Great video Mike. Like they say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Great explanation and info. Glad to see it getting the care it deserves now and can't wait to see this machine making you tons of money for the long term future. Really enjoying the rebuild videos. Your videos really give me the itch to buy a mini but the priority is to buy a big chunk of property first so I can use it.

Sounds like you were listening when the old timers were talking about how to ran a business, your video made alot of good points and good business practices, keep up the good things you do.

Id still fix the wobbly bucket LOL

One of the key factors Mike is that you have the skills and interest to do a lot of your own maintenance. Other operators only want a cell phone with the dealer on speed dial in their tool box.

So you watch Watch Wes Work and you and he have stated a lot of the same things. Treat your machine with love and fix it when needs to be fixed. And to watch you both it's nice to see people who care and takes care of things when you can. 👍👍👍👍

I like when you talk about your cost of owning equipment. It’s is a great source.

Thanks for sharing! Best tool I have ever purchased, is my 1996 Kubota KX101 Trackhoe. I purchased it because i was quoted a "HUGE" number for someone to do some work for me. For 1/3 that price i purchased the excavator and have done that work, and 10 other things. Not only did I save huge amounts of money, but also gained 100's of hours of experience. (wish it was bigger thought, but it is a great little machine)....LOL that's what she said... Thanks again for your videos, I learn a bit here and there for you and your other dirt movin youtubers.... Oh, I tried to buy mats for it, but ended up making my own for less than 400 dollars (6 mats). my quote was 2K for 4 small used mats.

Mike I am in complete agreement with you. Have had many people tell me that I need to update my service truck. Why? It's paid for and it's paid for itself. Most of the equipment I end up working on are the older machines. They are the ones that are earning the money to pay for the new equipment that is sitting at the dealership. Older is not a bad thing

This is a great video and I agree with your way of thinking and doing business . There's a lot of people out there who thinks that they have to have a big new shiney piece of equipment, but that is just not true . That excavator has been a good one for you . Thanks for the video, take care and stay safe . 🤗👍💖💫

One thing I've learned... IF you take care of them.. old machines can last forever. (Cars included). That floppy bucket was probably that way before you got it.. because you take care of them and those are often from not keeping the pins greased, they get sand and dirt in there and wear the pins and bushings out.. then again, You know that because I've already seen the series where you, MBTS and a few others help you line bore out things and put the arm, stick, bucket and such back together and no more mr floppy... I've found that most NEW stuff today has a shelf life... and even with perfect care.. WILL BREAK DOWN.... almost like they make them to break so they can get you to buy another... disposable equipment... I remember seeing 15 year old cars as the norm... good luck with that now...

I agree with your thinking. Thank you for taking the time talking about your costs it was I interesting. Although this was a year ago and you have just completed upgrade maintenance. You are a triple threat you a mechanic, a operator, business man that has the special talent to know when to get help. I know you heard all this before.😋 Best to you and family

As an operator just getting started with my own machine, the information in this clip was extremely useful. Many thanks for sharing your figures and well done on all that mental arithmetic!

Thanks Mikey. Very good explanation. I've done the same things my John Deere farm tractors. Have 3 '90 models, newest is 2005. We do the scheduled services . I wouldn't trade any of them . They are very reliable. You are a good manager and that what it takes. Great vid.

Thank you for being up front and honest about how you do business.

Absolutely couldn't agree more about operators making a huge difference in machine quality. I see it day to day.👍

Amen man! The newest pice of equipment I own is a 1992 tractor. But all the big time boys are working on Sundays in the summer to pay for that shine on their equipment. I love your equipment, I think you've got a real nice fleet!

I like that one too, the new machines are all computer now and will shut it down. You doing it right keep it simple! Stay safe Dwayne

Definitely the way to go older isn’t bad at all, it will always come down to condition not hours and the work that it needs to do ! If like yourself you can repair and refurbish during the winter Off season then why not and as you pointed out you’ve paid for it and it makes profit ! Ongoing maintenance and servicing is key to keeping any equipment running well :) Thanks for the insight to your thinking :)

Great explanation, and NO COMMERCIALS ; DIRT PERFECT VIDEO ROCKS !

There’s no doubt Mikey that’s a good rig and I’ve learnt so much about equipment decisions from you

Thanks for explaining the business side of running your excavator. I really appreciate it.

You know your business better than anyone. And you have a mechanical skill set most of us envy. Just keep rocking it out and putting money in the bank(versatile equipment). Your retirement funds can be hauled in on semi’s as the equipment is sold off. Best wishes

If it works, dont fix it. That's the way I look at it. And that will most likely save u money. I'll be the first one to tell u Mike I'm not gonna higher u to build my road because u dont have a 250,000 dollar bulldozer and a 2021 Peterbelt dump truck. Lol lol. Great video Mike I'll tell u what I agree with what u talked about. It makes total since to me. That's why ur company is and has been successful. Keep it up and ur whole life will be wonderful. Thanks again for sharing.

Cool information on the history of your equipment. Thank you.

I agree with you 100 % new is not always better but more . I ran alot of the 350C . Love those machines. Good video.

You are not the only channel that runs old iron to make a living with them. You could rebuild the 120 from the ground up and still be money to the good. You could have ac added at the same and painted.

🔥Thanks for the info my brother!!! Keep slinging that dirt🔥

Mike you have the right game plan just keep going! A good and well taken care of machine is a good machine! The problem with the new machines is when they need worked on you don't need a mechanic you need a computer Technician so you cost yourself money because you have to hire someone to repair it instead of fixing it yourself, not to mention the cost of emissions problems and downtime! And the older pre emissions engines get better fuel economy! One of my friends has a mid 90's Caterpillar 320 excavator with over 29,000 hours and he still runs it daily and it's reliable other than it's badly in need of another undercarriage. And you can always install an aftermarket air conditioning unit and rebuild all of your components cheaper than a new machine, but I wouldn't replace pumps and stuff until it was needing them. Why fix something that's not broken.

A very informative video, thanks DP!

Great advice, thanks for sharing with us ! I don't see anything wrong with your machine looks like it performs like a champ.

Good video and agree on your philosophy of how to own equipment and run a business. Appreciate the time, effort and information in your videos.

I agree with you, @dirtperfect! I think the reason alot of people gravitate toward new equipment is that they aren't confident to work it themselves. Being a slave to dealer to do all repairs and maintenance gets very expensive. I think there is more pride in having old equipment that still works good and right! Keep it up!!

I'd like to see a video on how to purchase machines sight unseen and not get burned. How do you keep from buying a stolen unit? What protections do you have?

Wow thanks for the break down I have been looking at a 120 very helpful

Another factor is the machine itself is a good machine , not a lemon. Sometimes you have to get lucky. I bought my 95 311 in 97, I still run it, it has 8,500 hrs, original starter,alt. water pump, i just changed the original batteries a year ago! But I'm the only operator for 24 yrs, It is not as fast as a new one, but it is super reliable. That 120 is a nice model machine.

Hell boring is about 100 bucks a inch. New pins and bushing are good for another 10000 hours...new tracks chains sprockets and pads if u need them..find you a dealer that sells red dot ac units they are the best aftermarket ac you can buy for equipment can install it your self comes in kit everything you need...and with all that might be 2 payments on a new machine probably just one lol...been doing heavy equipment for about 30 years you are on the right track...keep up the good work. ....

I definitely enjoyed your explanation of your business model. It's a very sound one in deed. It's the same with my electronics repair business. People ask me why I charge so much so I point out they don't pay me so much for my time as much as my knowledge I've accumulated over almost 4 decades in a business that requires near constant learning that knowledge which again takes time they're paying for along with my time. Much of that involves traveling 4 counties from West Palm Beach to Marathon in the Florida Keys. I flat rate my service calls (250 to Marathon and NPB that includes a return trip if required which my competition doesn't offer) and make most of my profit on circuit board repairs and parts markup. The further I go the more I charge. A lot of my tools and test equipment I bought used. Only most of my electronic testing equipment do I buy new. I'd love to be an a pro at what you do. I think it's the little kid in me 😅😅😎 Right now I'm repairing an electronic controlled Bull riding machine from a defunk company. I've already figured out it's circuit board problems. He's one of my regular customers. He has a party rental company. He has a 3 kid coin op carousel you see in front of stores he mounted on a trailer I installed a timed free play rig I designed and on it for him. He bought it at an auction. It's in near constant use 9 months of the year.

They may be a bit old but with good maintenance and some tlc they are sometimes better than new and more reliable especially now with computers fitted to most new ones, your bucket is a bit wobbly but it still works especially with a good operator each to there own keep her going mate she’ll go for a good while yet

Love the videos. If I was you I would look into adding a/c to it red dot probably makes one. They are easy to install. Then fix the bucket and keep on moving dirt.

Great chat and video Mike. You're a wise businessman and a fine operator. Much respect for your talents and business mission statement. Have a safe and happy 4th, keep up the good work! Doug@ the "ranch"

You're 110% on Sometimes feel older machine is better in the new one Old school Some people

Personally I think older machinery are better than computerized new ones. If you look after your equipment and if works well for you then there is no need to have the latest shiny new toy. What you are doing works very well for you so keep doing it. 👍👍🇨🇦🐶

Makes sense to me. Not going in to unnecessary dept is the way to stay ahead. Going in to unnecessary dept is the reason this country is in trouble. God bless

Great video, and nice of you to break the costs of owning and running a machine.

I agree, I operate with older equipment and I assure you that a newer machine is not going to get much more dirt behind the blade because its newer, not only that but your right, if something happens to me im not going to be stuck with bills should I land in the hospital or help out on a family emergency.

good info. that was how i did it for 33yrs. love watching.

That's about like me I own a 1990 Kubota l2250 that I bought for $150 bucks built the engine and it looks like crap but it works just as good as a new one.

I remember contractor rule of thum was if it is costing more for repair then production that is the time to replace. What kind of machine are you looking for? I need to do some research to see if Deere/Hitachi make a 120 size machine. I worked for a guy and we did the grading for an Arby's parking lot with a Case 350 and a Case 580 Backhoe. Even preped the base for the asphalt with it.

Good business philosophy on running older equipment. It makes perfect sense to me. Keep up the good work.

Seems like the older machinery still gets the job done, I have a '75 John Deere 410 loader backhoe with 5750 hours and it's always ready to go with very little problems. Right now it developed a decent hydraulic leak from a fitting on a steel line but nothing I can't fix.

The first dozer that I ran was a 1950ish John deere 40 i think small dozer the next one is and still run is a 1980ish john deere 350c good dozer for what i need to do with it it's the right size plowing the driveway in the winter and skidding logs for firewood and all the jobs I need to do on the property

Awesome Video!! Great Business Sense!!

Well at least the bucket didn't fall off at the end or throw a track. For one thing, the bucket only rattles when it's empty anyway, hardly hear it. Just as long as you don't slide in the river at the wrong time of year, that thing will keep on going. Yes I made it to the end. Is this a setup for the next video: The Tales of Rust, or Why My Dump Bed Still Has Holes? I hear EliteEarthworks stickers can heal rusty patches.

My brother in law bought his new cat 211lc in 1984 for $80 grand. Still runs it daily. It has 23,000 hrs on it. And call me a liar it has the original chains and bottom on it. The joy sticks are completely worn thru from his finger and thumb prints.

Low blow picking on Zeus like that! He’s just a baby! Hahahah

Sounds like your doing something right. Sometimes the jd dealor up here has 100 hr take off buckets. Union companies will put. Twist bucket setups un. Dealer will sell quality bucket like a esco or geith. With pins. Like brand new. Hd rock buckets. I bought some for my Hitachi 120. Like $1800 each. I keep my eyes open.

Your business models pretty solid mate!I looked at older machines but ended up with a newer low hour machine due to the price difference being to small had 2300 hours on it getting close to 3500 now with zero break downs! believe me once you get into a newer machine you'll love it! and I know it's the operator that makes a machine! But it's far nicer to run all-day!

Great video for understanding the business.

love it. how you explained what you get and the profit the machine made for you .if you keep it and do all the work on it please video it

Enjoyed that talk.....I have a farm and have thought about purchasing a track-hoe for the many tree lines and jobs I need done......but like everything it is all about the money.

Red dot offers a aftermarket a/c that will fit in that 120. I put one in my kobelco for around 1500 bucks and it will freeze me out in that Louisiana heat. Just something you could look into. It’s a lot cheaper than a new machine.

I bought a JCB micro excavator for $9500.00 . I can haul it in my pickup, it uses 2 gallons of fuel a day and i get $100.00 per hr. plus transport fee. Best investment yet!

Have you seen the chipper attachment you can put on an excavator? It would chew those trees up in no time!

Its ok your bucket is still pretty!! Keep using it!! It works and making $$$$$

Keep the old 120 even if you get a newer machine it's always good to have a reliable back up

The original owner of the company I worked for was very good at keeping things repaired. He told us if something needs work, shut it down and fix it. After he died and the company was sold, the new owners didn't want to fix anything. When a $500,000 material handler with 20,000 hours needed a new engine that would cost $10,000, they parked it and spent $650,000 on a new machine. Then they claimed they couldn't give anybody raises because they weren't making any money.

Makes perfectly good sense to me I was in the Excavating business out of high school 18 until I retired in 1966 I did keep trading machines on the machine that brought in the most money and that was a trackhoe the trucks which sport machinery Dozer with support machinery trailer support machinery louder with support machinery it didn't have to be the best in the world it just had to be reliable but I always kept my trackhoe well maintained and or would keep it newer than the rest of the machines due to the fact that it was used most and like you said it brought 77% profit the other machines never made that much money in fact sometimes it seemed like the track hoe made all the money but you needed the other stuff so that's the way she went sounds good enough to me. Ldr

The job I'm on now im loading 2 off road trucks with a Hitachi 350 for 10 hours every day and im burning 100 gallons daily. Glad i don't pay the fuel bill. On Friday it rolled over to 10,000 hours.

Makes great business sense. How about a short clip of the completed job?

Fix the bucket !! It's a cheap and easy job !!! Dam

Let the bucket rattle. The excavator's paid for and profitable. Tell those that don't like the sounds of hard work to....... I'll keep it rated G. Lol.

Don’t forget your lowboy trailers!!!!

You need to buy more lunch’s!!! Lol

Many of those rows of trees were to help keep wind erosion away.

good story indeed. u didn't say about whether u could depreciate the cost of ur equipment also? and ur right about the fact if u can and be able to turn wrenches on ur own stuff, and not be paying out high garage bills.

i enjoyed your explanation of your equipment. Good info and smart business sense however, i share the same opinion as Chris... fix the wobbly bucket.. lol

I don't understand people trying to tell others how to run their business,if the equipment gets the job done that's what matters

Haters going to hate anything is going to break at anytime I love your videos

I would pay good Patreon money to be part of a group discussing costs and rates for dig work.

The 120 is a darn good excavator! I really want my own. I would take a 50 jd. I don't need anything big.

Do you watch other channels similar to yours? Andrew Cameratta has a good channel doing a lot of the same kinda of work you do. He never buys new but used in good condition. He’s located in Up State New York. I enjoy your video’s.

I am just a new subscriber so I don’t know the history on the wobbly bucket comments but I would just assume they aren’t meant to be demeaning and actually more out of concern. As humans we tend to get complacent and often overlook something that comes on gradually like worn out pins and couplings. I have not seen one single troll in your comments so their concern is that you will lose out on work when it breaks. Besides. Maybe like me they would also love to see video of the work required to weld and linebore the boom to fix the wobbly bucket. 💁🏻‍♂️

I was a little worried where this video was goin with the title you chose lol🤣🤣 just kiddin buddy great video!!

Quality work will always generate opportunities for more steady work. Nobody will care about the age of the equipment at this operational level working for the general public. Have hauled many John Deere equipment and others in East Texas. Good video and commentary. Much continued success to you sir.

Ive run some equipment with half the hours and twice the slop. maybe you could find another 120 with low hours with a/c and keep this one as a backup. i bought our 160 case in 2015 and its been trouble free. It may not be the fastest or nicest machine but it does everything we need it to.

Sounds like you have a great business plan. Love watching your channel.

Great video thanks for sharing have a great day and stay safe out there

Amen! New machines are nice but those prices aren’t nice!!

I quite enjoy this video Whatever information and interesting thank you

My brain hurts now but was still an awesome video! Lol

Keep doing what you are doing. I own old equipment for the main reason of that I can fix every piece of it myself. I cut that expenses out.

You made perfect sense. I've been there. But, you need a trackloader. You'll love it! It is a multi function machine. PS, My first was a 50's HD 5Allis Chalmers. LoL

I think the huge difference for people like you or andrew camarata is you guys will fix your old machines and arent scared to get your hands dirty and troubleshoot the issues. Where other people will simply shit a brick and drop it off at the dealer. Im a firm believer in buying something used, then you have a wealth of knowledge from others with thousands of hours that tell you what the weak points of the machines are, the good and bad. When you end up buying brand new design of any machine or vehicle your essentially the ginny pig of new engine issues, piss poor wiring, or just straight up bad design.

Love your business philosophy, that is why you are successful!

Is that does that mean that you're trying to make up for something I have to have the newest battish equipment or is that the new thing of I gotta beat the Jones's again

It may have a floppy bucket and the tracks squeak but like you said you can afford to park it and not sweat the big payment and worried about the computer to fail.

you have a good business sense good video

A better breakdown in cost should include truck,trailer,escalator.Getting to the job is important... I think your going about ownership and operation right.. For a person wanting to start in business needs to understand the initial cost of the machine is just the beginning

Think my oldtimers might be kicking in. Did that break down include your wage when you were running it ?

All makes great sense. This video made me a subscriber to your channel. Now, if you could just get yourself in the position to always pay cash for your equipment instead of giving the bank your hard earned money. There are investment products out there that allow you to pull your money out without penalties. You're still doing fantastic even if you borrow.