I have experience taking care of Gassy the Gopher. Holler at me if you need me! Thanks for all the content. Put my first three hours in today on my chinese mini ex. It was a thrill! Working on cutting a road across my property.
Hey Todd, I came across your videos a few weeks ago and have not stopped watching them, they are great! I have always wanted to do what you do but life has taken me down the business road in telecom. I am however looking to get into this business and am determined to do so. You have been not only an enjoyable inspiration, funny too, but have provided me with much of the knowledge that will be needed for me to succeed safely. My hope is to obtain a track steer, excavator and tractor as soon as I am able. After watching you I never realized how important a dump truck is and will now have to add it to my list. I notice you use mostly Cat stuff but think it would be great if you did a series of equipment videos using your vast experience to help enlighten folks like me to make solid equipment purchase choices. Regardless, keep up the great work yours is truly one of the best channels that I have ever seen! Bryan Kilpatrick
Hello from Guam 🇬🇺 Watched two driveway building series on your channel. So interesting, informative, and fun! Keep up the good work. God bless you, brother.
I think in the first video you were just kind of roughing it in to see if that's where the client wanted it, and by about the 5th video I was like "Man, he really is putting in the work just to get a feel for this road". I guess the client was happy with the path it took :)
Hey Todd, Georgia boy here living in Germany, saving up and dreaming about my home project for when I get back, learning alot from your videos. Your work is impressive and your video production is pretty awesome. Thank you Sir!
First of all, I am super excited to see this driveway content! Love your videos dealing with driveways and roads. Secondly, your passion to educate while communicating the process is the BEST! Thirdly, your attention to details are off the charts. Fourthly, you spreading gravel is something I leave to see.... Fifthly, YOU ARE Michael Jordan of driveways and roads! Liked, Viewed, Shared, Subscribed... Thanks for sharing!
I watch everything of yours I can. I’m too old to buy a mini excavator now but oh I love to watch them operating. I’m 70 and watch excavators work probably 3 to 4 hours a days
This road project transformation has been stellar. You have mad skills Todd, on the machines as well as with the videos. Rolling the road is more of a budgetary thing, all the traffic with your machines will compact it just fine.😎🤙
Thanks Matthew👍. I’m really trying to make each video better than the last. Collaborating with Sam over at the TriStar Diggin’ channel has been a huge help
Thanks for the videos man! A lot of people probably don’t realize the time you put into these and the extra time you spend on the jobs making them when you could have been in and out the job a lot quicker!
Todd you did an outstanding job on this road. It's so obvious to me the value you give the customer. Your work speaks loudly. BTW I check for your next video daily more times than I'd check mailbox for tax refund from IRS if I was expecting one 😃
Yes, I would have rolled that driveway. I think it would have made it virtually indestructible. But ,what do I know, I'm hiring someone to put in my driveway. :)
Wow, this was a huge job Todd, you carved this road out of nothing but woods, the final product looks great, with the road bond on top, this should compact great for a very long lasting road with a little maintanance, that`s one good looking road, take care.
Just found your channel, moved to nc from illinois, bought 60 acres and have built a home on it, pond already existed and was searching videos on how to build roads…heard your accent and thought to myself, this guy talks just like my neighbor…sure enough, looked you up…NC..definitely a native. Im located a little far east for you, but i would have you come repair my pond, the shorelines have all collapsed and need the muck cleared out and built back up the shorelines. Finding anyone who has pond experience in my area seems impossible. Im actually thinking of just buying a kx-080, use it for a couple years and then sell it, they hold their value pretty well from what i see.
@@DigginLife21 im in cabarrus county, yeah and its a creek fed pond with an inlet and outlet, spillway, no piping through the dam, but its been there according to aerial photos since 1962. I need to put a culvet in the inlet side so i can get equipment across, because right now you can only get an atv across a wooden bridge, My dad ran heavy equipment, was a union operating engineer, but he passed away, but ive got a little operator in my blood. So i think im gonna pick up either a used kubota or a brand new Sany
I'm glad I found you on here. I've learned a thing or 2, and I certainly enjoy the laid-back theme of your videos. I'm just down in Clover SC, so maybe I'll run into you one day when I'm up that way.
Very nice finished product Todd! Belated thanks for your box blade recommendation. I can see why this is the one you picked. The finished product looks fantastic (of course the operator had a lot to with the results)! Loving the new format. Your wife get you to trim that beard? No shame, mine insisted that I did.
There you are! You were Unsuscribed from my prescriptions. I know it's been happening to Matt over at Diesel Creek with some if his subscribers. Glad your vids are popping up on my feed again!
how rewarding, congratulations!!! I hope 1 day you get that gopher! I caught him on my trail cam messing around a dump truck, i left a picture of him on your Facebook, hope you enjoy 🤣 By the way who does Eli belong to?
Todd you do really good work. I appreciate the time and effort to record these videos. You inspired me to buy a mini ex for my project and tackle steep hills. Just wanted to say thank you Todd. I did email you a while back. But I’m sure you stay very busy.
good job on finishing the driveway build! quality on this video is excellent, loving the drone shots. also had a chuckle at the "contact" bit as a diesel creek subscriber. cant wait for the next video!
Love watching these videos! You’re always very informative. Just starting my own excavation company, I got fully legalized last week and started advertising. Hoping that this summer will turn out productive.
Tailgating and box blading is the perfect way to close out a project. If you ever get by the gas station where you installed the guardrail, can you give us an update? Thanks Todd. 👍👍
Hey Todd, love your videos! I’m from WV and am finishing construction on about a quarter mile long driveway. It’s a pretty steep grade due to the property layout. (Gotta love those WV hills) It’s about a 20% grade at the bottom, levels out in the middle, and finishes at about a 20% grade near the top. I have a base of what we call “ones” and then a layer of “threes” on top of that. I plan to topcoat with crusher run, also known as inch and a half minus around here. Is that the same as what you call road bond?? Or is road bond what we call “regrind”? I’m trying to build it right so it’ll last
You’ve got me pondering if I need to get a load or 4 (single axle) of that road bond, but topping my driveway with ballast has slowed people down a lot 😂.
A fine finish to an awesome build series. You have been one of the pivotal inspirations for me, and I appreciate all you have given, and continue to give, to the RUclips and dirtwork community. -- I don't know if I would have rolled it. Depends on how soon traffic is going to start on it, I think. If it's going to set awhile before they start rolling heavy traffic to build up there, then I would guess it's probably fine to not roll it. If it goes to immediate use, - yeah, I might say roll it out and get it solid before someone messes it up. Only my opinion, and I am happy to be taught if I am wrong. How'd the cage match go with gopher...? I heard a lot of bangin' around in the cab, but you don't seem too bruised up.... You good ?
Great video. I must say one of the best attachments I bought was my box blade. It certainly works well. I love how a fresh grading job looks when it’s completed. Awesome work. I am still a month out before I can get back to dirt work can’t wait.
another great vid, Todd! It looks like you can flip the rim on your front wheels to give you a wider stance? and it looks like you have wheel weights in the rear, so I can't tell if the rims are flipped have you considered doing it? i'm sure you like stability Working in the hills.?. keep up the strong work!
My favorite project on your channel so far! Really good stuff. Question: why *didn’t* you roll it at the end? I know nothing about building roads and I’m genuinely curious. Thought I’d ask since you mentioned it at the end there.
The lower layers have already been compacted by me traveling with equipment and loads of material. There won’t be any immediate traffic so the future rains and drying out will harden it
Your question at the end. I wouldn't have brought a roller in but i would have graded the whole thing and used the last load in the truck to compact before dumping it out.
I do think I would have rolled the driveway if the house was built but since it’s going to get torn up by big trucks I’m sure you’ll be hired back for a final touch up to make it perfect when all the construction is completed
Is there a general rule of thumb for new gravel driveways that it should usually be a certain depth? What about when you are redoing an existing driveway are you normally only adding a couple inches of gravel?
@@DigginLife21 I know nothing about driveways and excavation, but figured with all that clearing you did combined with the amount of materials, it wouldnt surprise me a bit if this was a 100 thousand dollar road.
When you look at the cost for the customer, do you determine how many days it will take, charge a daily rate for labor, then add cost in for material? I believe your material cost here is for ballast (is that #57 stone?) and 300 tons of road bond, plus the drainage pipe. How do you estimate those costs, through experience?
Hey Tom! These days I mostly charge by the hour on bigger jobs like the driveway in this video. But it is definitely an experience thing to quote labor and time
I have experience taking care of Gassy the Gopher. Holler at me if you need me! Thanks for all the content. Put my first three hours in today on my chinese mini ex. It was a thrill! Working on cutting a road across my property.
Very nice work
Hey Todd, I came across your videos a few weeks ago and have not stopped watching them, they are great! I have always wanted to do what you do but life has taken me down the business road in telecom. I am however looking to get into this business and am determined to do so. You have been not only an enjoyable inspiration, funny too, but have provided me with much of the knowledge that will be needed for me to succeed safely. My hope is to obtain a track steer, excavator and tractor as soon as I am able. After watching you I never realized how important a dump truck is and will now have to add it to my list. I notice you use mostly Cat stuff but think it would be great if you did a series of equipment videos using your vast experience to help enlighten folks like me to make solid equipment purchase choices. Regardless, keep up the great work yours is truly one of the best channels that I have ever seen! Bryan Kilpatrick
watch them all on the driveway great job love how you made it interesting and funny
Brother We Love your videos. Great information and love the little bits of furry comedy. I sure wish you did work in Taylorsville NC. Blessings
Great series of videos. I watched all nine of them this afternoon. You are a master at what you do.👍
Hello from Guam 🇬🇺
Watched two driveway building series on your channel. So interesting, informative, and fun! Keep up the good work. God bless you, brother.
I hope this channel makes you a multi-millionaire. You deserve it!
Todd, your videos are both educational and entertaining. My wife watches just to see what antics the gopher is going to pull. Keep it up!!!
That is awesome! Thanks Tim😂
I think in the first video you were just kind of roughing it in to see if that's where the client wanted it, and by about the 5th video I was like "Man, he really is putting in the work just to get a feel for this road". I guess the client was happy with the path it took :)
Yep! Worked out well
Cool, something good to watch on a nasty rainy day in Tennessee.😀
Same here bother…nothing but mud
I'll trade you any nasty, rainy day in Tennessee for the same day in New York!!😅
@@gadsdenconsulting7126 what part of New York are we talking 😂
@@gadsdenconsulting7126 😳 Think I will stick with the Tennessee rainy day…😀
@@DigginLife21 It's in the country, but still run by communists!!!
That Mack was an awesome upgrade! Sure puts in the work!
Yes it does! It would take a lot for me to sell it
A friend used the tailings from a mine he owns. Worked well!
Hey Todd, Georgia boy here living in Germany, saving up and dreaming about my home project for when I get back, learning alot from your videos. Your work is impressive and your video production is pretty awesome. Thank you Sir!
You can do it!
Looks good!
Awesome thank you
First of all, I am super excited to see this driveway content! Love your videos dealing with driveways and roads. Secondly, your passion to educate while communicating the process is the BEST! Thirdly, your attention to details are off the charts. Fourthly, you spreading gravel is something I leave to see.... Fifthly, YOU ARE Michael Jordan of driveways and roads! Liked, Viewed, Shared, Subscribed... Thanks for sharing!
That’s Aaron!!! You’ve become a real regular in the comments 🙏🏻
It’s been a great project
Thanks Roger🙏🏻
I watch everything of yours I can. I’m too old to buy a mini excavator now but oh I love to watch them operating. I’m 70 and watch excavators work probably 3 to 4 hours a days
Thank you
This road project transformation has been stellar. You have mad skills Todd, on the machines as well as with the videos. Rolling the road is more of a budgetary thing, all the traffic with your machines will compact it just fine.😎🤙
Thanks Matthew👍. I’m really trying to make each video better than the last. Collaborating with Sam over at the TriStar Diggin’ channel has been a huge help
Thanks for the videos man! A lot of people probably don’t realize the time you put into these and the extra time you spend on the jobs making them when you could have been in and out the job a lot quicker!
Ya know Willy…I have spent more time on this video than any before I believe. I appreciate the kind words
There’s nothing I hate more than when I pack an organic banana and it turns out to be just a regular donut.
That happens to you too?!!!
🤣
A nanner eatin gopher! 🤣 This has been a good one! keep up the good work man. cant wait to see the next project.
Thanks km!!!
Thanks for posting, I started watching you over a year ago knowing I'll need a road cut sometime in the future. I've learned a lot.
It’s my pleasure and thanks for sticking around
Todd you did an outstanding job on this road. It's so obvious to me the value you give the customer. Your work speaks loudly. BTW I check for your next video daily more times than I'd check mailbox for tax refund from IRS if I was expecting one 😃
Thanks b 👍. I certainly appreciate the kind words
An absolutely awesome road build Todd. I greatly appreciate the tips and teaching throughout. 👍
My pleasure Brian!!! Hope all is well with ya
Yes, I would have rolled that driveway. I think it would have made it virtually indestructible. But ,what do I know, I'm hiring someone to put in my driveway. :)
Awesome job love the vidjas
I really appreciate it Jeremy. I love making em for everybody
I enjoy watching you work the tractor. You're as good with it and the boxblade as Chris (at letsdig...) is on his grader.
I sure give it my best shot David 🙏🏻
What an awesome finnish on the driveway project Todd ..
I think I would have used a roller to finnish it, if weather permitted it..
Thanks Patrick!!!! Rolling it would definitely not hurt anything
Very nice Todd, I LOVE YOU & YOUR FAMILY !!!!
Thanks Mary🙏🏻
Wow, this was a huge job Todd, you carved this road out of nothing but woods, the final product looks great, with the road bond on top, this should compact great for a very long lasting road with a little maintanance, that`s one good looking road, take care.
Thanks Joe!!! It was quite the journey
It’s always flattering to be called an inspiration. My thoughts exactly on the rolling. Eh…we both lost🤕
Rewatched the series. I learn so much from you! Thanks!
Thanks for watching!!! Hopefully my future videos will be helpful as well
Just found your channel, moved to nc from illinois, bought 60 acres and have built a home on it, pond already existed and was searching videos on how to build roads…heard your accent and thought to myself, this guy talks just like my neighbor…sure enough, looked you up…NC..definitely a native. Im located a little far east for you, but i would have you come repair my pond, the shorelines have all collapsed and need the muck cleared out and built back up the shorelines. Finding anyone who has pond experience in my area seems impossible. Im actually thinking of just buying a kx-080, use it for a couple years and then sell it, they hold their value pretty well from what i see.
With that much land I would decently own an excavator of possible. What part of NC are you in?
@@DigginLife21 im in cabarrus county, yeah and its a creek fed pond with an inlet and outlet, spillway, no piping through the dam, but its been there according to aerial photos since 1962.
I need to put a culvet in the inlet side so i can get equipment across, because right now you can only get an atv across a wooden bridge,
My dad ran heavy equipment, was a union operating engineer, but he passed away, but ive got a little operator in my blood. So i think im gonna pick up either a used kubota or a brand new Sany
I'm glad I found you on here. I've learned a thing or 2, and I certainly enjoy the laid-back theme of your videos. I'm just down in Clover SC, so maybe I'll run into you one day when I'm up that way.
Yes sir!!! I’ll be around and it’s always heart warming to hear someone say that they enjoy these videos 🙏🏻
Nicely done Todd with the road building. Take care of yourself and family and friends and be Blessed ❤️❤️👍.
There’s my old pal Michael Weatherhead!!! I knew I would see you in the comments
This was a great project. Can't wait for the next one
Coming soon!!!
I almost spit out my coffee when you rolled over into the bed of the dump truck. 😂.
Thanks Matt!!! Your comment really made me smile 🙏🏻. It means a lot to know folks are enjoying the shenanigans
Thank you Todd you just made my day God bless you and your family
You are so welcome
Love the hat!
I got it from a good feller😁
Thanks for the tips on spreading 👍🏻
No problem James👍. Great to see you as always
Very nice finished product Todd! Belated thanks for your box blade recommendation. I can see why this is the one you picked. The finished product looks fantastic (of course the operator had a lot to with the results)! Loving the new format. Your wife get you to trim that beard? No shame, mine insisted that I did.
Thanks Jeff!!! Ah Kelly really doesn’t care what I do when it comes to hair…or my lack there of😂😂😂
Glad to see you my friend
That’s a good looking road. Great work!
Thanks Eric 👍
Brother your editing is awesome, lol I wish I could figure out all the editing, nice work as always
I appreciate that Jon!!! I watch a lot of creators to get ideas and inspiration
There you are! You were Unsuscribed from my prescriptions. I know it's been happening to Matt over at Diesel Creek with some if his subscribers. Glad your vids are popping up on my feed again!
Oh no! I’m glad you back Pebbles!!!
Great work. Enjoyed this series and road build.
Thanks Dakota 👍👍👍
Todd, Great job on this project.
Thanks Paul!!!
Great looking job Todd
Glad you like it Jason!!!
I've found that building driveways is absolutely the most fun thing I do. I'd do then everyday if I had ot my way
Me too Jim!!!
Great video Todd, stay dry lots of rain today
You got that right Mike. Rained here at the house non stop
how rewarding, congratulations!!! I hope 1 day you get that gopher! I caught him on my trail cam messing around a dump truck, i left a picture of him on your Facebook, hope you enjoy 🤣 By the way who does Eli belong to?
Todd I just love the whissel pig
I’m sure he isn’t going anywhere anytime soon
Another great job and a great video.I see you had a tussel with the gopher!
Well Kevin!!! Despite his size he really packs a punch
This is excellent. Nice work!
Thanks a lot!
Todd you do really good work. I appreciate the time and effort to record these videos. You inspired me to buy a mini ex for my project and tackle steep hills.
Just wanted to say thank you Todd.
I did email you a while back. But I’m sure you stay very busy.
Many thanks!!! I must have missed it!!! What email would it come from?
Nice work dude. You killed it
Thanks Sot🙏🏻🙏🏻
Good video. I liked all the different camera angles. I know it takes a ton of time to get all them.
Yes it does but luckily with a drone I can catch em pretty quickly
good job on finishing the driveway build! quality on this video is excellent, loving the drone shots. also had a chuckle at the "contact" bit as a diesel creek subscriber. cant wait for the next video!
Thanks Matthew👍. I’m excited to start another vid
Fantastic work! I would love to see the ABI TR3 rake drag that out also! Great video
Maybe one day!
That driveway looks good Todd
Thanks Tuck!!! I know you’d show up in the comments eventually😁
@@DigginLife21 I figured you were waiting on me buddy
I absolutely love ur content. I learn a lot from it
Awesome! Thank you!
Thanks Todd! Love your channel !
Thanks Bill!!! I love my viewers🙏🏻
Aluminium trays tip out different to steel ones to. I often have to open the chains more in a alloy tray because it tends to hang up.
Ya know I’ve never run an aluminum one
Good job man! Yes, I would have rolled that driveway.
Thanks fivesting!!!
Road looks great Todd great job
Awesome job Todd!! Thanks for taking the time to educate thru out the video!
You bet!
Git er done !!! Nice looking job Todd 👍🏻
Thanks Joe!!! Hope the morning finds you well
Love watching these videos! You’re always very informative. Just starting my own excavation company, I got fully legalized last week and started advertising. Hoping that this summer will turn out productive.
Glad to hear it Nate and congratulations!!! Best of luck
Yes, sure am enjoying. 😊
So glad Brian!
I have a single axle dump and for some reason I prefer to spread downhill. It just seems to do better! Great job buddy
Thanks Jay!!! Whatever works for you do it. Single axle is fine but down hill with a longer bed can get sketchy
Tailgating and box blading is the perfect way to close out a project. If you ever get by the gas station where you installed the guardrail, can you give us an update? Thanks Todd. 👍👍
You got it Mr. Olive
I’ve enjoyed these series
I’m very glad. I’m trying really hard to make better videos
Fantastic Finish Todd
Thanks my friend 🙏🏻
Looks great. Fantastic job.
Thank you Ron 🫡
Nice job. Educational and fun to watch. Be well!
Thanks Chatt!!!
Great Job Todd! I have learned a lot from your videos that I have applied to my small business. On your question, I would have rolled the driveway.
Thanks Pete!!!
Hey Todd, love your videos! I’m from WV and am finishing construction on about a quarter mile long driveway. It’s a pretty steep grade due to the property layout. (Gotta love those WV hills) It’s about a 20% grade at the bottom, levels out in the middle, and finishes at about a 20% grade near the top. I have a base of what we call “ones” and then a layer of “threes” on top of that. I plan to topcoat with crusher run, also known as inch and a half minus around here. Is that the same as what you call road bond?? Or is road bond what we call “regrind”? I’m trying to build it right so it’ll last
Crusher run is typically the same as road bond
You’ve got me pondering if I need to get a load or 4 (single axle) of that road bond, but topping my driveway with ballast has slowed people down a lot 😂.
Both types of material have their advantages
Great video. Thanks for sharing.
You got it Patrick!!!
Great job! When I win the lottery, I'll have you come do my driveway in Southern WV!
I’ll be there Duffy
looks great
Thanks Brandon👍
A fine finish to an awesome build series. You have been one of the pivotal inspirations for me, and I appreciate all you have given, and continue to give, to the RUclips and dirtwork community. -- I don't know if I would have rolled it. Depends on how soon traffic is going to start on it, I think. If it's going to set awhile before they start rolling heavy traffic to build up there, then I would guess it's probably fine to not roll it. If it goes to immediate use, - yeah, I might say roll it out and get it solid before someone messes it up.
Only my opinion, and I am happy to be taught if I am wrong.
How'd the cage match go with gopher...? I heard a lot of bangin' around in the cab, but you don't seem too bruised up.... You good ?
Hey Todd, been away awhile but glad to see your progress, that road came out great! Took a break for the winter but I'll be back at it soon on mine.
It’s been off and on weather wise up here
Great video. I must say one of the best attachments I bought was my box blade. It certainly works well. I love how a fresh grading job looks when it’s completed. Awesome work. I am still a month out before I can get back to dirt work can’t wait.
A month 😰. I’d be getting pretty bored
@@DigginLife21 I have not done dirt work since early December. Ground freezes solid around here. At lest for my small equipment
@@puddlejumper3534 warm weather will be here soon enough
another great vid, Todd! It looks like you can flip the rim on your front wheels to give you a wider stance? and it looks like you have wheel weights in the rear, so I can't tell if the rims are flipped have you considered doing it? i'm sure you like stability Working in the hills.?. keep up the strong work!
I’ve missed you old boy
It’s good to be here Jason!!! Having to prioritize my time between family, work, and RUclips
Nice project to be wrapping up. We going to see any more of the house demo project?
Thanks Paul and yes. It’s been too wet to finish the demo up. Hopefully next week
My favorite project on your channel so far! Really good stuff. Question: why *didn’t* you roll it at the end? I know nothing about building roads and I’m genuinely curious. Thought I’d ask since you mentioned it at the end there.
The lower layers have already been compacted by me traveling with equipment and loads of material. There won’t be any immediate traffic so the future rains and drying out will harden it
Your question at the end. I wouldn't have brought a roller in but i would have graded the whole thing and used the last load in the truck to compact before dumping it out.
That would definitely work well to compact that top layer!!! Thank you James
I do think I would have rolled the driveway if the house was built but since it’s going to get torn up by big trucks I’m sure you’ll be hired back for a final touch up to make it perfect when all the construction is completed
Thanks for the vote Curtis!!!
I haven't ever rolled a driveway, but I always track it in with my tractor, so at least it does have some compaction
That’s usually all it takes
👍👍👍
Great to see ya Ian!!!
👍
There he is!!!
It’s a rear attachment by the way!
Is there a general rule of thumb for new gravel driveways that it should usually be a certain depth? What about when you are redoing an existing driveway are you normally only adding a couple inches of gravel?
Great questions!!! New road I always suggest 8-12 inches of road base. If it’s a touch up on an existing I usually do 4-6 inches
Thanks for your help! Really enjoy all your videos. 👍
Great video! What does a project like this go for in your area either with the tree clearing or just laying the road?
It’s a ridiculously wide range. Anywhere from $2500-$10k/ 100 ft
@@DigginLife21 I know nothing about driveways and excavation, but figured with all that clearing you did combined with the amount of materials, it wouldnt surprise me a bit if this was a 100 thousand dollar road.
When you look at the cost for the customer, do you determine how many days it will take, charge a daily rate for labor, then add cost in for material? I believe your material cost here is for ballast (is that #57 stone?) and 300 tons of road bond, plus the drainage pipe. How do you estimate those costs, through experience?
Hey Tom! These days I mostly charge by the hour on bigger jobs like the driveway in this video. But it is definitely an experience thing to quote labor and time
🎉
Thanks Alex 🙏🏻