Been a subscriber for just a few months, but I’ve started going back and watching your earlier videos like this one. I just wanted to say that I appreciate these videos that explain the why and how you think and operate the way you do. Thanks for taking the time to put these videos out.
Great thoughts man! I’ve definitely found the same experience with both the mini excavator and skid steer I’ve bought for my work. The other thing I’ve found when buy used is to make sure you have at least a 10% reserve in your budget for repairs and maintenance for the first few months in case anything comes up that needs fixing.
Your spot on! No-one knows better how you operate better then yourself. Purchasing the correct equipment is paramount to success of that operation, without putting yourself in debt.
Mike I really like how blunt and truthful u are. I worked for a person and I ran the dozer and the skid steer mostly. We bought so many attachments that were worthless or only used once and in the long run lost money because of that. But now that I'm looking at starting my business I have the understanding of what I need and the stuff I want. And it's because I had the ability to work with the equipment. The way u are thinking and the steps u are taking makes total since and in the long run like u did for that attachments. U did save ur self money. Keep it up. Ur doing great. The videos are a blast to watch. Thanks a million.
I appreciate the video!! I honestly am glad you had the talk. I know what your saying about having multiple pieces of equipment. Really appreciate the video
Everything you mentioned makes sense. I feel the same way about buying hand tools. Years ago my trusty old Makita 7.2 volt drill wasn’t powerful enough so I bought a Harbor Freight cordless drill since I don’t use it everyday. When it let the smoke out I knew I could justify a better drill and bought myself a DeWalt 2 piece combo and have regretted it a bit. The fact that you’re mechanically inclined makes your choice even more valid.
Mike great thoughts. One thing that has saved me big and also been the hardest to learn is patience. There's always a great deal out there if you can buy when it comes along vs just pulling the trigger. We've been able to buy machines and attachments at dirt cheap prices just for waiting. With all the new folks getting into the work and being financed to the hilt in a few years there will be some nice equipment to be had. Keep the debt low and the cash high dig on.
I agree with you on the multiple tools route . If it pays itself back quick it doesn't cost anything to let some equipment sit an work every now an then. An keeping up your own equipment it can get hectic at times. Plus one option you have to look at is insurance cost. The way you have multiple trailers for the mack is cheaper than having a fleet of trucks. To do the same jobs. I also like fabricating my own attachments to save cash an design something outside the box. Currently converting. 3 pt bush hog that will be used by skid steer and a excavator with 2 mounts. An picking up a case backhoe bucket to change mount an teeth to use on a yanmar excavator vs 1500 for new bucket or 300 an little work to change this bucket to fit.
The cool part about it is, it is easier to get your money back on a piece of equipment that is paid for as opposed to something that you are making payments on. The route I took was to rent many pieces of equipment to find out what fit me best. I tried different brands and sizes of a piece such as a mini excavator. I learned the typical aspects such as dig depth and break out force but I also learned what I could fit into being 6'" 2". I enjoy watching your videos because you bring the common sense approach to equipment. Thanks again.
So what you’re saying here is that you drive the Chevys now so when you upgrade to a ford you know exactly what options you’ll want to spring for? Makes sense. Can’t argue with solid logic. If you keep buying these grader attachments you’re going to have a small fleet of them before spring!
We have a SVL75 at work it does what we need to do I couldn't see us using a machine larger than that haven't had any real issues with it, company has owned it since new. Its a 2013 model machine doesn't have 1000 hours on it, gets used for loading gravel into the trucks. The boss needed a tracked skid steer for one job couldn't get a rental, went to the dealer bought it to do the job. It gets used once in a while on money making jobs but 90% of the time its used to load trucks from our stock yard. I used it on a 2 day job couple weeks ago doing a load and carry job moving 150 tons of material down a steep access road then along a narrow pathway. Drive 300 feet in then back out no room for error fall off the edge of the trail the machine would be a right off. My neck was sore after the 2 days, looking through bottom windows watching where my right hand track was while backing out no place to turn around the trail was a foot wider than the machine.
Appreciated the commentary, fully agree. My “stuff” is farm use variety and I’m more of a parts changer than mechanic so I can keep patching wore out backhoe vs newer hay equipment. Enjoy the videos
Thanks for sharing (my wife needs to hear this 🤣🤣) I completely agree with your philosophy. I too enjoy working on the equipment and enjoy buying and selling. Have a great day!!
Great chat Mike! Congratulations on the addition to your arsenal of equipment. I agree with your opinion that older equipment is easier to afford and allows you more flexibility, especially cash flow wise. In my years of playing in rock and dirt, I always kept machines maintained, not abused them, and tried to get out of them at or around 4500 hours. You made an excellent point during your chat, that "you make your money when you buy equipment", 5 stars on that point. Well maintained equipment holds it's value very well, and when you finally replace it you know the exact options YOU need for your work situations. Enjoy your weekend, you've had a productive week and now it's time to relax a bit with family or your toys! Work safe. Doug@ the "ranch"
Double check the quick coupler. Some Kuobota and bobcat attachments don't line up. An for finish grading it may cause problems. Just a heads up. Love the channel. Keep them coming
Congratulations on your recent fleet addition. Even if you might not exactly know what you need, you certainly have a good formula to find out without huge setbacks, or penalties, and your learning and having a good time while your at it. Good video always enjoy your talks about your perspective and philosophy.
I have the same thought process on most everything with one EXCEPTION our cnc... only because it is the critical component of our business. So my thought was buy brand new and not but anyone else's problems. Plus new insured we had tech support and a guarantee on it. BUT Junior already had experience on that particular table and programs so we did know what we were getting. 😉 thanks for the road trip conversation!
It’s nice to see someone with the same issues I have I have a bunch of trucks and do tree work I started with a small bucket truck then purchased a bigger one thinking that’s exactly what I need and was happy I could get rid of the small one but once I used the bigger one for a couple months quickly realized I couldn’t get rid of the small one and use both on a regular basis same story with the tractor and the dump truck My wife and i work together well and maybe my expectations of hired help are just too high so we keep the business just us Sometimes its bad knowing how to fix and build everything It can quickly turn into a time suck Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts
Mike, you are correct. Like you I have probably too many machines for a one man operation. But , my analogy is , like a carpenter I have a tool for each job. Briefly, I have 4 excavators 1.5 ton through 13 ton, 3 dozers, D5B, D3C LGP, and a mini Rayco. Two 916 cat loaders and two Bobcat's. And three trailers. Now with the commercial jobs I do I sometimes call in help. I took my trucks off the road ten ( I do have a GMC 4500 pick up) years ago because the D O T in Massachusetts is awful. I need trucks I rent them. Many of my competitors don't understand why I have so much equipment, like you I hate trucking and a lot of my jobs run from a month to a year. Great video, good luck and stay safe.
When you were talking about buying your skidsteer, I commented I bought a brand new Takeushi, love it, expensive (even well used they go for 80% of new value) but maintenance wise, fairly cheap so far. You bought a Kubota. no problem there, Kubota is probably the cheapest cost of ownership quality equipment out there. I have a 2016 U48 Kubota excavator, works great, love it as much as the Takeushi skidsteer. Like you said in the video, you just have to either know in advance what you require out of the equipment you (might) have to sit your butt in for 10 hours a day or learn as you go what you need on the next purchase. Comfort, ease of use, reliability and low maintenance costs. I look at all these before I buy any equipment. Doesn't matter what color it is. What do I need, what will do it, how much is it, and what are the trade-offs of A vs B vs C. A bit surprised about the AC button though, mine on the U48 is just a thermostat on the side next to the throttle. No AC button at all. Anywho, keep it up, you're getting pretty good on the skidsteer :)
I totally agree with you mike you are in a unique position of having a small crew who can operate any machine you have, but you still need the machines to do a job without fuss thereby having a wide selection gear without that massive outlay of new equip and the prices that goes with it yet you have all the equipment you need to do your work at a third of the cost, that to me shows a real business head you are on the right track mike but don’t buy junk that’s going to take any profit you make on repairs every time it’s used well done
Absolutely agree, I bought my first skid steer after years of kicking around the idea. Now that I have it I can clearly see how it benefits me versus my bigger front end loaders. Next skid steer buying decision will definitely be operator focused.
I am not in the business, but everything you said really does make sense. It really does come down to what works for one may not work for someone else. You have to find your own path in life. If I were to run a business it would be just like you do as I would probably be a small business as well and very hands on. Thanks for posting.
I've used these attachments on jobs before and honestly not a big fan but they're decent if you don't have a grader. If I do use one I like the 8' blade because it tends to keep the wind roll out of the track. I have found that the two issues I have with them is #1 when you hit anything hard the arms can push up ever so slightly (not an issue on a grader) and throw off the grade. #2 it's easier to see with the higher position of a 10' or 12' grader. I do however really agree with your opinion on equipment purchasing and for the price you paid I would have probably picked up that attachment too lol.
I got a 10k Thomas skid steer. I had never run any skid steer before. A real gamble. Fist year it paid for itself. It sits on my neighbors farm most of the year. But when I put it on a job, it happy I have it. After ripping up a few lawns I got a bobcat mini on tracks. No more ripped lawns. I learned from what the big machine couldn’t do and adjusted. Now the mini is on almost all my jobs.
For your company and the abilities you have as a mechanic I agree 100%. There’s a guy near me that runs his company similar to you and it’s allowed him to grow without having the large overhead of newer machines
I have a small commercial electrical company. In the past I have worked for a large contractor. In the beginning, he owned some of his equipment. Between maintenance, transporting and storing it, insurance, multiple skill levels of operators, etc eventually he sold it all off and just rented. Fast forward to my company and hopefully I have learned. Where I am at, the cost of real estate is outrageous. It is much easier and cheaper for me to make a phone call and have any dirt or lift equipment delivered where I need it, when I need it. They take care of cleaning, servicing, and storing it for me. Who knows, perhaps in the future it may make sense to buy, but for now I will continue to rent.
I agree with you completely and did it the same, except for the skid steer I bought brand new from the start. Except for my skid steer because I did a ton of research first.
I Ran that grader. Mine was older too. Bobcat was able to totally upgrade it with the new valves and adapt the new wiring for laser. Was about $6500 for the upgrade with laser recievers. Still alot of savings there.
If you run a piece of equipment 50 hours a week, 52 weeks a year. it would be wise to buy it new. Most small companies don't do that so used equipment is a good option. Buying something used at a low price is a good way to decide if it works for you and how much you will use it. Some people don't want to have to repair anything or pay for repairs even though they spend a lot more to keep replacing equipment.
I created a three year rule for buying equipment for my contracting business. When I make a purchase I expect it to generate enough income (or time savings) to pay for itself in 3 years or less. Most of my investments are 10K or less, and many of them recoup my investment in 18 months or less. If I can justify the cost by using that method, I feel confident that it’s a good purchase. I’m not a fan of used equipment because down time costs grow exponentially.
You will like that attachment. I bought one back in the summer, ran into what you are as far as the controls. I shade treed it and ran a separate plug and made my own control box. It works good and with the added bonus it will only fit my loader so no one can borrow it. I totally agree as far as using older equipment, it will make just as much money as the shiny stuff.
I've had the same pickup truck for 38 years and this year I bought a 1998 Silverado I love it it's a nice truck it runs good it's easy running the heater works but I'm a scrap guy so I need a truck that runs and hauls a lot of weight Kurt
I think it depends on what your doing. I run a small lift crane operation 27 years & just couldn't be broke down on the job site with 5 to 7 people waiting for me. Looks like your operation is working for you.
I understand that thought process but well maintained machine is still a reliable machine and lot less systems to go wrong on my stuff for example had to send 30 guys home and pay 8hrs on a job in Atlanta when a brand new link belt crane with less then 100 hrs broke down. Brought in a old grove the. Day to finish the job. Last week a brand new cement truck less then 5k mikes broke down on the way to the job 6 guys waiting for over 3 hrs. I have very lift in the job down time year to date less then 5 hrs right now
Well said Mr Mike. Great vid. I take pride in getting the job done with my old farm equipment and the satisfaction of repairing it when it goes down. Besides, they can have all this electronics , emissions control crap I don't want it . Lol. Thanks for sharing.
I agree with everything you said. The only other way to try different machines would be to rent to get an idea. But attachments aren't always availabel for rent.
The other option I've tried is to rent equipment for at least a week. Once I've spent around 40 hours in something you start to understand what is important to you. You've got a great channel and a business model that anyone would admire. Excellent camera work. Thanks
Pretty much everything you said is true. You dont know what you need or dont need until you buy a machine. I kind of relate it to what DigginOk said about his backhoe. It works for him and what he does. I've dug footings with a 555 backhoe and with a mini excavator. The mini ex works best for me on residential footings but not so good on a commercial site. In that case I'd rather have the 555. I didn't know that until I tried it. Experience is the best teacher. I cant wait to see your "new" scraper in action.
At the county where I work we send bids out for new machines and they buy the cheapest crap out of them. Most of the time we are never asked about what we operate when buying new ones to replace them. They never consider us and user friendly never. But love your approach
Years ago I thought I wanted a Grapple for the Skidsteer. Went to a rental yard auction. Bought a new never used flat bottom grapple bucket for 10 cents on the dollar of new. Used it once and hated it. Sold it for 15% off retail . Took the profit and added 25% and bought a straight tine open grapple. Love it and recommend it. Got luck on that one.
I looked at a grader attachment for my A300 two years ago, then ran into a guy who had one and was able to see how it worked. It did okay if not trying to cut much, and if you do have to cut it better be finer material and not a lot of shaping involved. I do a lot of steeper driveways where annual erosion is often pronounced, no matter how well the water is drained. I wound up sticking with what I've got, on flatter driveways I use my Bobcat power rake (if I have enough fines to work with). If I have to put things back to right I bring my Komatsu D21A-7; it's no grader, but will shape rougher packed material with ease and I can clear and re-cut ditches and swales. For what a new grader attachment costs, I'd be tempted to opt for a used mini-grader if I had enough work to justify the $$. Yes, it's another whole piece of equipment, but from observation I think the overall performance would make me a lot happier.
What you said makes perfect sense.As a business owner you need to be smart and profitable. It does no good to have all kinds of equipment if you can''t use it.
I think that’s really smart way to think of it. Can you do an overview on your Machines and explain what you like and don’t on each machine I think that would be interesting to see your perspective on them love the videos can’t wait for more
I’m not a contractor but I think you do things like most contractors should do. You need certain features the others might not and they might need stuff you don’t. Buying stuff when the price is right is always a good idea.
I Agree, around here there seems to be a trend of resurrecting older equipment to get away from the new equipment and dump trucks with all the Tier 4 emissions and computer stuff. It seems alot of the smaller contractors are doing this. I can't blame them, plus your costs of new is really significant as far as getting the best return on your dollars.
Great video. If I could offer any insight for your next excavator definitely go with the blade and zero turn. It's crazy how handy both those two features are.
I was in a different bussiness than yours , I had a small millwork company. I bought an $80,000 machine one time to do a large job that would not have been possible to do because of the size of the job and amount of employees I had. That one job more than paid for the machine ( edgebander) and then made it possible to continue bidding larger jobs. A lot of cnc machines are up there in price comparable to heavy equipment prices , depending on the machine and jobs your bidding they can pay for themselfs very quickly and make a bussiness grow. I was always the type though that if I couldn't pay cash for something then I didn't it, never once took out a bussiness loan. If everything is paid for, it really dosent take all that much income to ride out the bad times and wait for things to pick up again. I have seen so many companies go bankrupt though because they buy everything with loans, then you get a few slow months and your out of bussiness. I'm out of bussiness now but because I retired and sold everything , and went out when I was ready to go out .
I agree with you on your business plan. Small business owners have to be cautious with purchases that don't allow an increase in profit for quite a long time. Stretching the budget to extremes is not a good business plan.
Kubota is an excellent skid steer.I have a Bobact but I am not in the contract business.I bought is to keep my driveway cleaned of snow.It has become a 20 driveway job.I can’t say no when I know these people need help.
I do it it the same way we are a small company that does a little bit of everything. My grandpa use to say the tool makes the job. Took me a while to understand that but its true.
I kinda feel like some of that was directed towards me with the new equipment and only have two pieces to do everything 😂. This is why I bug you on Voxer everyday 😂. Great video buddy a lot of good information there 👍🏻
Hey friend, has the name on the side and the local dealer support made a big difference to you... you do a lot (all?) of you own maintenance... or is it just beat deal at the time??
Just found your channel. easily becoming my favorite vs Stanley, Dirt Ninja etc. KEEP IT UP. I got my DEMO License exam next week in California. Nervous as heck.
Good move Mike, between the skid steer and the grader attachment you saved 75 grand over buying new. Both will earn at the same rate as new and the fact that neither one has wing mirrors will save you in the long run. Lol
I think of equipment as tools, because good tools make work easier. If they can do lots of jobs well its a good tool or machine, which is why skid steers are so popular; its a power unit with a giant Swiss army knife of things you can put on them. Also if you have to borrow something for a third time, you probably should buy it. I worked for a major University years ago in the equipment shop and doing everything you can in house is always cheaper than outsourcing it. If you can do preventive maintenance and repair your machines you are saving money. If its down better to have it down in your shop than paying for it to be down in someone else's shop. The only reason we had to have mechanics come do work is we couldn't convince the higher ups to buy a laptop and get the software so we could do everything, and those service calls were really expensive as the equipment dealers were a 50 minute drive away.
Sounds like you've about got it figured out for yourself and your business model. My business doesn't have much in the way of heavy machinery like yours and I need it so rarely that it makes zero financial sense to own it so I either rent machinery or sub out work that requires it. For the big and expensive things my company does need (Servers, networking equipmet, storage arrays, electronic test gear and the like) I'll buy good refurbished equipment instead of new because I can get what would have been a $30-40k storage array for $10 with brand new factory drives in it just because it's refurbished. There are certain things I will buy brand new (firewalls mainly) because that's the only financially viable way to do it for them, but for everything else. Refurbished all the way, even if I have to do it myself.
I takes A LOT OF TIME to research properly, what you probably don't have is time to actually do that and I understand that. I do have time to research EVERY tool I buy and I will be honest it takes me 6+ months to do it...no joke. I have bought tools I didn't even know existed until I researched for a LONG time. You should be researching now for your next one already, now you have more criteria to search. There are tools you buy for the long haul and tools you buy because that one broke and I need that RIGHT NOW. Make a list of criteria for the long haul tools
You are right on the money with what you're saying and also when you decide to upgrade you can afford to keep the older piece incase of a breakdown you're not dead in the water. I found this out last week. Had a major breakdown and crank the old up and put it to work but had'nt needed it in a year. You are dead right in what you're saying
What you are taking about is what makes America Great. People would see a need build it and make there job easier. A lot of people have become wealthy by doing this. I have ran a mechanic that cost the company over $1.25 million. I was modifying it 6 months after we got it, because I know for working similar stuff what works.
Dirt Perfect how many hours you hope to get out of it? Looking for one for small farm use and doesnt pay to get a new one but dont wanna buy a loader thats going to break down right away
Hi Mike, yeah, I think you're crazy, but only in a fun way! At the end of the day, nobody knows your business the way that you do, so you definitely know what works best for you; as long as you can learn from your mistakes ! Keep the videos coming, I love them !!
I only buy equipment at auctions. If I know it sells for 2x as much elsewhere, I'll gladly invest. Win win. If I don't like it, I can sell and make money. If I like, there is a few dollars to put into it to make it better. I tried to get you into auctions earlier, when you worked the woodcarving fair. There is $ to be made. Hope u like the grader. Cheers!
There's only one person that understand what you need to do your work and that's you and your right if you spend all your time running from job to job getting what you need your not going to get much work done just putting miles on your truck that cost a lot
Been a subscriber for just a few months, but I’ve started going back and watching your earlier videos like this one. I just wanted to say that I appreciate these videos that explain the why and how you think and operate the way you do. Thanks for taking the time to put these videos out.
Great thoughts man! I’ve definitely found the same experience with both the mini excavator and skid steer I’ve bought for my work. The other thing I’ve found when buy used is to make sure you have at least a 10% reserve in your budget for repairs and maintenance for the first few months in case anything comes up that needs fixing.
Yes sir I agree and thanks for watching
You have the right train of thought, my friend
Thanks
Your spot on! No-one knows better how you operate better then yourself. Purchasing the correct equipment is paramount to success of that operation, without putting yourself in debt.
Mike I really like how blunt and truthful u are. I worked for a person and I ran the dozer and the skid steer mostly. We bought so many attachments that were worthless or only used once and in the long run lost money because of that. But now that I'm looking at starting my business I have the understanding of what I need and the stuff I want. And it's because I had the ability to work with the equipment. The way u are thinking and the steps u are taking makes total since and in the long run like u did for that attachments. U did save ur self money. Keep it up. Ur doing great. The videos are a blast to watch. Thanks a million.
Thanks for the feedback buddy
I appreciate the video!! I honestly am glad you had the talk. I know what your saying about having multiple pieces of equipment. Really appreciate the video
This video is why I enjoy your channel so much! Your EXPERIENCE and SKILL is how you make a living. Not to mention honesty. Keep up the good work.
Thanks glade you enjoyed
Everything you mentioned makes sense.
I feel the same way about buying hand tools. Years ago my trusty old Makita 7.2 volt drill wasn’t powerful enough so I bought a Harbor Freight cordless drill since I don’t use it everyday. When it let the smoke out I knew I could justify a better drill and bought myself a DeWalt 2 piece combo and have regretted it a bit.
The fact that you’re mechanically inclined makes your choice even more valid.
Agree And thanks Wayne
Mike great thoughts. One thing that has saved me big and also been the hardest to learn is patience. There's always a great deal out there if you can buy when it comes along vs just pulling the trigger. We've been able to buy machines and attachments at dirt cheap prices just for waiting. With all the new folks getting into the work and being financed to the hilt in a few years there will be some nice equipment to be had. Keep the debt low and the cash high dig on.
Exactly and you are correct patience is key
I agree with you on the multiple tools route . If it pays itself back quick it doesn't cost anything to let some equipment sit an work every now an then. An keeping up your own equipment it can get hectic at times.
Plus one option you have to look at is insurance cost. The way you have multiple trailers for the mack is cheaper than having a fleet of trucks. To do the same jobs.
I also like fabricating my own attachments to save cash an design something outside the box. Currently converting. 3 pt bush hog that will be used by skid steer and a excavator with 2 mounts. An picking up a case backhoe bucket to change mount an teeth to use on a yanmar excavator vs 1500 for new bucket or 300 an little work to change this bucket to fit.
True and awesome
The cool part about it is, it is easier to get your money back on a piece of equipment that is paid for as opposed to something that you are making payments on. The route I took was to rent many pieces of equipment to find out what fit me best. I tried different brands and sizes of a piece such as a mini excavator. I learned the typical aspects such as dig depth and break out force but I also learned what I could fit into being 6'" 2". I enjoy watching your videos because you bring the common sense approach to equipment. Thanks again.
Very true and thanks for the feedback
So what you’re saying here is that you drive the Chevys now so when you upgrade to a ford you know exactly what options you’ll want to spring for?
Makes sense. Can’t argue with solid logic.
If you keep buying these grader attachments you’re going to have a small fleet of them before spring!
Upgrade to ford hahahahahahaha
Joe Public well I certainly wouldn’t expect him to downgrade to a dodge 😳😳😁
Nope just drive what I can afford to but parts for and by the way my feet stay dry 🤷♂️😜😂😁
Dirt Perfect mine too! Must be a dodge reference. Poor dodge guys.
We have a SVL75 at work it does what we need to do I couldn't see us using a machine larger than that haven't had any real issues with it, company has owned it since new. Its a 2013 model machine doesn't have 1000 hours on it, gets used for loading gravel into the trucks. The boss needed a tracked skid steer for one job couldn't get a rental, went to the dealer bought it to do the job. It gets used once in a while on money making jobs but 90% of the time its used to load trucks from our stock yard.
I used it on a 2 day job couple weeks ago doing a load and carry job moving 150 tons of material down a steep access road then along a narrow pathway. Drive 300 feet in then back out no room for error fall off the edge of the trail the machine would be a right off. My neck was sore after the 2 days, looking through bottom windows watching where my right hand track was while backing out no place to turn around the trail was a foot wider than the machine.
Appreciated the commentary, fully agree. My “stuff” is farm use variety and I’m more of a parts changer than mechanic so I can keep patching wore out backhoe vs newer hay equipment. Enjoy the videos
Hey mike thanks for the chat man I totally agree with everything you said on buying equipment can’t wait for the video with your new toy congrats 👍👍👍
Thanks and coming up next
Good stuff mate I do the same thing with farm equipment and I have never regretted it once.
Thanks for sharing (my wife needs to hear this 🤣🤣) I completely agree with your philosophy. I too enjoy working on the equipment and enjoy buying and selling. Have a great day!!
Thanks
Great chat Mike!
Congratulations on the addition to your arsenal of equipment. I agree with your opinion that older equipment is easier to afford and allows you more flexibility, especially cash flow wise.
In my years of playing in rock and dirt, I always kept machines maintained, not abused them, and tried to get out of them at or around 4500 hours. You made an excellent point during your chat, that "you make your money when you buy equipment", 5 stars on that point. Well maintained equipment holds it's value very well, and when you finally replace it you know the exact options YOU need for your work situations. Enjoy your weekend, you've had a productive week and now it's time to relax a bit with family or your toys! Work safe.
Doug@ the "ranch"
Double check the quick coupler. Some Kuobota and bobcat attachments don't line up. An for finish grading it may cause problems. Just a heads up. Love the channel. Keep them coming
Thanks Doug and it did fit buddy
Congratulations on your recent fleet addition. Even if you might not exactly know what you need, you certainly have a good formula to find out without huge setbacks, or penalties, and your learning and having a good time while your at it. Good video always enjoy your talks about your perspective and philosophy.
Thanks Tom
Great job and thanks for your suggestions
I have the same thought process on most everything with one EXCEPTION our cnc... only because it is the critical component of our business. So my thought was buy brand new and not but anyone else's problems. Plus new insured we had tech support and a guarantee on it. BUT Junior already had experience on that particular table and programs so we did know what we were getting. 😉 thanks for the road trip conversation!
Thanks for riding along 😁
It’s nice to see someone with the same issues I have I have a bunch of trucks and do tree work I started with a small bucket truck then purchased a bigger one thinking that’s exactly what I need and was happy I could get rid of the small one but once I used the bigger one for a couple months quickly realized I couldn’t get rid of the small one and use both on a regular basis
same story with the tractor and the dump truck
My wife and i work together well and maybe my expectations of hired help are just too high so we keep the business just us
Sometimes its bad knowing how to fix and build everything
It can quickly turn into a time suck
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts
I understand Barry and good luck with the business
Mike, you are correct. Like you I have probably too many machines for a one man operation. But , my analogy is , like a carpenter I have a tool for each job.
Briefly, I have 4 excavators 1.5 ton through 13 ton, 3 dozers, D5B, D3C LGP, and a mini Rayco.
Two 916 cat loaders and two Bobcat's. And three trailers.
Now with the commercial jobs I do I sometimes call in help.
I took my trucks off the road ten ( I do have a GMC 4500 pick up) years ago because the D O T in Massachusetts is awful.
I need trucks I rent them.
Many of my competitors don't understand why I have so much equipment, like you I hate trucking and a lot of my jobs run from a month to a year.
Great video, good luck and stay safe.
Thanks for watching and the comment and I agree
When you were talking about buying your skidsteer, I commented I bought a brand new Takeushi, love it, expensive (even well used they go for 80% of new value) but maintenance wise, fairly cheap so far. You bought a Kubota. no problem there, Kubota is probably the cheapest cost of ownership quality equipment out there. I have a 2016 U48 Kubota excavator, works great, love it as much as the Takeushi skidsteer. Like you said in the video, you just have to either know in advance what you require out of the equipment you (might) have to sit your butt in for 10 hours a day or learn as you go what you need on the next purchase. Comfort, ease of use, reliability and low maintenance costs. I look at all these before I buy any equipment. Doesn't matter what color it is. What do I need, what will do it, how much is it, and what are the trade-offs of A vs B vs C. A bit surprised about the AC button though, mine on the U48 is just a thermostat on the side next to the throttle. No AC button at all. Anywho, keep it up, you're getting pretty good on the skidsteer :)
Thanks for watching and the comments much appreciated
You are going to really like the grader. I had one for years and used it all the time. It takes awhile to get used to it but don’t give up on it
Yup have used it a few time so far so good really like it
I totally agree with you mike you are in a unique position of having a small crew who can operate any machine you have, but you still need the machines to do a job without fuss thereby having a wide selection gear without that massive outlay of new equip and the prices that goes with it yet you have all the equipment you need to do your work at a third of the cost, that to me shows a real business head you are on the right track mike but don’t buy junk that’s going to take any profit you make on repairs every time it’s used well done
Absolutely agree, I bought my first skid steer after years of kicking around the idea. Now that I have it I can clearly see how it benefits me versus my bigger front end loaders. Next skid steer buying decision will definitely be operator focused.
Yup and awesome
I am not in the business, but everything you said really does make sense. It really does come down to what works for one may not work for someone else. You have to find your own path in life. If I were to run a business it would be just like you do as I would probably be a small business as well and very hands on. Thanks for posting.
Thanks for watching
I've used these attachments on jobs before and honestly not a big fan but they're decent if you don't have a grader. If I do use one I like the 8' blade because it tends to keep the wind roll out of the track. I have found that the two issues I have with them is #1 when you hit anything hard the arms can push up ever so slightly (not an issue on a grader) and throw off the grade. #2 it's easier to see with the higher position of a 10' or 12' grader. I do however really agree with your opinion on equipment purchasing and for the price you paid I would have probably picked up that attachment too lol.
I got a 10k Thomas skid steer. I had never run any skid steer before. A real gamble. Fist year it paid for itself. It sits on my neighbors farm most of the year. But when I put it on a job, it happy I have it. After ripping up a few lawns I got a bobcat mini on tracks. No more ripped lawns. I learned from what the big machine couldn’t do and adjusted. Now the mini is on almost all my jobs.
Exactly and awesome
Not crazy.... spot on!
Thanks
For your company and the abilities you have as a mechanic I agree 100%. There’s a guy near me that runs his company similar to you and it’s allowed him to grow without having the large overhead of newer machines
Agree not for everyone but works gray for me
Great chat. Your science is strong.
Thanks
Good talk Mike! 👍
Thanks buddy
I have a small commercial electrical company. In the past I have worked for a large contractor. In the beginning, he owned some of his equipment. Between maintenance, transporting and storing it, insurance, multiple skill levels of operators, etc eventually he sold it all off and just rented. Fast forward to my company and hopefully I have learned. Where I am at, the cost of real estate is outrageous. It is much easier and cheaper for me to make a phone call and have any dirt or lift equipment delivered where I need it, when I need it. They take care of cleaning, servicing, and storing it for me. Who knows, perhaps in the future it may make sense to buy, but for now I will continue to rent.
I agree with you completely and did it the same, except for the skid steer I bought brand new from the start. Except for my skid steer because I did a ton of research first.
Yup education is key
Smart thinking in not jumping in over your head and doin what works for you!!
I Ran that grader. Mine was older too. Bobcat was able to totally upgrade it with the new valves and adapt the new wiring for laser. Was about $6500 for the upgrade with laser recievers. Still alot of savings there.
Awesome
If you run a piece of equipment 50 hours a week, 52 weeks a year. it would be wise to buy it new. Most small companies don't do that so used equipment is a good option. Buying something used at a low price is a good way to decide if it works for you and how much you will use it. Some people don't want to have to repair anything or pay for repairs even though they spend a lot more to keep replacing equipment.
Yup agree
I created a three year rule for buying equipment for my contracting business. When I make a purchase I expect it to generate enough income (or time savings) to pay for itself in 3 years or less. Most of my investments are 10K or less, and many of them recoup my investment in 18 months or less. If I can justify the cost by using that method, I feel confident that it’s a good purchase. I’m not a fan of used equipment because down time costs grow exponentially.
You will like that attachment. I bought one back in the summer, ran into what you are as far as the controls. I shade treed it and ran a separate plug and made my own control box. It works good and with the added bonus it will only fit my loader so no one can borrow it. I totally agree as far as using older equipment, it will make just as much money as the shiny stuff.
Awesome and did the same and good point that no one can barrow it 😁
I've had the same pickup truck for 38 years and this year I bought a 1998 Silverado I love it it's a nice truck it runs good it's easy running the heater works but I'm a scrap guy so I need a truck that runs and hauls a lot of weight Kurt
Mike, you're hungry & you get after it. You are the epitome of the American dream, "HARD WORK"!!
Thanks appreciate that
I think it depends on what your doing. I run a small lift crane operation 27 years & just couldn't be broke down on the job site with 5 to 7 people waiting for me. Looks like your operation is working for you.
I understand that thought process but well maintained machine is still a reliable machine and lot less systems to go wrong on my stuff for example had to send 30 guys home and pay 8hrs on a job in Atlanta when a brand new link belt crane with less then 100 hrs broke down. Brought in a old grove the. Day to finish the job. Last week a brand new cement truck less then 5k mikes broke down on the way to the job 6 guys waiting for over 3 hrs. I have very lift in the job down time year to date less then 5 hrs right now
I understand I had a new p&h rt & blew a head gaskett. Whatever works is the best way to go@@DirtPerfect
Well said Mr Mike. Great vid. I take pride in getting the job done with my old farm equipment and the satisfaction of repairing it when it goes down. Besides, they can have all this electronics , emissions control crap I don't want it . Lol. Thanks for sharing.
Exactly Gary
Ur thought process is right on. Smart thinking. Lovr ur videos!!!!
Thanks mike
I agree with everything you said. The only other way to try different machines would be to rent to get an idea. But attachments aren't always availabel for rent.
True have done that a few times also
The other option I've tried is to rent equipment for at least a week. Once I've spent around 40 hours in something you start to understand what is important to you. You've got a great channel and a business model that anyone would admire. Excellent camera work. Thanks
I agree not a bad idea
Pretty much everything you said is true. You dont know what you need or dont need until you buy a machine. I kind of relate it to what DigginOk said about his backhoe. It works for him and what he does. I've dug footings with a 555 backhoe and with a mini excavator. The mini ex works best for me on residential footings but not so good on a commercial site. In that case I'd rather have the 555. I didn't know that until I tried it. Experience is the best teacher. I cant wait to see your "new" scraper in action.
Agree and coming soon
At the county where I work we send bids out for new machines and they buy the cheapest crap out of them. Most of the time we are never asked about what we operate when buying new ones to replace them. They never consider us and user friendly never. But love your approach
I know it’s sad and thanks
Years ago I thought I wanted a Grapple for the Skidsteer. Went to a rental yard auction. Bought a new never used flat bottom grapple bucket for 10 cents on the dollar of new. Used it once and hated it. Sold it for 15% off retail . Took the profit and added 25% and bought a straight tine open grapple. Love it and recommend it. Got luck on that one.
Exactly and good deal
I'm glad you got one. I've been thinking about getting one but am unsure if it's worth the investment. Please keep up updated on your determination.
Not for sure I would spend the money on a new one but very happy with what I got have used it several times
@@DirtPerfect thanks for the quick reply.
I looked at a grader attachment for my A300 two years ago, then ran into a guy who had one and was able to see how it worked. It did okay if not trying to cut much, and if you do have to cut it better be finer material and not a lot of shaping involved. I do a lot of steeper driveways where annual erosion is often pronounced, no matter how well the water is drained. I wound up sticking with what I've got, on flatter driveways I use my Bobcat power rake (if I have enough fines to work with). If I have to put things back to right I bring my Komatsu D21A-7; it's no grader, but will shape rougher packed material with ease and I can clear and re-cut ditches and swales. For what a new grader attachment costs, I'd be tempted to opt for a used mini-grader if I had enough work to justify the $$. Yes, it's another whole piece of equipment, but from observation I think the overall performance would make me a lot happier.
What you said makes perfect sense.As a business owner you need to be smart and profitable. It does no good to have all kinds of equipment if you can''t use it.
Yup and thanks for watching
Great advice. 👍
totally agree with that thought process on buying equipment
I am a big fan of visibility out the front in anything. 😉 Love this channel.
Lol me to
Let us know how you like the new attachment I was looking at possibly purchasing one for the school. Thank you for sharing your thought process!
Will do coming up next
You have the right train of thought
Thanks
Nice information!!! and has the Captain talked to you about the traveling road show I have the posters started ....and bring your bowling ball lol
Lol sounds like a good time
@@DirtPerfect a good time is USUALLY had by all if I have anything to say about it lol
I think that’s really smart way to think of it. Can you do an overview on your Machines and explain what you like and don’t on each machine I think that would be interesting to see your perspective on them love the videos can’t wait for more
Gear video idea and thanks
I’m not a contractor but I think you do things like most contractors should do. You need certain features the others might not and they might need stuff you don’t. Buying stuff when the price is right is always a good idea.
Yup and thanks for watching
I Agree, around here there seems to be a trend of resurrecting older equipment to get away from the new equipment and dump trucks with all the Tier 4 emissions and computer stuff. It seems alot of the smaller contractors are doing this. I can't blame them, plus your costs of new is really significant as far as getting the best return on your dollars.
Exactly
Was Bobcat not an option on your list? Ive ran a lot of rental skid steers an bobcats are my personal favourite.
No one of a few brands I will probably never Owen just not a fan of some of the stuff they do engineering wise
i agree with you mate.makes sence to me.
Thanks
You are spot on.
Thanks
Great video. If I could offer any insight for your next excavator definitely go with the blade and zero turn. It's crazy how handy both those two features are.
Thinking about that for sure have a video coming soon talking about that
Only thing zero turn suckkkkkk to work on and sometimes smaller crammed cab. You can have your zero tail.
i agree you said it perfect, maybe thats why your dirt perfect lol.good system
Lol thanks buddy
Just seen the equipment on captain kleeman video from a month ago around September thanks mr dirt perfect
Yup
Like your video make it simple for every body thanks mr dirt perfect.
I was in a different bussiness than yours , I had a small millwork company. I bought an $80,000 machine one time to do a large job that would not have been possible to do because of the size of the job and amount of employees I had. That one job more than paid for the machine ( edgebander) and then made it possible to continue bidding larger jobs. A lot of cnc machines are up there in price comparable to heavy equipment prices , depending on the machine and jobs your bidding they can pay for themselfs very quickly and make a bussiness grow. I was always the type though that if I couldn't pay cash for something then I didn't it, never once took out a bussiness loan. If everything is paid for, it really dosent take all that much income to ride out the bad times and wait for things to pick up again. I have seen so many companies go bankrupt though because they buy everything with loans, then you get a few slow months and your out of bussiness. I'm out of bussiness now but because I retired and sold everything , and went out when I was ready to go out .
Awesome bill and I agree
I agree with you on your business plan. Small business owners have to be cautious with purchases that don't allow an increase in profit for quite a long time. Stretching the budget to extremes is not a good business plan.
Agree
I like thought process on buying equipment, I do same thing with tools.
👍
It's very simple, You do what works for you.
Whatever that may be.
Kubota is an excellent skid steer.I have a Bobact but I am not in the contract business.I bought is to keep my driveway cleaned of snow.It has become a 20 driveway job.I can’t say no when I know these people need help.
Awesome
I do it it the same way we are a small company that does a little bit of everything. My grandpa use to say the tool makes the job. Took me a while to understand that but its true.
Yup thanks for watching
Spot on man.
Thanks
I kinda feel like some of that was directed towards me with the new equipment and only have two pieces to do everything 😂. This is why I bug you on Voxer everyday 😂. Great video buddy a lot of good information there 👍🏻
Elite Earthworks LLC
Lol I was thinking the same thing 🤔,
Louisiana Dirt 218 🤣
Lol no just driving board and talking 😂
Spreading gravel that thing should pay for itself quickly!
I hope so
I agree 100%
Hey friend, has the name on the side and the local dealer support made a big difference to you... you do a lot (all?) of you own maintenance... or is it just beat deal at the time??
Very little parts availably and price are bigger deal weather it be dealer are aftermarket
Just found your channel. easily becoming my favorite vs Stanley, Dirt Ninja etc. KEEP IT UP. I got my DEMO License exam next week in California. Nervous as heck.
Welcome glade you are enjoying the channel... and best of luck on your exam 😬😁
@@DirtPerfect I PASSED :D
Awesome sorry just seen this
@@DirtPerfect thats why love my kubota and case dealer they do build your own wich is customeize options you wanted and dont want wich is pretty good
Good move Mike, between the skid steer and the grader attachment you saved 75 grand over buying new. Both will earn at the same rate as new and the fact that neither one has wing mirrors will save you in the long run. Lol
lol 😂 good point
I really like the bobcat one we have with the laser grade control you can put a lot less experienced operator on it an run grade like a seasoned pro
I could see that
I think of equipment as tools, because good tools make work easier. If they can do lots of jobs well its a good tool or machine, which is why skid steers are so popular; its a power unit with a giant Swiss army knife of things you can put on them.
Also if you have to borrow something for a third time, you probably should buy it.
I worked for a major University years ago in the equipment shop and doing everything you can in house is always cheaper than outsourcing it. If you can do preventive maintenance and repair your machines you are saving money. If its down better to have it down in your shop than paying for it to be down in someone else's shop. The only reason we had to have mechanics come do work is we couldn't convince the higher ups to buy a laptop and get the software so we could do everything, and those service calls were really expensive as the equipment dealers were a 50 minute drive away.
Yup agree 100 percent
In this video there's a picture of a John Deere Dozer on a trailer. Is it a 650? Is it your and do you still have that Dozer?
No was a 450g and sold it
@@DirtPerfect Why did you sell it?
Up bought cat d 4 g was a good dozer
Mike was you just driving with your knee so you can talk with your hands :))
Lol. Busted 🤦♂️😂
Sounds like you've about got it figured out for yourself and your business model. My business doesn't have much in the way of heavy machinery like yours and I need it so rarely that it makes zero financial sense to own it so I either rent machinery or sub out work that requires it. For the big and expensive things my company does need (Servers, networking equipmet, storage arrays, electronic test gear and the like) I'll buy good refurbished equipment instead of new because I can get what would have been a $30-40k storage array for $10 with brand new factory drives in it just because it's refurbished. There are certain things I will buy brand new (firewalls mainly) because that's the only financially viable way to do it for them, but for everything else. Refurbished all the way, even if I have to do it myself.
Awesome
I takes A LOT OF TIME to research properly, what you probably don't have is time to actually do that and I understand that. I do have time to research EVERY tool I buy and I will be honest it takes me 6+ months to do it...no joke. I have bought tools I didn't even know existed until I researched for a LONG time. You should be researching now for your next one already, now you have more criteria to search. There are tools you buy for the long haul and tools you buy because that one broke and I need that RIGHT NOW. Make a list of criteria for the long haul tools
Yup bill have been looking / researching new excavator for over a year now still don’t know what brand I want yet 🤷♂️😂
You are right on the money with what you're saying and also when you decide to upgrade you can afford to keep the older piece incase of a breakdown you're not dead in the water. I found this out last week. Had a major breakdown and crank the old up and put it to work but had'nt needed it in a year. You are dead right in what you're saying
Thanks
What you are taking about is what makes America Great. People would see a need build it and make there job easier. A lot of people have become wealthy by doing this. I have ran a mechanic that cost the company over $1.25 million. I was modifying it 6 months after we got it, because I know for working similar stuff what works.
Agree and awesome
How many hours on Kubota when you bought it? Almost never see a tracked loader around here for 27k
3400
Dirt Perfect how many hours you hope to get out of it? Looking for one for small farm use and doesnt pay to get a new one but dont wanna buy a loader thats going to break down right away
Not crazy, the insight is awesome,
Good deal
Makes sense
Hi Mike, yeah, I think you're crazy, but only in a fun way! At the end of the day, nobody knows your business the way that you do, so you definitely know what works best for you; as long as you can learn from your mistakes !
Keep the videos coming, I love them !!
lol true and thanks
Like your thoughts on Equipment .
Thanks leo
I’ve got 100k starting from zero what are the first pieces of equipment I should buy?
What are you planing on doing
Yes Sir nothing worse than 60 payment on a peace of equipment that won't work.
Exactly
I only buy equipment at auctions. If I know it sells for 2x as much elsewhere, I'll gladly invest. Win win. If I don't like it, I can sell and make money. If I like, there is a few dollars to put into it to make it better. I tried to get you into auctions earlier, when you worked the woodcarving fair. There is $ to be made. Hope u like the grader. Cheers!
Agree on auctions and hit a few just so hard to find the time for them I know bad excuse 😬😂
There's only one person that understand what you need to do your work and that's you and your right if you spend all your time running from job to job getting what you need your not going to get much work done just putting miles on your truck that cost a lot
Exactly
Interesting tips!
Enjoyed the video mike
Thanks buddy