Hey, long time, no see! I was asking yesterday on DP's channel if anyone had heard from you. Glad you are doing good. You are 100% correct. There is no better teacher than experience. I call it butt cheek grading. Your hands will compensate for what you feel in the seat. The guy that taught me always said to establish a smooth surface to work from and expand out from there. You can't grade if your machine constantly undulating along the ground. You do as good a job as anyone I have watched doing grading work with a track loader. Good job explaining it too.
Lol yes I have been so tied up the last two weeks I haven’t had any time to edit. I’m trying to knock out a bunch of videos today. He’s exactly right a nice smooth area to work from it what you want. Appreciate you watching and commenting
Rewatching this because this IS GREAT! You really were able to explain the grading process in detail and the view of the camera shows the results! Thank you for this!
Appreciate the extra content on grading information. I have been running a 1845C for 15 years or so with a smooth aftermarket bucket and factory tooth bucket. I now have a 84' box blade on a tractor and it is awesome for grade so long as it isnt tight quartered. Also isnt my full time job just farm use. Thanks for the videos.
Great vid. The reason I watch these is because I’m always curious how things work or how things are done. Thanks for the explanation and how and why you do things.
This was a great explanation explanation and applcation of the process! Very well done Brandon! I enjoy all your videos but this was one of my favorites! Thank you for sharing with us!
Great video and very good explanation. It was funny when you said you couldn't say what the joysticks do without running through the motion. That is so true. Your the best loader operator on the tube, that is for sure. Sam
Such an accurate description of the process. I was impressed that you were working with the rocky mixed material we often deal with. The tracked solid frame machine is like a dozer for sure. I only have wheeled machines and never used one with the joystick controls. The hand/foot machines I use move instantly as well so I am well accustomed to mechanical or hydraulic direct control. It is kind of funny to see someone get in an older machine who only has used the newer ones. It is like a bucking bronco! I know what you mean about experience, the first time I used a skid steer I was 18 and I am 54 now. You have a lot more work time than me because for many years I was white collar computer work. By the way you look to be in great shape at 40!
Thank you! Yeah that material was extremely rocky. I started on a bobcat 763 with hand and foot controls but never really got that great with it. I love the joystick controls but the are very touchy. That’s cool we started close to the same age. Thanks working outside has help keep me in shape I guess 🤣
You explained it well! I’m 46 been on dozers and track hoes since a teenager, so feeling by your seat and sight I get that!! I’ve just recently gotten on a newer case track loader and I love it(not so much the specific machine). It’s just like feeling with a dozer. I learned the controls just moving piles and materials from a to b then started grading. Since I haven’t been on any others I appreciate your thoughts on the brands! I’ll be checking out a Takeuchi. I will be buying one soon. I’ve always wanted a small dozer but it can only do small dozer things….. this one machine can do that and much more. Good video! Thanks!!
Thank you! There is a lot of great machines out there I just really like the Takeuchi because of the true pilot controls and the spacious cabs. You can always tell the guys that do run equipment when I say I do things by feel lol other people look at you like your crazy 🤣
Well, glad to see you're back. Been a little busy myself, but got caught up on your videos in the last few days. Nice job on the "tutorial," I agree that teaching something that you've done using what we called "old brain memory" is the hardest (well one of the hardest) things to do. Thanks for the video!
I have to agree with you my friend. Hands on experience in my opinion is the best way to learn. I'm not in no way book smart and Hands on is the way I learned my trades. Looking good. Keep up the great work
I think you did an excellent job explaining the situation. Had a good laugh when I saw the second story door 😅, reminded me of the Winchester Mystery House, it has a DOOR to nowhere as well.... 🤣👍🏻👍🏻 Hope the summer🌴 has been a hoot🦉 for you and the pretty Boss lady, and family. 🤙🏻🏊🚣
Thank you! I appreciate that! 🤣🤣 it makes me think of those cartoons where they open the door and fall out of the building. It has been a good one! Appreciate you watching
This guy is a perfectionist...you can see he loves his work...and the finish is always top class...P.S...Talkin while you work good..you just talkin bad...LOL
I think if you asked an elite athlete or seasoned combat pilot, they would have the same difficulty in creating a "how-to". It really is about focus and repetition, and the honing of that muscle memory in pursuit of how you envision the final product. The rest of us mere mortals can just watch and enjoy.
Brandon… well done. You mentioned the controls. My baby backhoe (BX23s) has a quick attach loader. It is exactly the same as the one it replaced (BX24). Except… the hydraulics on the old one connected as separate hoses with pioneer fittings. The new hydraulics are routed into a pair of blocks fitted with flat faced connectors. Once locked together they are supposed to have the same flow rate as the old one… perhaps they do, but, the response is much slower than on that he old BX24. I had the old one for 12 years… this is my third year on the new one. I still don’t have as good a ‘feel’ with it as my old one! Once you get it…. THE FEEL IS REAL! Perhaps that would make a good T-shirt logo??? Filming in the rain??? That is some rare footage! As I said, nicely done bud!
@@eliteearthworksllc I enjoyed it in an excevator when working with anything hooked to a strap, moving pipe or torch carts or walk behinds, something like that. When you want response from that blade or bucket tho they just can keep up. Another good tip in using half a bucket to keep extending the grade you’ve established. It’s hard to learn that those machines cut and fill the way they set. I watched the video to see if you thought the same as me and it seems we do things the same way! love to see it
Been watching you for a few years now. From doing simple stuff in the past you really advanced to the jobs you're doing now. Always impressed with the outcome regardless. I enjoyed the commentary 👍👍
I'm the same way. I don't like electric over highdrawlics my self. If I move a joy stick it had better move now not 4 seconds later. Do have time for delays in that area. Great video 📹 👍.
@@eliteearthworksllc your welcome, you have help me out a lot since starting my business last year! Retired Law Enforcement and I feel like I am having to learn all over again!! But you have been a big help to me!
Yes the landscaping background has a huge affect on how I grade. If I didn’t have that experience my grading wouldn’t be what it is. Appreciate you watching
I started out when I was 15 brush hogging and landscaping and just worked my way up to full excavation. I’m 42 now so it’s taken a lot of years. I figured out my cost per hour and day and came up with a rate that worked for me. You have to figure out what you can do in an hour or day. Like how many loads of dirt you can grade in an hour or rock. Then when you go look at jobs you can figure out how many hours/days it will take you and add your materials in to get your quote. Bidding jobs is what took me the longest to figure out
Rewatched! This iis a favorite of mine..... Question, would you be willing to to share another way of contacting you so I can ask questions learn from you, tell you about the wood work etc
very informative! I am going to rent a small skid steer to dig 5-6 inches of top soil for my backyard project. Should I start excavating from the highest point to low point of my existing grade? and does "float mode" help in maintaining the grade? Thank you!
If your going to remove it I would start with the low area and cut off the high area. The float only works for backdragging cause it lets the arms move up and down independent from the machine
Been watching you for a few years. We run Takeuchi and Deere. I do a lot of final grading like yourself and I tell ppl all the time when they ask how. You just feel it is all I know to tell them. I’ve tried to teach younger operators and it’s frustrating to me because I just watch the grade. My hands and eyes do the rest. Don’t really think of what my hands are doing it just happens. Typically I can be within about a half inch on grade by feel the only thing I struggle with is not overrunning my cut when I’m pushed on a jobsite but I’ll just stop for a second remind myself to slow down and go back to it.
Exactly it’s tough to teach cause it’s all muscle memory when you get the hang of it and it’s definitely something people just have to learn for themselves. I’ve ran a skid steer for 26 years and people ask me to teach them to grade and it’s like I can’t figure out the words 🤣🤪
I’ve always thought you were super gifted at grading. Grading is mostly all I do. Everything you said is right on. I’m a tooth bucket grader too. It almost feels like the slower you grade the faster you grade. It seems like you take your time too and you’re very fast.
Good Golly, Miss Molly! I was beginning to go into ELITE withdrawal! You had us bitin' our fingernails. Anyway, that was a really good video - lots of great tips and pointers. Explaining what you were doing as you were doing it was a great way to get your points across, so well done! Here's a thought: it might be interesting to show how you are doing various tasks from inside with a view on the controls as you do it. What do you think of that idea?
I’m finally back lol the last two weeks have been crazy. We are in the process of moving out of our shop so I worked all last weekend there cleaning it up. So I’m way behind on videos. Appreciate you watching and commenting again
I’ve done very little of this type of work but I am wondering if the tooth bucket is the right equipment for grading? You’re very good at it I am in pressed working very well explained
Nice video as always Brandon. This was a cool change of pace for sure from the normal videos. Totally get what you’re saying with it’s hard to explain to somebody how to do something. I’m the same way and my dad and grandpa were the same way. Much easier to show somebody how to do some rather than tell them. I’ve always learned better by doing something than having somebody teach or tell. Probably the reason it’s so hard for me to explain to somebody how to do something, much easier to show them or do it and let them see it done. Maybe that’s one reason I prefer to work alone haha.
Thank you! Yep you get it. It tough to explain how you do what you do everyday to someone new to. It just becomes second nature. Appreciate you watching man
Voice overs on time lapses is my favorite type of video for site work. Let’s me know what you’re thinking and let’s me see if it’s something I can apply
hey man from wyoming i would love to send you a couple shots of my work some how ive talked to you before but you run skid the exact same way i do an not alot of people do at all you do great work my friend
Thank you! That would be cool you can hit me up on Instagram if you are on there or shoot me an email at eliteearthworksllc@gmail.com thanks for watching
nice job B !! explained it good as any one could. 30+ years here or more I can't remember. 😳😳 Any who glad to see ya. Thought the wife might have buried you in the back yard !!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I’ve just never used it. My first skid steer didn’t have it and I learned to grade with out using it. It’s easy for me to feel the grade with the machine and adjust where I need to
@@eliteearthworksllc sweet - I need to check them out. My dad had a small Takeuchi when I was a kid and it was my first experience with joysticks coming from bobcat hand and foot controls. I liked it, but then ran some cats and others after that and absolutely hated the electronic over hydraulic controls on them. Newer bobcats with joysticks, at least in the bigger track machines have improved in recent years
I'm considering renting a Bobcat MT100 Mini skid steer/loader to attempt to grade a small ~400sq ft area for where I want to put down roadbase for a flagstone patio and crushed rock path around it. Is that the best tool for the job? It seems intimidating to me operating even the smaller types of this type heavy machinery and I would also be concerned about causing damage (either to the unit or my property). Are they pretty simple/intuitive to start using as a beginner who has never operated heavy machinery like this? I've already started excavating by hand/shovel and was originally thinking maybe I can just use a 2x4 and screed it myself - it's very laborious work though and it seems like something a machine could knock out pretty quickly. I have to move at least 4-5cu ft of clay like soil (right now I've relocated most of it up against the sides of our retaining wall and will probably keep some there) and then get roughly the same amount of roadbase back into the ground (I'm going for 6" or so of depth)
Yes that will work pretty good for that. Just take your time with it, they can be a bit tricky to grade with but handy to move materials in small areas. It sounds like you have a good game plan
@@eliteearthworksllc Thanks! I'm really considering renting one of these now to finish off our excavation/grading project. The other concern I had was with damage to surfaces especially during pivoting/turning - I called the rental place and the guy told me that because the MT100's tracks are rubberized, damage to concrete isn't an issue (if they are metal tracks then yes). Have you found this to be the case? Or would it still be best just to buy a piece of 1/2" plywood to roll this on when pivoting angles/corners of our concrete path?
@@jplee3idk if you rented it yet but you try not to do what's called a zero turn in a skid or excavator for multiple reasons. 1 you trash the ground and chew it up ( like you mentioned). 2 you could kick a track and that'll definitely ruin your day. You basically always wanna be moving backwards or forwards when you turn and turn using both joysticks slightly opposite of each other. Hopes that helps a little
This was a super helpful video! Just got a TL140 and trying to get used to how responsive it is. Love it so far! Out of curiosity, how much throttle do you run your 250 at for grading? I’ve been about 50% and it seems like plenty of power without burning excess fuel. Thoughts?
It’s hard to explain muscle memory grading is something you just learn buy doing it and as far as the automatic float systems in these machines I’m not a big fan I find it easier to operate with it turned off but this video is a great example of how to grade with a skid steer loader he does a great job explaining the process
I wish I could come out and work with you a day to learn how to grade with skid steer.... You could charge a fee and people who are serious could work with you... Sign me up!
There is really no how to. Thats what an old gray beard taught me when i got my first excavator. He said its all in the seat of the pants. There are common sense things to remember but as far as how to do it you just got to learn it .
Nice vid as always, but where have you been hiding :-) ? Learning by experience is not old school, it´s the only way to be good at anything. Sadly a good portion of people avoid that wisdom and work, or are unable to vision the finished product. Nothing beats experience and a good eye.
Thank you! I have been crazy busy the past few weeks. We are in the process of moving to a different shop so when I’m not working I’m working on moving stuff 🤣
My pro unkle says keep a full bucket. Or full pile dirt infront of dozer. I can’t doo as good as him. But I tilt bucket dig it into ground . Then backblade. !!! I’m the best back bladed around. . Lol lol 😂 that’s the first things to show a novice. ? I think. Just like teaching kid to shoot. Just learn how to point in direction. Get used to pulling trigger and gun first. A pro said this . I agree. So same with machines. 😮
In your video here: th-cam.com/video/o7KdjvzwU_k/w-d-xo.html You had just about the perfect camera angle so that we could see the bucket and your hands. This is how I picked up on your dirt "flick" as I call it. You should try talking about how, and when, to execute the techniques you use... cutting, back dragging, floating with the back/front of the bucket, etc. You obviously have a ton of experience and natural talent so it's difficult to articulate that in a video. Nonetheless, thank you very much for sharing!
Thank you! Yeah I could do that. I’m going to try and do a better job of explaining what I am doing and why. I really wasn’t happy with this video cause I wanted to do a better going more in depth but I had most of it edited two weeks ago and getting really behind on videos. So I just sent it and will add voice over or details in the ones to come. Appreciate you watching
@@eliteearthworksllc I honestly don't know how you do all the work and then editing. I'm sure you have a little help but still is a lot of work. A lot of your videos end after dark. So thank you again for putting in the effort.
@@JerichoRally it does take some time. I usually spend all day Sunday editing videos for the week but last weekend I worked at my shop Saturday and Sunday trying to clean it up.
I’ve tried a few but didn’t care for them. They don’t seem to have the same capacity as a normal tooth bucket. I’ve used a tooth bucket for the last 26 years 🤣
@@eliteearthworksllc It's hard to find a skid steer in Australia without one. It's all I've used. I've done different tasks like picking up builders waste, rocks, and logs. I've cut driveways and opening it up and scraping backwards cuts in better. Final trim with the dozer blade using the peak as a guide and watching the spoil at the blade or initial level pushing forward with the bucket open. I've seen them with teeth. The standard ones I've used would be too unstable to lift soil into a truck if they were any bigger. And they are neater because you can open up and reach over a pile to pick up vertically to maintain the piles footprint rather than pushing it all over the place. I do prefer a tracked machine to wheels. Less bounce and roll, or punctures.
Rewatched! It's always good to look back at your oldies but goodies! You taught me so much about grading in this video! Still a classic!
Thanks man! I appreciate that!
Thank you so much. I have about 135 hours on my first machine, a TL8. These tips are worth gold to me.
Awesome that’s a great machine. Appreciate you watching
Hey, long time, no see! I was asking yesterday on DP's channel if anyone had heard from you. Glad you are doing good. You are 100% correct. There is no better teacher than experience. I call it butt cheek grading. Your hands will compensate for what you feel in the seat. The guy that taught me always said to establish a smooth surface to work from and expand out from there. You can't grade if your machine constantly undulating along the ground. You do as good a job as anyone I have watched doing grading work with a track loader. Good job explaining it too.
Lol yes I have been so tied up the last two weeks I haven’t had any time to edit. I’m trying to knock out a bunch of videos today. He’s exactly right a nice smooth area to work from it what you want. Appreciate you watching and commenting
Rewatching this because this IS GREAT! You really were able to explain the grading process in detail and the view of the camera shows the results! Thank you for this!
Thank you! I appreciate that!
@@eliteearthworksllcI love this one! Learning from the master!
Appreciate the extra content on grading information. I have been running a 1845C for 15 years or so with a smooth aftermarket bucket and factory tooth bucket. I now have a 84' box blade on a tractor and it is awesome for grade so long as it isnt tight quartered. Also isnt my full time job just farm use. Thanks for the videos.
You’re welcome! I appreciate you watching! Those 1845C were Cases best skid steer in my opinion. Thanks again for watching
The very best I've seen grading with a skidsteer!!
Thank you! It’s basically all I’ve ran for the last 26 years 🤣
Watched again! Enjoyed again, learned some more about grading! You are the best!
Thank you! I appreciate that man!
Thank you very much for your time hello from Winnipeg Canada 🇨🇦
Thank you! I appreciate you watching the videos
Great vid. The reason I watch these is because I’m always curious how things work or how things are done. Thanks for the explanation and how and why you do things.
Thank you! I do appreciate that! It is neat to see how things are done in different locations
Another beautifully wrapped package! You'll have several of these at this location.
Thank you! Yes he keeps finding stuff lol
This was a great explanation explanation and applcation of the process! Very well done Brandon! I enjoy all your videos but this was one of my favorites! Thank you for sharing with us!
Thank you! I appreciate that! I’m going to try to do a better job explaining why I do some of the things I do. Appreciate you watching
@@eliteearthworksllc your wecome Brandon!
Explanation was great! I liked how you talked about your machine a bit too. I’ve never thought about suspension design while grading. Thanks!
Thanks man! I appreciate you watching
Great insight in how you grade. Hope you had a good weekend!
Thanks I appreciate that!
Great video and very good explanation. It was funny when you said you couldn't say what the joysticks do without running through the motion. That is so true. Your the best loader operator on the tube, that is for sure.
Sam
Thank you! I really appreciate that! lol my muscle memory is terrible 🤣🤦🏼♂️
Such an accurate description of the process. I was impressed that you were working with the rocky mixed material we often deal with. The tracked solid frame machine is like a dozer for sure. I only have wheeled machines and never used one with the joystick controls. The hand/foot machines I use move instantly as well so I am well accustomed to mechanical or hydraulic direct control. It is kind of funny to see someone get in an older machine who only has used the newer ones. It is like a bucking bronco! I know what you mean about experience, the first time I used a skid steer I was 18 and I am 54 now. You have a lot more work time than me because for many years I was white collar computer work. By the way you look to be in great shape at 40!
Thank you! Yeah that material was extremely rocky. I started on a bobcat 763 with hand and foot controls but never really got that great with it. I love the joystick controls but the are very touchy. That’s cool we started close to the same age. Thanks working outside has help keep me in shape I guess 🤣
@@eliteearthworksllc I still own my Bobcat 763, it became my backyard Bobcat!
Really appreciating your videos. Thank you
Thanks! I appreciate you watching them
You explained it well! I’m 46 been on dozers and track hoes since a teenager, so feeling by your seat and sight I get that!! I’ve just recently gotten on a newer case track loader and I love it(not so much the specific machine). It’s just like feeling with a dozer. I learned the controls just moving piles and materials from a to b then started grading. Since I haven’t been on any others I appreciate your thoughts on the brands! I’ll be checking out a Takeuchi. I will be buying one soon. I’ve always wanted a small dozer but it can only do small dozer things….. this one machine can do that and much more. Good video! Thanks!!
Thank you! There is a lot of great machines out there I just really like the Takeuchi because of the true pilot controls and the spacious cabs. You can always tell the guys that do run equipment when I say I do things by feel lol other people look at you like your crazy 🤣
Thanks for your commentary, you do a great job of grqding...grading....
Thank you! I appreciate you watching
Enjoyed watching you and Chris working don't worry no one can do anything perfect 😁
Thank you! I appreciate that! 😁👍🏻
Great job. Good content. Bring some more
Thank you! Appreciate you watching
good video - this is what i needed to hear on how to grade... just got a t62 with 9 hours under my belt.... takes time to learn the machine
Awesome congrats! Yes it just takes time
Excellent job buddy!
Thanks man!
Nice work as always man!
Thanks man
Well, glad to see you're back. Been a little busy myself, but got caught up on your videos in the last few days. Nice job on the "tutorial," I agree that teaching something that you've done using what we called "old brain memory" is the hardest (well one of the hardest) things to do. Thanks for the video!
Thank you! It’s been a crazy few weeks hopefully I’ll get back on track. Muscle memory is definitely tough to explain at least for me lol
Another great vid bud!!! Heard ya say over and over again,get some seat time. Even the best operators learn something new once in a while!!!
Thanks man! Yep it’s all about that seat time
I have to agree with you my friend. Hands on experience in my opinion is the best way to learn. I'm not in no way book smart and Hands on is the way I learned my trades. Looking good. Keep up the great work
That’s exactly how I learned. Definitely the best method 👍🏻 thank you!
I think you did an excellent job explaining the situation. Had a good laugh when I saw the second story door 😅, reminded me of the Winchester Mystery House, it has a DOOR to nowhere as well.... 🤣👍🏻👍🏻
Hope the summer🌴 has been a hoot🦉 for you and the pretty Boss lady, and family. 🤙🏻🏊🚣
Thank you! I appreciate that! 🤣🤣 it makes me think of those cartoons where they open the door and fall out of the building. It has been a good one! Appreciate you watching
This guy is a perfectionist...you can see he loves his work...and the finish is always top class...P.S...Talkin while you work good..you just talkin bad...LOL
Thanks! I appreciate that! I do enjoy my work and yes I agree I hate just talking on the camera 😁
Great video! Much better idea to use it like a dozer rather than a float/drag etc. Glad I saw this one! Will save me lots of time and ERROR! THANKS!
Thank you! That is what has worked best for me anyways over the years. Appreciate you watching
I think if you asked an elite athlete or seasoned combat pilot, they would have the same difficulty in creating a "how-to". It really is about focus and repetition, and the honing of that muscle memory in pursuit of how you envision the final product. The rest of us mere mortals can just watch and enjoy.
That’s probably true it’s tough to explain the muscle memory for sure. You wouldn’t think it would be but it is. Appreciate you watching
Brandon… well done.
You mentioned the controls. My baby backhoe (BX23s) has a quick attach loader. It is exactly the same as the one it replaced (BX24). Except… the hydraulics on the old one connected as separate hoses with pioneer fittings. The new hydraulics are routed into a pair of blocks fitted with flat faced connectors. Once locked together they are supposed to have the same flow rate as the old one… perhaps they do, but, the response is much slower than on that he old BX24.
I had the old one for 12 years… this is my third year on the new one. I still don’t have as good a ‘feel’ with it as my old one! Once you get it…. THE FEEL IS REAL!
Perhaps that would make a good T-shirt logo???
Filming in the rain??? That is some rare footage!
As I said, nicely done bud!
Lol I like that idea for a shirt. Yeah it’s crazy how they can feel different. Definitely rare to film in the rain right now. Appreciate you watching
You have the best excavation page on TH-cam
Thank you! I really appreciate that!
I’ve said the same about electronic over hydraulic, it just doesn’t respond the same. Some good information in this video for those seeking guidance!
Thank you! I can’t stand the electric over hydraulic controls. They really just throw you off
@@eliteearthworksllc I enjoyed it in an excevator when working with anything hooked to a strap, moving pipe or torch carts or walk behinds, something like that. When you want response from that blade or bucket tho they just can keep up. Another good tip in using half a bucket to keep extending the grade you’ve established. It’s hard to learn that those machines cut and fill the way they set. I watched the video to see if you thought the same as me and it seems we do things the same way! love to see it
@trevorcottrill3965 that's how I do it in a skid and dozer. Idk if you ran a dozer but that's dozer 101.
Been watching you for a few years now. From doing simple stuff in the past you really advanced to the jobs you're doing now. Always impressed with the outcome regardless. I enjoyed the commentary 👍👍
Thank you! Yes I’m finally landing some good jobs and more money jobs for sure. I’m enjoying these. Appreciate you watching
I'm the same way. I don't like electric over highdrawlics my self. If I move a joy stick it had better move now not 4 seconds later. Do have time for delays in that area. Great video 📹 👍.
Exactly the delay is so aggravating. Thank you! Appreciate you watching
20,000 hours in skid steer!!! Wow! That's amazing!
I’ve spent way too long in a skid steer 🤣
Awesome video brother, hope to see more like this one!
Thank you! I appreciate that and I will try to make more like this one
@@eliteearthworksllc your welcome, you have help me out a lot since starting my business last year! Retired Law Enforcement and I feel like I am having to learn all over again!! But you have been a big help to me!
Practice practice and more seat time.
That’s for sure!
Personally, I think your experience in landscaping has helped shape your grading quite a bit. And that’s a good thing.
Yes the landscaping background has a huge affect on how I grade. If I didn’t have that experience my grading wouldn’t be what it is. Appreciate you watching
Hi Brandon
You did a fine job explaining how to grade.
Ed from Chicago 🙂
Thank you! I appreciate that!
You definitely know what you are doing so ignore the haters you can’t please everyone
Thanks I appreciate that!
How did you get started? How did you know how to bid a job and/or get jobs?
I started out when I was 15 brush hogging and landscaping and just worked my way up to full excavation. I’m 42 now so it’s taken a lot of years. I figured out my cost per hour and day and came up with a rate that worked for me. You have to figure out what you can do in an hour or day. Like how many loads of dirt you can grade in an hour or rock. Then when you go look at jobs you can figure out how many hours/days it will take you and add your materials in to get your quote. Bidding jobs is what took me the longest to figure out
Rewatched! This iis a favorite of mine..... Question, would you be willing to to share another way of contacting you so I can ask questions learn from you, tell you about the wood work etc
@@aaronburford5701 you can email me if you want at eliteearthworksllc@gmail.com or message me on instagram
@@eliteearthworksllc sounds good! Thank!
very informative! I am going to rent a small skid steer to dig 5-6 inches of top soil for my backyard project. Should I start excavating from the highest point to low point of my existing grade? and does "float mode" help in maintaining the grade? Thank you!
If your going to remove it I would start with the low area and cut off the high area. The float only works for backdragging cause it lets the arms move up and down independent from the machine
I think that you do a great job on all of your videos!!
Thank you! That means a lot! 👍🏻
@@eliteearthworksllc You Are welcome!
Good explanations! Looked like some rich topsoil. You have the place looking good. I have been wondering what is the teepee like structures for?
Thank you! That’s holding the power line over the road so trucks don’t drive over it.
Been watching you for a few years. We run Takeuchi and Deere. I do a lot of final grading like yourself and I tell ppl all the time when they ask how. You just feel it is all I know to tell them. I’ve tried to teach younger operators and it’s frustrating to me because I just watch the grade. My hands and eyes do the rest. Don’t really think of what my hands are doing it just happens. Typically I can be within about a half inch on grade by feel the only thing I struggle with is not overrunning my cut when I’m pushed on a jobsite but I’ll just stop for a second remind myself to slow down and go back to it.
Exactly it’s tough to teach cause it’s all muscle memory when you get the hang of it and it’s definitely something people just have to learn for themselves. I’ve ran a skid steer for 26 years and people ask me to teach them to grade and it’s like I can’t figure out the words 🤣🤪
I’ve always thought you were super gifted at grading. Grading is mostly all I do. Everything you said is right on. I’m a tooth bucket grader too. It almost feels like the slower you grade the faster you grade. It seems like you take your time too and you’re very fast.
Thank you! I appreciate that! I agree slow is fast when you are grading
Good Golly, Miss Molly! I was beginning to go into ELITE withdrawal! You had us bitin' our fingernails. Anyway, that was a really good video - lots of great tips and pointers. Explaining what you were doing as you were doing it was a great way to get your points across, so well done! Here's a thought: it might be interesting to show how you are doing various tasks from inside with a view on the controls as you do it. What do you think of that idea?
I’m finally back lol the last two weeks have been crazy. We are in the process of moving out of our shop so I worked all last weekend there cleaning it up. So I’m way behind on videos. Appreciate you watching and commenting again
I’ve done very little of this type of work but I am wondering if the tooth bucket is the right equipment for grading? You’re very good at it I am in pressed working very well explained
Just after I asked you explained why.
Thank you! Lol there is a method to my madness 😁
thank lean lot little trick u talk about i was miss big help
Thanks!
Well explained brother
Thank you!
Nice video as always Brandon. This was a cool change of pace for sure from the normal videos. Totally get what you’re saying with it’s hard to explain to somebody how to do something. I’m the same way and my dad and grandpa were the same way. Much easier to show somebody how to do some rather than tell them. I’ve always learned better by doing something than having somebody teach or tell. Probably the reason it’s so hard for me to explain to somebody how to do something, much easier to show them or do it and let them see it done. Maybe that’s one reason I prefer to work alone haha.
Thank you! Yep you get it. It tough to explain how you do what you do everyday to someone new to. It just becomes second nature. Appreciate you watching man
Grade video thanks for uploading and explaining. Do you use the float control when you grade or does that defeat the purpose?
Thanks.
Thanks! No I don’t use the float. That really on works for backdragging material
@@eliteearthworksllc thanks appreciate the response!!
I'am in IT as from 35 years, learning by experience is the only solution :)
That’s how I did 😁
Love the content!
Thanks man!
Voice overs on time lapses is my favorite type of video for site work. Let’s me know what you’re thinking and let’s me see if it’s something I can apply
That’s a good idea too. Appreciate you watching
I started out with an 1845c and man ctl’s are a nice upgrade
Yes they are. The 1845C was cases best skid steer
@@eliteearthworksllc i still have it and use it as a backup from time to time. I let my 8yr old son practice on it
Very informative! Thx
Thank you!
Nice job!
Thank you!
hey man from wyoming i would love to send you a couple shots of my work some how ive talked to you before but you run skid the exact same way i do an not alot of people do at all you do great work my friend
Thank you! That would be cool you can hit me up on Instagram if you are on there or shoot me an email at eliteearthworksllc@gmail.com thanks for watching
nice job B !! explained it good as any one could. 30+ years here or more I can't remember. 😳😳 Any who glad to see ya. Thought the wife might have buried you in the back yard !!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Thanks man! 🤣🤣 I’ve been a touch busy with work
Best video yet. Realize if your level
Thank you!
The ole Pete lookin good!
Thank you! I’ve got a new hood coming for it too
Great tips 👊🏼
Thank you! 👊🏼
It the tooth on the grade you want is good direction…why don’t you use the float bucket feature?
I’ve just never used it. My first skid steer didn’t have it and I learned to grade with out using it. It’s easy for me to feel the grade with the machine and adjust where I need to
Is Takeuchi still offering pilot controls on their skid steers or have they gone electronic as well?
No they are still true hydraulic pilot controls in all their equipment and as far as I’ve heard they are keeping them that way
@@eliteearthworksllc sweet - I need to check them out. My dad had a small Takeuchi when I was a kid and it was my first experience with joysticks coming from bobcat hand and foot controls. I liked it, but then ran some cats and others after that and absolutely hated the electronic over hydraulic controls on them. Newer bobcats with joysticks, at least in the bigger track machines have improved in recent years
Yeah I think you will like the controls on the Tak’s very smooth and responsive
Looks good 👍,
Thanks man!
great video Me and my son learn by hands on .
Thank you! That’s the best way in my opinion it’s how I learned.
Great job Great video
Thank you! Appreciate you watching
I'm considering renting a Bobcat MT100 Mini skid steer/loader to attempt to grade a small ~400sq ft area for where I want to put down roadbase for a flagstone patio and crushed rock path around it. Is that the best tool for the job? It seems intimidating to me operating even the smaller types of this type heavy machinery and I would also be concerned about causing damage (either to the unit or my property). Are they pretty simple/intuitive to start using as a beginner who has never operated heavy machinery like this? I've already started excavating by hand/shovel and was originally thinking maybe I can just use a 2x4 and screed it myself - it's very laborious work though and it seems like something a machine could knock out pretty quickly. I have to move at least 4-5cu ft of clay like soil (right now I've relocated most of it up against the sides of our retaining wall and will probably keep some there) and then get roughly the same amount of roadbase back into the ground (I'm going for 6" or so of depth)
Yes that will work pretty good for that. Just take your time with it, they can be a bit tricky to grade with but handy to move materials in small areas. It sounds like you have a good game plan
@@eliteearthworksllc Thanks! I'm really considering renting one of these now to finish off our excavation/grading project. The other concern I had was with damage to surfaces especially during pivoting/turning - I called the rental place and the guy told me that because the MT100's tracks are rubberized, damage to concrete isn't an issue (if they are metal tracks then yes). Have you found this to be the case? Or would it still be best just to buy a piece of 1/2" plywood to roll this on when pivoting angles/corners of our concrete path?
@@jplee3idk if you rented it yet but you try not to do what's called a zero turn in a skid or excavator for multiple reasons. 1 you trash the ground and chew it up ( like you mentioned). 2 you could kick a track and that'll definitely ruin your day. You basically always wanna be moving backwards or forwards when you turn and turn using both joysticks slightly opposite of each other. Hopes that helps a little
Did you get any weather your way? Just checking in....
No just some rain Friday morning is it
Great video
Thank you!
Thank you!
You’re welcome thanks for watching
Fai il tutorial anche quando sfondi le porte?
This was a super helpful video! Just got a TL140 and trying to get used to how responsive it is. Love it so far! Out of curiosity, how much throttle do you run your 250 at for grading? I’ve been about 50% and it seems like plenty of power without burning excess fuel. Thoughts?
Nice they are great machines. I run mine wide open all the time. I like it responsive and it’s balanced out the best when it runs wide open
@@eliteearthworksllc thanks! I will give it a shot! I really appreciate the response
Look great
Thank you!
It’s hard to explain muscle memory grading is something you just learn buy doing it and as far as the automatic float systems in these machines I’m not a big fan I find it easier to operate with it turned off but this video is a great example of how to grade with a skid steer loader he does a great job explaining the process
Thank you I appreciate that! It’s definitely tough to explain and you are right it’s learned from doing. Appreciate you watching
Hi Mr elite awesome job. And you do better than Mr drit perfect sorry had to pick on him
Thanks! 🤣 well that’s a given 😁
I gave up on watching Dirt Perfect's videos. There was way too much drama for my liking.
@@larrykeenan598 lol yep
I wish I could come out and work with you a day to learn how to grade with skid steer.... You could charge a fee and people who are serious could work with you... Sign me up!
lol be like a little side hustle
@@eliteearthworksllc Exactly!
There is really no how to. Thats what an old gray beard taught me when i got my first excavator. He said its all in the seat of the pants. There are common sense things to remember but as far as how to do it you just got to learn it .
That’s exactly right! It’s just one of those things that come with time
Nice vid as always, but where have you been hiding :-) ? Learning by experience is not old school, it´s the only way to be good at anything. Sadly a good portion of people avoid that wisdom and work, or are unable to vision the finished product. Nothing beats experience and a good eye.
Thank you! I have been crazy busy the past few weeks. We are in the process of moving to a different shop so when I’m not working I’m working on moving stuff 🤣
Haha sometimes it's hard to explain you just know with out thinking.
Lol that’s for sure!
My pro unkle says keep a full bucket. Or full pile dirt infront of dozer. I can’t doo as good as him. But I tilt bucket dig it into ground . Then backblade. !!! I’m the best back bladed around. . Lol lol 😂 that’s the first things to show a novice. ? I think. Just like teaching kid to shoot. Just learn how to point in direction. Get used to pulling trigger and gun first. A pro said this . I agree. So same with machines. 😮
That definitely helps. It something that really just takes seat time. It’s tough to explain how to grade but like you said just point and go
Just the tip I swear...😂😂😂
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Elite billy 😂
😁
In your video here: th-cam.com/video/o7KdjvzwU_k/w-d-xo.html
You had just about the perfect camera angle so that we could see the bucket and your hands. This is how I picked up on your dirt "flick" as I call it.
You should try talking about how, and when, to execute the techniques you use... cutting, back dragging, floating with the back/front of the bucket, etc.
You obviously have a ton of experience and natural talent so it's difficult to articulate that in a video.
Nonetheless, thank you very much for sharing!
Thank you! Yeah I could do that. I’m going to try and do a better job of explaining what I am doing and why. I really wasn’t happy with this video cause I wanted to do a better going more in depth but I had most of it edited two weeks ago and getting really behind on videos. So I just sent it and will add voice over or details in the ones to come. Appreciate you watching
@@eliteearthworksllc I honestly don't know how you do all the work and then editing. I'm sure you have a little help but still is a lot of work. A lot of your videos end after dark. So thank you again for putting in the effort.
@@JerichoRally it does take some time. I usually spend all day Sunday editing videos for the week but last weekend I worked at my shop Saturday and Sunday trying to clean it up.
292nd!!!!
Get a 4 in 1 bucket and learn how to use it. It will change your life.
I’ve tried a few but didn’t care for them. They don’t seem to have the same capacity as a normal tooth bucket. I’ve used a tooth bucket for the last 26 years 🤣
@@eliteearthworksllc It's hard to find a skid steer in Australia without one. It's all I've used. I've done different tasks like picking up builders waste, rocks, and logs. I've cut driveways and opening it up and scraping backwards cuts in better. Final trim with the dozer blade using the peak as a guide and watching the spoil at the blade or initial level pushing forward with the bucket open. I've seen them with teeth. The standard ones I've used would be too unstable to lift soil into a truck if they were any bigger. And they are neater because you can open up and reach over a pile to pick up vertically to maintain the piles footprint rather than pushing it all over the place. I do prefer a tracked machine to wheels. Less bounce and roll, or punctures.
@@MorningPetrichor yeah it seems like they all have them in Australia. They can be handy
You should mention back blading. It's a big part of most grades
That is true