"A clean shop is a sign of someone without enough projects." My shop makes yours look like a hospital operating room. Looking for one project to work on, I get distracted by several others, but I have all the parts and tools laid out on the workbench for this one. Somewhere, maybe on that other workbench, no, maybe it's on one of the tables, no, wait, what's that? Oh, yeah, I can fix that if I can just find the parts, they're laid out on that workbench, I think... Thanks for the chuckles this morning, take care.
Flat horizontal surfaces. The bane of workshops since the beginning of time? Any that I have worked in over a sixty year period have been relatively cluttered, except the aircraft shops. Absolutely forbidden to have disorganized workplace. Currently in the middle of building my first shop for myself. No more than framed and weathered in when She Who Must Be Obeyed insisted that my motorcycle ( that had been sitting outside for the last twenty plus years) the first occupant. Mind you there was no power, heat, lighting, or heat source. Then two big three shelf storage racks showed up. Coming up on a year later and still can’t find Anything 😢. But progress is happening, and the first real snow has arrived, maybe by spring I can proudly invite friends and family to visit my masterpiece! Maybe 😂
@@wrstew1272 Good luck on that. And thanks for reminding me of watching my dad build his first workbench in the late 1950s. Really nice memories of that workbench, covered with tools that would bring a fortune from a "collector" now, that were literally piled about a foot high on top.
With every machine I've had Rc or dirtbikes or real cars my attitude is you look after it it will look after you miss my grandad he tought me and as a kid and boy was he right that's why I still have every toy from my childhood and my mountain bike is nearly 13 yrs old got it new other than a few parts, upgrades, consumptions like oil, grease and monthly looking over is still operates flawless due for a new bottom bracket and a suspension service great winter project for spring lives in my dining room mostly
I said it in a comment on a recent video, and it is worth repeating here. I LOVE THE FACT THAT YOU ARE KEEPING YOUR VIDS REAL!!! No heated shop, or concrete floors. Making use of the tools you have on hand, and showing the tribulations of how a filter, being ONE NUMBER OFF, will not work! No editing to make up for the follies. Just straight up GETTING IT DONE! Merry Christmas Captain! ALSO, I have failed to mention this in my numerous comments on your channel, but I absolutely LOVE the humorous commentary and chatter from our hero!!!
Out of all the things that you do now with that excavator, you will never be able to go backwards and feel right without that little mini. Thank you for explaining the slop on the bucket is really due to the quick connect. I look forward to the episode where you do the teeth and quick connect weld/grind solution. It sounds like it might require a bigger window of time to work/rework/tweak it than you are willing to commit to right now. Looking forward to the 🔥
Good job on the lights Captain, nothing like finding out you need them and you don't have them. Your welding is definitely getting pretty darn good for a non pro. Letting you buy the mini on a rent to own deal is pretty nice of Mike. It's definitely a good asset for you to own on a property as big as you now own. You're definitely right about letting little problems add up. Better to get them done than to let them continue multiplying.
Please do not risk your vision by not wearing eye protection when grinding or pounding on metal. You are superb and your content is wonderful. Protect your vision.
It's crazy to think it's colder there than it is here in Buffalo. lol But, it is cold enough that the lake effect machine has fired up here. You're videos are great examples to my wife of why I need a mini X! Look at all the work I could be getting done! haha
Yeah I'm here too, it hasn't been too bad.... yet! It's crazy how the South towns are getting hammered with feet of snow but from the city north just got a small dusting of a few inches the last day or two. Luckily it hasn't really gotten too cold quite yet here, but it will be soon enough. Supposed to go back into 40°s next week tho. 👍🏻👌🏻⛄🥶⛷️❄️
It's also far too cold for me there; I have been in the Australian Tropics since 2002, although I was in Shen Yan, China for a while. -32C nah, too much clothing to move, although the the snow was an interesting experience.
I had a receiver welded to my mini-x blade. I added a tow bar to my UTV and tow it to my job site on my land. That way, I have a ride back to the barn/house, or to go get whatever other piece of equipment I might need.
Ahoy Captain! Seeing the Polaris reminded me.... I don't know if you follow mustie1 but he released a video last Sunday about a common issue with the oil pressure relief valve on the Ranger engine. Worth a few minutes watching or googling if you're not already aware of the issue Keep up the great content and remember one man's slop is another man's terrain following auto tilt bucket!
Maintaining the 304 shows how much you care about your equipment Mike, it’s the only way to go! Equipment owners should take more time to maintain their equipment! It’s good to see you’re doing it, Mike! Y’all stay safe and warm up there my friend!
Great work again Captain. I love your ability to "run with what you brung". As a 68yo with a titanium knee, your inspired use of the boogie board has enabled me to get under both of our cars, both cars 2yo but I get on the old boogie and have found loose nuts and connectors many times. No injuries, just a lot of groans getting down, and odd looks from the neighbours. Best regards.
Morning Capt and community. As of 6AM central, it's 9° F here in Central Wisconsin. Maybe have highs in the low 30's for the next 7-10 days. Stay warm .🤷♂️🐺
The Captain sure does a good repair, Taking pains to fix wear and tear. The weather is bitter, And I just had to titter When at the end he revealed his hoody hair Good job, CK...stay warm
Awesome days when you can't feel your fingers. I was their last weekend....It was snowing outside yesterday and its slated to be over 50°F in two days. Video continuity here too 🤣👍
Nice lights, as I keep telling people, self leveling buckets are all the rage these days. As long as the bucket isn't about to fall out, I can't see what the problem is. I think that machine has well truly paid for itself already, when you think of normal hire costs, you've probably saved yourself a small fortune. 👍
@ 08:01 my inner Dad speaking " see son, if you had kept that equipment clean like I told you, then you would not have this issue right now " LMAO and a stitch in time saves nine LOL
@ 11:11 better find a plastic cap for that receiver, otherwise it will fill with dirt when using that blade, and freeze and Dad will say " I told you son, a stitch in time saves nine " LOL
The stuff good running machines are made of, time, and maintenance, always makes a machine ohhh so much nicer to operate if everything works well. Nice job young man. Always a pleasure watching maintenance videos, I find it enjoyable.
Hey Cap you might want to consider making a plug for your hitch adapter, it will save you lots of time digging frozen mud out to move your trailer. Of course you can also leave your hitch in. Like how you go about doing things, clean shops are not used. Thanks .
Yep, maintenance is expensive, but the cheapest form of maintenance - and the most often neglected - is: Oil, oil filters, air filters, and grease! Skip that stuff and things get real expensive! Great video: Thanks Mike! Lee (PS: As a farmer, my grease gun is my best friend! Especially in hay season. The square baler has 27,542 grease fittings and every one of them very important. OK, slight exaggeration, but you get the point! If you keep'm greased they usually don't plug up.)
Hey captain they only thing I'll say about your messy shop is,,,,,it reminds me of mine,,down side ,,i was building a small utility trl. out of scrap metal i had scrounged. I was really moving along quite well in my build,,,,tripped over a piece of angle iron that was in the "queue " to be used next. When i fell i landed on my left side right on my cell phone. The cell phonr survived,,,,i did not broke a bone on the outside of my hip in three pieces. Several weeks after I was able to continue the build after straightening up my metal supplies,,,,,,JUST SAYING! Stan
If Vevor is sending you stuff, may I suggest your next tool be their portable band saw. I never knew how much I needed one of those until I got one. I've hardly started the plasma or used a grinder cut off disk since I got it. You can make your own stand/table for it with just a 1/4" piece of plate like I did and a L bracket to lock in the vise or you can just buy the nice S.W.A.G. off road one, which I would have done but the shipping to Canada is $170!
Well done! I’m trying to remove a turbo from a ‘91 MR2 in -20C. It’s on the back of the engine and hidden. I feel your pain on working with bolts and sockets in the cold.
You might be able to rent it back to dirt perfect after you buy it. Weld them sloppy teeth up and you won't be cold, probably end up hot under the collar with frustration. That was my experience welding shanks to fit teeth. 6011 was what finally did the trick for me.
the light on the roof you can flip over on those brackets, or mount it vertically on your angle, to bring it down to a lower profile and have your little bracket provide a bit of protection.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, ideas and videos. Nice to see the mini getting some well earned love. You might want to get a small whiteboard for the cab and track days that no light has been injured. Might make a good comment generator. Wishing you and your family the best.
I laughed when you went to weld the trailer hitch onto the blade of the 305 but you had to chip away the frozen chert rock first. I remember thinking when you were pushing the chert around and it was building up behind the blade that you’d would clean that off for sure knowing that the 305 will be yours before long. 😅😅🤣🤣🤣 Seriously , great job on the 305. Stay safe Captain.
Well I should have waited till the end. If and when you do fix it, I highly recommend building it up with normal weld. But then cap the weld off with hardface rod. It will last way longer if not forever. Strange that I’ve never seen a coupler wear like that. It’s a different coupler than my gehl/yanmar .
"Sloppy Bucket". In my day, that was the closest we had to a tilting attachment, Lol. (Not exactly a pivoting bucket attachment, but you could make it work).
I am so happy to see the machines when they get a bit of LAA they need it still funny as F with you as the Captain it's always one heck of a ride, thanks Mike. Jim from Scotland
Hi Mike. I thought the receiver you added to the 304 needed a couple gussets too. I don't have the guard on my angle grinder either. It always seems to get in the way when you are trying to grind or wire brush in multiple directions. I think that as long as you respect the power of the tool and know it can hurt you badly and pay attention to what you are doing, you are ~80% safe. You should keep the CAD template you made for the front glass. The reason I say that is because if you are already prepared with a template in case the glass is broken again, it will reduce the likelihood of that happening. Just like when something breaks, it's never the part you have on the shelf.
Good to see the machine getting some luv, you will get good work from it in return. Just a thought from someone who also doesn’t know what they are doing, could you make a bushing for that bucket pin as a temporary tightened. Made from a short piece of pipe? I don’t envy your cold weather, snow ain’t no fun to work in, then there’s all the melt and mud. Yep the upside is that you get your burning done early in that season. Stay safe , yep, use a Grinder guard! LOL :)
As usual, I love the outro. Yup, keeping up on the machines is a good thing in the long run. Carry on Captain, you are on the correct road to success. Love that you keep it real and make stuff work. So many channels here just go out and buy new instead of finding stuff in the scrap pile that would work. More money than brains a lot of them. Take that bucket into the shop when it is too nasty for outside work and just build up welds to your hearts content and those teeth will fit like new in the end. The creator made winter for just such things. They are not lazy days, they are indoor days. Do welding rods come in different hardness of final metal? Or can you heat treat them with a torch? Quenching might be difficult though. My foundry days are about 55 years ago so I don't remember much of that. Something about cherry red and dip in oil is about all that stuck. Bet you could rig a pan to set the whole bucket into with the hydraulics. Well at least the front edge into about six inches of oil. Does old motor oil work for that? Might have to look it up.
Hard facing welding rods are available for this type of stuff. You don't want to harden this like that cause it'll just wear the mating surface instead. Half dozen of one, 6 of the other....
That light bar looks like one I just saw the other day on another YT video. The guy left the light on for 5 minutes and then touched the wires to see if they were warm. They were apparently way too hot. He also used the excavators own wires instead of the packaged ones. I'm not sure if applicable to your excavator but might want to check them after use 👍
Mike,please please make a guard for that window ,nothing fancy and use what scrap steel you have ,I think forestry ones use vertical rails that still allow vision through the window . If that's not achievable, maybe some clear 3m protection film ,thick stuff ! Your tow hitch receiver could use a protective cap that uses the pin to keep it in position,that will stop dirt blocking the hole ! The light bar will give you some good lighting at night ,the uses are endless,just remember that it's not a branch or tree limb clearing device 😊 I would see if @c &c equipment can possibly help you out with welding on that quick hitch ,a winter's day when you ain't digging about , even Aaron could help you out ?
@CaptainKleeman just thought it might be easier for you rather than getting your power etc up and running ,I would think it would be some heavy welding needed,and yes you are very capable,no doubts with that .
Love your videos. I have to say that I think you missed a really big opportunity when you painted the light bar on the top of the cab. You should have painted it after you installed it. You could have gotten nice free highlights with no extra time or money spent. LOL I also have to say I need to make a comment on the cleanliness of your shop. I think that it is really messy. I mean when I walk into my shed it is even dirtier and messier than yours is. So, I think I have a lot of room to complain about yours. LOL One thing I like about watching you is that you do things so much the same as I would. I try to save money where I can. I leave things where I shouldn't. I learn from the mistakes I make. Now, I think I make more mistakes than you do, but I will try not to judge myself too harshly. :) Thanks for making all the great content you make. I try to never miss an episode and when I do I will go back later to watch it.
I think the excavator is worth the investment. Time is expensive, and you are saving a lot with that machine. Be sure to clean the radiator before the summer, it is dusty. And the clean shop policy is only nescessary when you have no projects left, like when you are 80 years old or so.
Sweet! Love these videos! The 304 is no doubt going to be your most used rig. I wish mine was a lil close to that 10klb size. 3800lb gets light real quick!
That's a good idea on the receiver, I've got a little dump trailer I usually use the tractor to move but sometimes I'm only going less than a hundred feet with the load, I could have just been fueling the one machine!
Love your videos as always keep up the good work- I did notice when you changed your air and fuel filter there was a lot odiferous built up in you radiator, when it gets warmer you want to address that.
Hi captain, for someone who keeps telling us you are not a mechanic, can I say from a mechanic perspective that you do some remarkably good work despite your untidy workshop? Ha Ha.
"A clean shop is a sign of someone without enough projects." My shop makes yours look like a hospital operating room. Looking for one project to work on, I get distracted by several others, but I have all the parts and tools laid out on the workbench for this one. Somewhere, maybe on that other workbench, no, maybe it's on one of the tables, no, wait, what's that? Oh, yeah, I can fix that if I can just find the parts, they're laid out on that workbench, I think... Thanks for the chuckles this morning, take care.
😂😅
Flat horizontal surfaces. The bane of workshops since the beginning of time? Any that I have worked in over a sixty year period have been relatively cluttered, except the aircraft shops. Absolutely forbidden to have disorganized workplace. Currently in the middle of building my first shop for myself. No more than framed and weathered in when She Who Must Be Obeyed insisted that my motorcycle ( that had been sitting outside for the last twenty plus years) the first occupant. Mind you there was no power, heat, lighting, or heat source. Then two big three shelf storage racks showed up. Coming up on a year later and still can’t find Anything 😢. But progress is happening, and the first real snow has arrived, maybe by spring I can proudly invite friends and family to visit my masterpiece! Maybe 😂
@wrstew1272 The "She Who Must Be Obeyed" is hilarious man! Can't live with em can't bury in your yard....or something like that!
@@wrstew1272 Good luck on that. And thanks for reminding me of watching my dad build his first workbench in the late 1950s. Really nice memories of that workbench, covered with tools that would bring a fortune from a "collector" now, that were literally piled about a foot high on top.
Keeping on top of maintenance is a good idea. The 304 is a little workhorse, glad to see your caring for her.
We call it PMCS preventative maintenance checks and services. But that was 40+ years ago Army National Guard still practice it.
With every machine I've had Rc or dirtbikes or real cars my attitude is you look after it it will look after you miss my grandad he tought me and as a kid and boy was he right that's why I still have every toy from my childhood and my mountain bike is nearly 13 yrs old got it new other than a few parts, upgrades, consumptions like oil, grease and monthly looking over is still operates flawless due for a new bottom bracket and a suspension service great winter project for spring lives in my dining room mostly
CAD = Cardboard Aided Design! ;-)
Thanks for the video Captain!
Cardboard and Ducttape
Love your attitude to work, Mike. I'm not sure any of us would ever think of describing you as LAZY though!
I always chuckle when I hear folks call themselves lazy when they’re doing far more work than most of us.
I did notice that front window was replaced lol. Like the new lights ❤
I said it in a comment on a recent video, and it is worth repeating here. I LOVE THE FACT THAT YOU ARE KEEPING YOUR VIDS REAL!!!
No heated shop, or concrete floors.
Making use of the tools you have on hand, and showing the tribulations of how a filter, being ONE NUMBER OFF, will not work!
No editing to make up for the follies. Just straight up GETTING IT DONE!
Merry Christmas Captain!
ALSO, I have failed to mention this in my numerous comments on your channel, but I absolutely LOVE the humorous commentary and chatter from our hero!!!
His shop has a concrete floor or some really good-looking dirt.
Out of all the things that you do now with that excavator, you will never be able to go backwards and feel right without that little mini.
Thank you for explaining the slop on the bucket is really due to the quick connect. I look forward to the episode where you do the teeth and quick connect weld/grind solution. It sounds like it might require a bigger window of time to work/rework/tweak it than you are willing to commit to right now. Looking forward to the 🔥
Yeah I was wondering about why it was so sloppy too. 🤔👍🏻🛠️🦺
Good job on the lights Captain, nothing like finding out you need them and you don't have them.
Your welding is definitely getting pretty darn good for a non pro.
Letting you buy the mini on a rent to own deal is pretty nice of Mike.
It's definitely a good asset for you to own on a property as big as you now own.
You're definitely right about letting little problems add up.
Better to get them done than to let them continue multiplying.
Please do not risk your vision by not wearing eye protection when grinding or pounding on metal. You are superb and your content is wonderful. Protect your vision.
Your narration is worth the watch, Capt. Keeps me laughing throughout...✌
💪
It's crazy to think it's colder there than it is here in Buffalo. lol But, it is cold enough that the lake effect machine has fired up here. You're videos are great examples to my wife of why I need a mini X! Look at all the work I could be getting done! haha
Yeah I'm here too, it hasn't been too bad.... yet! It's crazy how the South towns are getting hammered with feet of snow but from the city north just got a small dusting of a few inches the last day or two. Luckily it hasn't really gotten too cold quite yet here, but it will be soon enough. Supposed to go back into 40°s next week tho. 👍🏻👌🏻⛄🥶⛷️❄️
Keep after her Lee. Those machines are awesome.
@@hamop3 it'll happen, just need to keep saving my pennies! 😂
@@tdotw77 I love the snow so I'm good with it. I'm north of the city though so we don't have much snow like the south towns.
@ 6:15 Hey, best practices " per Andrew Camarata " put a date on that fuel filter and hours on machine to facilitate when to replace !
Goodmorning Mike! "Of course we are going to change the internal filter off camera" 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 ya me too bud... have a great one!
Cool, you mentioned Andrew Camarata. He's my #1 youtube hero, the Captain is #2!
He's quite the guy for sure. I absolutely love his 'castle'\shop building setup!
" Fix it day."
We all have to do it. Thanks for sharing. To cold 🥶 there for me. 😊
It's also far too cold for me there; I have been in the Australian Tropics since 2002, although I was in Shen Yan, China for a while. -32C nah, too much clothing to move, although the the snow was an interesting experience.
Trauma sheers as sizzors again 😅😂 job well done 👏
I had a receiver welded to my mini-x blade. I added a tow bar to my UTV and tow it to my job site on my land. That way, I have a ride back to the barn/house, or to go get whatever other piece of equipment I might need.
Now that's a handy idea!
Congrats I think that machine came standard with a DIRT BOSS sticker.. 💪
Captain Kleeman we all need a friend who would do a rent to own excavator. 😊
Ahoy Captain!
Seeing the Polaris reminded me.... I don't know if you follow mustie1 but he released a video last Sunday about a common issue with the oil pressure relief valve on the Ranger engine.
Worth a few minutes watching or googling if you're not already aware of the issue
Keep up the great content and remember one man's slop is another man's terrain following auto tilt bucket!
Maintaining the 304 shows how much you care about your equipment Mike, it’s the only way to go! Equipment owners should take more time to maintain their equipment! It’s good to see you’re doing it, Mike! Y’all stay safe and warm up there my friend!
Your rent to own agreement looks like a good decision. Keep up the good work.
Thanks!!
@ 13:18 am glad you clarified about the plasma cutter, I sure didn't want to have to chastise you again LOL
Great work again Captain. I love your ability to "run with what you brung". As a 68yo with a titanium knee, your inspired use of the boogie board has enabled me to get under both of our cars, both cars 2yo but I get on the old boogie and have found loose nuts and connectors many times. No injuries, just a lot of groans getting down, and odd looks from the neighbours. Best regards.
Morning Capt and community. As of 6AM central, it's 9° F here in Central Wisconsin. Maybe have highs in the low 30's for the next 7-10 days. Stay warm .🤷♂️🐺
The Captain sure does a good repair,
Taking pains to fix wear and tear.
The weather is bitter,
And I just had to titter
When at the end he revealed his hoody hair
Good job, CK...stay warm
Awesome days when you can't feel your fingers. I was their last weekend....It was snowing outside yesterday and its slated to be over 50°F in two days. Video continuity here too 🤣👍
Nice lights, as I keep telling people, self leveling buckets are all the rage these days. As long as the bucket isn't about to fall out, I can't see what the problem is. I think that machine has well truly paid for itself already, when you think of normal hire costs, you've probably saved yourself a small fortune. 👍
I'm never sure if your humor is accidental or intentional but you always make me laugh.I hope you are as happy as you make your audience feel. 😊
Hello Mike. Going with your title, if you had done that, you would not have had anything for today's video, so smart thinking. Have good days!
Fair point!
Always hilarious watching you work and talk about the projects 😂
Thanks for watching!
@ 08:01 my inner Dad speaking " see son, if you had kept that equipment clean like I told you, then you would not have this issue right now " LMAO and a stitch in time saves nine LOL
Good investment in mini excavator. Rent to own can be a good solution to building up equipment sometimes.
Your shop gets used....A LOT. That's why it can get messy fast. Makes for a future video reorganizing the shop. We all will gladly watch. Thanks.
@ 11:11 better find a plastic cap for that receiver, otherwise it will fill with dirt when using that blade, and freeze and Dad will say " I told you son, a stitch in time saves nine " LOL
Great job Captain Kleeman
The stuff good running machines are made of, time, and maintenance, always makes a machine ohhh so much nicer to operate if everything works well. Nice job young man. Always a pleasure watching maintenance videos, I find it enjoyable.
Thanks!
Even in the cold temps. The shop is still functioning like it always has. Long lasting results.
💪
Hey Cap you might want to consider making a plug for your hitch adapter, it will save you lots of time digging frozen mud out to move your trailer. Of course you can also leave your hitch in. Like how you go about doing things, clean shops are not used. Thanks .
Yep, maintenance is expensive, but the cheapest form of maintenance - and the most often neglected - is: Oil, oil filters, air filters, and grease! Skip that stuff and things get real expensive! Great video: Thanks Mike! Lee (PS: As a farmer, my grease gun is my best friend! Especially in hay season. The square baler has 27,542 grease fittings and every one of them very important. OK, slight exaggeration, but you get the point! If you keep'm greased they usually don't plug up.)
Hahaha I'm sure it feels that way when greasing it though!
Good luck getting your mini excavator going
Hey captain they only thing I'll say about your messy shop is,,,,,it reminds me of mine,,down side ,,i was building a small utility trl. out of scrap metal i had scrounged. I was really moving along quite well in my build,,,,tripped over a piece of angle iron that was in the "queue " to be used next. When i fell i landed on my left side right on my cell phone. The cell phonr survived,,,,i did not broke a bone on the outside of my hip in three pieces. Several weeks after I was able to continue the build after straightening up my metal supplies,,,,,,JUST SAYING!
Stan
Ouch!
If Vevor is sending you stuff, may I suggest your next tool be their portable band saw. I never knew how much I needed one of those until I got one. I've hardly started the plasma or used a grinder cut off disk since I got it. You can make your own stand/table for it with just a 1/4" piece of plate like I did and a L bracket to lock in the vise or you can just buy the nice S.W.A.G. off road one, which I would have done but the shipping to Canada is $170!
Good morning sunshine! It's nice to see the snow! We rarely get it here in the deep South! Great video! Much love and respect from Henderson Ga USA
Well done! I’m trying to remove a turbo from a ‘91 MR2 in -20C. It’s on the back of the engine and hidden. I feel your pain on working with bolts and sockets in the cold.
It's always a challenge
You might be able to rent it back to dirt perfect after you buy it.
Weld them sloppy teeth up and you won't be cold, probably end up hot under the collar with frustration. That was my experience welding shanks to fit teeth. 6011 was what finally did the trick for me.
the light on the roof you can flip over on those brackets, or mount it vertically on your angle, to bring it down to a lower profile and have your little bracket provide a bit of protection.
i wonder if a few passes with some hardfacing rod would help with the slop in the quick connect coupler
I got the same light kit and put on my tractor a year ago. They're pretty bright.
@@somethingcooleventually good to hear!
I remember the person who smashed the side door on the 304 Rumour has it he doesn’t work there so much anymore 👍👋🇨🇦
T
Dang, you have quite a hike to get a hydraulic hose made!
Always enjoy a Kleeman project and your can kicking logic. It might be worth spending a few $s on fabbing a wire screen guard for your window
I remember the job you were on when you first called the 304 "ol floppy bucket". 😂😂😂
Mike see what happens when you don't clean your machine but you still did ok great video thanks
What does this have to do with a machine that isn't cleaned?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, ideas and videos. Nice to see the mini getting some well earned love. You might want to get a small whiteboard for the cab and track days that no light has been injured. Might make a good comment generator. Wishing you and your family the best.
Great video Captain Kleeman
I laughed when you went to weld the trailer hitch onto the blade of the 305 but you had to chip away the frozen chert rock first. I remember thinking when you were pushing the chert around and it was building up behind the blade that you’d would clean that off for sure knowing that the 305 will be yours before long. 😅😅🤣🤣🤣 Seriously , great job on the 305. Stay safe Captain.
Glad to see the EX getting some much needed attention.
💪
Concerning the condition of the shop- You have to break eggs to make an omelette. And you are prolific omelette chef! Thank you for the cool videos.
Lol appreciate ya watching!
Upgrade time!! Ellie D. would be proud of ya.
Nearly 13K views at this time 5 hours after release and only 3300 likes 👍🏻?
Smash that like button and help the Captain out with the algorithms.
Thanks!
Worth the time to watch to the end.
Any plans to fix the coupler? That would drive me insane, I can’t stand a loose bucket
Well I should have waited till the end. If and when you do fix it, I highly recommend building it up with normal weld. But then cap the weld off with hardface rod. It will last way longer if not forever. Strange that I’ve never seen a coupler wear like that. It’s a different coupler than my gehl/yanmar .
Now Mike ya know what they say about a cluttered desk? It's a sign of genius.
Lol I'll take that statistic any day
"Sloppy Bucket". In my day, that was the closest we had to a tilting attachment, Lol. (Not exactly a pivoting bucket attachment, but you could make it work).
I am so happy to see the machines when they get a bit of LAA they need it still funny as F with you as the Captain it's always one heck of a ride, thanks Mike. Jim from Scotland
Thanks for watching Jim!
What a great attitude! Thank you for being such an inspiration.
I have been using those crimp/shrink rap/solder connectors for the last couple years. They have worked out very nicely.
Good to know
Hi Mike. I thought the receiver you added to the 304 needed a couple gussets too. I don't have the guard on my angle grinder either. It always seems to get in the way when you are trying to grind or wire brush in multiple directions. I think that as long as you respect the power of the tool and know it can hurt you badly and pay attention to what you are doing, you are ~80% safe. You should keep the CAD template you made for the front glass. The reason I say that is because if you are already prepared with a template in case the glass is broken again, it will reduce the likelihood of that happening. Just like when something breaks, it's never the part you have on the shelf.
Captain, could I recommend a plastic or rubber hitch plug to prevent dirt from being packed into your hitch when dozering. Love this channel!
Good to see the machine getting some luv, you will get good work from it in return. Just a thought from someone who also doesn’t know what they are doing, could you make a bushing for that bucket pin as a temporary tightened. Made from a short piece of pipe? I don’t envy your cold weather, snow ain’t no fun to work in, then there’s all the melt and mud. Yep the upside is that you get your burning done early in that season. Stay safe , yep, use a Grinder guard! LOL :)
Pipe is a possibility
If a feller had some expanded metal and could make a cage to protect that light bar it may help protect it.
As usual, I love the outro. Yup, keeping up on the machines is a good thing in the long run. Carry on Captain, you are on the correct road to success. Love that you keep it real and make stuff work. So many channels here just go out and buy new instead of finding stuff in the scrap pile that would work. More money than brains a lot of them. Take that bucket into the shop when it is too nasty for outside work and just build up welds to your hearts content and those teeth will fit like new in the end. The creator made winter for just such things. They are not lazy days, they are indoor days. Do welding rods come in different hardness of final metal? Or can you heat treat them with a torch? Quenching might be difficult though. My foundry days are about 55 years ago so I don't remember much of that. Something about cherry red and dip in oil is about all that stuck. Bet you could rig a pan to set the whole bucket into with the hydraulics. Well at least the front edge into about six inches of oil. Does old motor oil work for that? Might have to look it up.
Sad part of getting old is that you forgot more than you currently know it seems.
Hard facing welding rods are available for this type of stuff. You don't want to harden this like that cause it'll just wear the mating surface instead. Half dozen of one, 6 of the other....
That light bar looks like one I just saw the other day on another YT video. The guy left the light on for 5 minutes and then touched the wires to see if they were warm. They were apparently way too hot. He also used the excavators own wires instead of the packaged ones. I'm not sure if applicable to your excavator but might want to check them after use 👍
Mike,please please make a guard for that window ,nothing fancy and use what scrap steel you have ,I think forestry ones use vertical rails that still allow vision through the window .
If that's not achievable, maybe some clear 3m protection film ,thick stuff !
Your tow hitch receiver could use a protective cap that uses the pin to keep it in position,that will stop dirt blocking the hole !
The light bar will give you some good lighting at night ,the uses are endless,just remember that it's not a branch or tree limb clearing device 😊
I would see if @c &c equipment can possibly help you out with welding on that quick hitch ,a winter's day when you ain't digging about , even Aaron could help you out ?
It's not overly complicated. Just tedious. Any RUclips certified welder could do it lol.
@CaptainKleeman just thought it might be easier for you rather than getting your power etc up and running ,I would think it would be some heavy welding needed,and yes you are very capable,no doubts with that .
It's your shop Mr.Kleeman,so leave it however you like.😊❤
I agree lol
Go on with your Bad Self LT ! It’s really great to see you building your fleet of equipment to make yourself more valuable. Go Lt Go
💪
Excellent viewing as always 😁 Thank you Mike 👍👍🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧
Thanks for watching!
Make yourself a receiver tube block off for when your hitch isn't on the blade. Less time digging mud out of the tube. Great video
Not lazy, strategic placement!
SWEET !!! Thanks again for sharing again for all you do for us Patriots ❤
Hey thanks for watching!
Love your videos. I have to say that I think you missed a really big opportunity when you painted the light bar on the top of the cab. You should have painted it after you installed it. You could have gotten nice free highlights with no extra time or money spent. LOL
I also have to say I need to make a comment on the cleanliness of your shop. I think that it is really messy. I mean when I walk into my shed it is even dirtier and messier than yours is. So, I think I have a lot of room to complain about yours. LOL
One thing I like about watching you is that you do things so much the same as I would. I try to save money where I can. I leave things where I shouldn't. I learn from the mistakes I make. Now, I think I make more mistakes than you do, but I will try not to judge myself too harshly. :)
Thanks for making all the great content you make. I try to never miss an episode and when I do I will go back later to watch it.
Hey always appreciate ya watching!
You can actually get new shanks for that bucket. It’s a little bit of a process to cut the old ones off, but it’s worth it.
It's the same amount of work and a lot less money to build and grind.
chain a screwdriver to the hitch for cleaning the dirt out when it clogs up
If only the machine had a way to clear it....hmmm
Captain good to see you’re getting a deal from Dirt Perfect, it works out well for both of you! Thanks for sharing! Kevin
Thanks for watching!
We love all your videos Mike, your a very talented Man, until your next video, we will be watching 👍👍😎😎🙏🙏🍮🍮
Thanks!
Please tell me you kept the cardboard template for if / when the glass breaks again..... considering it took 472 cuts....🤔
I think the excavator is worth the investment. Time is expensive, and you are saving a lot with that machine. Be sure to clean the radiator before the summer, it is dusty.
And the clean shop policy is only nescessary when you have no projects left, like when you are 80 years old or so.
Sweet! Love these videos! The 304 is no doubt going to be your most used rig.
I wish mine was a lil close to that 10klb size. 3800lb gets light real quick!
Good morning mike my shop is clean 👍🦾👨🏼🏭
That's a good idea on the receiver, I've got a little dump trailer I usually use the tractor to move but sometimes I'm only going less than a hundred feet with the load, I could have just been fueling the one machine!
Love your videos as always keep up the good work- I did notice when you changed your air and fuel filter there was a lot odiferous built up in you radiator, when it gets warmer you want to address that.
Thanks for another fun one!
Thanks for watching!
You are #1
excellent stuff mike.. you get my vote.. keep on keepin on. xxc
Good morning Mike
Your McIvor skills are awesome, and that smile…… priceless!
I see the frozen mud and I think it's nice being in South Georgia as I used to live in Utah and I don't miss frozen mud roads, etc.
Hi captain, for someone who keeps telling us you are not a mechanic, can I say from a mechanic perspective that you do some remarkably good work despite your untidy workshop? Ha Ha.
Old farming saying: “when in doubt, build it stout .”
💪