One of my all time favorites before I found your channel. I was so impressed with the storytelling and the Step by step explanation... the driveway looks great! Your attention to details were impressive!
We use a kubota b2601 compact tractor in our landscape buisness.. love it. Best in class turning radius and it does not mess up turf bad like a skid steer would.
Your jobs always turn out great. A small track loader would definitely make your life easier though. The older I get, the more I rely on machinery to accomplish my work. My back won't take it like it used to. Well done sir.
I could use one over and over again. I would do a few more jobs if I had one too. In less time. Now, just to find a good deal on one. That is the challenge these days.
Neil's list of things to buy 1 skid steer with trax .2 small Roller ....can be payed for with money made from string roll up idea ...my Buck is already in mail to your house !! great video Neil !
I still have no idea how I found your channel… but I love your personality and quality content. I love your kindness and smile. Your girls are adorable! Binge watching
Neil, I discovered your channel a few months ago. It’s my go-to You-Tube watch, along side “The Pethericks.” Love your work ethic, and especially enjoy the drone views of your beautiful home! I’m retired (75 years old) and live in wine country in beautiful Northern California - a world apart from your own, but I would argue there’s a lot we can learn by watching how other Americans live their lives. Thanks to you and your beautiful family for sharing your lives with me. Jeana García
No matter how much equipment you have there will always be "just one more piece" that is the "missing link"... I've came to terms with that issue and I can admit that there are actually several more pieces that I need.
Agreed! You get a track steer then you’ll wish you also had a skid steer or vise versa. Then you’ll want power rakes graders etc. props on having a nice setup!
Thats a tuff call. About a skid steer. I run a large compact tractor that can lift more than any skid steer. Currently no high flow but what compact tractors can do is not comparable. But my compacts are 25hp and 60hp Smooth control you are talking about is a newer compact tractor. I was wondering same then got a yt359. And i have power control and 3rd function.
A three point box blade with a hydraulic top link would be excellent for that job. The hydraulic top link is great for a lot of implements, but for the box blade it makes setting depth on the fly a cinch.
Your skills with the bucket on the mini ex are superb! And the way you handle the garden tractor for spreading stones is just awesome. Great job as always.
Charcoal briquets work fantastic. I line them up on the bottom of doors of my shed and just step over them if I have to get in the building. I've never had a problem with mice. Works fantastic.
Keep in mind Neil, when skidsteers break, they cost gobbs of money for repairs. Not to mention all the expensive maintenance they require. I surely would wait until the market crashes so that you can capitalize on a fairly newer one that someone may have to get rid of really cheap. (DON`T be in a hurry!) As you already know, buying equipment eats into your profits bigtime. If you can get a great deal on a skidsteer, do so, but just be aware, they can cost you alot of profit money. And ALSO be aware, that when you do buy a skidsteer, you`ll be spending tons of money on implements for it too, lol. Its a very deep rabbit hole! By the way, great job on the driveway!
Bobcat T-190 is an amazing machine. Only problem with them is they are so powerful the undercarriage gets torn up. Bobcat kinda "fixed" that problem with the T590 by de-rating the dozing power. Machine just bogs if you over-doze. Side note: very nice "neat line" you cut into the sod. Crispy edges are the mark of a true pro
really liked that video! the back area was not planned but it turned out to be an additional asset to the overall design and a valuable addition to usable space!
Yes, I actually think they'll get a lot of use of that area back there. Pretty much just foot traffic but you always need a place to store the stuff that you don't want out front for everyone to see.
Great work as always Neil can’t wait to see you next week thanks buddy Love the idea of a track loader and will be thrilled to see the process of maybe comparing and choosing one
Driveways and parking lots have been graded an built for years before skid steer came out. That little tractor will do it perfectly if you know how to operate it.
Right on. Only problem with idling down is then I don't have any power to push. Ideally the hydraulics would be the same all the way through the RPM range.
Id your looking to cut down on the jerkiness you can idle the machine down will definitely help but I've added restricter valves. I made mine as a coupler in coupler out. There adjustable. mine slow down my rear attachments when wanted. If you wanted fast movements just take them out.
Great video again neil. Love the idea of getting a track loader. I bought one for myself not too long ago and it has more than paid for itself in the side jobs people want me to do.
I've dug 6-8" out like that a few times with the 2320, 3520 tractors and they do it pretty well. I'd also push and spread the gravel with the mini excavator as it can push with a little more control and then float the blade backing up. I use a kx040-4 for cemetery digging and push the extra dirt around and float back blade to get a general smooth area. The sun, rain and mower finish the clumps off. Waiting for the landplane to get in so I can do some better levelling.
If you can find a "reasonably priced" skid or track loader, it will change the way you work, for the better! With your JD lawn equipment you might work a trade... Thanks for nicely done and interesting video.
Came out great 👍. My two cents is that I love my skidsteer!! I use it almost everyday but that’s my business. I don’t know if I’d invest in one for part time when they break their expensive to fix. I guess if you could find a good deal on a used one that wouldn’t bug you if it sat for long Periods of time. But if you get one the tractors will sit more because you will probably use the skidsteer on every dirt job 🤷♂️
Yeah exactly. Cost is the only real drawback for me. I don't really make any money doing this stuff. It's just a break even hobby kinda thing. That's kinda dumb but I consider it my version of "fishing" or "golf" or whatever else someone might be into.
@@digdrivediy hey man I get it. I don’t have a boat ,RV or motorcycle . I just Enjoy trucks and machines. My dream is to one day retire ,buy an old farm and ride around on a old tractor just for therapy 😂
I have done a lot of driveways with my 32hp 4 wheel drive tractor with a loader and grader box. I ended up buying a gehl ctl70 track skid steer. If I am moving material then the skidsteer does a more productive job but I can do a better job Gradeing with the tractor. I can tilt the grader box and slope edges that is hard to do with the skidsteer. You turn the skidsteer and tear up a nicely graded area, take the tractor out of 4wd and you can turn without doing any damage. I prefer my tractor because I have done so much Gradeing with it in the last 18 years. You can move a lot of material when you get a bucket full and drag a grader box full in the same pass with the tractor.
This right here. Exactly right. I was hoping to hear from folks that had both and could weigh in on the pluses and negatives of either. My biggest complaint about skid steers is visibility. It's hard to bet close to stuff without straining your neck and wondering if you're still gonna hit it. Or back into something. There is obviously a place for both but I can get along most of the time with the tractor. But still...
I stored my boat in a pole barn and was warned there was tons of mice. Each year I took 1 box of fabric softener sheets and spread them everywhere. In the engine compartment, tossed all over the cabin and on the deck. Put the cover on it and done. When you uncover it in the spring there are no mice and no musty smell.
We've been trying dryer sheets as well. Seems to work most of the time but I've also seen them use it to make a nest. Maybe it depends on which type of dryer sheets?
I use a compact tractor as well. I use the mini to drag the stone in first though, you look proficient enough to do the same, it's much faster then you can just finish grade with the tractor
Good job for a temporary fix... looks like a wet spot about 50 feet from this fix... I would just run a new 6 inch line in the low spot, to your main. Just leave the clay alone, I've got the old 6 inch clay still running through my place and it drains about 400 acres, a line my grandfather put in through an old cranberry bog over 90 yrs ago.... my dad and I added a 12 inch cement tile line over 50 yrs ago, runs great.... I would have done pretty much the same as what you did.....
Every machine has positives and negatives. Once I get over buying a machine or tool, I never regret having having another option. T190 aren't getting any younger though, but have alot simpler electronics than newer ctl's.
Sweet gig Neil. Sorry it took me a week to comment Jefe, but life can be a cruel Mistress at times. I know you already thought of this, but I would ask DP about skid steers. You may have to send the twins to work in the salt mines to pay for it, but a little practical work experience might be a good thing. Looking forward to the next epic brother. Love home.
Hey, no worries. That same life situation gets in the way for me too. I'm grateful to have you watching and commenting whenever you get to it. You're right, though, those girls are gonna have to start earning their keep here before too long!
Looks great! Similar work done here in Australia would require geotec fabric to seperate mud from stone. Over time, your stone will dissapear into the mud without it.
We're fortunate here to have a good limiting layer of subsoil that is really stable given proper drainage. Still, other areas need the fabric. Thanks for the comment!
im gonna do my own stone like that in my gravel driveway. the problem may be those lawn mower turf tires on the front of your 316, im converting my 214 tiller tractor to 12x3 farmall front wheels with tri-rib tires for better steering in the loose soil, and i think it will look cool too👍
I have independent brakes on our 322, would gladly trade them for a locking rear though. You could tackle just about anything if you were to get a skid loader. Between the Backhoe, mini ex, garden tractors, and dump truck, you could handle most small excavation jobs and/or landscape jobs. I'm always remind that when I want a piece of equipment, that just means there is more work I can do (that a good thing or bad? Lol) great video!
I think you're right. A skid loader would bridge the gap I'm missing sometimes and I could get about anything done with the stuff I have then. Oh, I have a 322 now also BTW. Probably gonna sell it though. It looks just like Bill :)
Amazing job Neil. Skid steers are great. Just wait until this current machinery market crashes, er… deflates a bit, then buy a used one from someone that has to dump theirs.
Myself I would stay with the tractor loader and even contemplate some kind of a quick attach blade to replace your bucket as needed. Skid steers are nice for some applications but I feel they are not as adaptable as a tractor with hydraulics. If your hydraulics are not as smooth as you think they should be you might have a spool valve issue or even a cavitation problem. Looks good young man.
Awesome job, Neil. I was mostly concerned about the initial load of stone spilling onto that beautiful grass but you cleaned it up perfectly! I think you like those little JD's too much to get a track loader :)
Another great video Neil. A small track loader would be nice. But I appreciate seeing you get the job done with what you have. Hard to justify the cost unless you’re doing that work all time. Which you kinda do. You do have a gift for finding deals. Maybe there one out there for you. Thanks for all the good content!
That turned out nice. As far as whether or not you should get a skid loader, I think you should get one so that I can learn how to run my 325G by watching your videos Meanwhile I was jealous of that Volvo You may have already done this but I would like to see A video dedicated to your backhoe and how it compares to a mini excavator, track loader, or a tractor with a backhoe Basically what I’m saying is, I’m curious what the best niche is for a machine like you have. I would’ve expected you to peel that sod off with it I enjoyed the video as always
Boy I love your new CTL. I would actually love to have a machine that size. One of these days it will happen but I'll likely be watching your videos to learn to run it by then! The mini-ex is certainly one of the handiest pieces. I chose it over the backhoe for stripping sod so that I could keep the operation within the confines of the area that was going to be torn up. In order to strip and load with the backhoe I would have been driving in, backing out, turning and dumping into the dump truck. The mini made it so that there was minimal effort to get the spoils into the truck and the 360 rotation was a must compared to the 180 degrees of the backhoe. I'd love to do a comparison video like that. I think that the internet won't let me declare a winner because there are many opinions. I did do a video saying why I liked the backhoe the best over a mini or skiddy but it wasn't that comprehensive. Thanks so much for watching Brock.
I have a 317 John Deere track machine. Will definitely get it spread out a lot faster. But you will still have to do some raking and I also had a compact tractor that I did a lot of driveways with and I will tell you what a difference you can see the bucket a whole lot better in the skid steer. Then having to try to peek over the sides of the tractor bucket.
Looks like you did a great job to me. In the end it really should be up to you for what you want. New, used, John Deere, Cat, IH it's what you want and what kind of money you want to spend. I don't have all the toys I think I need but we got by. Prices are just too high to do much. Thank you for everything
Nice job! The only thing I’d have reconsidered would be adding some gutter extensions under the parking area so the stone doesn’t wash away during a heavy rain. Maybe you guys went back and upgraded it.
Stick with the wheels..... they do better when you pack it down. Unless your going to use the hell out of the skidder, just stick with the 4X4...... unless you can get a hell of a deal on a skidder and you seem to be pretty good at working on stuff..... good luck, keep on doing what you do! 👍
Neil, awesome video as always. I feel that I have a decent perspective on your skid steer question: I have a 955 w/ 70a loader and last year bought a cat 257b. I will say that I'm able to take on larger jobs and in the case of your pile of rock, push through much faster and I can now grade much better in the skid vs tractor. Not to mention that for me there were always things to lift with forks just a bit too heavy for the 955 but are absolutely never a problem on the cat. You'll never be mad for getting a track loader, just need to justify it with enough work.
You make me want to get one. Having the lift capacity is really one of the things I'm missing. I want to move firewood totes and I can't do it with the current setup. I mean, I can use the backhoe but it's cumbersome. Good insight here. Thanks for the conversation. One of these days I'm sure.
Definitely awesome to have. I'll say that I'll probably never part with my 955 though. So versatile and can go through yards without causing damage like a skid will. Thanks again for the great content!
@@digdrivediy That's true to a point, especially if there's a cab on the CTL. If you are working alone and have to lift objects or work on hanging loads, you might not be able to get out of the cab, and you should NEVER get out and walk under the load OR boom. That's why I chose a larger tractor. JBL makes mono-boom CTLs now with a side mounted cab and side door like a material handler.
Compact tractor for the win! I realize it’s time consuming but… how good did it feel when you got it done with what you had? That’s worth a lot to me! A skid-steer is mighty attractive. It could have leveled and packed that in a fourth of the time. Of course, the concrete would have had tire/track marks on it and that soft soil out back would have been rutted out… but it would have been a heck of a lot quicker. I have wished I had a skid-steer several times. And in all honesty, I’ve operated them several times. At my work, we used to rent them frequently. They were great for reshaping our trailer lot and mowing slopes. My neighbors and I have shared rentals a few times. And, I rented one a few years back to reclaim a driveway from a swamp. For my use, owning a skid-steer is overkill. I wouldn’t utilize it enough to justify it. However, my access to one became infinitely easier last year when my neighbor Mike traded in his hay equipment for an old CAT wheeled model. He needed it to move logs, unload hay bales, clean up feed lot messes and maintain trails. As is usual, it comes over to visit me whenever I need it. Just like my backhoe, trailer, etc goes to his place when needed. Here are a few lessons Mike learned: when he first got the CAT, he went wild using it for every task he could. Digging stumps, hauling rocks, pushing out brush, building up his barn apron, plowing snow off the driveway… if he could use it, he did. Learning how to use it was fun but the real lessons were in learning how not to use it: 1. The skid-steer uses a lot more fuel than the tractor. Be prepared to always have more on hand, if you decide to use it. 2. The steering skid, by its nature, will tear up the surface every single time you turn. If hard ground it is minimal. On gravel you can smooth it. Concrete will have a black rubber signature long after the job is done. 3. Doing fine tasks in confined spaces is no place for a skid-steer. Every Autumn I clean cattle corrals for a huge beef breeder. My subcompact tractor has always been perfect for maneuvering in and out of the corrals, through the tight alleyways between them. Last fall… two weeks before his high dollar bull auction… the rancher told me he had bought a small skid-steer and wouldn’t be needing my services. I made other plans. The next weekend he called and asked if I could bring my tractor over and clean up before the sale. So, I changed it over, loaded up and went over to work. When I got there we went out to look at the job. Immediately I saw his dilemma. Two corrals were broken. None of them were cleared out and his farm hand was cutting replacement pipe to do repairs. He relayed the story to me… the skid-steer was too big to fit easily into the corral openings. It’s rear end was blind from the operators seat. When his farmhand attempted to turn in, it swung around and crumpled the gate across the alley. The farmhand heard the sound, panicked and tried to stomp the brake. That raised the bucket and hit the overhead gate brace, which pulled the panel out of the concrete and bent it like a banana. His farmhand stood by while he was explaining what happened. Then, the ranch owner asked me if I wanted to operate the skid-steer and clean up the rest of the corrals… or use my tractor. Seeing the carnage wrought in just two seconds, by one false move on the skid-steer… I chose option 2! The rancher then told me he was going to take the brand new skid-steer back and get a tractor just like mine! The farmhand looked at him and said, “That’ll save him the trouble of loading his up. ‘Cause, I still ain’t gonna get in those pens with anything on wheels!” So, last month, he was hosting the American Beef Association meeting. I went over and did a spring cleaning using his new subcompact tractor. It is identical to mine… equipped with rear wheel weights… the 3-point hitch removed.. the ROPS removed and only a bucket loader attached. The 8’ wide gates in the 20’X20’ pens dump into an 8’ alleyway… perfectly fitting the squeeze through of my tractor… ONLY with the perfect alignment! One which the farmhand got to practice a few times. You see Neil, my hopes are that by the end of the Fall cleanup, I can be out of the pen cleaning business. Fifty five years is enough to know that when it comes to schlepping cow manure you have to use the right tool for the job. And, I’ve used everything from a pitchfork to a specially configured diesel tractor. The hunt for knowledge and the thrill of conquering the job has lost its luster for me!!! And, as for Mike and his CAT… he uses it when he needs brute force and has lots of space. Otherwise, he uses his tractor or mine! As for you… only you can decide if a skid-steer fits your needs. Unless, of course you want to get the advice of ‘other you’!
Excellent insights and thoughts here considering the merits of each. Which makes me realize that I will most undoubtedly, need BOTH! Thanks for helping to make that clear Dave. Since my next door neighbor has a Kubota compact tractor and neither of us has a skid steer, it only makes sense that I should get one to provide for the neighborhood! :) My wife suggested that perhaps the neighbor should buy the skid loader and I borrow his. I told her that's a great idea as long as he plans to store it at our place! I loved the example you provided on how the tractor is a smarter choice in some situations. Strangely enough, the first time that I ever ran a skid loader was for my uncle. He was away on vacation and one of my cousins and I were trying to clean out the cow barn as a surprise for him when he got home. I was all of 10 or 12 years old running his old Melroe Bobcat (without a cab or ROPS) for the very first time. The cattle could come into the barn into the old milking parlor although there hadn't been any milking done for years. There was however, still a concrete trough down through the center positioned just behind the cows as they stood in the stanchions to get milked. I managed to get two wheels on one side of the Bobcat dropped into that trough and it was slot car city for the next hour or so. I ran forwards and backwards the length of that parlor with two wheels stuck in the trough and couldn't get out. It was all slimy goo and 4 bald tires - so there was little hope. Eventually my cousin found me in my situation and was able to get in and somehow got the thing bouncing and rocking until it eventually popped it out of the slot and got perpendicular to the trough. It was a rough first time for me but a good learning experience nonetheless. I learned that I never wanted to clean cattle lots again, despite what piece of equipment they would "let" me run!! But once again, the take away is that every piece of equipment has it's place and is better suited for certain jobs. The only logical thing is to get as many pieces as my wife will let me... The girls got busy with their merch operation this evening. Be checking your mailbox this week! Until the next time, take care Dave.
clean superduty in the background !!! growing up we had a jd318 with a jd loader on it ,it had a separate pump that supplied hyd to the loader and a believe it would lift around 500lbs .had a belly mount mowing deck for it too and it wasn't fun switching back and forth 😅
Nice work, I do this work as well. A box scraper for the rough grade and a land plane for the final grade works the best for me. The land plane is the bomb for fast flat grading. You can do the box blade work with the bucket as well. If I had to choose if only I could have one , I'd pick the land plane. Don't get me wrong I'd love e CTL myself but they're very expensive. Some day.
I think the controls being jerky is a brand thing. I have a Bobcat Ct440 (compact tractor from Bobcats old line of tractors) and the controls are buttery smooth and it’s a 12 year old machine.
I like my t190. They are expensive when they break. Repack cylinders, drive motors, pumps, sprockets/under carriages. Hard to beat when you need it though
Neil you need to get a skid steer you could of got that job done in 10 minutes with a skid steer but using a little lawn tractor it took for ever I recommend a cat 259d it’s a medium sized machine with plenty a power for what you need
Check out a mini loader like the MultiOne or Avant. So convenient just stepping in and out when working. No crawling over a bucket. Great visibility especially with a leveling bucket. A bucket and forks is a great start.
Not sure if this is something you’d be interested in but look for a bobcat 843/853 you can always get the steel tracks if needed but they should be around $10,000 or around that price range (at least they are in my area)
Thanks Neil. You need to generate a reason to have a skid steer. It doesn't matter whether you need it, it just matters if you can justify it. Try finding a job where you can use it.
I can't see a contractor sweating over the details that you worry about. But your friends get outstanding work.
Thanks Sam.
One of my all time favorites before I found your channel. I was so impressed with the storytelling and the Step by step explanation... the driveway looks great! Your attention to details were impressive!
As a fella that does this for a living, my humble opinion a skid steer would be a game changer for you.
I think you're likely very correct with that statement!
I say you should get a skid steer so I can have an excuse to get one!
I am considering all arguments and evidence. I will note this in the "Plus" column for owning a skid steer.
Thank you for submitting your vote! :)
We use a kubota b2601 compact tractor in our landscape buisness.. love it. Best in class turning radius and it does not mess up turf bad like a skid steer would.
That's cool!
Thanks Neil for taking us along, you have many talents and it shows! Take care my friend
I really like that trick wit the lawn edger, its all about the details.
Your jobs always turn out great. A small track loader would definitely make your life easier though. The older I get, the more I rely on machinery to accomplish my work. My back won't take it like it used to. Well done sir.
I could use one over and over again. I would do a few more jobs if I had one too. In less time. Now, just to find a good deal on one. That is the challenge these days.
Neil's list of things to buy 1 skid steer with trax .2 small Roller ....can be payed for with money made from string roll up idea ...my Buck is already in mail to your house !! great video Neil !
NICE! The money is gonna be rollin' in from this string tip!
I still have no idea how I found your channel… but I love your personality and quality content. I love your kindness and smile. Your girls are adorable! Binge watching
Rewatched! This was great, near project that was completed. Neil and the spray gun in the grass gets me all the time!
Neil, I discovered your channel a few months ago. It’s my go-to You-Tube watch, along side “The Pethericks.” Love your work ethic, and especially enjoy the drone views of your beautiful home! I’m retired (75 years old) and live in wine country in beautiful Northern California - a world apart from your own, but I would argue there’s a lot we can learn by watching how other Americans live their lives. Thanks to you and your beautiful family for sharing your lives with me. Jeana García
No matter how much equipment you have there will always be "just one more piece" that is the "missing link"... I've came to terms with that issue and I can admit that there are actually several more pieces that I need.
Agreed! You get a track steer then you’ll wish you also had a skid steer or vise versa. Then you’ll want power rakes graders etc. props on having a nice setup!
Looks great Neil! It’s hard to deny the versatility of a skid loader
Exactly.
Thats a tuff call. About a skid steer. I run a large compact tractor that can lift more than any skid steer. Currently no high flow but what compact tractors can do is not comparable. But my compacts are 25hp and 60hp
Smooth control you are talking about is a newer compact tractor. I was wondering same then got a yt359. And i have power control and 3rd function.
Guess i should say will lift more than the size of track loader you are looking at. And has road gear if needed
Morning Neil! You do a real good job cloning yourself and then talking to the clone 😁
I liked that too!
At least he listens! :)
A three point box blade with a hydraulic top link would be excellent for that job. The hydraulic top link is great for a lot of implements, but for the box blade it makes setting depth on the fly a cinch.
Rewatched! So impresive how you tackled this project, your attention to details, your neat and organize skills, the end result! 5 star rating sir!
I am a technician for an engineering firm and I have seen worse grading done with GPS equipment used. You are a pro with that mini!
Do whatever is right for you, but part of what I appreciate about this channel is the results you achieve with the older machinery!
I agree. It's kind of fun to make the little stuff "get the job done".
Morning Neil good to see you getting jobs done
Thanks Derek! It's nice to be working outside a bit more lately.
Your skills with the bucket on the mini ex are superb! And the way you handle the garden tractor for spreading stones is just awesome. Great job as always.
Another great job, That box scraper does a great job as usual. Can't wait to see how the kitchen reno is doing.
Thanks Claude. The kitchen is getting closer. Countertops coming on Tuesday.
💥 I use that same drill and string trick. Your father in law and my dad must have known each other. 😁👍
*Keep on tractoring!*
Ha! It's always funny how something so simple can be so time-saving. Thanks for watching, John!
Charcoal briquets work fantastic. I line them up on the bottom of doors of my shed and just step over them if I have to get in the building. I've never had a problem with mice. Works fantastic.
I think that both machines are useful. They both have their advantages.
well Neil i guess i owe you a buck, love the string idea.another super neat job it came out great.tell your wife happy mothers day
I'm gonna get rich off of this string deal!!! :) Thanks Ron.
Another top project using what you have.
Neil, absolutely one of my favorites of all time
Thanks buddy!
@@digdrivediy The Best!
Keep in mind Neil, when skidsteers break, they cost gobbs of money for repairs. Not to mention all the expensive maintenance they require.
I surely would wait until the market crashes so that you can capitalize on a fairly newer one that someone may have to get rid of really cheap. (DON`T be in a hurry!)
As you already know, buying equipment eats into your profits bigtime. If you can get a great deal on a skidsteer, do so, but just be aware, they can cost you alot of profit money.
And ALSO be aware, that when you do buy a skidsteer, you`ll be spending tons of money on implements for it too, lol. Its a very deep rabbit hole! By the way, great job on the driveway!
Great advice. There is a huge investment associated with it. My tractors are pennies on the dollar by comparison. Thanks for the great insight.
The excavator skills that are shown here are awesome!
Bobcat T-190 is an amazing machine. Only problem with them is they are so powerful the undercarriage gets torn up. Bobcat kinda "fixed" that problem with the T590 by de-rating the dozing power. Machine just bogs if you over-doze. Side note: very nice "neat line" you cut into the sod. Crispy edges are the mark of a true pro
I've ran a T190 for quite a bit and couldn't believe what it was capable of. Very impressive for that sized machine.
I would recommend that ASV RT 75 skid steer. Perfect size for tight spaces and still plenty of power when you need it.
I love my Cat 289 trac loader. So many attachment options and lifting/pushing power. I think you would see great benefit and productivity owning one.
Nice work
Thanks a lot Hank! Appreciate you watching sir.
Always perfection in my view👍.
☕And video in the am, nice combination.
track loader yes....good for content ( just another reason )....really like the 2 Neil shots...great editing....cheers!!
You'd think I could get more done with two of me but...
No matter what tractor/skidsteer, still nice to see the Series1 spade and rake being used. Lol the cordless string line tool. Get a patent on it!
really liked that video! the back area was not planned but it turned out to be an additional asset to the overall design and a valuable addition to usable space!
Yes, I actually think they'll get a lot of use of that area back there. Pretty much just foot traffic but you always need a place to store the stuff that you don't want out front for everyone to see.
You are only the first person to use the DRILL STRING ROLL UP DEVICE, I have been using one for thirty plus years ! It works great for sure.
Great work as always Neil can’t wait to see you next week thanks buddy Love the idea of a track loader and will be thrilled to see the process of maybe comparing and choosing one
I've been shopping for one lately but now isn't a great time to buy it seems.
This is what I plan to do with a section of my yard. So, Thank-you! Now I have an idea of how much work is involved and why I have to pay so much!
Your attention to the details is second to none! I am a fan and I am glad i have subscribed.
I think looks real good. The hitchhikers looked like they enjoyed the ride.
They liked the ride cause as soon as we got to Grandma and Grandpas they took off through the woods and found a treat from Grandma! :)
Driveways and parking lots have been graded an built for years before skid steer came out. That little tractor will do it perfectly if you know how to operate it.
Running that idle down a bit will make your loader adjustments more smoothly - wide open definitely makes for a jumpy control.
Right on. Only problem with idling down is then I don't have any power to push. Ideally the hydraulics would be the same all the way through the RPM range.
Id your looking to cut down on the jerkiness you can idle the machine down will definitely help but I've added restricter valves. I made mine as a coupler in coupler out. There adjustable. mine slow down my rear attachments when wanted. If you wanted fast movements just take them out.
I may need to look into that. Thanks!
Looks great! 755 does a nice job.
Great video again neil. Love the idea of getting a track loader. I bought one for myself not too long ago and it has more than paid for itself in the side jobs people want me to do.
Great video Neil. I love the editing. It's always a good laugh when you tell yourself to, "go ahead".
At least he listened!
I've dug 6-8" out like that a few times with the 2320, 3520 tractors and they do it pretty well. I'd also push and spread the gravel with the mini excavator as it can push with a little more control and then float the blade backing up. I use a kx040-4 for cemetery digging and push the extra dirt around and float back blade to get a general smooth area. The sun, rain and mower finish the clumps off.
Waiting for the landplane to get in so I can do some better levelling.
If you can find a "reasonably priced" skid or track loader, it will change the way you work, for the better! With your JD lawn equipment you might work a trade... Thanks for nicely done and interesting video.
I've always got my eyes peeled looking for something that might come along.
Came out great 👍. My two cents is that I love my skidsteer!! I use it almost everyday but that’s my business. I don’t know if I’d invest in one for part time when they break their expensive to fix. I guess if you could find a good deal on a used one that wouldn’t bug you if it sat for long Periods of time. But if you get one the tractors will sit more because you will probably use the skidsteer on every dirt job 🤷♂️
Yeah exactly. Cost is the only real drawback for me. I don't really make any money doing this stuff. It's just a break even hobby kinda thing. That's kinda dumb but I consider it my version of "fishing" or "golf" or whatever else someone might be into.
@@digdrivediy hey man I get it. I don’t have a boat ,RV or motorcycle . I just Enjoy trucks and machines. My dream is to one day retire ,buy an old farm and ride around on a old tractor just for therapy 😂
I have done a lot of driveways with my 32hp 4 wheel drive tractor with a loader and grader box. I ended up buying a gehl ctl70 track skid steer. If I am moving material then the skidsteer does a more productive job but I can do a better job Gradeing with the tractor. I can tilt the grader box and slope edges that is hard to do with the skidsteer. You turn the skidsteer and tear up a nicely graded area, take the tractor out of 4wd and you can turn without doing any damage. I prefer my tractor because I have done so much Gradeing with it in the last 18 years. You can move a lot of material when you get a bucket full and drag a grader box full in the same pass with the tractor.
This right here. Exactly right. I was hoping to hear from folks that had both and could weigh in on the pluses and negatives of either. My biggest complaint about skid steers is visibility. It's hard to bet close to stuff without straining your neck and wondering if you're still gonna hit it. Or back into something. There is obviously a place for both but I can get along most of the time with the tractor. But still...
This is the 3rd time I have watched this..excellent from the beginning to end!
A track loader will make a whole load of difference in a lot of situations it would be used for things you wouldn’t even think of
I stored my boat in a pole barn and was warned there was tons of mice. Each year I took 1 box of fabric softener sheets and spread them everywhere. In the engine compartment, tossed all over the cabin and on the deck. Put the cover on it and done. When you uncover it in the spring there are no mice and no musty smell.
We've been trying dryer sheets as well. Seems to work most of the time but I've also seen them use it to make a nest. Maybe it depends on which type of dryer sheets?
I use a compact tractor as well. I use the mini to drag the stone in first though, you look proficient enough to do the same, it's much faster then you can just finish grade with the tractor
Good job for a temporary fix... looks like a wet spot about 50 feet from this fix... I would just run a new 6 inch line in the low spot, to your main. Just leave the clay alone, I've got the old 6 inch clay still running through my place and it drains about 400 acres, a line my grandfather put in through an old cranberry bog over 90 yrs ago.... my dad and I added a 12 inch cement tile line over 50 yrs ago, runs great.... I would have done pretty much the same as what you did.....
Neil what you really need is a large frame 2 series with a 3 point box blade. A small skid steer is nice also.
I need BOTH! :)
I really like the finished product. That really looks sharp. You have me looking at my crunched concrete driveway and wanting to straight edge it.
Good video I think what ever you get equipment wise if it keeps you from making additional trips to job site makes burn less fuel and time
It looks better that there’s stone in the back anyway. Awesome job. ❤
Every machine has positives and negatives. Once I get over buying a machine or tool, I never regret having having another option. T190 aren't getting any younger though, but have alot simpler electronics than newer ctl's.
Good point. I never regret it either really.
Sweet gig Neil. Sorry it took me a week to comment Jefe, but life can be a cruel Mistress at times. I know you already thought of this, but I would ask DP about skid steers. You may have to send the twins to work in the salt mines to pay for it, but a little practical work experience might be a good thing. Looking forward to the next epic brother. Love home.
Hey, no worries. That same life situation gets in the way for me too. I'm grateful to have you watching and commenting whenever you get to it. You're right, though, those girls are gonna have to start earning their keep here before too long!
You have a very sweet family. ☺☺☺☺☺☺
Looks great Neil, wish I had those skills. Might have you look at my driveway sometime. Definitely after ball season though, too much going on now!!
We can have a look. Yeah, after ball would be good :)
Looks great! Similar work done here in Australia would require geotec fabric to seperate mud from stone. Over time, your stone will dissapear into the mud without it.
We're fortunate here to have a good limiting layer of subsoil that is really stable given proper drainage. Still, other areas need the fabric. Thanks for the comment!
im gonna do my own stone like that in my gravel driveway. the problem may be those lawn mower turf tires on the front of your 316, im converting my 214 tiller tractor to 12x3 farmall front wheels with tri-rib tires for better steering in the loose soil, and i think it will look cool too👍
nice work, Yes a skid steer would make your life much easier and quicker.
Time is what I'm starting to want more and more these days.
I have independent brakes on our 322, would gladly trade them for a locking rear though. You could tackle just about anything if you were to get a skid loader. Between the Backhoe, mini ex, garden tractors, and dump truck, you could handle most small excavation jobs and/or landscape jobs. I'm always remind that when I want a piece of equipment, that just means there is more work I can do (that a good thing or bad? Lol) great video!
I think you're right. A skid loader would bridge the gap I'm missing sometimes and I could get about anything done with the stuff I have then. Oh, I have a 322 now also BTW. Probably gonna sell it though. It looks just like Bill :)
Amazing job Neil. Skid steers are great. Just wait until this current machinery market crashes, er… deflates a bit, then buy a used one from someone that has to dump theirs.
Yes, exactly. I used to see T190s for $15-16K all the time pre-pandemic. Now it's hard to find one under $20K.
Myself I would stay with the tractor loader and even contemplate some kind of a quick attach blade to replace your bucket as needed. Skid steers are nice for some applications but I feel they are not as adaptable as a tractor with hydraulics. If your hydraulics are not as smooth as you think they should be you might have a spool valve issue or even a cavitation problem. Looks good young man.
Very good points. Mostly the reasons I haven't bought a skid loader yet. Thanks Terry!
Awesome job, Neil. I was mostly concerned about the initial load of stone spilling onto that beautiful grass but you cleaned it up perfectly! I think you like those little JD's too much to get a track loader :)
That stone running out onto the grass gave me serious anxiety! I'm glad I'm not the only one! :)
Another great video Neil. A small track loader would be nice. But I appreciate seeing you get the job done with what you have. Hard to justify the cost unless you’re doing that work all time. Which you kinda do. You do have a gift for finding deals. Maybe there one out there for you. Thanks for all the good content!
I've been watching for the right deal so if I see it I may pounce. Not too many deals these days though. I'm still waiting and watching though... :)
Hi Neil I have a t190 absolutely a fantastic machine you’d absolutely love it good luck nice neat job you did!
That turned out really nice.
Thanks Paul!
That looks great! It may not be the quickest, but that box blade does a great job with a perfect finish.
That turned out nice. As far as whether or not you should get a skid loader, I think you should get one so that I can learn how to run my 325G by watching your videos
Meanwhile I was jealous of that Volvo
You may have already done this but I would like to see A video dedicated to your backhoe and how it compares to a mini excavator, track loader, or a tractor with a backhoe
Basically what I’m saying is, I’m curious what the best niche is for a machine like you have.
I would’ve expected you to peel that sod off with it
I enjoyed the video as always
Boy I love your new CTL. I would actually love to have a machine that size. One of these days it will happen but I'll likely be watching your videos to learn to run it by then!
The mini-ex is certainly one of the handiest pieces. I chose it over the backhoe for stripping sod so that I could keep the operation within the confines of the area that was going to be torn up. In order to strip and load with the backhoe I would have been driving in, backing out, turning and dumping into the dump truck. The mini made it so that there was minimal effort to get the spoils into the truck and the 360 rotation was a must compared to the 180 degrees of the backhoe.
I'd love to do a comparison video like that. I think that the internet won't let me declare a winner because there are many opinions. I did do a video saying why I liked the backhoe the best over a mini or skiddy but it wasn't that comprehensive.
Thanks so much for watching Brock.
I have a 317 John Deere track machine. Will definitely get it spread out a lot faster. But you will still have to do some raking and I also had a compact tractor that I did a lot of driveways with and I will tell you what a difference you can see the bucket a whole lot better in the skid steer. Then having to try to peek over the sides of the tractor bucket.
Appreciate you showing everything, even the happy little accidents :D
Looks like you did a great job to me. In the end it really should be up to you for what you want. New, used, John Deere, Cat, IH it's what you want and what kind of money you want to spend. I don't have all the toys I think I need but we got by. Prices are just too high to do much. Thank you for everything
All valid points.
Good job Neil. Looks very nice. Always like watching your videos. Keep them coming.
Nice job! The only thing I’d have reconsidered would be adding some gutter extensions under the parking area so the stone doesn’t wash away during a heavy rain. Maybe you guys went back and upgraded it.
This is some really clean work sir. Very precise. Enjoy your work
Good to know about that jump pack!
It's been really handy all spring.
AWESOME JOB!!! I had a chance at a 318 John Deere last week and missed b/c I missed a text message from the seller. Maybe next time.
Stick with the wheels..... they do better when you pack it down. Unless your going to use the hell out of the skidder, just stick with the 4X4...... unless you can get a hell of a deal on a skidder and you seem to be pretty good at working on stuff..... good luck, keep on doing what you do! 👍
Neil, awesome video as always. I feel that I have a decent perspective on your skid steer question: I have a 955 w/ 70a loader and last year bought a cat 257b. I will say that I'm able to take on larger jobs and in the case of your pile of rock, push through much faster and I can now grade much better in the skid vs tractor. Not to mention that for me there were always things to lift with forks just a bit too heavy for the 955 but are absolutely never a problem on the cat. You'll never be mad for getting a track loader, just need to justify it with enough work.
You make me want to get one. Having the lift capacity is really one of the things I'm missing. I want to move firewood totes and I can't do it with the current setup. I mean, I can use the backhoe but it's cumbersome. Good insight here. Thanks for the conversation. One of these days I'm sure.
Definitely awesome to have. I'll say that I'll probably never part with my 955 though. So versatile and can go through yards without causing damage like a skid will. Thanks again for the great content!
@@digdrivediy That's true to a point, especially if there's a cab on the CTL. If you are working alone and have to lift objects or work on hanging loads, you might not be able to get out of the cab, and you should NEVER get out and walk under the load OR boom. That's why I chose a larger tractor. JBL makes mono-boom CTLs now with a side mounted cab and side door like a material handler.
Looked very nice, you did a good job!
Compact tractor for the win!
I realize it’s time consuming but… how good did it feel when you got it done with what you had? That’s worth a lot to me!
A skid-steer is mighty attractive. It could have leveled and packed that in a fourth of the time. Of course, the concrete would have had tire/track marks on it and that soft soil out back would have been rutted out… but it would have been a heck of a lot quicker.
I have wished I had a skid-steer several times. And in all honesty, I’ve operated them several times. At my work, we used to rent them frequently. They were great for reshaping our trailer lot and mowing slopes. My neighbors and I have shared rentals a few times. And, I rented one a few years back to reclaim a driveway from a swamp.
For my use, owning a skid-steer is overkill. I wouldn’t utilize it enough to justify it. However, my access to one became infinitely easier last year when my neighbor Mike traded in his hay equipment for an old CAT wheeled model.
He needed it to move logs, unload hay bales, clean up feed lot messes and maintain trails. As is usual, it comes over to visit me whenever I need it. Just like my backhoe, trailer, etc goes to his place when needed.
Here are a few lessons Mike learned: when he first got the CAT, he went wild using it for every task he could. Digging stumps, hauling rocks, pushing out brush, building up his barn apron, plowing snow off the driveway… if he could use it, he did.
Learning how to use it was fun but the real lessons were in learning how not to use it:
1. The skid-steer uses a lot more fuel than the tractor. Be prepared to always have more on hand, if you decide to use it.
2. The steering skid, by its nature, will tear up the surface every single time you turn. If hard ground it is minimal. On gravel you can smooth it. Concrete will have a black rubber signature long after the job is done.
3. Doing fine tasks in confined spaces is no place for a skid-steer.
Every Autumn I clean cattle corrals for a huge beef breeder. My subcompact tractor has always been perfect for maneuvering in and out of the corrals, through the tight alleyways between them.
Last fall… two weeks before his high dollar bull auction… the rancher told me he had bought a small skid-steer and wouldn’t be needing my services. I made other plans.
The next weekend he called and asked if I could bring my tractor over and clean up before the sale. So, I changed it over, loaded up and went over to work.
When I got there we went out to look at the job. Immediately I saw his dilemma. Two corrals were broken. None of them were cleared out and his farm hand was cutting replacement pipe to do repairs.
He relayed the story to me… the skid-steer was too big to fit easily into the corral openings. It’s rear end was blind from the operators seat. When his farmhand attempted to turn in, it swung around and crumpled the gate across the alley. The farmhand heard the sound, panicked and tried to stomp the brake. That raised the bucket and hit the overhead gate brace, which pulled the panel out of the concrete and bent it like a banana.
His farmhand stood by while he was explaining what happened. Then, the ranch owner asked me if I wanted to operate the skid-steer and clean up the rest of the corrals… or use my tractor.
Seeing the carnage wrought in just two seconds, by one false move on the skid-steer… I chose option 2!
The rancher then told me he was going to take the brand new skid-steer back and get a tractor just like mine! The farmhand looked at him and said, “That’ll save him the trouble of loading his up. ‘Cause, I still ain’t gonna get in those pens with anything on wheels!”
So, last month, he was hosting the American Beef Association meeting. I went over and did a spring cleaning using his new subcompact tractor. It is identical to mine… equipped with rear wheel weights… the 3-point hitch removed.. the ROPS removed and only a bucket loader attached. The 8’ wide gates in the 20’X20’ pens dump into an 8’ alleyway… perfectly fitting the squeeze through of my tractor… ONLY with the perfect alignment! One which the farmhand got to practice a few times.
You see Neil, my hopes are that by the end of the Fall cleanup, I can be out of the pen cleaning business. Fifty five years is enough to know that when it comes to schlepping cow manure you have to use the right tool for the job. And, I’ve used everything from a pitchfork to a specially configured diesel tractor. The hunt for knowledge and the thrill of conquering the job has lost its luster for me!!!
And, as for Mike and his CAT… he uses it when he needs brute force and has lots of space. Otherwise, he uses his tractor or mine!
As for you… only you can decide if a skid-steer fits your needs. Unless, of course you want to get the advice of ‘other you’!
Excellent insights and thoughts here considering the merits of each. Which makes me realize that I will most undoubtedly, need BOTH! Thanks for helping to make that clear Dave. Since my next door neighbor has a Kubota compact tractor and neither of us has a skid steer, it only makes sense that I should get one to provide for the neighborhood! :)
My wife suggested that perhaps the neighbor should buy the skid loader and I borrow his. I told her that's a great idea as long as he plans to store it at our place!
I loved the example you provided on how the tractor is a smarter choice in some situations. Strangely enough, the first time that I ever ran a skid loader was for my uncle. He was away on vacation and one of my cousins and I were trying to clean out the cow barn as a surprise for him when he got home. I was all of 10 or 12 years old running his old Melroe Bobcat (without a cab or ROPS) for the very first time. The cattle could come into the barn into the old milking parlor although there hadn't been any milking done for years. There was however, still a concrete trough down through the center positioned just behind the cows as they stood in the stanchions to get milked. I managed to get two wheels on one side of the Bobcat dropped into that trough and it was slot car city for the next hour or so. I ran forwards and backwards the length of that parlor with two wheels stuck in the trough and couldn't get out. It was all slimy goo and 4 bald tires - so there was little hope. Eventually my cousin found me in my situation and was able to get in and somehow got the thing bouncing and rocking until it eventually popped it out of the slot and got perpendicular to the trough. It was a rough first time for me but a good learning experience nonetheless. I learned that I never wanted to clean cattle lots again, despite what piece of equipment they would "let" me run!!
But once again, the take away is that every piece of equipment has it's place and is better suited for certain jobs. The only logical thing is to get as many pieces as my wife will let me...
The girls got busy with their merch operation this evening. Be checking your mailbox this week!
Until the next time, take care Dave.
clean superduty in the background !!! growing up we had a jd318 with a jd loader on it ,it had a separate pump that supplied hyd to the loader and a believe it would lift around 500lbs .had a belly mount mowing deck for it too and it wasn't fun switching back and forth 😅
I had a 318 with a loader as well. Certainly handy if that's all you got, but I couldn't imagine switching back and forth. Thanks for watching!
Nice work, I do this work as well. A box scraper for the rough grade and a land plane for the final grade works the best for me. The land plane is the bomb for fast flat grading. You can do the box blade work with the bucket as well. If I had to choose if only I could have one , I'd pick the land plane. Don't get me wrong I'd love e CTL myself but they're very expensive. Some day.
I think the controls being jerky is a brand thing. I have a Bobcat Ct440 (compact tractor from Bobcats old line of tractors) and the controls are buttery smooth and it’s a 12 year old machine.
Best videos using JD tractors.
Thanks a lot! :)
I like my t190. They are expensive when they break. Repack cylinders, drive motors, pumps, sprockets/under carriages. Hard to beat when you need it though
Yes. The costs are up there for a personal use, weekend warrior like myself. But still, maybe one of these days.
Neil you need to get a skid steer you could of got that job done in 10 minutes with a skid steer but using a little lawn tractor it took for ever I recommend a cat 259d it’s a medium sized machine with plenty a power for what you need
Check out a mini loader like the MultiOne or Avant. So convenient just stepping in and out when working. No crawling over a bucket. Great visibility especially with a leveling bucket. A bucket and forks is a great start.
Not sure if this is something you’d be interested in but look for a bobcat 843/853 you can always get the steel tracks if needed but they should be around $10,000 or around that price range (at least they are in my area)
Thanks Neil. You need to generate a reason to have a skid steer. It doesn't matter whether you need it, it just matters if you can justify it. Try finding a job where you can use it.
Oh I can do that!