokbrody246]

Hydraulics work good for the tailgate release on your truck! We run them on our trucks they work so good!

[@digdrivediy]

Not a bad idea Brody! How did you plumb that in and did you incorporate a valve in the cab for it? I was hoping to use a pneumatic actuator.

[@Bomokbrody246]

@@digdrivediy yes we put a hydraulic valve in the cab for the gate pins and for the box cylinder

[@Bomokbrody246]

Also we routed them from the back of the cab through the floor

[@nashley20]

Great job on your videos. I’ve got the same PJ tilt trailer and have experienced the same issue with loading two tractors. I’ve been considering integrating a manual hand pump into the hydraulics on mine that would allow me to extend the hydraulic cylinder further. I don’t load two things very often, though. It’s a great trailer.

[@digdrivediy]

I'm glad I'm not the only one. This trailer has frustrated me many times when trying to either load two items, or when loading a car and the front starts to go down and the tail raises up in front of the rear wheels. The valve lock doesn't hold it in place! Have you had any luck with that? I love the trailer otherwise but it just tips too much when I don't want it to!

[@edsecorr7812]

Great job keep up the great work love your videos thank you

[@TheAussieincalgary]

Nice job looks great

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks a lot!

[@dannba2970]

if you are curious the big boy JD is using a sub-soiler to loosen the compaction from the fall harvest.

[@digdrivediy]

Spot on! I keep meaning to ask him if he saw the drone buzzing him that day. Or hope that he sees this.

[@rumtum99]

Awesome job.. if you were anywhere near north east Ohio I would hire you in a heartbeat

[@digdrivediy]

Wow, thanks!

[@stevehennessy3588]

Every day, but I would not allow him to talk to me. Just do what I tell him and no "If I were you" comments. Nice job on the driveway. Wish I had access to what you call #73. All we have here in NE Texas is crushed concert - don't like it very much. Oh well! Thanks for the video.