Hey I’ve been doing a lot of work, and for me I learned the most important thing is the truck and how much stuff you can fit in there and keep on hand. Nothing kills a day more then not having something you need, and sometimes if you are not quick enough to fix something the whole day and maybe the next is over. I’m talking when you break something or something does, when things don’t go the way you thought that morning or you really need that random thing. The way to go is a f450 sized dually with a big wide box, big one like something you see lineman use. One box is for a fridge and microwave, the other get stuffed with spare parts, tools etc. all the random bolts the more iron the better two of everything you can think of. Straps shackles hooks. One box just for couplings, like you want to have at least 4 of EVERYTHING they sell, be able to couple anything that runs water or crap and then some brass too. Have everything to fix phone lines and 120v wires, 24 pair phone or smaller just fix it yourself. Gas couplings. Don’t even know how many residential lines I broke and within 5 minutes I just fixed them hot with the right parts, way quicker then finding a shutoff and no downtime 😅 just the old dash to the truck and stuff spread out 20 ft around it after I’m done 😅 Then of course all the power tools there are and a chainsaw. I even have fence posts and a pounder and use them like once a week. Stack of cones and some barricades. In the back of the truck keep 5ft chunks of pipe. Get all sizes and slide them into each other so you can carry like 8 different pipes inside of a 6 in, a few of those pipe bazookas and you have at least 10ft of literally any type plastic pipe up to 6in. And a big coil of phone line. And then of course all the tools fluids and other crap you might need in the back and a big big transfer tank. Some tarps and 40ft of road fabric a roll filter fabric etc caution tape rainbow collection. Basically have a whole shop in the truck, be able to macgyver and fix anything. 100ft of strong rope can go a long way just like a second set of jumper cables!! I have so much stuff I don’t even know myself. Anything I ever needed it’s on there pretty much but worth every pound I’m hauling. I probably did hundreds of jobs and broke dozens of things and sometimes it all goes wrong but I never had to leave the jobsite or call a mechanic and always was able to fix everything right away or make it work, and leave a tidy and safe jobsite for the night. And I avoided many disasters simply by having the right stuff in the truck to fix it quick. Im at least 20% more efficient then most other crews I see around simply because I bring the hardware store with me and can provide simple solutions for tough problems. And 20% that’s big money when it comes to taking profit. I can really bang a job out, every damn time and i know it because it’s all on my truck. I get called out for leaks I go there and fix them I don’t care what I find, fix is on my truck I know it. So when I hit small stuff I don’t care at all, small stuff ain’t even on my mind when I’m digging. I hit it I make a big hole I fix it. I worry about the big stuff, locate mark means hand dig and I fix the rest no stress. You also need wood, lots of wood. Strong blocks and planks of various sizes very important. And always at least 2 of everything. I got all the stuff and still enough space for a rockhammer and a hoepack right in the middle in between. And throw a generator or 120v battery setup in there 2000w ideal. Hundreds of jobs never lost a dime or got a complaint, in and out same everyday I got it handled as long I got the truck. Everything I need next year it’s already in there. Electrical tape, get 100 rolls 😅 I guess it depends what you do, I usually rip right through the middle of everything so it really pays for me. My workday is so much better, stress free and relaxed every morning. I just have to worry about my keys and the coffee when I drive to the job that’s the way to go. Of course the truck needs a pipe rack, because where else are you gonna put the pipe right 😅 You know wait till you are standing in real deep shit and you break the second shovel in a row on a Friday afternoon then you’ll know what I’m talking about, thats why I carry 2 spare shovels for the crew, for the blades, i have the parts to build new shafts all day long, metal wood plastic your choice just dig, dig bit*h 😊 You should also look into a dch775 drill that thing is a beast and the best joker card I ever had on a jobsite. It can dig through rock but it can also drill with the right attachments and soil you can easily drill 10ft and possibly 20 @ 2“ but that things can turn a tough job into a piece of cake. Good luck ✌️👌
@@DMAX-tp4pc Well, the GVWR of a dually is usually about 14,000 pounds. And the GVWR of a trailer that can hold the average midsize skid steer would also have a GVWR of about 14,000 pounds. Totaling 28,000 pounds combined. Takes you over the 26,000 pound limit, requiring a CDL. Assuming you’re using it for business. Personal use, it doesn’t matter. I had to sell my dually and get a SRW, to lower my GVWR to a legal weight rating.
@@jeffg3895 damn you are right I should hit the scales and see, no way that thing is under 12k. Same time no one cares around here that’s probably why I don’t know 😅 actually I’ve been loading 12-14k # machines in the dump trailer any time the flatbed is occupied, didn’t realize I must be way over 30k then no wonder the truck feels weak. Shlt I’m lucky dot doesn’t come out here. Trailer brakes never work for me either, but the 450 is handling it very well with them duallies. All the smaller trucks always had overheating brakes and got pushed around hard I guess no surprise then with 18k trailers and no brakes. Damn I will never move away, or I get a cdl I guess.
The biggest mistake I made was not going straight to a dually. My advice is getting the F450 Pickup for the Goose pulling and keeps you off the "commercial" status! 8ft bed for slip tank and all the rakes and shovels fit. Having a 2500 or 250 is handcuffing on getting a bigger ex or hauling both the skid and a small ex.
Once you are in the CDL class like that, it's sure nice to have the dually for towing but it's not necessary. I used to run dually trucks but with the trucks GVWR going up and up, I had to drop back to a single wheel to stay under 26,001 combined with my 14,000# trailer.
This is what I “worry” about I don’t want to be forced to get a CDL and dealing with troopers. But still want to have my business advertised and run my truck deleted
@@brandonious9060 Even with most of the new 1 ton SRW, you need a CDL unless you really work on our GVWRs. I think most of the diesel 1 tons are over 11k lbs, which limits you to at most, a 14k trailer (I saw mostly 11.4k/11.5k for the SRW 1 tons).
So I’m 15 and I really want to get into owner operating a small scale, like a 306, 265, and D3. That’s the dream. But realistically when I’m starting, a Kubota subcompact (back hoe, front loader, 4-1 bucket, and box grader) because I can tow it when my GMC Canyon. I think it’s a good place to start but what do you guys think? What steps can I take?
Love your videos man! Gives me hope that use blue collar workers can actually make it with wife and kids and not have to work for the company for our whole life.
If you looking to add a fuel transfer tank, mount it to the front of your trailer so that way it’s always on the trailer which the machine will be with as well
Im thinking of starting something similar next year. I have no skid steer experience. I do, however, only work 4 days a week. Do you think it would be profitable to rent one a couple of days a week and try to get started? I can probably afford a used 30k machine on my current salary, but I'd hate for it to fail, and I'm stuck with a machine i can't do anything with. Also, what are some easy starter jobs that I can't mess up?
@MORE_DIRT I have a truck, but sadly, it's only a 1500. Maybe I'll spend that 30k on a truck and just rent until it's paid off. Thanks for the info! You the man!
I’ve been curious lately about how CDL weight limits work for a small scale kind of dirt work business like this, are you technically over the non CDL limit with the truck and trailer GVW with that setup?
@@MORE_DIRT okay, I think Michigan is fairly similar to Indiana with their laws on that kind of thing, you haven’t had any issues with dot or not having a CDL in your three years of business?
@@brandonious9060 He is, he's technically doing it illegally, but flying under the radar because he's not advertising the business on the truck and trailer. Basically, if he gets pulled, he's screwed, but they would need RAS to pull him over in the first place. They could claim that hauling equipment like that gives them RAS, but plenty of people own machinery for keeping up their acreage. Another thing he has going for him, is the equipment trailer is a bumper pull. Goosenecks get a lot more attention because they're more commonly used in commercial operations. Its for this reason I went with a 2500. I can haul a 16k trailer and be at 26k lbs. Once I need a bigger trailer to haul heavier stuff, I'll not only need a CDL, but a bigger truck. I'll make the leap in DRW if/when I reach that bridge. At the current moment, I just need to start renting my dump trailer out to see if I can get traction with my business before I go take on debt for a trailer and equipment.
I use to think so, now I’ve learned that word of mouth and social media marketing is far superior. Locally people know my setup. Running logos isn’t necessary for my specific situation
Hey I’ve been doing a lot of work, and for me I learned the most important thing is the truck and how much stuff you can fit in there and keep on hand. Nothing kills a day more then not having something you need, and sometimes if you are not quick enough to fix something the whole day and maybe the next is over. I’m talking when you break something or something does, when things don’t go the way you thought that morning or you really need that random thing.
The way to go is a f450 sized dually with a big wide box, big one like something you see lineman use. One box is for a fridge and microwave, the other get stuffed with spare parts, tools etc. all the random bolts the more iron the better two of everything you can think of. Straps shackles hooks. One box just for couplings, like you want to have at least 4 of EVERYTHING they sell, be able to couple anything that runs water or crap and then some brass too. Have everything to fix phone lines and 120v wires, 24 pair phone or smaller just fix it yourself. Gas couplings. Don’t even know how many residential lines I broke and within 5 minutes I just fixed them hot with the right parts, way quicker then finding a shutoff and no downtime 😅 just the old dash to the truck and stuff spread out 20 ft around it after I’m done 😅
Then of course all the power tools there are and a chainsaw.
I even have fence posts and a pounder and use them like once a week. Stack of cones and some barricades.
In the back of the truck keep 5ft chunks of pipe. Get all sizes and slide them into each other so you can carry like 8 different pipes inside of a 6 in, a few of those pipe bazookas and you have at least 10ft of literally any type plastic pipe up to 6in. And a big coil of phone line. And then of course all the tools fluids and other crap you might need in the back and a big big transfer tank.
Some tarps and 40ft of road fabric a roll filter fabric etc caution tape rainbow collection.
Basically have a whole shop in the truck, be able to macgyver and fix anything. 100ft of strong rope can go a long way just like a second set of jumper cables!! I have so much stuff I don’t even know myself. Anything I ever needed it’s on there pretty much but worth every pound I’m hauling.
I probably did hundreds of jobs and broke dozens of things and sometimes it all goes wrong but I never had to leave the jobsite or call a mechanic and always was able to fix everything right away or make it work, and leave a tidy and safe jobsite for the night. And I avoided many disasters simply by having the right stuff in the truck to fix it quick.
Im at least 20% more efficient then most other crews I see around simply because I bring the hardware store with me and can provide simple solutions for tough problems. And 20% that’s big money when it comes to taking profit. I can really bang a job out, every damn time and i know it because it’s all on my truck.
I get called out for leaks I go there and fix them I don’t care what I find, fix is on my truck I know it. So when I hit small stuff I don’t care at all, small stuff ain’t even on my mind when I’m digging. I hit it I make a big hole I fix it.
I worry about the big stuff, locate mark means hand dig and I fix the rest no stress.
You also need wood, lots of wood. Strong blocks and planks of various sizes very important.
And always at least 2 of everything.
I got all the stuff and still enough space for a rockhammer and a hoepack right in the middle in between.
And throw a generator or 120v battery setup in there 2000w ideal. Hundreds of jobs never lost a dime or got a complaint, in and out same everyday I got it handled as long I got the truck. Everything I need next year it’s already in there. Electrical tape, get 100 rolls 😅
I guess it depends what you do, I usually rip right through the middle of everything so it really pays for me.
My workday is so much better, stress free and relaxed every morning. I just have to worry about my keys and the coffee when I drive to the job that’s the way to go.
Of course the truck needs a pipe rack, because where else are you gonna put the pipe right 😅
You know wait till you are standing in real deep shit and you break the second shovel in a row on a Friday afternoon then you’ll know what I’m talking about, thats why I carry 2 spare shovels for the crew, for the blades, i have the parts to build new shafts all day long, metal wood plastic your choice just dig, dig bit*h 😊
You should also look into a dch775 drill that thing is a beast and the best joker card I ever had on a jobsite. It can dig through rock but it can also drill with the right attachments and soil you can easily drill 10ft and possibly 20 @ 2“ but that things can turn a tough job into a piece of cake. Good luck ✌️👌
Can’t do an F-450 without a CDL though. 😔
@@jeffg3895 what do you mean?
@@DMAX-tp4pc Well, the GVWR of a dually is usually about 14,000 pounds. And the GVWR of a trailer that can hold the average midsize skid steer would also have a GVWR of about 14,000 pounds. Totaling 28,000 pounds combined. Takes you over the 26,000 pound limit, requiring a CDL. Assuming you’re using it for business. Personal use, it doesn’t matter. I had to sell my dually and get a SRW, to lower my GVWR to a legal weight rating.
@@jeffg3895 damn you are right I should hit the scales and see, no way that thing is under 12k. Same time no one cares around here that’s probably why I don’t know 😅 actually I’ve been loading 12-14k # machines in the dump trailer any time the flatbed is occupied, didn’t realize I must be way over 30k then no wonder the truck feels weak.
Shlt I’m lucky dot doesn’t come out here. Trailer brakes never work for me either, but the 450 is handling it very well with them duallies. All the smaller trucks always had overheating brakes and got pushed around hard I guess no surprise then with 18k trailers and no brakes.
Damn I will never move away, or I get a cdl I guess.
Amen! Great testimony of faith in the Lord…
The biggest mistake I made was not going straight to a dually. My advice is getting the F450 Pickup for the Goose pulling and keeps you off the "commercial" status! 8ft bed for slip tank and all the rakes and shovels fit. Having a 2500 or 250 is handcuffing on getting a bigger ex or hauling both the skid and a small ex.
This is a one ton srw, I had an f450. It pulled better but it wasn’t life changing haha
Once you are in the CDL class like that, it's sure nice to have the dually for towing but it's not necessary. I used to run dually trucks but with the trucks GVWR going up and up, I had to drop back to a single wheel to stay under 26,001 combined with my 14,000# trailer.
This is what I “worry” about I don’t want to be forced to get a CDL and dealing with troopers. But still want to have my business advertised and run my truck deleted
The sucky thing about a dually, is that you have to have your CDL. Because your GVWR will be over 26,000 pounds.
@@brandonious9060 Even with most of the new 1 ton SRW, you need a CDL unless you really work on our GVWRs. I think most of the diesel 1 tons are over 11k lbs, which limits you to at most, a 14k trailer (I saw mostly 11.4k/11.5k for the SRW 1 tons).
It’s good to see you’re still really busy and being able to grow. My work has about stop here in east Tn
So I’m 15 and I really want to get into owner operating a small scale, like a 306, 265, and D3. That’s the dream. But realistically when I’m starting, a Kubota subcompact (back hoe, front loader, 4-1 bucket, and box grader) because I can tow it when my GMC Canyon. I think it’s a good place to start but what do you guys think? What steps can I take?
Love your videos man! Gives me hope that use blue collar workers can actually make it with wife and kids and not have to work for the company for our whole life.
If you looking to add a fuel transfer tank, mount it to the front of your trailer so that way it’s always on the trailer which the machine will be with as well
Can i borrow your trailer
Great video Cole!
How do you advertise?
Im thinking of starting something similar next year. I have no skid steer experience. I do, however, only work 4 days a week. Do you think it would be profitable to rent one a couple of days a week and try to get started? I can probably afford a used 30k machine on my current salary, but I'd hate for it to fail, and I'm stuck with a machine i can't do anything with. Also, what are some easy starter jobs that I can't mess up?
Yeah man I rented for almost a full year, only thing you truly need is a truck.
You can rent equipment with trailers most places!
@MORE_DIRT I have a truck, but sadly, it's only a 1500. Maybe I'll spend that 30k on a truck and just rent until it's paid off. Thanks for the info! You the man!
Who do you have for insurance ? Do you just have Demo/Excavating ? Landscape? Having some frustrations with my current insurance broker .
I use a local company that covers only a few states, I have general excavation and demolition insurance.
Look up maxxed trailers with remote control airbags.
Rolling ops newest video hase one in it
I’ve been curious lately about how CDL weight limits work for a small scale kind of dirt work business like this, are you technically over the non CDL limit with the truck and trailer GVW with that setup?
Yes I am, although In Indiana If I’m not hauling for commercial use it’s okay.
Big grey area, I do plan to get my CDL sooner than later.
@@MORE_DIRT okay, I think Michigan is fairly similar to Indiana with their laws on that kind of thing, you haven’t had any issues with dot or not having a CDL in your three years of business?
No sir, I run farm plates and no logos. I’ve never been stopped.
but aren’t you hauling for commercial use?
@@brandonious9060 He is, he's technically doing it illegally, but flying under the radar because he's not advertising the business on the truck and trailer. Basically, if he gets pulled, he's screwed, but they would need RAS to pull him over in the first place. They could claim that hauling equipment like that gives them RAS, but plenty of people own machinery for keeping up their acreage. Another thing he has going for him, is the equipment trailer is a bumper pull. Goosenecks get a lot more attention because they're more commonly used in commercial operations.
Its for this reason I went with a 2500. I can haul a 16k trailer and be at 26k lbs. Once I need a bigger trailer to haul heavier stuff, I'll not only need a CDL, but a bigger truck. I'll make the leap in DRW if/when I reach that bridge. At the current moment, I just need to start renting my dump trailer out to see if I can get traction with my business before I go take on debt for a trailer and equipment.
❤ just be careful on that 6.7 diesel. The crank gear is pressed on and it's not keyed.
I know you touched on it but wouldn’t it be good business practice to put some kind of business decal on your truck?
I use to think so, now I’ve learned that word of mouth and social media marketing is far superior. Locally people know my setup. Running logos isn’t necessary for my specific situation
He cant without getting into DOT surveillance.
Do you have to have a contracter license in your area ?
We don’t need one in my area.
Whats the next attachment on your wish list?
Express Steel Grapple and HD Brush cutter! Will be doing a full review soon once I acquire them.
Thoughts on the SVL 75 vs 97? I will be getting into dirt work, driveways, land clearing, and eventually horse arenas. I already have a mini excavator
75 is easier to transport and fit into small situations. I rarely get into a situation where I wish I had a 97
97 has def emissions stuff. most 74 horse power machines do not have it