START TO FINISH! FOOTERS IN 1 DAY. ARE FOOTERS REALLY THAT IMPORTANT???

Time to get some footers dug for the property owner to get started building this beautiful home. A little digging here and a little digging there and all done…
#tristarDiggin” #tristardigging #footers #caterpillar #excavator #Heavyequipment #cat259 #cat304 #miniexcavator #housebuild #driveway #trimbleearthworks

[@JamieHill-z9r]

Great video! I dug footings for about 12 years. Yours was as good looking of a job as any I’ve seen. I also appreciate the message. Where will we be without our firm foundation built. on the rock which is Jesus Christ! Thanks brother, keep up the good work!

[@tristardiggin]

Thank you Jamie. I enjoy digging footers. Especially the ones like this job. Glad you enjoyed the message too. God Bless, Sam

[@sammyt4549]

My name is also Sam, I live in Jonesborough and youve helped me start a gradework & excavation business. Praise God! Thank you sor for teaching me.

[@tristardiggin]

Hey Sam that is pretty cool that you have started your own business. Glad to help as well. I appreciate that about the message and thankful it’s a help too… God Bless

[@marshallbell9354]

Love the video! I really appreciate you sharing your insights in digging foundations both physically and spiritually! God Bless!!

[@tristardiggin]

Thank you Marshall!😀 Glad you enjoyed the video and message. Thanks for supporting the channel… God Bless, Sam

[@craigclark8655]

Another nice looking site. I always look forward to your videos Sam. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge.

[@tristardiggin]

Thank you Craig! I appreciate that. It's a great thing to know folks are enjoying the videos. It helps keep the desire up to keep going. So, God Bless and appreciate you supporting the channel...

[@spencer6764]

Absolutely 💯 on grade Sammy!!! Thank you And GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

[@tristardiggin]

Thank you Jon and God Bless yiu as well....

[@spencer6764]

@tristardiggin Your Welcome. At least I'm not the only one today with a typo 🙃 🙂 😅 Have a BLESSED Day 🙌

[@tristardiggin]

Oh, that is just a normal thing for me. Its funny how you can proof read the comment and still miss stuff like that...🤔

[@ledirtworks8403]

Hello Sam…Awesome Video, Very clean looking job. I appreciate the way you mix in different camera angles and drone footage,Well Done 👍🏻 Thank You for Sharing the Message , Have a Great Week. Take Care !! 😃

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks Evert. It's definitely a lot of work to make the videos but very satisfying to know folks are enjoying them. God Bless and have a great week...

[@Dirtdaddy953]

Thanks Sam for the shout out! I’m sure you’ll see the 308 again on my channel at some point.

[@tristardiggin]

Glad to help out! Will be cool to see the 308 on your channel.

[@Dirtdaddy953]

I agree!

[@planeanddirtsimple]

Yep! Most definitely have cattle surprises! Thanks for the shout out! Good job on digging the footings. Looks like a nice homesite. Great message! Fits in well with the job.

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks Kenny! I thought you might enjoy that cow story. It's just beyond understanding how they get in so much trouble! God Bless

[@Nicholaswatts-y4q]

Hi sam. I really learn a lot from ur videos as I’m entering the same industry on my own finally. I used think I also had a strong foundation but when my son got very sick I found my self drifting away and questioning my faith although when ur are speaking in the word there is a warm feeling I get as if it’s him talking through you I needed this message tonight! Thanks Nick

[@tristardiggin]

Hey Nick, that is cool that you are starting your own excavation business. It is very rewarding to work for your self and see what you can accomplish. I’m especially glad the messages have been a blessing. It is certainly His Spirit speaking to you drawing you back to that relationship with Him. Pursue that relationship and restore your faith in the Lord! God Bless, Sam

[@jeffreyshier9021]

I love the way you embrace the technology.

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks Jeffrey, I definitely enjoy the grade control technology. It’s makes a job very efficient and just plain cool to work with…😀

[@NicolasBN]

Hey Sam, good job ! Thanks for the aerial views. Guidance is really handy on an excavator !

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks Nicolas I appreciate it. I enjoy the drone videos too.

[@garybritt1209]

Appreciate you explaining how your grade system works. Looks like makes things a lot easier for you and lot more precise. And your right! I live in NC and it has been very hot last few weeks. Stay safe out there and keep videos coming!💪🏼💪🏼

[@tristardiggin]

Thank you Gary. I definitely enjoy having the grade control system. It definitely saves time and it is very accurate too. Stay cool 😎 hanging out in the A/C or shade. God Bless...

[@mbeck9680]

Great educational video. Also, great message! Thank you!

[@tristardiggin]

Thank you Mike I appreciate that...😁

[@medlinlandmaintenancellc]

You got it going on brother, enjoy your videos and messages!!! Thank you, brother!!

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks Mark. 😁

[@vincentpira]

Great job Sam! Appreciate you sharing your tips and tricks. 👍🏻

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks Vincent. Hope the tips help out. Thanks for supporting the channel...

[@diggindeeperPCG]

Great video! We do similar work including the concrete. You did a fantastic job! I can see why folks use your services. Also, thanks for showing us all the 2d system in use.

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks Phil I appreciate it. The 2D system is a fantastic tool. I have been watching some of your videos and the mountain ranges in the background are cool to see. Sam

[@mikec8519]

Great video on footers and how to dig them. Great message!!

[@tristardiggin]

Thank you Mike! 😁 God Bless

[@brianhubbard1621]

Great tips on digging footings,thanks for the thought and message!!

[@tristardiggin]

Thank you Brian. Glad you enjoyed the video and message. God Bless...

[@arielmatozzo2744]

Nice clean work love all your videos learning a lot thank you so much

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks…😀

[@coreyadkins6491]

Get you a 24 inch bucket for that 313. You would have been done by noon the first day. I enjoy your stuff. And glad to see someone spreading the gospel!

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks Corey. Glad you are enjoying the videos and message. Appreciate you supporting the channel...

[@2098723]

Hey Sam, a good tip for digging corners like at 19.20secs, is to slice the dirt down and away from you into the ditch in front and it stops it from breaking the corner off. Takes a bit of time but comes out pretty nice. You kind of spear downwards with the teeth, and then push it forward so its loose in the trench in front, then clean that out and repeat. Hopefully the way im describing it makes sense.

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks Tom. Yes, you explained it well. I've seen folks do it that way and I have tried it some but need to try more to get better at that. Thanks for the tip... Sam

[@tedhardulak7698]

I started running equipment in the 70s on a 3 stick foot swing case 570. Its hard for me to imagine all the features these new machines have, I might be lost in the software. Just amazing. I liked what you said about building on a firm foundation. Up here we have a min. 36in frost line. Any more it seems people dont have time for great friendships, I have 1 friend that wants to text me all the time instead of talking. I just cant do it. But that's part of living in the North also, I guess. I have a sign in my kitchen that says 'Friendship grows on exchanges of the heart" and that takes a good foundation to build. Blessings to you and your family. Very clean looking footers. They will make for a strong house. And yes, Jesus is my only rock!

[@tristardiggin]

Thank you Ted! The new machines with the technology is flat out amazing to see what they can do. I've seen videos where guys are digging frost lines. Not something we do here at all. Good friendships are hard to come by nowadays. Jesus is my only rock too. God Bless, Sam

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Great work Sam very clean ditches. You’re exactly right about planning out how to dig those footings cause you can’t always start at one corner and go all the way around. You have to make sure you don’t dig yourself into a corner. Love the drone pictures of the footing!

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks Brandon. Watching you and Frank taught me its kinda like a puzzle. Which line do I dig next? 🤔 The drone really adds a lot to the videos. I was thinking I should head your way with the JCB to help with all that pond mud. 😳😁 When you said 300+ loads in those few days I just shook my head and said wow that's a lot of crawling in and out of equipment...😫🤣

[@eliteearthworksllc]

@@tristardiggin you should that would definitely speed things up. Yeah those were long days 🤣

[@Dirt_mountain-earthworks]

@@tristardiggin yea im up for a collab video with you two! Both of you guys are great!💯

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks maybe later in the year when things slow down Brandon and I can get together for a job.

[@Dirt_mountain-earthworks]

@@tristardiggin yeah that would be great to watch and thanks

[@canadabrushcontrol]

Great video Sam! I appreciated you explaining the lazer option, I always wondered how well that worked. Great message at the end as well :)

[@tristardiggin]

The 2D grade control works great. Especially for someone working alone. Saves a lot of time crawling in and out checking grade. Glad you enjoyed the message. God Bless...

[@morrelllangley1157]

I enjoy your videos and your messages

[@tristardiggin]

Thank you Morrell...😁

[@Stand4Good]

Love the video! Thank u for the lesson and the message at the end.

[@tristardiggin]

Hey thanks, I appreciate that and glad you enjoyed it…😀 God Bless

[@douglasrice3752]

Great video and message. Much appreciated!

[@tristardiggin]

Thank you Douglas and I appreciate you supporting the channel… God Bless

[@pjs5191]

Love the videos like this with good explanations and teaching moments. Nice content and a message as always. Dad has been a home builder and remodeler for his whole life, you’re 💯 right about the importance of a foundation for a house, a good house foundation is a winner, and Jesus being a foundation for life is a winner.

[@tristardiggin]

Thank you for letting me know what you like about the video. It helps me to know what folks like to watch. A firm foundation in Jesus is vitally important as well! God Bless, Sam

[@lestermoore7878]

The drone shot at the beginning of you drawing the white lines was awesome!!!

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks! I will definitely do that shot again. Wasn't sure how it would look but it turned out great... Sam

[@lovejcdc]

Love the video Sam, excellent work and a professional outcome. God bless y'all

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks I appreciate it. It's cool looking at footers from drone videos...

[@roxyevans3176]

Great Message!

[@tristardiggin]

Thank you Roxy! 😁

[@didle77]

Always a good day when sam uploads great video sam

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks! Appreciate you always supporting the channel...😁

[@smithworx1091]

I don't know how I missed this video. You did an awesome job bro. I bet that manual excavator was the hardest part of the whole job!

[@tristardiggin]

That manual excavator is up for SALE! 😁 Thanks...

[@Badge-vo7hq]

Love your method

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks I appreciate that! It’s a homemade method but seems to work…😀 Sam

[@jimmytew9468]

Great message Sam I enjoyed it! Technology is great it sure helps with production. Be Safe and GOD BLESS

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks Jim. I agree with you the technology really helps with production. . God Bless...

[@jimmytew9468]

@@tristardiggin my first time doing a footer was with a shovel. It was the last time I did one with a shovel. 🤣

[@tristardiggin]

Yeah, I would quit too! 😳🤣😁

[@bcadventurz]

That wood handle excavator is a little harder to run than the Cat. lol. Great message. Have to have a firm foundation in Jesus to truly with stand the storm

[@tristardiggin]

Right! A guy at church today said I needed a better shovel. I told him I need a shovel man, not a better shovel. 😁🤣

[@bradnavratil5502]

Hello from your northern neighbor.🇨🇦 Yeah, I'm not too good with newer technology. But I sure liked how that laser system worked. My next machine. I will be looking to put something like that in it. God bless play It safe.😎

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks Brad! The laser grade control is great. It makes the job go quickly for sure. God Bless, Sam

[@MrXelig]

@@tristardiggin Also Northern here, jealous of how shallow those are!

[@tristardiggin]

@@MrXelig yup , not too bad here…😀

[@poorfarm-nn6ii]

Awesome video Sam! You really put this one together well! Snippets of what’s to come in the beginning. Very informative on how to use TEW and how to begin and end your footings. Lastly filled with a message as to why they are so important to have a good footer to build your life upon! Keep up the good work. I’m just over at the lake being lazy lol. Burned up my ax clutch on the dodge pulling the camper over here, and woke up that night with a fever and head congestion but still thankful for a break. Was a 24 hour deal. Im ready to stay out all night ripping lips now.

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks! Well, I'm glad it was just a short sick spell. Catch some big ones. Sorry to hear that about the clutch. Maybe it won't be to bad to fix... God Bless...

[@poorfarm-nn6ii]

@@tristardiggin I’ve done it twice already. May be time to just get a new compressor again.

[@tristardiggin]

Sounds like it...🤔😁

[@axe609]

Looks really good. I have a question for you and anyone else reading this. I am looking to buy a used truck (20-25k) and trailer to haul my 11500 lbs excavator. From what I can see I will have to get my cdl even though right now I am only moving it for me, but I think I either need a 350/3500 of go up to a 450-550/4500-5500. Eventually I want to get a skid steer too and get business started. will a 450-550/4500-5500 be enough to haul both probably 22-26000 lbs plus trailer weight? Should I start there or just get a 350/3500 for now? It is hard finding the right engine and rear end in a 350/3500 for my price range. If anyone can share some wisdom and experience I would appreciate it.

[@tristardiggin]

Good questions! There are a lot of variables when it comes to trucks, trailers and hauling equipment. Shoot me an email with your number and I will call you to see if I can help you figure it out... Sam

[@gpezz1]

Nice work Sam I some day would like to start digging footers myself how do you price a job like this I would appreciate any information

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks for watching and supporting the channel, I appreciate it. I generally charge a daily rate, based on 8 hour day, on most jobs. Anywhere from $1200 to $1600 per day, depending on the work and equipment needed. I also charge for mobilization as well. So, when I look at a job, like this footer job, I take into account the complexity of the job, type of material (easy digging or hard digging), how long it will take, how difficult it is to get to the jobsite, etc... On this particular job it was $3500. On another footer job (more recent video) it was $1800. After you do several you will get to a point where you can price them and be competitive with other bids. Hope this helps and I wish you well. God Bless and Thanks, Sam

[@GregoryLynch-cb5xy]

Great job buddy

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks Gregory! 😀

[@josephhervieux7374]

Amen brother.

[@tristardiggin]

Thank you Joseph, I appreciate that! God Bless

[@shawnwalters641]

Old Trimble earth works shining bright like a diamond!!! not sure the autos on the 313 would have saved you much time on such a shallow dig but I would be interested to see the comparison in a future video.

[@tristardiggin]

Right, I am thinking that too. I'm think the auto will come in handy on basement digs for sure. Clearing a house lot now and will be digging a basement on this job. Anxious to try it out...

[@shawnwalters641]

I am looking forward to that video and seeing the D5 in action with the new system on it

[@andykrzus8483]

Hey Sam, I was hoping to find out more about your 2D set up. I have a 304 myself and have been looking at various options that available. Any feedback and information would be very appreciated. Thank you in advance

[@tristardiggin]

Sure thing will be glad to help. Contact me by email and send your number. I will call you to talk it over. Thanks, Sam

[@jamesbreault5762]

Good job Sam.

[@tristardiggin]

Thank you James...😁

[@saltycountry5459]

Same reason I sold all our goats. Always an unexpected issue to deal with at very inconvenient times.

[@tristardiggin]

Yup, that is exactly right. They can be frustrating for sure...

[@DunsmoreMovingDirt]

That might have been one of those flying frogs. That job looked pretty puzzling to me, you handled it well though.

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks James. It puzzles me too. 😁

[@TennPoint_GroundSolutions]

Hi Sam! Thanks for this video, very informative! I’m relatively new to digging footers.. I see in another comment you did this job for 3500. Did you quote the job per linear foot, hourly rate, or flat fee? If you’re inclined to share why you priced it one way vs another that would be good to know as well.

[@tristardiggin]

I generally charge a daily rate but on footers I kind of know what to expect on those. I do a fixed price on footers now. This one was a bit tricky with all the cut outs and corners. If it had been a simple square box or rectangle it would have been around $1800…

[@TennPoint_GroundSolutions]

Thanks Sam! Much appreciated, per the drawings I’m looking at 338 linear feet with a good amount of cut outs and corners. Will keep this in when I meet with customer tomorrow.

[@blackdogexcavator21]

That 2D system looks amazing to use. That would be super nice to dig by myself. Question, why so wide on the footer? Is that code where you are? Here, I can do a 16" wide footer as long as I'm less than 5' in the ground and using an 8" wall. Greater than 5', you have to dig a 20" footer and a 12" block wall(solid filled). Concrete has to be 8" thick on less than a 2 story house, and 10" thick on anything more than 2 story. I like seeing how things are done differently in different locations. Thanks for sharing and the message. Stay cool brother.

[@tristardiggin]

The 2D system is flat out nice. It definitely makes life easier. On this one the plan calls for 24" wide and 12" deep. 24" wide is pretty common around here. You have 8" of concrete on each side of the block. Thanks...

[@caseymayfield2616]

What are you using to hold grade without having a laser and stick

[@tristardiggin]

The excavator has Trimble Earthworks on it which is a 2D grade control system. I have several other videos where I use it and show how it works… Thanks, Sam

[@LaGuera187]

got a ball park idea on how much something like this costs >?

[@tristardiggin]

Similar work like this would be around $3500. A few variables could change price a bit one way or the other...

[@GregoryLynch-cb5xy]

Praise the Lord. I am save by his blood.

[@tristardiggin]

Amen!😀

[@billwarner9586]

Yes, Amen, my life is built on that firm foundation of Christ. God has a reason for everything he allowed to touch Our Lives. Including cows getting wrapped up in wire. God bless you my beloved brother in Christ Jesus.

[@tristardiggin]

Thank you Bill. I'm with you on that. God has a plan. God Bless and I appreciate you supporting the channel...

[@ryanpace-r2u]

shouldnt the laser strike be in the same orientation as you are digging?

[@tristardiggin]

The laser just acts as a base line to reorient the computer to the elevation change of the machine after you move. As long as the machine sets there digging the computer and sensors on the machine keep up with the grade you are digging. Hope that makes sense…

[@Andydaryl]

Where are you located? Im just North of Athens TN

[@tristardiggin]

Not far from you then. I’m between Benton and Etowah…

[@donniemcalister7149]

I’m just wondering if you ever have any ducks in that cattle pond 😂

[@tristardiggin]

Yup, occasionally have some wild ducks using the pond. Enjoy seeing them but they won't let you get to close to them...

[@texschuler]

I know any older operators are calling you a pansy for using the technology, but i think its just one more check of your work. Youre still using digging techniques and skill.

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks. The technology nowadays is pretty advanced and definitely makes us more efficient. Appreciate you supporting the channel... Sam

[@texschuler]

Corb Lund - cows around. Sounds like this is your life

[@tristardiggin]

👍

[@SteveSmallwood21]

👍🏻

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks...😁

[@ShmulieShear]

Can I ask you how much you charged for a job like this?

[@tristardiggin]

That one with a few extra things was around $3500 if I remember right…

[@TappsLandscaping]

Can you select a deferent tone? Im not sure I could listen to that all day!

[@tristardiggin]

It only has the one tone. Gets old for sure…

[@DanielAbel-uy7iw]

do you have to have the music?

[@tristardiggin]

I do a mix of music, time lapse and real time video. I try to keep a good balance. It’s truly hard to make videos that everyone likes. Thanks

[@michaelweatherhead9470]

Amen Sam ❤❤❤it. Jesus Saves trust in Him.

[@tristardiggin]

Thanks Michael, and yes He does... God Bless

[@gabmarzen1125]

How many acres you sitting on with your cattle?🤔

[@tristardiggin]

20 acres all together and about 13 is pasture for cattle...

[@gabmarzen1125]

@@tristardiggin amazing

[@bgl541]

can you please have sound

[@tristardiggin]

👍

[@spencer6764]

Aba

[@tristardiggin]

Yes Sir!!! 😁

[@Dirt_mountain-earthworks]

Great work i really have enjoyed the 2 last videos with the 304 and 259 they are a great team💪💪💪. Thanks for your messages, they are always an encouragement thanks for spreading the Word, you are the only person i watch in addition to GWT that includes the bible on their videos thanks.👍🙏💯🫡

[@tristardiggin]

Thank you! I really appreciate that. I agree, the 259 and 304 work great together. I enjoy sharing the Word for sure. What channel is GWT? Will check it out...

[@Dirt_mountain-earthworks]

@@tristardiggin GWT stands for good works tractors, its a channel featuring tractor attachments (mostly for compact tractors) and some skid steer attachments. Because he sells tractor attachments for a living. He does not talk about the bible but at least he leaves a bible verse at the end of the video. The way you spread the bible is much more encouraging though. Thanks👍🙏

[@tristardiggin]

Ok good deal...