Skid Steer Operation Basics: Filling & Leveling Holes

Hey everyone, thanks for dropping in! In this video we give you some tips on operating a skid steer from our rookie point of view. It's an excellent tool for filling and grading holes left by those massive stumps we had removed.
As usual we rented the equipment from Boiling Springs Small Engine, a great group to work with!
Boiling Springs Small Engine:
www.boilingspringssmallengine....
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[@BOB-wo2nb]

This is the best basic grading with a skid steer vid on the web. Watched a few in preparation to rent one and landscape my yard. This is the only one I referred back to several times. Appreciate it.

[@ForestToFarm]

Awesome! Thanks for the positive feedback. It means a lot. Very glad to help. Terry

[@samsamson3623]

Thank you, sir ! You desreve a bonus!

[@gibrahnclarke4206]

I love your humility!! Thanks for taking the time out to show us what you've learned.

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks for watching! We are learning this stuff through the school of hard knocks, lol. Its our pleasure and we love to hear positive feedback!! Terry

[@browncowvideo]

Wow, what a super-helpful video. I really appreciate your expertise and the time you put into teaching newbies like me how to grade! You rock!

[@ForestToFarm]

No problem and thanks for the compliments! We are not experts but we figure out how to get it done. We love sharing our experiences and its great to get feedback so thank you. Terry

[@pattiward390]

Thank you! I did some skid steer work at our other house while remodeling a huge backyard. I recognize the jerking comments. It's like being on a broken ride at the fair. LOL! We're getting ready to do a bit of work here at our new property and thank you very much for the great tips. I could have used them 10 years ago. I really appreciate your voice over so those of use viewing this could hear you. Also, because you went slow you saved us all the job of rewinding over and over in order to catch something we may have missed. GREAT JOB! Oh....and ladies, I'm a 66 year old woman who has always operated the rented machinery. I think many of us females have better hand and foot coordination so we're darn good at this stuff. Don't let the guys have all the fun. Hop on that puppy and take it for a spin! My uncle was in construction for 45 years and said women are the best graders because they can feel the bumps in the ground in their butts and always did a nice smooth job. Hahahahaha!

[@ForestToFarm]

Thank you Patti!! The more you do this stuff the easier it gets. I love your story above. I agree my sister does just about anything a woman can and pretty much anything a man can. She took two ranger pickups, one 4x4 but wrecked and one not and made the none 4x4 into a 4x4. She restored a 53 split window Chevy truck and made it look awesome. and although she looks womanly she has decked several men over the years for various reasons, lol. One was a former boyfriend who tried to take the tires off that old 53 split window when they broke up. My wife and son and I watched her walk across the yard and I said oh no, Dan is fixing to get it. She walked up to him and immediately gave him a right hook and his glasses flew about 15 feet away, lol. She don't take no crap off nobody, ha ha. Nicest helpful person you ever met until you cross her, lol. Terry

[@ForestToFarm]

And thanks for the kind words. Terry

[@patrickmcmahon2654]

I like how humble and level headed you are. Great work!

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks for the kind words! Terry

[@jasonarmenta9986]

Thank you bro man. Love humble men without the ego trips.

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks for the kind words! Terry

[@MrMiles40]

good deal! glad I found it. got a total of 2hrs on my 'part time' skid steer every bit of information helps

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks for sharing that Miles! We are no experts but we manage to get things done.I can say that every time we have rented that machine we learn something new. Every little bit helps! Terry

[@gravelyvoltas8897]

I really appreciate the style and simplicity of your video, thank you. I just did my first day yesterday as a total newbie with a Bobcat T190 , here in Southern Portugal . Today, after watching the video I hope I’m going to do a whole lot better..!

[@ForestToFarm]

Awesome! Thanks for the feedback. Terry

[@dennismaller6491]

Nicely done. Basic and simple, a very good beginners tutorial. Thanks

[@ForestToFarm]

Thank you. Terry

[@rubes1688]

You have a good way of teaching. A lot of these techniques are ways that I operate my machine but I can’t quite explain things as good as you did in this video

[@ForestToFarm]

Thank you for the kind words. I always question myself as to if I am worthy of sharing my experience? Are people gonna get it? Then someone like you comes along and gives me the push to keep on with it. Thanks. My son and I are not prod but we learn fast and we get the job done. 😁 Terry

[@david22202]

This was an EXTREMELY helpful video. Have not used a skid steer but look forward to the learning curve. Brother kinda wanted to hire someone to run it but...'Been watching these guy's on KZbin...they said they're rookies and making out OK' Figure it will make for a fun learning experience as long as we practice SAFETY FIRST! Thanks for the video.

[@ForestToFarm]

+david22202 so glad it was helpful! That's what we're here for, to hopefully help others learn how to get through what we are going through, and learn from our mistakes, haha. We'll have many more operation videos coming as we have time. Thanks for watching!

[@johnathanmitchell8681]

I have just started a new job as a Pool Building Construction Machine Operator. I have been tasked with lear ing how to grade with the aid steer with no previous experience whatsoever. This video helped me earn and keep my job. THANK YOU!!!!

[@ForestToFarm]

@@johnathanmitchell8681 Awesome! Thank you so much for sharing this comment and your story. Its what we are here for. We are not experts but we get the job done. Using it every day and doing it for a living I am sure you will be able to teach us a thing or two before long! Terry

[@HHTV60]

Super helpful video. I just finished a Wheel Loader Operator course... and somebody offered me a job on a skid steer... Finally i know exactly how to make the ground level ;) Like you said, it's not hard, but it's not easy for beginners either ;) Thanks!

[@ForestToFarm]

You are welcome. Most things are hard till you figure it all out. :) Terry

[@stevenichols2605]

Nice video. I appreciate your modesty. "None of us is as smart as all of us."

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks Steve! Together we can all become a little better. Keep a close ear out and you may hear the words "Danger Will Robinson". I say it from time to time, lol. Terry

[@takeit6530]

Great video. I’m preparing an area of my yard for this project, very helpful. Thank you.

[@ForestToFarm]

You’re welcome and glad to help!! Terry

[@mattingly1217]

Looks nice and dry.... I've been doing this stuff forever.... I found the fastest way to do it is to go forward and start on the edges... get your edges good and just go forward in a circle until you end up in the middle... then do a grid pattern... but we also have an attachment called a Harley Rake that helps a ton with wheels on the attachment

[@ronstopfer2315]

Nice instructional video. I own a small bit of property and am continually using my New Holland to clean it up, make changes, etc.

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks!! Nothing like working your own property. Terry

[@iamthemoss]

Great job, thank you. I have a John Deere 320E that I purchased about 6 months ago. I've been moving mostly dirt and gravel. I am at the stage where I am starting to grade and level.

[@ForestToFarm]

You’re welcome and Thanks!! Hope it all works out for you. Terry

[@PapasAnimals]

Hey Terry! THANK YOU for this video! I rented my first skid-steer this past weekend. I hadn't seen this particular video yet, but I had a LOT of "Aha!" moments watching this after the fact. I figured out the backward bucket drag to level completely by accident when I forgot to pull up my bucket far enough while backing away after dumping some dirt. 😂 I also had fits because the machine they delivered had TIRES instead of the tank type treads as show in this video. NOTE to self for next time I rent...1) ask for a 'smooth' bucket instead of the 'toothy' one (especially if I'm doing a lot of leveling) and 2) make SURE I rent one with the tank treads. I had a HECK of a time with this thing on soft dirt, where each major turn left me MORE holes to fill! Peace and Love, -Papa Root

[@ForestToFarm]

Ha ha. Its fun learning the hard way. Yeah tracks are so much better. Good luck and have fun!! Terry

[@JefftheDonkeyGuy]

I congratulate you for clear and understandable instruction. I'm a beginner w/ track loader. Similar to what you're doing, except in mud. Harder than it looks.

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks!! Oh boy. When we first started we had a friend loan us an old slightly broken down skid steer. The wobbler motor was bad and it only wanted to turn one way on a good day 😂. In addition it had one new tire that was in perfect condition and the other three were completely bald. You pretty much went in circle most of the time when it was raining ha ha. Good times though. Those are things/times that stick with you. Keeps your memories putting a smile on your face. Thanks for watching! Terry

[@daveknowshow]

great tutorial you guys did a nice job on this video. the old skidsteer is hard on my body. seems every time I have run one I ended up hurting for a few days. its just so rigid, makes my back hurt thinking about it. lol enjoyed the video !

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks! That means a lot coming from you. I have watched several of your videos and have learned lots of valuable info!

[@cleatrampler]

My friends complain about their skid steers but I find the tractor hurts me more In the skid steer you rarely have to back up for any distance and there's no steering wheel to wrestle with on bumpy ground. I spent 4 hours straight drilling holes and not one pain the next day My neck hurts if I have to drill post holes with a tractor and so does my hands Tractor is made for pulling and that's all I use mine for.

[@ForestToFarm]

I tend to agree with you. Terry

[@omarsanchezjr9047]

Sir thank you so much for the help and information!! Great video with tips on leveling.

[@ForestToFarm]

Your welcome. Glad to help. Terry

[@harleydavidson8380]

You have a very calm, honest voice

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks! Terry

[@ramosel]

Going from back-hoes and excavators to a skid-steer was sooooo problematic for me. So use to using my hands to run buckets and my feet to move the vehicle. With the skid-steer's hand controls to move and foot controls for the bucket... felt like an idiot. You did good! I understand the newer ones can be completely controlled by hand. I'll have to try one of those next time.

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks! Ha ha, we started with a Caterpillar skid steer. An old one. It had hand controls. Then we went to this Bobcat version. Is was fun trying to relearn as you say. After using it several times we have gotten fairly good at it. They sure make life easier. Terry

[@slicksloth_416]

ramosel pilot controls are the way to go for skidsteers.

[@miaa793]

You have a really awesome way of explaining things. I love the detail and technicality in your breakdown. Do you have a video like this for front end loaders by chance?

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks for the kind words!! All we really have is stuff on the Kubota B2650 we own. Thanks for watching!! Terry

[@stevesimmons2109]

That's a pretty helpful video for beginners I myself am inexperienced Bobcat operator and many people don't know that the foot operated Bobcat actually has a bucket float option if you take your left foot which would be the one that raises and lowers your bucket off of the ground if you kick that pedal completely forward it will lock into a float position and you can use that bucket in any position in that float position it will not completely level the ground but you are able to backtrack your piles much more effectively into your hole and still have bucket control I eat if you have your bucket up and down with your teeth down dragging into the dirt to cut it with your float to drag it and make it looser you can do it like that and while you're in your float if your teeth are straight up and down if you slowly curl your bucket the bucket will lower to the ground evenly and lay down into your backwards drag position if use it it doesn't take if you use it you find out it takes very little effort to knock down piles or Back Drag with it and level just something for you to try out sometimes it's hard and will lift up your Bobcat but don't be afraid of it kick it forward and your Bobcat will lower back down and let you know that you're in the float position a little help for beginners good luck guys nice video

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks Steve! Always open for good quality advice! We will have to try that out when we rent it again. Terry

[@Ruffbone85]

Pedals suck!

[@ForestToFarm]

Yeah joysticks rule!!

[@AOMartialArts]

Dang. I'm glad I came by. Some great pointers here.

[@ForestToFarm]

Thank you sir! Terry

[@timmyvechett]

It’s gonna be my second time renting one you look like a pro to me and great video watched at 1.75 speed perfect

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks! It gets easier every time we rent one. Terry

[@deanbarr5740]

Looks pretty professional to me Terry. I doubt all the times i have ever been on a skid steer would add up to an hour worth of operating time. These are a very handy peice of equipment. I have used them to grapple brush and move a few piles. Onetime I used one with a street broom to get mud and dirt out of a parking lot in a construction zone. I love watching people with talent use these as they are very resourceful in the work zone. Enjoyed watching your talent on the Bobcat. The can definitely speed up the progress in any type of construction. Thanks Terry.

[@ForestToFarm]

I agree with all you said. We hope to one day buy one. Terry

[@CliffsideStables]

Forest To Farm: Terry, you and Brian ought to come down to the Ritchie Brothers six day equipment auction in mid-February. There are loads of large and small earth moving equipment up for grabs in this no-reserve auction. Check them out at www.rbauction.com. Tim @ Cliffside Acres

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks! Doubt we could make it this year but good to know!Terry

[@brycepj1]

Extremely helpful video. Thank you so much.

[@ForestToFarm]

You are welcome Bryce. The more you drive one the easier it gets. Hope to own a skid steer some day! Terry

[@venkiperth]

Great video mate..helpful to beginners DIY guys ..Used in sandy backyard to remove topsoil with dead grass… Lesson Leaned not use rubber Tyre instead one chain type wheel like you have in this bobcat for better results

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks! Yeah the tracks work better for most stuff in my opinion. Thanks for watching! Terry

[@johnfitbyfaithnet]

Great video thank you for sharing this important information listening from Brownwood Texas

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks!l Terry

[@WTLowery82]

Great tips sir. Well done and informative.

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks. We are no experts but we try hard. Terry

[@mateog962]

Cheers mate. Added to my confidence to give it a go myself.

[@ForestToFarm]

Great. We are not the best at it but we get it done. 😁 Thanks for watching! Terry

[@johnk5503]

Great video ... very helpful for the novice... thank you

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks. Glad to help! Terry

[@jeffpotempa1826]

Job well done explaining the process. Thanks

[@ForestToFarm]

You’re welcome and thank you. Terry

[@donovanwillis370]

Thanks so much for the tutorial. Very helpful!

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks for watching! Glad it helped and glad you shared. Terry

[@outdoorswithlarryrobin]

Just bought a Bobcat T650, 63 yrs old and had never ran one, struggling with some land I just cleared, you just solved my issue with this video! Thanks and God Bless!👍🏼

[@ForestToFarm]

Great! We are not experts but we get the job done.Good Luck! Terry

[@panchero9758]

Good video! It's going to help me a lot on my job

[@ForestToFarm]

Good to know! We are not experts but we learn how to get the job done. Glad you told us that. Its our mission to help people learn. Sometimes what to do and some times what not to do, lol. Terry

[@chargermopar]

Love the attention to detail making this video Now I have something to refer friends to watch when they tell me they cannot use a skid steer for grading because it is too complicated

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks! And we are just rookies at this stuff. You just have to play around until you figure out what works to get what you want done. It worked out pretty well for us. Terry

[@learnjcbskidsterchickensga7594]

chargermopar my first how to was a Bobcat with HOW FARM S WORK. Been hooked ever since... found awesome help from people on www.heavyequipmentforums.com met lifelong friends there

[@chargermopar]

There's also skidsteerforum.com Ryan's farm channel was one of my favorites before he became so popular. Love the quick and carefree way they move hay from the fields with skid steers.

[@learnjcbskidsterchickensga7594]

chargermopar I agree on Ryan comment.....I would like more direction and less social life just a little...but I am glad he can supplement with youtube to relieve the stress of farming financials. Thanks for the url!

[@mcloud0403]

Hey I’m loving you’re videos. You guys really do a good job. And right down to earth where most of us are. Quick question if you can. Why do you prefer not to use a tiller? I have a much smaller area to work than yours, but I’ve been considering tilling it. (Dying to operate a bobcat tho!)This video is a huge help, by the way. Lot of little how-to’s I didn’t know.

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks! We love making them. As far as the tiller goes, the soil has a lot of life in it that supports what ever you plant. When you till it you kill off part of that soil life. Eventually when you kill enough soil life you start becoming dependent on fertilizers and other amendments. In my opinion conventional farming is bad for the soil. I would rather work with the soil and try to improve the soil life. Its a long story and as we start to build our gardens and all we will be going into this in much more detail. One way I would consider tilling is maybe when first establishing a garden or field I might till to incorporate organic matter, bio-char and/or maybe some manure. Then after that just start doing a no till method. Glad the video has helped. We are not experts but we find a way to get things done. Every time we rent it we get a little better and learn a few things. Wish we could buy one! Terry

[@michaelsolomon712]

Very helpful as I just purchased a bobcat skid steer

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks! Its a learning process and the more we use it the more we learn. Good luck and enjoy!! Terry

[@TitusLivy777]

A very helpful video! Thank you!!

[@ForestToFarm]

Glad we could help! Its not rocket science but it does take a bit of practice to figure it all out. We are still learning but it gets easier each time we use a skid steer or mini ex. Thanks for the feed back! Terry

[@raulhogland7309]

Great video! I wish everyone made this type. Explaining as you go in detail. Have you done a video using the float function? I really like using it on grading. Thanks 😊

[@ForestToFarm]

We have not done a video on floating the bucket. When we rent another skid steer we hope to do more informative videos but that may be a while. Thanks for watching and thanks for the kind words!! Terry

[@Iisidjenejiirjrkgawdcv9888yyyt]

Very much appreciated!! Thank you

[@ForestToFarm]

No problem, glad it was helpful to you. Its not rocket science but it does take time and skill to figure all this stuff out. We just figure why not share what we know. Its bound to help someone save time and frustration. Now on the flip side I am sure there are plenty of pro's out there laughing at us but hey, we are getting it done none the less. Terry

[@JMc-hg1vd]

I believe what you’re referring too as “float” You’re backdragging the bucket without downward hydraulic pressure. Very effective. Nice video indeed.

[@ForestToFarm]

Hey John. Thanks! Yeah it gets the job done well. We are not seasoned experts but we learn fast at least some of the time, ha ha, and we do get the job done one way or the other. Thanks for watching! Terry

[@KingTen91]

Float is the term, that's why he was referring to it as that

[@d1o2n4]

Really good, thanks. Liked the comments at the end

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks! It just takes a little practice! Terry

[@rayacosta5070]

thank you for the video was very helpful i have a 2011 use bobcat and i am learning how to use it hope you can make more videos waiting for next video Hardeeville SC 29927

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks! We would love to own a skid steer. Maybe some day. Its a lot of fun using one. The power and abilities of those things ius amazing. Be careful, the more comfortable you get with a skid steer the more risk it seems you put yourself in. I would make multiple trips moving dirt in a repeated pattern and pretty soon I would catch myself with the bucket going up in the air while still on the way to the dump area and still going fast in anticipation of dumping it. You get in a pattern an get relaxed and then start getting on that edge. I came close to turning it over more than once. Be safe. We hope to make more video next time we rent the skid steer and/or the mini excavator. We have a B2650 Kubota compact tractor so there are going to be lots of videos coming with it. Already have several. Enjoy that skid steer! I am envious. Terry

[@mikecuttle5686]

I am about to begin my first use of a Bobcat. I have a midsize tracksteer unit (450) rented for a whole week. I turn 70 this month and haven’t been this excited in a long time. I’m helping a friend and doing pretty much what you outlined in the video. Levelling and grading dirt after their big house reno. Then I have to spread about 100 yards of new topsoil on top prior to Hydroseeding Your video was Very helpful. You did a good job, dumbing it down and making the basics Understandable. Looking forward to the experience and hopefully will become competent and faster over the week. Thanks again 🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@ForestToFarm]

Glad to help and good luck with your project!! Thanks for watching and the comment. Nothing like doing it yourself! Very rewarding. Terry

[@arturopantoja4378]

Keep the good job thank you guys

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks!! Terry

[@ScottysDetailing]

Great demo

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks! We are rookies but we learn pretty fats. Terry

[@Not_Grape_Ape]

Thanks for sharing. It may not be the way “experts” do it but it’s a place to start! This gives me some confidence in trying to use a rental by myself.

[@ForestToFarm]

Thank you. Its always great to get feedback from some one who can benefit from our efforts. Be safe. Those heavy pieces of equipment can chew a person up real quick. Anyone around needs to always stay far away from where your working. You have very limited ability to see things around you. Good luck!

[@MrWhitelightning73]

Thanks for posting.

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks for watching!! Terry

[@thejamabides]

Best vid I’ve seen on this!

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks! And thanks for watching!! Terry

[@Matt-vw8xt]

general tip more so for buckets with a flat cutting edge is the back of the bucket aka backdragging is for dense grading and the front of the bucket tilted down with the arms raised is for fine grading. as far as fine grading goes the more harsh of a grade the tilt from you bucket is the more material you will be grabbing taking from highs and filling lows

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks. Terry

[@ClinttheGreat]

Great video, thanks.

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks!! Terry

[@natividadsandoval5757]

Im looking forward to another video you are very helful sir.

[@ForestToFarm]

Thank you Patty. We are no experts but we get the job done and like sharing how we did it. Its a blast learning how to use these things. Terry

[@spiritualwartv]

This is a good video will save this to my favorites

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks! And thanks for watching. We hope to start building soon and many more videos to come. Terry

[@amberdurante]

This video really helped me !

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks so much for sharing. Always good to hear when someone benefits from our videos. Terry

[@andrewshedron425]

If you would have started by pushing the dirt you would create a level surface to drive on while working the ground which is super important for grading. If the machine is leaning the dirt you pull will also be leaning.

[@ForestToFarm]

Can’t argue with that 😁. However the ground here is leaning to some degree everywhere ha ha. Pushing or pulling is a bit a of a challenge either way you go. The sub soil on our property is hard as a brick so I was partially trying to bust those chunks up all while filling the hole. Thanks for the input and for commenting!! Terry

[@organogold8]

Someone told me this and I didn't understand why but I still do it lol so thank you

[@ForestToFarm]

@@organogold8 Yep.

[@wallywj4136]

Thanks for the great skills I need it.

[@ForestToFarm]

Your welcome! Terry

[@susanedmonds6151]

Thanks cant wait to try that

[@ForestToFarm]

You are welcome. Terry

[@carolewarner101]

Very useful, thanks!

[@ForestToFarm]

You are welcome!! Terry

[@kevinbetter4741]

Great tips. I learned alot. Cant wait to jump into my skid steer. Hello from Odessa Ontario Canada

[@ForestToFarm]

Hello Kevin! Glad to help. We are not experts but we get the job done!! Terry

[@MrCPPG]

Great video thanks.

[@ForestToFarm]

You’re welcome! And thanks for watching! Terry

[@brianbritton7229]

I’ve been in equipment rental for the last decade of my life if you rent a machine nowadays somewhere in that machine it will be a QR code on how to operate that machine

[@ForestToFarm]

Good to know. Terry

[@diegoccsecy6858]

Good video. Thanks

[@ForestToFarm]

You are welcome and thanks for watching! Terry

[@toyo2502]

Thank you for this video and my God Bless your humble spirit in teaching...if anyone thinks they can do it better then they should be on their own channel...folks like me need this type of teaching ...i liked and subscribed and will be following your teachings!

[@ForestToFarm]

Thank you for the kind words and for following along! Glad to hear when people can benefit from our efforts. :) Terry

[@johnfitbyfaithnet]

Great tips

[@ForestToFarm]

Thank you. We are no experts but we are learning fast. Terry

[@flickboogers9325]

Very helpful thanks

[@ForestToFarm]

You’re welcome! Glad to help. Terry

[@salimsopari]

thank you for making this video

[@ForestToFarm]

You’re welcome! Glad to help. Terry

[@docwho1912]

I appreciate your video for explaining basic use of skid steer. Thank you! What I am seeking is a video that explains how to remove high ground from a yard. My yard has a distinct crown (side and front are much lower than the middle). I am told that the previous owners caused this by continuing to pile layer after layer of sod over a several year period, because grass was not growing well and their solution was to keep adding more sod. The net result: if you are standing in the street, facing the house, you can see the sides of the yard are at grade with the flanking driveways, and the middle of the yard, side to side, is nearly a foot higher than the sides. Not only does this look terrible, it is probably preventing proper growth of a seeded lawn. Thus: how do I use a skid steer to remove this crown from the middle of the front lawn? Have you made such a video, or have you seen a video such as this to which you can share the link? I have basic skills (have used a bobcat, previously). Ergo, my questions is about strategy. This is too much soil to remove by hand rake. I am guessing I will ultimately need to level down (move around) at least three or four yards of soil). Thank you, in advance, to anyone who can assist me with this!

[@ForestToFarm]

Sounds like a big mess. Not sure exactly how I would approach that. Maybe start with tilling it? Maybe use a tractor with a box blade and just start dragging it down until you are happy with it. Without actually seeing it it’s hard to say. Good luck and thanks for watching! Terry

[@user-lx4jq9fd2q]

@@ForestToFarm thank you, Terry. How might I send you a photo of the front yard? We're not talking an acre of front yard... it's probably closer to 800 square feet. And, that is bisected by a center sidewalk up to the porch.

[@prakashambastha7530]

very informative! I am going to rent a small skid steer to dig 5-6 inches of dirt for my backyard project. Should I start excavating from high point to low point of my existing grade? and does "float mode" help in maintaining the grade? Sorry I never used skid steer so wondering how to effectively use it. Thank you!

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks! First off I am no expert. I would start low and work up hill taking it slow and easy until you see what works best for you. Not sure about the float function. Some times it works well and others not so much. The tilt or angle of the bucket is a key factor in keeping it digging consistently. Good luck and thanks for watching! Terry

[@chrisheldman4942]

Thanks very handy👍

[@ForestToFarm]

You’re welcome!! Glad to help. Terry

[@jakuboprsal9782]

Thanks a lot!

[@ForestToFarm]

You’re welcome!! Terry

[@Manintoga]

Had to figure this out myself at work. Big place, the few guys who know the basics of the skid steer (locally manufactured old 80s machine but with very sensitive electronic controls for some amazing reason) either hate using it or are just too busy with their other jobs, so its up to the FNG to clown around with old beater. Of course 3 hours into filling potholes the bucket tilt hydraulic started dripping oil so i decided to call it quits as it already burst a line previously. I'm trying to be gentle with it so hopefully its just a loose connector on the hose.

[@ForestToFarm]

Its lots of fun learning these things and rewarding when you get it worked out!! We have some videos of a really nice unit we rented last fall. I will post them for you here. Terry

[@ForestToFarm]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIm2ZHaXbdygmM0

[@ForestToFarm]

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[@ForestToFarm]

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[@JT-qf4it]

How do you like running a open machine in that dry dirt? Can't count how mant times I did that before I finally got a enclosed cab and a/c.

[@ForestToFarm]

It gets very dusty for sure. Having never had the luxury of running one with glass its hard to say. I am used to being Carolina Clay colored when finished after a long hot day, lol. Pretty sure that glass and A/C is the best way to go. We just rent but if we ever buy one it will be closed in. That would be awesome! Terry

[@robertstewart1262]

Thank you.

[@ForestToFarm]

You’re welcome. Glad to help! Terry

[@treechopperjaxon1849]

Thanks bro God bless America 🇺🇲

[@ForestToFarm]

You are welcome! Thanks for watching!! Terry

[@gregnzuza4332]

Thank you sir

[@ForestToFarm]

Glad to help and thanks for watching!! Terry

[@scadv6537]

4 in 1 or 6 in 1 buckets are essential for spreading material. i rarely see americans use them. in australia its a must have on nearly all machines

[@ForestToFarm]

We just use what ever the rental company has available. It gets the job done. Thanks for watching! Terry

[@DavidBrown-ii8wi]

Thank you

[@ForestToFarm]

No problem. May not be the best way of doing things but it gets the job done. :) Terry

[@MichaelTonyp]

Good info

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks! Terry

[@rabbitfester]

@foresttofarm would this break up say a pile of rocks and dirt set in place for a couple of years, or would you need to have that broken up first for the the skid steer to work?

[@ForestToFarm]

I am no expert but I would try just breaking it up with the skid steer. Then drag it. Terry

[@calvinwright2466]

Good tips, hits alot of moves that are key. Need some grease on that machine tho. I can hear squeaks in the video

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks we are still learning and having a blast doing it. We rented it and they are supposed to be serviced before coming out but some times things are not as should be. Those things get worked so hard. People think rentals are supposed to be abused. We try to treat them like they are our own. Hope its been greased since this video was made, ha ha. Thanks for the comment!! Terry

[@mikesbobcatservicesllc-mic6927]

I was getting already to laugh Until I saw this was bucket science good job

[@ForestToFarm]

Ha ha, yeah we laugh at ourselves sometimes. :) We are not experts but rather a couple of guys figuring it out as we go. Thanks for commenting! terry

[@12vLife]

The soil in my central Florida lot is very sandy and soft. I have ' 30'x30' area i want to elevate 3' with nearby original soil that is 60' away. Can a Bobcat like the ones they rent at Home Depot do this and how long would it take to do a job like this if you have no experience operating a Bobcat before? Roughly what could i expect to pay for work like this contracted out provided i have the materials?

[@ForestToFarm]

I honestly do not know anything about Florida soil, Home Depot rentals or how much a contractor down there is charging right now. Sorry. Around here depending on equipment a contractor may charge $75 per hour up to $130 or more. Terry

[@steveneckel3825]

great video, what is the capacity of the bucket ie... 1 yard?

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks so much! Honestly I am not sure. I will try and find out but its been a while and I know they got out of some of their rentals. Maybe someone knows. Thanks for watching! Terry

[@SA-lr1sf]

I wish there was a place that we could go to get a couple of hours of training for a fee. When I purchased my used backhoe loader, I asked the seller to teach me how to use it and he took only an hour to get me started. Thank you for posting. We need a Vedio of the basic operations also. I know there are some but I think you would do a better job of explaning things.

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks for the kind words. I do not know of any place that trains people but it seems like there would be someone out there. Maybe some old time farmer would take the time if they have little else to do. I find the older generation are more giving and generous with knowledge. Love getting that old school knowhow. 😁 good luck! Terry

[@georgiaboy6426]

I'm at that jerky, beginner stage...lol. Thanks for the tips.

[@ForestToFarm]

You’re welcome!! Gotta start somewhere. Its very rewarding when things start flowing. Be cautious though. That is when you can get overconfident. I have just about turned it over a couples of times rushing things. Terry

[@happyguy4269]

Does this machine have enough power to uproot small stumps? Biggest one os about 6 inches in diameter. Great video, thank you for posting!

[@ForestToFarm]

Lots to consider. In softer soil you would have better luck than hard clay soil. Also the species of tree can be easier say for a pine stump than a sweet gum or oak tree. Then if the soil is extremely dry its much harder to dig a stump. We use a mini excavator for stump digging. It does a much better job than a skid steer at digging stumps and moving them or long logs. If you only had a few stumps to dig and then lots of other skid steer work to do I would likely give the skid steer a try on the stumps. If there are lots of stumps you might be better off renting a mini for a day first and digging all the stumps, leaving them lay where they fall because the mini ex is a slow mover and then rent the skid steer for your other work and move the stumps with it as well because it is so much faster at getting around. Be careful if you use the skid steer for stumps. The tree can get caught between the teeth if the size is close to the opening size. The teeth can get stuck in the stump, lol ask Brian how I know. The bucket will bend and possibly stay warped if you push with it at an angle and not straight into the stump. Hope this all helps out. Terry

[@happyguy4269]

Forest To Farm Thanks Terry, all good points to consider. I appreciate you taking the time to reply back!

[@ForestToFarm]

@@happyguy4269 No problem. It gets harder to answer questions as the channel grows. Lots of reading time of which I enjoy but I am sure at some point i will just be playing catch up non stop. Just have to keep plugging away. Terry

[@masonmaas4353]

With an actual dirt bucket the cutting edge has a piece on the bottom of the blade to grade. The journeymen i work with dont like shoving dirt and other things right towards the hydraulics

[@ForestToFarm]

Well they just don’t know how to have fun 😂. Thanks for watching! Terry

[@first5knitro473]

When you finish back dragging with the box you will still have excess dirt the best way to spread that is by coming back and blade then spread slowly while moving around

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks! Terry

[@madtater5948]

you need to do a video on first-time tractor buyer's operation guide

[@ForestToFarm]

We hope to get some tractor videos up eventually but life is currently very busy with us fast approaching the build of our houses. Thanks for watching! Terry

[@SuperQdaddy]

Would like to see the controls and inside operation..thanks

[@ForestToFarm]

It might be a while before we rent it again but I will try to get that done when we do! Terry

[@12vLife]

I have 1/4 acre (75W X 120L) vacant lot in central Florida where my soil is basically soft white sand - it compacts well but is like butter for digging. The lot has a 2' dip in the center where i want to park a camper during summer when it rains a lot. I've never seen it flood but FEMA says it eventually will. I was wondering if a Bobcat alone could dig PUSH a deep trench around perimeter then grade push everything up to a plateau in the center back basically creating aggressive trenches and dips where i want plant some thorny bushes that love water. ideally looking to elevate a 50W x 60L plateau section by 3+ feet by PUSHING my sandy soil around without having to bring in fill dirt. Think it's possible and what would a job like this cost in labor alone with just a Bobcat and operator? I'd love to learn to operate a Bobcat.

[@ForestToFarm]

I wish I could help you but I am just not sure what your best approach would be. It would be best to check with locals who do that type work on your type soil. It seems to be so different than what we are dealing with here in South Carolina. Terry

[@chaddeciantis]

Push into the hole and hold level , backblading is for fine grade.

[@ForestToFarm]

Sounds like a plan. Terry

[@James-kw6us]

Instead of pulling it back, would it be easier to push dirt from the opposite side into the low spot?

[@ForestToFarm]

Its easier for me to pull when I push the bucket tends to dig in too much. A pro may say different though ha ha. Terry

[@globalcommunityaffairs6585]

Thanks I want to level my lawn .

[@ForestToFarm]

You are welcome and good luck!! Terry

[@erne653]

I'm seating in a caterpillar skid steer watching a video to figure out 😆 😂

[@ForestToFarm]

Ha ha Awesome! Terry

[@touge242]

I wish I could like this video twice

[@ForestToFarm]

Thanks!! We are no experts but we figure out how to get things done. Each time we rent and run that skid steer we learn something new. It just takes time to get good with it or maybe just better than last time, ha ha. Terry