Using the Mini-Skidsteer on Tree Jobs & Dirt Work

[@williamrehberg2546]

"Better than a shovel" has been my motto for years with a 3 point dirt scoop. May be slow, may not be fancy...but I'll take the fuel bill over a chiropractor visit any day!

[@metaspencer]

There ya go! better than a shovel AND a sore back :)

[@johnsommerfeld6889]

Whatever you can use it for is whatever you can use it for. Still saves your body from wear and tear. Looks like it comes in handy for a lot of things. Thanks for the update!

[@metaspencer]

Thanks man ... yeah, definitely a tool that gets things done

[@johnsommerfeld6889]

@@metaspencer For sure!

[@OTEP1234567891011]

Hey Spencer. Caught this one late. I was watching some of your older videos and man. I just wanted to say. Keep doing what you're doing. I love your practical, no-nonsense, straight forward tree work. Your commentary and thought processes are great to hear. Of all the frilly big channel tree guys that are out there, I prefer yours and Reg Coates the most. Much love from Nashville, TN.

[@metaspencer]

Good old Reg Coates! Much appreciated man. Nice of ya to say

[@pricepricelandscapemanagem4868]

If you dont mind a little more saw work...cut those branches shy of the with of the trailer and load thru the tailgate area. When loading you just push the previous grapple load fwd with the next one. Me personally i use this method when loading with the smaller mini skids and high side trailers.

[@metaspencer]

Cool method

[@Unstable_Larry]

Sense of completion happens at a different rate. I needed to hear those exact words thanks for the review man.

[@mikegrok]

On the left side of the device are some connectors to power accessories, like an auger. On the right side, that space is empty, and looks like it has a gusset plate. That is probably a more ideal place to drill through and attach a ball to pull your trailers. You could install a 2 inch ball. You can get a clamshell adapter to use that ball as a larger ball to pull your larger trailers.

[@JesseSullivanYouTube]

Back Saver for sure! Nice Job.

[@GinaKayLandis]

That's pretty incredible, the size and amount of stuff the yellow monster can pick up now! And yes, just before you mentioned counterbalance, I was like uh, looks like a bit of... counterbalance!! is needed! lol. Always enjoyable watching your videos. And hey I am all for saving your back and arms if you want to do tree work for several more years. At any rate, thanks again for a cool video!

[@metaspencer]

It's been interesting to use for sure -- and I always appreciate your comments and suggestions. Great ideas!

[@GreenPowerFarm]

I like it. I think it was a wise purchase. When the ground gets dryer it will do better.

[@metaspencer]

Absolutely man. So far so good

[@lorenmeyer5290]

That is a nice little loader and is really handy!

[@metaspencer]

Yeah I'm liking it for sure

[@youngprince716]

​@metaspencer hey friend thank you for the video. Can I get a one year update? How's the machine been treating you

[@nate2838]

For getting brush, stack large piles, then when you pick them up, with the grapple open press down so you compress the pile and get more :) Regarding unloading, you might get locking tie downs and choke them around the piles to make getting them off the grapple easier.

[@metaspencer]

I've gotta work on that smashing technique you describe ... I'm thinking bigger piles will help and give more brush to smoosh down in the end. Thanks for the tips! I'm still getting the hang of working with this machine for sure. :)

[@redbeardtree1776]

i have had the same debate in my head, i like the speed of using the grapple but i HATE to come back and pick it up as i only have the one trailer right now and work alone a lot as well. as always really enjoy watching your videos!!

[@metaspencer]

Yeah a constant dilemma … at least I’m not alone with it! Haha

[@robertmartinez1069]

Gotta charge for that extra hour or two for your time. Think everyone with a full sized skid feels the same. Other way would be to switch up your setup, dump truck and pull a small trailer with the skid

[@bobcat8439]

I have a bobcat 463 love them little skid steers they are great.

[@eucmh]

it's small it's run it's always ready...that'sthe best compagnion for someone working on the field

[@eucmh]

you can also design some other tools and adapt them for the I'll devil - I wish I had one too

[@metaspencer]

yes it's been very useful ... and those tools you mention are a good idea

[@bobbybourgoin9129]

For the logs, tilt the grapple (a little), yes your load is a tad higher, but closer to your center. For the trailers, the closer you get the ball to the machine, the more you will able to move without front tip.

[@metaspencer]

Thanks for the tips, man .... I'm still getting the hang of it for sure. Much appreciated

[@firstname6208]

do not drill a hole in the bucket, they make qt adaptors with a receiver hitch welded on for about $125, and the lift point will be 18" closer to the machine.

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

Looks like a lot of fun. Thanks

[@metaspencer]

Woohoo!

[@SoyMiguelAlfonso]

Would you trailer ramps work to roll the skid into it?

[@metaspencer]

Yep do that each day

[@tonyrice3770]

Well, we have one that we use the logs away and we move our dump trailers with one and it moves. It just great and we move our chipper around to where that and they are a good little handy machine.

[@metaspencer]

sounds like a good setup!

[@tonyrice3770]

@@metaspencer and plus are Grafos are a lot smaller than yours to where it’s not so front heavy

[@olddirtyburt7522]

maintenance needs: what are they? How does one adjust tracks after they stretch a little. Did you get an extra set when you ordered all this stuff?

[@metaspencer]

So far I've had only minor maintenance: oil change, tightening some hydro fittings, putting a track back on. As for adjusting the track tension there are just some tensioning bolts: no big deal. I'll need those extra tracks tho!

[@WyoCutlass71]

Having now owned it for over a year, how would you rate the reliability of it? I build fence during the summers and I want to use one of these with the auger attachment

[@metaspencer]

The only problem I've had is that on uneven sloped ground I'll sometimes pop a track off -- easy to reinstall. The thing runs well and lifts like a beast. I haven't tried the auger attachments

[@WyoCutlass71]

@@metaspencer thanks man!

[@nhmountains5683]

Hi Spencer. You’ve given that yellow beast a good workout. It should allow you to cut your ground crew in half. You need to get some yellow on the Pfanner to match the mini beast. We got a foot of the wet heavy white stuff last night. It’ll be a white Christmas here in NH.

[@metaspencer]

Real wet snow but purdy! Your idea on the color coordination is spot on

[@joshbigman1745]

Thats a handy machine, I'm interested please keep posting. I'm especially interested to see how it ages over a year of use. 👍🏿

[@metaspencer]

Yeah that's my big thought too: how will it do over time ... just gotta keep up with the maintenance

[@ww321]

When moving a tandem axle trailer level it out so you aren't lifting the front axle. Also with the bucket lower there's less mechanical advantage trying to tip you forward. Thanks for the videos

[@metaspencer]

Thanks for the tips! That makes good sense

[@danlee6481]

Good honest appraisal. Well done 👍

[@metaspencer]

thanks for checking it out. definitely a useful machine

[@FlatThunder]

Pretty neat little machine!

[@metaspencer]

Yeah, it's been a real bonus on the job and around the farm :)

[@bobcat8439]

I have a trailer hitch receiver on the back of my little skid steer and I made a attachment to it where I put my weight lifting weights on the back for counterweights

[@metaspencer]

Dude, now that's an awesome idea. For a second I thought you were gonna say that you haul your trailer to the job that way :) great way to add weights and thanks for the idea

[@Kevin.L_]

I wouldn't put a ball in the edge of the bucket. Seems it would be in the way too often. I would consider welding a 2 inch hitch receiver tube into the top of the bucket out of the way. I put one on my tractors box blade and it works without getting in the way. Looks like you are making the most of that little machine. Love all the videos.

[@metaspencer]

I like that idea of the receiver tube up top! Thanks for that

[@taterhater2086]

I have a receiver in the middle top of the bucket on my mt55. Works awesome for smaller trailers

[@metaspencer]

@@taterhater2086 That sounds super handy

[@dhenschel4]

How about drilling a hole in the bucket and installing ball when needed? I think a lower angle (bucket near ground) would have helped with the small machine too.

[@metaspencer]

@dhenschel4 yep that would be a real improvement

[@kmonnier]

The crate moved the machine, now the machine moves the crate 😊

[@metaspencer]

ya recognized that old crate! good stuff :) I'm kind of attached to that rusty box

[@Mack.of.all.trades]

Do you think something like this cna plow snow?

[@technicalitems731]

If it costs 50% as much and does 90% of the work and the parts are there at a cheaper price...it's a win.

[@metaspencer]

that's my perspective entirely ... not perfect but pretty darn good

[@MrThegame412]

Hi! Cool little machine. I've been looking at one here in Seattle. Its a model yf380. May i ask what your model is. Seems to have good power. Ill mainly be using for landscape jobs.

[@metaspencer]

I've seen a bunch of them for sale on FB marketplace these days ... not sure of the model on mine. Great lifting power!

[@MrThegame412]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah I'm going to pull the trigger on it. I like the it comes with the 4 in 1 bucket already!

[@MrThegame412]

Any issues with the tracks coming off often?

[@metaspencer]

@@MrThegame412 sounds like a good setup

[@mhr5586]

Decent.little unit. I bought a new Bobcat MT100 and it’s a longer track base and has a much longer bucket boom. I can dump into a 30 yd roll off. Again, not bad for a less expensive unit

[@metaspencer]

yeah that Bobcat is a nice machine with a lot more lifting power. If ya can afford the Bobcat that's the way to go haha

[@HeavyDemir]

I see this things and as a welder/fabricator, I just envision all the tools I can make for it, love it. tilt bucket would be the first thing.

[@metaspencer]

Yeah some mods will go a long way with this machine. I have plan to fabricate a better grapple for sure

[@mattrobinette6809]

​@metaspencer hey buddy how much did you end up paying for shipping on this guy? I'm debating on buying one but I don't wanna be stuck not being able to afford shipping. Thanks.

[@metaspencer]

About $3k including everything to NY

[@lesterpeyton9966]

Nice machine! Way better than doing it by hand. There will be jobs you can't use a machine and you will miss it lol. Be safe out there

[@metaspencer]

You said it man: not the perfect machine but waaaaaay better than by hand in so many instances.

[@sailingcorfu2122]

hi nice one.where did you get this towing bar that you attach to the bucket? how do you search online for it?

[@metaspencer]

they're generally called "clamp on hitch receivers" and here's an example from Titan Attachments amzn.to/48ddbDP

[@hollandduck79]

Hello from the Netherlands . thanks for the video . Sincerely, Hollandduck

[@metaspencer]

Thanks buddy

[@FenrirFabrication]

I was thinking about getting a similar machine until i saw this video. Definitely wouldn't be able to use the dump truck to dispose of brush so id' have to get a dump trailer as well instead of just pulling my equipment trailer over to the job loaded and using the truck for disposal and gravel/ fill. Going to keep using my bobcat 773 till i find a good deal on a mini skid steer that isn't a stand on unit. Thank you very much for the video. i didn't even think of that issue until i saw you using the grapple. My dump bed rail is probably a foot higher than your trailer, maybe a more.

[@metaspencer]

That makes perfect sense -- ya gotta get the tools that work well with your setup. That machine will come along ... just keep an eye out!

[@FenrirFabrication]

@@metaspencer That’s a fact. Hope all is well and the jobs keep flowing in. Keep up the good work.

[@dankriewald4764]

I bought a Boxer 322D Similar Machine..had it now 8years Been reliable and has 1600 hours Anyway I welded a receiver hitch short sleeve to top of bucket. Push trailer is easier than pulling.

[@metaspencer]

I have a buddy with a Boxer and it's a beast. I've gotta do that with the hitch sleeve! great idea. thanks man

[@uzer-95]

Спенсер, круто.👍Какой у тебя хороший помощник.

[@metaspencer]

Всегда хорошо иметь некоторую помощь

[@uzer-95]

@@metaspencer не буду писать на другом канале, лучше здесь напишу. Я вылечила свой РС с помощью Германской Новой Медицины. Обратилась к психологу, мы проработали трэки и страхи, которые запустили рс. Ноги стали ходить. Это главное. И вообще поняла, как запускались обострения. У тебя обострения никогда больше не будет, это радует. Я рада за тебя. Солнце, это тоже психосоматика на 50 минимум процентов. Так что можно проработать с хорошим психологом, когда запустилось это. Еще Стала добавлять петрушку в рацион иногда. Спенсер, удачи.

[@metaspencer]

@@uzer-95 Я уже вылечил свой рассеянный склероз только диетой. Это так просто

[@uzer-95]

@@metaspencer ты молодец. Да.Хорошее правильное питание останавливает осложнения.

[@jamesstepp1925]

If this is the same machine I am thinking of it has multiple attachments that can be purchased. My two favorites were a snowblower and trench digger like a Ditch Witch.

[@metaspencer]

You said it: the right attachment makes the machine fit the job. I have an eye on the auger

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Great little machine - I was looking in to them for my build. Does the front loader have the float or are you micro adjusting. Have you tried it on sloping land or is it a bit sketchy. 👍🏻

[@metaspencer]

No float on this one so ya just gotta eyeball everything and go be feel. As for sloped ground it can get sketchy real quick if loaded up ... so I try to keep things flat and mellow. The bigger, heavier machines are definitely more versatile.

[@douglasthompson2740]

For a quick unobtrusive counter weight I would recommend to remove the factory standing platform and replace it with a solid two inch plate of steel. If you don't like it you can swap back to the original setup and try something else.

[@metaspencer]

Cool idea ... I like how that piece of plate could come on or off depending on the job. I've worked with 1/2" plate but never that thick of a piece. I'll have to keep my eyes out and the torch warmed up

[@douglasthompson2740]

@@metaspencer I have a piece of 1 1/2" 24x24 and as I recall it weighs in at about 240#. I will have to recheck thickness. I use it for winter traction in the empty bed. So you get a very lot of weight for very little room. Stick welding with preheat is best. Just need a couple of strong brackets or beef up your standing platform and put it in there. Easier to handle with a couple of lifting eyes attached.

[@douglasthompson2740]

@@metaspencer just measured it. 16" x 22" x2" so two would be about 500#. Do it in four pieces to keep it manageable.

[@metaspencer]

@@douglasthompson2740 Now that's a piece of steel! I'm jealous

[@douglasthompson2740]

@@metaspencer Until you have too. Lift it!!!

[@williamkeehn3637]

I would love to had one of those mini loaders on the farm it would have fit in the barn so nice as a kid if I knew how much manure I shoveled and pitch I don't know how hard it's to switch attachment you could build attachment for it you would bring in the load so much it could surprise you what it may do

[@metaspencer]

I'm thinking I'll have to fabricate a new attachment or two -- now I'm thinking of a simple snow plow for it. Nice to have a machine do the work

[@bobndina]

Seems like a useful machine and keeps you from doing a lot of manual work. I'm curious what attachments came with it? The shovel? Anything else?

[@metaspencer]

Just got a bucket and simple grapple with it -- nothing fancy. But it'll fun the regular mini skid attachments like an auger. Definitely a GOOD lifter of heavy stuff

[@synago_scribe]

Man, with the welder brain, I can imagine that you could fabricate some cool attachments! Some tines, for a larger raking operation or perhaps your own dozer style blade! Or some forks!! As far as your topic about good old fashioned manual work versus machine assisted, I totally get it. This isn't 100% the same, but what it made me think of is my favorite ratchets versus an impact driver. I almost always prefer using a ratchet. It takes longer, but it just feels right unless I am changing tires/wheels out. I just ENJOY a good ratchet.. weird right?

[@metaspencer]

I'm with ya on the ratchet thing ... very satisfy to wrench things by hand and is the time saving of the impact really worth it? I like your ideas for attachments ... some of those ideas are definitely on my list

[@mtfkekc]

Try BDI equipments, my friend bought a mini skid steer and seems good

[@metaspencer]

Those look pretty good. About 2x or 3x the price, but heavier and more powerful. There is a distributor in Canada

[@jesseshort8]

You might try taking a side board off your trailer, might make dumping the grapple a little bit easier? Maybe grind down the points on the grapple too, looks like they stick into everything you pinch down on. Idk, just a couple thoughts.

[@metaspencer]

Thanks for that idea. Yeah lowering one wood board on the trailer would make a big difference ... and they slide right out. I've gotta modify that grapple like you say because those lower tongs are weak and too long. thanks man

[@crumpfarms3512]

Looks like it made your job easier! Do you have any type of certification for tree work?

[@metaspencer]

Yeah it's great to have a machine to help out with the lifting. As for certification I avoid interacting with governing agencies whenever possible

[@rogerray70]

I am looking at the link where you bought this unit. There are so many options, looks confusing.Did you call and negotiate shipping and options or handle it all online? Make me nervous giving China a credit card, right? lol

[@metaspencer]

Yeah I was a little nervous at first but the guy I was working with ended up being solid. I did it all over email and took some time. The link I've posted should bring you to the same sales guy ... it's definitely a different process than buying at a local dealer but Alibaba and your credit card offer some fraud protection

[@j.c.lawntreesnow6272]

That thing is sweet in my book. for the money your going to save you can buy other stuff you need also I'm going to have to get one peace

[@metaspencer]

Agreed ... it's been great for what it is.

[@6ftS]

Dude that little critter is so useful, I dont blame you for using it so much... whatever happened to that little grain truck you had in urbana and the wooden flatbed truck you made so nicely?

[@metaspencer]

I sold the grain truck but kept the flatbed… a guys gotta have toys

[@6ftS]

@@metaspencer lol ok that makes sense. I really liked that grain truck... it was a going nowhere slowly kind of vehicle...

[@metaspencer]

@@6ftS Yeah that truck was amazing ... I just didn't use it as much as I thought I would

[@gsmscrazycanuck9814]

I finding the grapple to be not the best. What is the lift capacity of the unit?

[@metaspencer]

Lifts about 500 lbs but ya gotta subtract the weight of the attachment ... yeah, that grapple is not so great :)

[@gsmscrazycanuck9814]

@@metaspencer do you think the hydraulics can lift more? Could you lift 1000 pounds with some counter weights?

[@metaspencer]

@@gsmscrazycanuck9814 no even with more weight I don't think it could do 1k ... that's the lifting strength of much bigger machines

[@david2881]

Say can the track system be removed and just regular tires be put on?

[@metaspencer]

That would be pretty tough to retrofit, but you can buy one for less with tires instead of tracks

[@josephleblanc5126]

open the rear doors and push in from the rear.... also compacts debris

[@metaspencer]

You said it

[@erik_dk842]

Makes it much harder to unload. I've found it best to have all the thick ends of the brush pointing backwards, so the branches don't stick out and resist getting pulled off. It's also worthwhile to tie a strap around it and compact it. That way, I can fill my trailer 4 ft high 3-4 times before driving to the dump

[@jayjay0580]

Nice vid Spencer! Where did you get the red hitch ball attachment at? Gonna definitely get this mini skidster

[@metaspencer]

The hitch receiver for the bucket is this one ... amzn.to/3YL0m05 ... it's create unless you side load it too much

[@DavidAguirre-gt2yn]

For moving trailers, would be interesting to see you try it with the bucket down much lower. You had the bucket up high which raises the center of gravity and makes it want to tip easier. If you raised the trailer jack so that it could go significantly lower, I wonder if you could get it to move the flatbed or dump trailer? For moving logs, you can tilt the grapple all the way forward/down, open it up, and pick them up more like a claw machine, then curl the bucket as you raise it. Also, why cut those logs into such short lengths if you have the equipment? One of the advantages of equipment is you can leave them longer than what a person could pick up easily, so you could do that trunk in less trips.

[@metaspencer]

Good points man -- yeah, my techniques with the machine definitely improved over time. thanks man

[@KUBBI7488]

how much was a totale to your door? im interested to buy one as well! im in midwest

[@metaspencer]

9k for the machine and 3k to the port of new york ... to get it trucked to your place you'd need to hire a trucking company that works with your port, which might be in LA ... I have a later video on the importation process

[@KUBBI7488]

@@metaspencer thanks for respond sir !!!

[@jessicasobieski1332]

What is the price on this?

[@metaspencer]

Check out my link for more details -- about $9k for the machine but there then are customs and shipping expenses that run another $3k or so, depending on the port. If you ship from the port that'll cost you too :)

[@ronsalerno2058]

Can you run attachments off it like a stumpgrinder or power rake? Does it have a hydraulic output for those?

[@metaspencer]

Yeah it’s got the hydro hookups

[@gabec6522]

Love to have this just to put mortar in

[@metaspencer]

great idea and super useful

[@cole141000]

Curious if this thing could work well with a post hole auger

[@metaspencer]

I have heard good stories about that attachment but don’t have one yet

[@taylorlambert5508]

May I ask what your final cost to get the machine

[@metaspencer]

about $9k for the machine and $3k for all the shipping and customs. I have a full video on that importation process linked here

[@parrot340]

Could u get frount forlks for it?

[@metaspencer]

I haven't tried a set of forks but lifting is limited so only lighter pallets would likely work out

[@chairman9296]

I have a driveway a half mile long in Northern Wisconsin. Do you think I could buy this and use this to remove snow in the winter on the long driveway?

[@metaspencer]

Our driveway is only 1000' and I've thought of putting a slanted snow blade on the front, but I haven't used it that way yet. I currently plow with my tractor and know that a foot of heavy snow can get heavy really fast, so you'd have to be patient plowing with this smaller machine.

[@danielgranderson1794]

What is the lift height? An what is the height of your trailer sides?

[@metaspencer]

If you need an exact number let me know, but I'm thinking about 6' for the lift height

[@ericrudofsky5648]

Hey there, thanks a lot for showing us all your experience with your purchase, so I'm planning on making a purchase on Alibaba as well. Few questions, What shipping term did your order fall under? I'm assuming CIF (cost, insurance, freight?). I saw your other comment regarding the price you paid; was there unexpected fees associated with importing it once it was at the port? Also you mentioned getting a shipping agent, is that required. I got a quotation from the manufacture CIF to my nearest port and I'm trying to quantify unrelated costs I may run into. Does all the documentation you need for pickup at the port come directly from the sales rep that you worked with on Alibaba?

[@metaspencer]

Heya, good to hear from you. I'm not too sure about the "shipping term" you mention but can tell you that the machine itself is about $9k right now. There are some fees, import taxes, etc. And all that added up for me to another $3k or so. The shipper charged me something like $800 in New Jersey to release the machine, and then my agent was about the same. You CAN avoid getting a shipping agent, but you'll need to apply and be approved to be an importer there the US gov. I've applied for that but it seems like a slow process. As for documentation you need at the port that came (in my case) from the shipping company which was Vanguard Logistics. After the item leaves China most of the communication is with the shipping company. Message me if you have other questions. I should probably post a video all about this process ...

[@alldaydizcounts3692]

It’s gone down 3k in the last 2 months?

[@metaspencer]

@@alldaydizcounts3692 I dunno about the price changes -- as of today looks like it's 9k for the machine, more for whatever attachments you get, then the fees and charges which are another 3k or so depending on where you live

[@laundrieshanging9077]

200W oil pan heater on a timer would do wonders for the cold start

[@metaspencer]

Ya think a stick on heater would work? Like one of those pads?

[@lfod79]

Definitely appreciate the time making the videos! Very informative. Any quams so far about the unit now that you've really had a chance to use it? Thanks!!

[@metaspencer]

I’m still really liking it and use it most days. A heavier machine could do more but this one is great for what it is

[@lfod79]

@@metaspencer Awesome Thanks! Now I just gotta figure out how to get it! I can't make any headway with Alibaba!

[@abrahamlincoln9806]

What’s the process on getting one

[@metaspencer]

The machine is here: www.alibaba.com/product-detail/skid-steer-loader_1600391587866.html?spm=a2747.manage.0.0.3b4171d21Akio2 ... I talk about the process in this video about getting the machine: kzbin.info/www/bejne/joq0gWSgoqh1i6M ... basically it's a process of 1) contacting the seller, 2) working out the order, 3) picking it up at the port, or 4) having it shipped direct ... I'm happy to chat with you about it if you're gonna do it.

[@susanjiao7094]

very good

[@metaspencer]

Excellent

[@camps97]

Build some forks for it and put some counter weight on the back by the platform.

[@metaspencer]

I hear ya -- both are definitely on the list. Thanks man

[@TaylorCutsTrees]

Is that the same grapple you got with it, or did you end up modifying it?

[@metaspencer]

Same one … still haven’t changed it

[@pcorkins]

Can you buy the grapple separately?

[@metaspencer]

Yeah I just bought another one

[@carlobernardi1387]

Ahhhhhhhhhhh the yellow submarine is working pretty good 😁😁...I have only been bugging you for years to get one.. It's no DINGO.. But a pretty good plan. B

[@metaspencer]

I should stencil on the side of the yellow sub: "Carlo Made Me Do It!"

[@carlobernardi1387]

@@metaspencer Ahhhhhhhhhhh that has a great ring to it 😁😁.. or you can call it Carlo yellow short bus..🤔🤔

[@metaspencer]

Hahahahahahaah

[@nathanielpeterson3222]

I weld a nut onto the bucket then screw the ball on and off. When you want the nut gone cut the welds grind down with the flappy disk and no holes in the bucket

[@metaspencer]

Now that's a cool no-hole method. I like it. Very smart. Thanks man

[@chasingwaves11]

Thats awesome man !! how much was that thing ? That would come in handy for my business I’m a solo business man In the landscaping and Tree Service work ..

[@metaspencer]

9k for the machine and 3k to get it to the port ... great on the job so far

[@danielpais7306]

Hey Abraham, I would like to order you. What model do you have? What was the shipping like? Cost? Lead time? Thinking on getting this strictly for snow removal.

[@metaspencer]

This is the loader featured in the video www.alibaba.com/product-detail/skid-steer-loader_1600391587866.html?spm=a2747.manage.0.0.3b4171d21Akio2

[@rogerl8488]

So this cost 3k?

[@metaspencer]

@@rogerl8488 I wish. It's about $9k from the factory, but then there are about $3k or even more in shipping costs, customs fees, agent fees, etc.

[@Just_Chuck_It]

You should buy a better grapple. More like a root rake type. Makes thing so much easier.

[@metaspencer]

I hear ya man -- or fabricate one. This one is kinda like trying to eat spagetti with a knife

[@Just_Chuck_It]

@@metaspencer Lol. Yeah, I have been using skid steers and tractors for over 20 years. Lots of grapple time, and I have never seen one like this one you have. I think fabrication of one is definitely a good idea. You know what you need in a tool, and if you can fab your own it will have far more value to you than one you bought. Keep up the good work!

[@metaspencer]

@@Just_Chuck_It Yeah, they really cooked up a doozy with that grapple :)

[@villegas5874]

Is 1 of 2 cylinders? Also what engine tipe is ? B&s ? How much can lift?

[@metaspencer]

B&S Vanguard engine 24 horse ... lifts about 500lbs

[@villegas5874]

@@metaspencer thank you

[@thetexaseagle]

Thanks for sharing, I hope that you can get a similar Chinese machine that is similar (size & functions) to one of the Bobcat machines & see how they compare!!??

[@metaspencer]

I'd like to make those comparisons for sure ... thanks for checking it out!

[@DOGHOUSEPETSTORE]

How much do you think you could make an hour running one of these for a business?

[@metaspencer]

I use it for my business every day, but the math on that machine is hard to figure. For me it’s profitable as it saves time

[@DOGHOUSEPETSTORE]

@@metaspencer that’s what I was thinking from your videos it looks as if it’s doing the work of two people & if it saves your back & body from being sore that’s all that matters

[@metaspencer]

@@DOGHOUSEPETSTORE Yep huge time saver

[@OkieEntrepreneur]

How tall are your trailer walls?

[@metaspencer]

I don’t have it here but I’d say about 5’6”

[@twistedcell2679]

If you have any track related issues where do you buy parts? iv considered buying one of these but im leaning on a wheeled model for ease of service/parts .

[@metaspencer]

Yeah tracks can be both hard to replace and a hassle to get back on when you drop one out in the field. For me, I prefer tracks just because I'm always working in mud and soft ground and they seem to work (for me) a lot better. As for replacing the tracks there are a lot of dealers around the US that sell them. I'm not worried about finding new tracks, but they're not cheap

[@Nitroxdude]

How much did you pay for this machine? Just curious as I’m wanting to buy one ..

[@metaspencer]

I paid around $10k but prices have come down quite a bit lately

[@Nitroxdude]

Awesome thanks for sharing, love the channel and what you do 🙏

[@l0n3d4nger4]

Toro dingo 322 has weight on stand platform

[@metaspencer]

sounds like a good design!

[@l0n3d4nger4]

@@metaspencer give it a try

[@jamesweir139]

Did you order that through Alibaba?

[@metaspencer]

Yeah the one I bought is right here: www.alibaba.com/product-detail/skid-steer-loader_1600391587866.html?spm=a2747.manage.0.0.3b4171d21Akio2 ... it's about $9k with import fees and stuff added on to that

[@mattrobinette6809]

​@metaspencer hey buddy how much did you end up paying for shipping on this guy? I'm debating on buying one but I don't wanna be stuck not being able to afford shipping. Thanks.

[@metaspencer]

good chatting with ya on IG man

[@kctyphoon]

Seems like it might be easier just getting some long ramps, and driving that machine right up and into the back of the trailer, to load that up with brush. Either that - or some some fold down side on the trailer..

[@metaspencer]

Yeah sounds smart work workable

[@kenedylima2268]

How much was it? Including shipping, customs etc.

[@metaspencer]

around 12 or 13k all together, but they're cheaper now with the currency changes

[@2006mrderrickh]

​@@metaspencer I was quoted $3600 with shipping to a port. Im assuming customs fees will be at least $1k

[@metaspencer]

@2006mrderrickh sounds good! Prices have come way down with currency fluctuations

[@metaspencer]

My shipping agent charged almost $1k alone, so check those costs ahead of time@@2006mrderrickh

[@ZR1Terror]

That’s a funny looking machine.

[@metaspencer]

Agreed. Looks goofy but the dang thing lifts pretty well :) so far so good

[@kingtitan2051]

Under 2k?

[@metaspencer]

Nothing is that cheap these days

[@n8dog2001]

Hey, im new to your channel. Being in lawncare myself, im curious about this machine. I clicked the link. Is it really $3k?

[@metaspencer]

Heya! No that 3k thing is weird ... dunno what that is about. The machine is about 9k and another 3k to get it to the port of NY ... if you live on the west coast it would likely be cheaper

[@jonathanmckee4667]

How many hours on it so far

[@metaspencer]

Under 100 still ...

[@trademarkoutdoorservices2363]

What's the tipping point in weight

[@metaspencer]

Check out one of my most recent vids ... lifts a few hundred lbs

[@metaspencer]

Lifts a full bucket of gravel and that's about the limit

[@realtimbotube]

@ 12:05 I could kinda hear your heart rate increase lol

[@metaspencer]

Oh yeah you know it! Those moments always freak me out

[@2006mrderrickh]

HP? Engine?

[@metaspencer]

Brigs and Stratton Vanguard 24 horse

[@2006mrderrickh]

​@metaspencer Thank you. I'm debating to get a 15 hp or 23 hp mini skid steer. It's a $1,700 difference. I only need if for residential use.

[@metaspencer]

@@2006mrderrickh bigger is almost always better ... but depends on what you'll be lifting

[@timamoroso811]

Im wondering if it would be easier to load the trailer by driving up the ramps right into the trailer with the pile of brush, then it can be compacted too. May or may not work just a thought!

[@metaspencer]

With some loaders and trailers that would be a great way to go ... but with my setup going up and down those ramps will make your earlobes tremble and eyebrows fall out. Super sketchy! :)

[@FullThrottle-0-100]

what grapple bucket is on it?

[@metaspencer]

It works okay but I may modify those lower tines

[@Billster1955]

Don't worry about adding more counter weight. The more you use it the larger the standing counterweight will grow lol.

[@metaspencer]

Truth!!!

[@leonardwalker8700]

I think the term your looking for is, it is a backsaver

[@metaspencer]

You said it.

[@OTEP1234567891011]

Don't worry too much about "getting soft" using that machine. You'll hopefully make up for it in production. The same argument for "getting soft" can be made for SRT and most modern climbing technology. Not killing your body doesn't make you "soft", it makes you /smart/.

[@metaspencer]

Great point. SRT is still a workout but just doesn’t wear ya out like the old hip thrusts. Still, I’m glad I started on the Blake’s hitch … simple system. Thanks man