New Beginning's - ARPI photo tour

[ARP]

Well, after just graduating college and having my company pick up steam after being in business just a little over a year now, I thought I would start sharing pics of what I do. I certainly enjoy seeing everyone else's stories told through photos so I thought I would start contributing a little bit on here :waving: I've got a bunch of photos from last year that I will post as time allows, but I thought I would start with some photos of new equipment.

So for your viewing pleasure, may I introduce "The Beast" (or insert other witty name here :rolleyes:). She is currently on a Rent-Own program (so no one can call me out *trucewhiteflag*), that I hope to convert to a ownership program in 1.5-3 months depending on work load. She starts her first job this Monday clearing storm damage from ROWs an hour north of my home.

Enjoy and thanks for looking! Hopefully I will have many more photos to share in the coming year.

[DUSTYCEDAR]

NICE rent to own?
what % do they do that at?

[RockSet N' Grade]

NICE........keep 'em coming. RTO is a smart way to go.......

[YellowDogSVC]

VERY sweet setup. You will really like that machine. I'm jealous but alas, I work in the rock most of the time.

[Dirtman2007]

Thats a very nice setup you have there. Nice truck too:weightlifter:

Now go get that machine dirty!

[ARP]

Haha- the machine is already dirty. Right after I took that photo I took into the woods for 2 hours and got mud on it. Can't show up at the new job lookin too clean right?:rolleyes:

RTO was a great deal for me- the dealership I am working with is taking 100% of my payments (excluding sales tax) for up to 3 months and converting them to the necessary down payment on the machine.

I'm excited to get going finally. Thanks for the comments and keep em coming!

[Treemow]

Nice PJ trailer. I have one and it has been excellent. Good luck in all your endeavors.

[Construct'O]

RTO was how i was able to get my first dozer 34 years ago !!!!!

My rent was set up $2500 dollars a month,but if i went over 100 hours a month then it was like $25 an hour more over the 100 hours.

Which added up,since i worked 7days a week,as long a days as i could.

The good thing was that the payments also went 100% toward the machine purchase at the end of the rent term which was 1 year.So all those extra hours overtime didn't go to waste.

The catch was that at the end of the year the machine went back to the dealer and you lost everything that you had paid in on it and your hard work!

I figured since i didn't have anything to lose other then 1 year out of my life if i failed it was a good choice and at the time my only chance.Luckly everything worked out:dancing:

My machine was new also and was the best thing,since it had warranty and very little downtime.It was a busy time then.Hopefully it will be for you also.Good luck:usflag:

[bobcatuser]

Well, after just graduating college and having my company pick up steam after being in business just a little over a year now, I thought I would start sharing pics of what I do. I certainly enjoy seeing everyone else's stories told through photos so I thought I would start contributing a little bit on here :waving: I've got a bunch of photos from last year that I will post as time allows, but I thought I would start with some photos of new equipment.

So for your viewing pleasure, may I introduce "The Beast" (or insert other witty name here :rolleyes:). She is currently on a Rent-Own program (so no one can call me out *trucewhiteflag*), that I hope to convert to a ownership program in 1.5-3 months depending on work load. She starts her first job this Monday clearing storm damage from ROWs an hour north of my home.

Enjoy and thanks for looking! Hopefully I will have many more photos to share in the coming year.


Good choice in equipment:drinkup: Now let's see some job pictures.

[ARP]

Thanks guys- I'm hoping everything works out as well. As Construct'O said, I got nothing to lose and with my personality, failure is not an option. Hopefully I'll get some good photos of the job this week. Supposed to be some interesting terrain...

[jefftb]

Many dealers of larger equipment brands offer the RTO program. Its generally available on both new and used equipment. Komatsu does, CAT does, apparently Bobcat does as well. I bet Hyundai and JD do too.

It is usually a pretty good way to get into equipment since most of your rental dollars end up contributing to the down payment you need to have.

[CAT powered]

Need more machine details!

Joysticks? High flow? 2 Speed?

Note to all else: The dealership he is going through doesn't care how many hours you put on a machine while you're renting it.

If you rent a machine for a day you can put 24 hours on it. They don't care.

Well. I'm assuming he still decided to go through Bobcat of Connecticut.

Best of luck to you in your new venture!

[ARP]

Machine details? Just the stuff I like to talk about :cool2:

Let's see- the highlights:
Joysticks
High Flow
No 2-speed unfortunately (not an option)
Heat and A/C
Suspension seat
Sound Deadening Package
Forestry Package (Extra guarding and a reaaallly thick polycarbonate door which is not on the machine in these photos)
Hydraulic Coupler
Radio (so I don't have to talk to myself all the time :rolleyes:)
Locks on fuel cap and engine door
72" Forestry Grapple
80" 4n1 bucket (special ordered- coming in soon)
Option to RTO on a 60" Fecon Mulcher

Dealships: I'm actually going through Bobcat of Cape Cod. Bobcat of CT was great to deal with but Bobcat of Cape Cod offered me a better deal and was almost an hour and a half closer to my home and area of operations.

I've actually been looking at machines for 6 months in preparation of this work. I was almost into a CAT 299C (which I really liked, except for the visibility out the back), but my local Cat dealer did not want to RTO or get creative with their financing options. So Bobcat it was. Btw- this T320 wasn't even at Bobcat of Cape Cod when I first started talking with them on Tuesday of last week. Based on a half hour conversation only with the company owner, they picked the machine and grapple up from 2 separate dealerships and got everything ready to go in less than 3 days. Pretty impressive IMO.

[jefftb]

Weird that the CAT stealership did not want to RTO. Normally CAT will do nearly anything (besides lower their price) to get someone new into their equipment-even more so if it is a business that has no equipment and is just starting to buy stuff.

To them that is the start of their "owner loyalty" relationship.

[Scag48]

Weird that the CAT stealership did not want to RTO. Normally CAT will do nearly anything (besides lower their price) to get someone new into their equipment-even more so if it is a business that has no equipment and is just starting to buy stuff.

To them that is the start of their "owner loyalty" relationship.

Yeah I'm surprised as well, usually Cat is the first name that comes to mind when I think RTO, usually they're all about it.

[Mjh Excavating]

Good Luck ARP, nice equipment, good way to get started in this economy. Wish you the best. It's obvious to me that failure is not an option to you, takes a good set to go for it in this economy.

[bobcat_ron]

That is one long trailer!

[ARP]

Thanks MJH- I call it "extreme determination" as well. There is work out there- just have to be flexible to get it. Wasn't my plan to be in land clearing as it says grading and excavation on my truck. :rolleyes:

Bobcat Ron- Ya it is long. It's real interesting backing it into my driveway. The trailer is a 25' deck with a 5' beavertail. The plan is to put the grapple, mulcher, and pallet forks on the front of the trailer sideways to reach them from the ground and then drive the machine on the trailer backwards with the bucket. Oh ya- and have a Jobbox at the front of the trailer with a generator and air compressor in it.:dizzy:

[mrsops]

Machine details? Just the stuff I like to talk about :cool2:

Let's see- the highlights:
Joysticks
High Flow
No 2-speed unfortunately (not an option)
Heat and A/C
Suspension seat
Sound Deadening Package
Forestry Package (Extra guarding and a reaaallly thick polycarbonate door which is not on the machine in these photos)
Hydraulic Coupler
Radio (so I don't have to talk to myself all the time :rolleyes:)
Locks on fuel cap and engine door
72" Forestry Grapple
80" 4n1 bucket (special ordered- coming in soon)
Option to RTO on a 60" Fecon Mulcher

Dealships: I'm actually going through Bobcat of Cape Cod. Bobcat of CT was great to deal with but Bobcat of Cape Cod offered me a better deal and was almost an hour and a half closer to my home and area of operations.

I've actually been looking at machines for 6 months in preparation of this work. I was almost into a CAT 299C (which I really liked, except for the visibility out the back), but my local Cat dealer did not want to RTO or get creative with their financing options. So Bobcat it was. Btw- this T320 wasn't even at Bobcat of Cape Cod when I first started talking with them on Tuesday of last week. Based on a half hour conversation only with the company owner, they picked the machine and grapple up from 2 separate dealerships and got everything ready to go in less than 3 days. Pretty impressive IMO.

Very nice machine good luck!! So what features did you like about the t320 over the 299c besides the visibility? What machine did you feel had more power? and by the way your going to love that sound package keeps the cab real quiet

[ford550]

Very nice. RTO's are nice. That's how I did my JD 35D mini-ex. Good luck, good to see guys working in this environment.

[ARP]

I can't quite compare the power between the two machines because I never ran them side by side. The main reason I really did go with the Bobcat was because of their RTO program which allows me to get into a machine set up the way I need it to be setup. I really liked the Cat's undercarriage and the visibility around and to the front of the machine. The rear was not so great and could definitely be seen as a serious safety issue where I have to work around laborers on the ground, or those big tree trunks that like to come out of nowhere when mulching and hit you.

The major things I liked about the Bobcat were the quiet cab, electronic lockout, joysticks (not as much resistance as the Cat ones), sheltered hyrdraulic connections inside the boom, and the comprehensive forestry package. I also never found the visibility to be too much different from the Cat's to the front and side, although the lower "tub" on the Cat did allow slightly more visibility to the sides. Power wise, I do like the fact I can lug the Bobcat's engine and power through some tough areas- even though I really haven't put it to the test yet.

Once I get some time in the machine I will feel more comfortable about giving a fair review. I will say, I can't wait to hook a mulcher up and let er' rip.

On a side note, the T320 is one sexy looking machine!:cool2: As long as I have no drive motor or SJC (joystick) failures that cause massive downtime, I am sure she will make me a boat load of money and help grow my business to the levels I want to reach.

[Canon Landscaping]

Thats a lot of overhead for a new company you could have 2 used trucks and skids and maybe a good used excavator for what that set up is costing you. Im glad to see you went with the RTO Good Luck.

[mrsops]

I can't quite compare the power between the two machines because I never ran them side by side. The main reason I really did go with the Bobcat was because of their RTO program which allows me to get into a machine set up the way I need it to be setup. I really liked the Cat's undercarriage and the visibility around and to the front of the machine. The rear was not so great and could definitely be seen as a serious safety issue where I have to work around laborers on the ground, or those big tree trunks that like to come out of nowhere when mulching and hit you.

The major things I liked about the Bobcat were the quiet cab, electronic lockout, joysticks (not as much resistance as the Cat ones), sheltered hyrdraulic connections inside the boom, and the comprehensive forestry package. I also never found the visibility to be too much different from the Cat's to the front and side, although the lower "tub" on the Cat did allow slightly more visibility to the sides. Power wise, I do like the fact I can lug the Bobcat's engine and power through some tough areas- even though I really haven't put it to the test yet.

Once I get some time in the machine I will feel more comfortable about giving a fair review. I will say, I can't wait to hook a mulcher up and let er' rip.

On a side note, the T320 is one sexy looking machine!:cool2: As long as I have no drive motor or SJC (joystick) failures that cause massive downtime, I am sure she will make me a boat load of money and help grow my business to the levels I want to reach.

Good information looking foward to hearing more. Yes that t320 is very sexy!!

[ARP]

Canon- thanks for the well wishes. Yes, it sure looks like a lot of money- and that's what I want it to look like. However, the truck is one year used (fantastic deal on it by shopping way outside of my region), and the machine is on a RTO as discussed. The trailer is the only thing that was an out of pocket investment and is owned outright. (A quick shoutout: Thanks to Wendall at Fayette Trailers for getting the trailer up here- fantastic people to deal with.)

Insurance is the only other monthly overhead expense and by shopping around we were able to get a "big boy" insurance policy for a fraction of what it costs the big boys.

And yes, we thought used, but I have no need for any other machine than what I have on that trailer. Excavation isn't happening so I adjusted the business plan accordingly. Plus, in my area there aren't too many forestry equipped machines in good condition. The joys of being in a niche market I guess :rolleyes: Once excavation picks up again, people can be sure I will be swinging those excavator buckets just like everyone else:cool2:

Thanks for the comments!

[bobcat_ron]

As long as I have no drive motor or SJC (joystick) failures that cause massive downtime, I am sure she will make me a boat load of money and help grow my business to the levels I want to reach.

I hope the RTO program came with lots of warranty, no one here runs the SJC models anymore!

[Bombi275]

ARP I've had my T320 for about 10 months now and love it. I got the same set up as you minus the forestry package and have yet to have any problems thus far. I've only got 600 hours on her so far, but they've been tough hours from sloping a creek bank to mowing ski slopes to thinning lots, I'll bet less than 100 hours have been used on flat ground. The joysticks weren't my first choice, but now I wouldn't trade them for anything they're just as smooth and responsive as the day I picked it up. I had an 864 so it is quite an upgrade and if it makes it any easier, there isn't a machine out there I would rather operate IMO. Good Luck!

[bobcatuser]

Thanks MJH- I call it "extreme determination" as well. There is work out there- just have to be flexible to get it. Wasn't my plan to be in land clearing as it says grading and excavation on my truck. :rolleyes:

Bobcat Ron- Ya it is long. It's real interesting backing it into my driveway. The trailer is a 25' deck with a 5' beavertail. The plan is to put the grapple, mulcher, and pallet forks on the front of the trailer sideways to reach them from the ground and then drive the machine on the trailer backwards with the bucket. Oh ya- and have a Jobbox at the front of the trailer with a generator and air compressor in it.:dizzy:

I'm surprised you don't have ride control on the T320, it's a dealer installed option. If you are working in rough terrain it's a must have.

My trick for loading attachments is to drive them on forward and spin around on the deck and drive off. I don't like side loading attachments, especially on a busy street or narrow driveway.


http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff313/sos79/Jobs/2008_0622Tradeshow0005.jpg

[stuvecorp]

Were I started we had a trailer like yours and would spin around on top, would freak people out that were watching. The ramps were too steep for the 1845 and don't know why we never backed up?

I am surprised at the number of you that have the big gooseneck trailers, I couldn't live without my dump.

[Junior M]

awesome set up, Bobcat and PJ trailers, cant wait to see some of your work, looks like your off to a good start...


Oh yeah, you can save some room by putting the grapple on and then grab the bucket and then clamp down on it, I know your goin to have alot of attachments on the trailer, that might save you some room. also you might think of putting a deck up on the neck of the trailer...

[ARP]

Thanks all for the comments all!

Bobcat Ron: Ya, the machine is going to have a nice long warranty just for the SJC and the drive motors. The other T320 on site has had computer, SJC, drive motor, and fan issues. Granted I don't know how they run the machine, but it looked a little rough. Hopefully my machine won't have those issues.

Bombi: Thanks for the update on your machine! Nice to hear that you still like it and haven't experienced any major problems. The terrain you are working on sounds very much like the terrain I'm on (pics are coming!). And yes, after starting out on an 863 Bobcat with the rowing paddles and foot pedals, I will never use anything other than joysticks again. Alot more precise and less subject to hitting a pedal accidently in rough terrain.

Bobcatuser: It's funny that you mention ride control. I just saw that it was an option in the manual the other day. If I do end of keeping the machine, I will have the dealer install the option. As it was now, they turned the machine around in 3 days last week so that I could start today. There wasn't too much time to install anything other than the radio and forestry package. I'm not traveling that fast as it is, but going down the access roads I can definitely see why ride control is a nice option. Good idea on the attachments going on the trailer- depending on how things fit on there I will keep your suggestion in mind.

Junior: Thanks for the compliments! When the other attachments come in I will give your idea a try. I've done a similar thing in the past with a industrial grapple and bucket and it worked pretty well.

[Junior M]

I been trying to figure this out, but if I am not mistaken didnt you have a CAT rented or bought, or something of that?

[ksss]

Thanks all for the comments all!

Bobcat Ron: Ya, the machine is going to have a nice long warranty just for the SJC and the drive motors. The other T320 on site has had computer, SJC, drive motor, and fan issues. Granted I don't know how they run the machine, but it looked a little rough. Hopefully my machine won't have those issues.

Bombi: Thanks for the update on your machine! Nice to hear that you still like it and haven't experienced any major problems. The terrain you are working on sounds very much like the terrain I'm on (pics are coming!). And yes, after starting out on an 863 Bobcat with the rowing paddles and foot pedals, I will never use anything other than joysticks again. Alot more precise and less subject to hitting a pedal accidently in rough terrain.

Bobcatuser: It's funny that you mention ride control. I just saw that it was an option in the manual the other day. If I do end of keeping the machine, I will have the dealer install the option. As it was now, they turned the machine around in 3 days last week so that I could start today. There wasn't too much time to install anything other than the radio and forestry package. I'm not traveling that fast as it is, but going down the access roads I can definitely see why ride control is a nice option. Good idea on the attachments going on the trailer- depending on how things fit on there I will keep your suggestion in mind.

Junior: Thanks for the compliments! When the other attachments come in I will give your idea a try. I've done a similar thing in the past with a industrial grapple and bucket and it worked pretty well.



You may want to talk with Yellow Dog. It sounded like that Bobcat RC was not all that great. I love it, I have had it on every machine I get since 1999. It is a huge time saver. I can haul ass across most jobs sites with a full bucket without losing material or killing the operator.

[ARP]

KSSS- Thanks, I will. The ride is a little rough but isn't unbearable. Just hurts goin over the huge, frozen, wheel ruts made by the skidders. It's all in how you drive the machine just like everything else.

To all the other Bobcat track loader users out there- does anyone have ride control? How do you like it?

Junior: No, I think you might have me confused with someone else. I was seriously considering a Cat trackloader but I never rented nor owned one.

[Junior M]

KSSS- Thanks, I will. The ride is a little rough but isn't unbearable. Just hurts goin over the huge, frozen, wheel ruts made by the skidders. It's all in how you drive the machine just like everything else.

To all the other Bobcat track loader users out there- does anyone have ride control? How do you like it?

Junior: No, I think you might have me confused with someone else. I was seriously considering a Cat trackloader but I never rented nor owned one.
Hmm, I swore it was you, cause the avatar was a pick up just like yours with a CAT on a between the axle towmaster tag? Dang, I wonder who I am thinking of..

[mrsops]

KSSS- Thanks, I will. The ride is a little rough but isn't unbearable. Just hurts goin over the huge, frozen, wheel ruts made by the skidders. It's all in how you drive the machine just like everything else.

To all the other Bobcat track loader users out there- does anyone have ride control? How do you like it?

Junior: No, I think you might have me confused with someone else. I was seriously considering a Cat trackloader but I never rented nor owned one.

I have a 2008 t190 how do you know if you have ride control????

[Junior M]

I have a 2008 t190 how do you know if you have ride control????
Hmm, did you order it or was it on the spec sheet when you picked it up? ;) :laugh: Genius.. :hammerhead: :laugh:

[mrsops]

Hmm, did you order it or was it on the spec sheet when you picked it up? ;) :laugh: Genius.. :hammerhead: :laugh:

O its an option I didn't even no :laugh: I guess I don't have it then

[Junior M]

O its an option I didn't even no :laugh: I guess I don't have it then
Freakin Genius.. :hammerhead: :laugh:

I think you've spent a little to much time around CAT equipment, please return to the white side.. :laugh:

[mrsops]

Freakin Genius.. :hammerhead: :laugh:

I think you've spent a little to much time around CAT equipment, please return to the dark side.. :laugh:

Take it easyyyyyy lil man, and you mean the white side :usflag:

[ARP]

Well before I collapse in bed for the evening, I thought some of you might enjoy some photos from the day today. Nothing spectacular but at least you can get an idea of what the terrain is like. On this job I am responsible for raking and stacking brush and debris on the side of the ROW after it is cut down. Overall, I probably cleared over a mile of tree line today and am about an hour behind being caught up to the work that has taken 2 tree crews and a mulching crew 4 days to accomplish. Not the most glamorous of work, but it sure is a nice change of pace for a month and a half. Interesting terrain to operate on...

Note: For a frame of reference for distance I cleared today, the hill in the distance in the first picture is about a quarter mile away from where my machine is pictured. I cleared up to and beyond that hill on both sides of the ROW for another quarter mile. (It's a long walk if I throw a track...)

Enjoy!

[ARP]

Haha Junior- I know what you are talking about. That photo you're thinking of was my truck last summer. I had a Cat 236B skid on rent for my first job as a legitimate company. Hadn't even put the tank, box, or signs on the truck yet. Nice to see a little progress from lookin back on those photos.

My hat is definitely off to everyone who has been able to grow their own business- things take a little longer than expected to take off.

[Junior M]

Haha Junior- I know what you are talking about. That photo you're thinking of was my truck last summer. I had a Cat 236B skid on rent for my first job as a legitimate company. Hadn't even put the tank, box, or signs on the truck yet. Nice to see a little progress from lookin back on those photos.

My hat is definitely off to everyone who has been able to grow their own business- things take a little longer than expected to take off.
Yep, thats the one I was thinking of! Yeah, tell me about it, when we started last year I planned on having a skid on a RTO program, like you, by now, who knows? I am kind of slowing down now that some guys have talked to me and what they've told me..

[howierd3866]

good evening ARP...love your set up...as for the trailer set up I made my deck above to store all my attachment so I can leave them on there 24/7. Because I also do 24/7 recovery cleanup for local towing companys. I use my trailer for all my other equipment so having the bottom deck free works good for me. As for your contract work here are you getting pay by the hour or mile/acres. good luck Thanks Howard

[Bleed Green]

what have they said that have made you want to slow down? j/w

[Junior M]

what have they said that have made you want to slow down? j/w
This has been from numerous people: I just need to have fun, I am only in HS, I've got the rest of my life to work, just let things roll and they'll come to you, if you try to hard you'll just push it away. All things of that effect..

[raschmid07]

ARP out of curiosity, what did major did you graduate with from college?

[ARP]

Thanks Howierd. I thought about the deck over the neck but I really don't want that much weight that high up on the trailer- that's why I went with a slightly longer trailer in the end.

For my contract work, I am getting paid by the hour, but I mentally treat it like a regular bid to keep my motivation and production up. I am expected to be on this 15 mile stretch of ROW until April 1 of this year. Right now we are working 8-10 hour days to get everything done.

Junior: While you still are young (heck I'm young still as I'm only 21 with a baby face no less) and should be enjoying life, HS, girls, ATVing, whatever, don't be afraid to go after what you want. I was never much of the partying type. I am also a extreme workaholic by nature as I worked all through HS and college and even through my breaks in college when everyone would go to Cancun. I did all that because I knew that when I graduated college, I wanted to work for myself doing stuff that I love rather than working in an office and having to report to an overzealous boss and do TPS reports. I even skipped going abroad for a semester so that I could graduate college early and put my saved money into my company.

While a lot of people have told me that I should slow down and enjoy life, my response to them is a polite "Thank you" and "I will enjoy life when I am sitting off a white sandy beach in the Carribean on my own yacht." My business, among providing future jobs for others and a legacy for my future family, is a means to an end in terms of a lifestyle I would like to live someday. Who wouldn't like the choice in life to either go play in the dirt or go out on jetskis for the day? It's for those reasons that I never slow down. You just have to think about how much you want something and then go after it.

[ARP]

Raschmid, I graduated with a degree in Business Administration. I concentrated in entrepreneurship with a focus on real estate development. My business is taking the place of my MBA :rolleyes:.

[Dirtman2007]

Junior: While you still are young (heck I'm young still as I'm only 21 with a baby face no less) and should be enjoying life, HS, girls, ATVing, whatever, don't be afraid to go after what you want. I was never much of the partying type. I am also a extreme workaholic by nature as I worked all through HS and college and even through my breaks in college when everyone would go to Cancun. I did all that because I knew that when I graduated college, I wanted to work for myself doing stuff that I love rather than working in an office and having to report to an overzealous boss and do TPS reports. I even skipped going abroad for a semester so that I could graduate college early and put my saved money into my company.

While a lot of people have told me that I should slow down and enjoy life, my response to them is a polite "Thank you" and "I will enjoy life when I am sitting off a white sandy beach in the Carribean on my own yacht." My business, among providing future jobs for others and a legacy for my future family, is a means to an end in terms of a lifestyle I would like to live someday. Who wouldn't like the choice in life to either go play in the dirt or go out on jetskis for the day? It's for those reasons that I never slow down. You just have to think about how much you want something and then go after it.

That was very well said.

Thought I was the only one who thought that way. Most of my friends rather party and raise hell than to go out and work. I'm the opposite, I much rather work now, save up and live life like I want to when I'm older, lets face it I don't think my body will like doing this type of work in 30 years, it hurts now at the end of a long day and I'm the same age as you. By then we can both sit on the beach, drink a few beers and watch Junior level the beach sand out with his T250:laugh:
Hopefully:usflag:

[Dirt Digger2]

let me get in on this sandy beach watching the young gun play with his tonka toy...but as for me my business needs to wait until i get my PE...to do that I have to work under one for 4 years and then take a test...after i pass the test and start my company we can race our yachts HAHA

[ARP]

Well let me know when the race is on and I'll be there. :cool2: 10-15 years maybe? I'll let you two have the beers, I'm a Mike's Hard Lemonade (cranberry) kinda guy myself- got a serious sweet tooth. :cool2:

I still laugh when I hear about how the oil tycoon Roman Ambrovich brought his three, 200'+ yachts to a south american harbor and had breakfast, lunch, and dinner on a different yacht. Let's just say I get my inspiration from some crazy stories.:laugh:

And yes, as I was bumpin around the ROW way today stacking brush, there were definitely a few moments where I knew I would not want to have to be doing that everyday in 10-20 years. Don't get me wrong, I love equipment, but man, stacking brush sure can get boring and some of the bumps were pretty knarly!

Dirtdigger- good luck with the engineering training. After having several friends go through what you are going through, I can certainly appreciate the challenge you are facing. It will definitely serve you well in the end though.

[ccstrebe]

To all the other Bobcat track loader users out there- does anyone have ride control? How do you like it?


I had it on my Case 450CT and it worked like a champ. If you are going to be shuttling dirt from one area to another or carying a load with forks then you will definitely want it. The RC doesn't work with an unloaded bucket though so if you are going over rough terrain without a load then it will still be a rough ride.

I wouldn't buy a CTL or a skid without it.

[Dirtman2007]

let me get in on this sandy beach watching the young gun play with his tonka toy...but as for me my business needs to wait until i get my PE...to do that I have to work under one for 4 years and then take a test...after i pass the test and start my company we can race our yachts HAHA

Game on buddy, Until then this is my yacht and this is how I power it:laugh:

http://www.break.com/usercontent/2007/7/Excavator-as-propellor-329444.html

[ARP]

Nice Chris- i think i've seen that video before too. I think you actually posted it:laugh: That will be my dinghy to get out to my boat.:laugh:

ccstrebe- Thanks for the advice. I never really knew how it worked before other than it was a hyrdaulic accumulator. I will assume that the RC function differently on different brands, but did you have to press a swith to activate the RC or did it work automatically?

[Scag48]

ccstrebe- Thanks for the advice. I never really knew how it worked before other than it was a hyrdaulic accumulator. I will assume that the RC function differently on different brands, but did you have to press a swith to activate the RC or did it work automatically?

Ride control is does it's own thing if it's turned on. Now, I don't know about Bobcat, but some ride control setups have 3 modes; on, off, and automatic. As you can guess, on means it's on all the time, automatic will kick in when necessary and lockout when not necessary, and off locks it out entirely for running attachments on the ground.

Best of luck in your endeavour and good on ya for getting your degree. I just couldn't do 4 years in school, I'll finish my AA but that's as far as I'm going to go. College just isn't my deal but I'll never bash someone who spent the time to go.

[ccstrebe]

ccstrebe- Thanks for the advice. I never really knew how it worked before other than it was a hyrdaulic accumulator. I will assume that the RC function differently on different brands, but did you have to press a swith to activate the RC or did it work automatically?

On the Case, it was a button on the joystick. If the button was pushed and held it worked, when the button was released it didn't work. Also, the boom needs to be up off the stops a few inches to allow the boom to float.

[ARP]

That makes sense. Thanks ccstrebe. Is the Cat still treatin ya well?

[bobcatuser]

On the Case, it was a button on the joystick. If the button was pushed and held it worked, when the button was released it didn't work. Also, the boom needs to be up off the stops a few inches to allow the boom to float.

Why would you have to hold the button for ride control? I have never had a reason to turn it off on my machine.

[ksss]

Why would you have to hold the button for ride control? I have never had a reason to turn it off on my machine.


I like having it on and off. Sometimes I don't want it on. Using the hammer, and some other attachments. The CAT machines it is turned on and off related to the speed of the machine. I like having total control of it. The CASE machine has it on a trigger on one of the controls. Easy to hold when you want it. The newer CASE machines has a switch on and off. I would rather not have it like that. I like the trigger control.

[Bombi275]

ccstrebe- Thanks for the advice. I never really knew how it worked before other than it was a hyrdaulic accumulator. I will assume that the RC function differently on different brands, but did you have to press a swith to activate the RC or did it work automatically?[/QUOTE]

On my old 864 you turned it on or off with the left switch on the left control stick. It really worked well with a full bucket of dirt or carrying 20' logs out of the woods. On mine you would turn it off to dig or grade because it felt real spongy. I don't have it on my T320, but have noticed the machine to be smoother with the addition of the fifth roller, although the ride control was nice, I haven't missed it yet.

I have a 20+5 Big Tex and load my grapples and bucket or brushcat on the front also so I can get them without having to drive on and off of the trailer every time. I drive on and off of the trailer without an attachment a lot of times also, these machines are very stable and can be driven up the ramps empty. I would rather do this than spin on the deck 'cause with my luck, I would probably fall off.

[Junior M]

Junior: While you still are young (heck I'm young still as I'm only 21 with a baby face no less) and should be enjoying life, HS, girls, ATVing, whatever, don't be afraid to go after what you want. I was never much of the partying type. I am also a extreme workaholic by nature as I worked all through HS and college and even through my breaks in college when everyone would go to Cancun. I did all that because I knew that when I graduated college, I wanted to work for myself doing stuff that I love rather than working in an office and having to report to an overzealous boss and do TPS reports. I even skipped going abroad for a semester so that I could graduate college early and put my saved money into my company.

While a lot of people have told me that I should slow down and enjoy life, my response to them is a polite "Thank you" and "I will enjoy life when I am sitting off a white sandy beach in the Carribean on my own yacht." My business, among providing future jobs for others and a legacy for my future family, is a means to an end in terms of a lifestyle I would like to live someday. Who wouldn't like the choice in life to either go play in the dirt or go out on jetskis for the day? It's for those reasons that I never slow down. You just have to think about how much you want something and then go after it.

That was very well said.

Thought I was the only one who thought that way. Most of my friends rather party and raise hell than to go out and work. I'm the opposite, I much rather work now, save up and live life like I want to when I'm older, lets face it I don't think my body will like doing this type of work in 30 years, it hurts now at the end of a long day and I'm the same age as you. By then we can both sit on the beach, drink a few beers and watch Junior level the beach sand out with his T250:laugh:
Hopefully:usflag:

See I am the same way, I am real quiet and to myself, and would rather work than go out and party and raise h#ll. But my thing is I get to focused on what I want and what really matters right now suffers, thats why I am slowing down, but once I start working on my major next year and can drive and my school work slows way down I'll be full steam ahead again..

[Dirt Digger2]

I am real quiet and to myself.

as an observer looking in, this is not the kind of person that runs a business...i was the same way when i was in high school...

now that i am in college i have gained the confidence in myself to look people in the eyes when i talk to them and know that what i have to say is important...running a business is only partly being a good worker...the other main, and more important part is being a good communicator...you have to sell your company to people

[Junior M]

as an observer looking in, this is not the kind of person that runs a business...i was the same way when i was in high school...

now that i am in college i have gained the confidence in myself to look people in the eyes when i talk to them and know that what i have to say is important...running a business is only partly being a good worker...the other main, and more important part is being a good communicator...you have to sell your company to people
I guess I didnt fully explain myself, I am really uncomfortable and quiet and things like that in school, but I am a normal person in the actual real world.. Its wierd..

[YellowDogSVC]

You may want to talk with Yellow Dog. It sounded like that Bobcat RC was not all that great. I love it, I have had it on every machine I get since 1999. It is a huge time saver. I can haul ass across most jobs sites with a full bucket without losing material or killing the operator.

Bobcat's ride control works good but you have to get out of the machine, shut it down, and engage a lever in the engine compartment. It is hard to do when the machine is pressurized, not much room for your hand, and I find that a PAIN to get out for that.

[Junior M]

Bobcat's ride control works good but you have to get out of the machine, shut it down, and engage a lever in the engine compartment. It is hard to do when the machine is pressurized, not much room for your hand, and I find that a PAIN to get out for that.
Wow, thats stupid, another great move by bobcat.. :hammerhead:

[YellowDogSVC]

yuck! glad you got tracks!

[ccstrebe]

That makes sense. Thanks ccstrebe. Is the Cat still treatin ya well?

Like a champ. It's a dream machine, feels like you are floating on clouds. I also noticed that I get a couple more hours of operation out of a tank of fuel compared to the Case that I had.

[bobcatuser]

Bobcat's ride control works good but you have to get out of the machine, shut it down, and engage a lever in the engine compartment. It is hard to do when the machine is pressurized, not much room for your hand, and I find that a PAIN to get out for that.

What kind of job would you turn the ride control off for, did someone recommend turning it off for any reason?

My machine has been on since new with no problems, running different attachments. It has 480 hours with no problems.

[Lazer_Z]

See I am the same way, I am real quiet and to myself, and would rather work than go out and party and raise h#ll. But my thing is I get to focused on what I want and what really matters right now suffers, thats why I am slowing down, but once I start working on my major next year and can drive and my school work slows way down I'll be full steam ahead again.. Junior, You're too young to go out and party and raise hell :laugh: You're like 12 right?

ARP, I'm not a huge BC fan, but nonetheless good luck with the machine and I hope you make a ton of money with it.

[Junior M]

Junior, You're too young to go out and party and raise hell :laugh: You're like 12 right?

ARP, I'm not a huge BC fan, but nonetheless good luck with the machine and I hope you make a ton of money with it.
Ass face...

:laugh: :laugh:

[ksss]

Like a champ. It's a dream machine, feels like you are floating on clouds. I also noticed that I get a couple more hours of operation out of a tank of fuel compared to the Case that I had.

The 272 holds 6 more gallons than a 450.

[jefftb]

Junior, You're too young to go out and party and raise hell :laugh: You're like 12 right?

ARP, I'm not a huge BC fan, but nonetheless good luck with the machine and I hope you make a ton of money with it.



Ass face...

:laugh: :laugh:

Apparently he is.....:laugh:*trucewhiteflag*

[Junior M]

Apparently he is.....:laugh:*trucewhiteflag*
I am 15! Thank you! :laugh:

[Lazer_Z]

I am 15! Thank you! :laugh: Well, I was close :laugh: BTW, read the LS rules and regs, no name calling :nono: kids these days jeez :hammerhead:

[Junior M]

Well, I was close :laugh: BTW, read the LS rules and regs, no name calling :nono: kids these days jeez :hammerhead:
Oh, well I am sorry ass face.. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[ARP]

Thanks for the good wishes Lazer Z!

Ya the terrain is kinda rough. At least it keeps things interesting. I will try to get some more pics later this week of the same job. We are now up in the steep section of the ROW.

In terms of the ride control it sounds like I will be fine without it. The ride is a little rough but not unbearable.

Junior- I was a pretty quiet guy throughout HS as well. If you saw me today though, you wouldn't even recognize me. After going through college and starting my company, I've had almost a complete reversal in how comfortable I am talking with complete strangers. Needless to say, I am really enjoying the sales aspect of business these days and I just picked up a lead to a massive amount of land clearing. :cool2: We'll see what happens.

[ccstrebe]

The 272 holds 6 more gallons than a 450.

I don't know what your problem is with Cat and your always wanting to make them look bad. But I guess for you I will have to be more specific so as that you are not jumping at any opportunity to minimize the perfomance of my 297 not a 272.

The Case 450ct used 5 gals per hour to run and the Cat 297 uses four gals per hour to run, is that specific enough for you. Besides being more fuel efficient than the Case the Cat has a bigger tank, thanks for pointing that out.............chalk up a couple more reasons to go with Cat. Also, the Cat is a lot easier to fuel up than the Case was, you can actually see when it is about to top off.

[ksss]

I don't know what your problem is with Cat and your always wanting to make them look bad. But I guess for you I will have to be more specific so as that you are not jumping at any opportunity to minimize the perfomance of my 297 not a 272.

The Case 450ct used 5 gals per hour to run and the Cat 297 uses four gals per hour to run, is that specific enough for you. Besides being more fuel efficient than the Case the Cat has a bigger tank, thanks for pointing that out.............chalk up a couple more reasons to go with Cat. Also, the Cat is a lot easier to fuel up than the Case was, you can actually see when it is about to top off.

Ease off the trigger, I was only pointing out that CAT has bigger tank.


The CAT likely is more fuel efficient, small engines with small power out put typically are.

Sorry, couldn't resist.:waving:

[all ferris]

Oh, well I am sorry ass face.. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

I don't know what your problem is with Cat and your always wanting to make them look bad. But I guess for you I will have to be more specific so as that you are not jumping at any opportunity to minimize the perfomance of my 297 not a 272.

The Case 450ct used 5 gals per hour to run and the Cat 297 uses four gals per hour to run, is that specific enough for you. Besides being more fuel efficient than the Case the Cat has a bigger tank, thanks for pointing that out.............chalk up a couple more reasons to go with Cat. Also, the Cat is a lot easier to fuel up than the Case was, you can actually see when it is about to top off.

Allright...Name calling and a "cat" fight.

Let's keep it civil so we don't ruin someones good thread

[ARP]

Haha- thanks All Ferris:laugh:

Anyway, we have moved onto a new section of ROW after completing about 2 miles of brush removal. The new section we are in doesn't have a road for another almost 2 miles and has one access road with 4' drops over boulders- it looks like we are going to have to cut a new road through the woods to get around.

Anyways, since I don't have any pics of work today, I thought I'd tide you all over with some pics from my first few jobs. Below are some before and after pics from my first job which was a yard renovation and regrade.

[Junior M]

You do some good work, in that 4th pic, what did you do with that stump? I hope you didnt just leave it..

[ARP]

Thanks Junior- I complete every job to the best of my abilities. I like to think of my work as my calling card.

In terms of that stump, it was a 24" Oak stump. I suggested removing it to the homeowners but they wanted it left behind. So as the contractor, I deferred to the homeowners' judgement as the stump presented no safety threat.

[Junior M]

Thanks Junior- I complete every job to the best of my abilities. I like to think of my work as my calling card.

In terms of that stump, it was a 24" Oak stump. I suggested removing it to the homeowners but they wanted it left behind. So as the contractor, I deferred to the homeowners' judgement as the stump presented no safety threat.
Ah, okay, I was about to say thats goin to be one big eyesore once they get some green grass..

[ARP]

Don't worry, that's what I thought as well. Luckily, the stump can't be seen from the street as the rock wall hides it.:rolleyes: And the grass kinda of hides it now as well. Gotta do what the customer wants. :)

[stuvecorp]

Here for the price of a Grant someone would grind that stump up so they don't have to mow around it.

[flairland]

Nice pictures APR! The grading job looks good too. Did you add soil or till it?

[ARP]

Thanks, it was a mix of both adding soil and tilling it and then hydroseeding it. While the job turned out fine, if I were to do it again, I would have added some limestone earlier to the soil to knock down the acidity of the soil (a lot of moss in areas) and get an even greener lawn, faster. That way I could have saved on trucking in new soil.

Live and learn, right?

[flairland]

Definitely. What did you use to till it up?

[YellowDogSVC]

What kind of job would you turn the ride control off for, did someone recommend turning it off for any reason?

My machine has been on since new with no problems, running different attachments. It has 480 hours with no problems.

For digging and using a tree shear in bumpy terrain. I find it annoying trying to dig or do a driveway when the loader arms are moving up and down

[ksss]

For digging and using a tree shear in bumpy terrain. I find it annoying trying to dig or do a driveway when the loader arms are moving up and down


I have found the same thing. I really like having it on a trigger. The newer CASE machines have it on an on and off switch off of the control handle. Have not run it yet but I would have prefered if they would have left that alone. Don't have to get off the machine to change it but I am on and off the ride control a lot and stopping to turn it on and off even on the dash is a step backward I think.

[YellowDogSVC]

I have found the same thing. I really like having it on a trigger. The newer CASE machines have it on an on and off switch off of the control handle. Have not run it yet but I would have prefered if they would have left that alone. Don't have to get off the machine to change it but I am on and off the ride control a lot and stopping to turn it on and off even on the dash is a step backward I think.

Bobcat has float on the handles but the ride control is operated out of the back of the machine unless I missed that function somewhere on the handles. I does work really, really good, though, as a counter-bounce especially with the nifty two-speed. Since I stripped down my s330's weight to about 8900-9100 lbs with bucket and tilt tatch, it keeps me from bouncing or tipping forward on downhill runs with a full bucket or grapple full of brush.

[Duramax8832]

Hey what town are those power lines in? It looks like an area we used to take the atvs a few years back.

[ARP]

Flairland- It wasn't the best way of doing things, but I used the Harley Rake. I did two really slow passes, with the last pass being almost 4 inches deep. Once I had everything roughed up real good, it did a final skim pass to level everything out.

Duramax- I am working in Sterling, MA. Right down the road from you in Clinton. Knarly terrain huh? And that's not the worst as you know.

Yellowdog- Do you have ride control on your Bobcat? If so, do you think that it is something worthwhile to have?

[Duramax8832]

Sterling I knew it, there is a nice little sand pit right under the lines. I spent most of my early years out in those woods. Last time I was out there, the ruts had gotten awful..Seemed like they ran skidders through there in the spring and it just turned to mud. Keep up the good work.. Let me know if you get a cutter head, I get asked to do some brush work that I would be glad to send your way.

[ARP]

Thanks Duramax- you have a PM as well.

Ya, they are running some serious skidders through the area right now. The ruts are pretty bad- especially when you have to track over them in the morning and they are frozen.:rolleyes: Those pics I took were off a access road that is off of Hardscabble Rd. in Sterling (if that rings a bell). We are now approaching RT 140.

[Junior M]

You got anymore pics?

[ARP]

Patience young grasshopper! (jk)

I was moved to another section of the ROW last week with another T320 and there wasn't too much action going on. This week I am finishing that section and then moving farther north to a big crew. There should be some skidders there that I can grab some photos of.

In the meantime, I'll put up some pics of my second company job. This job involved many parts including clearing, excavating and installing a new stone driveway through the woods, rehabbing an exisiting stone driveway, installing a new front and back yard, new landscaping, a stone perimeter around a foundation and powerwashing the patio. Oh ya- I did this job alone in less than 4 (really long) days. Now for the many before and after photos!

[Junior M]

I am curious, what machine did you use?

[ARP]

Part II: Photos of the new driveway being installed.

[ARP]

Part III: Grading of New Yard(s).

[ARP]

Finally, Part IV: Miscellaneous finish photos.

[ARP]

For the machines on the job, I used a Cat 236B skidsteer, Komatsu PC35 miniex, and a 1 ton ride on roller.

[ARP]

Well I'm back. 4:30 mornings sure do come early:rolleyes:

Anyways- we have been bookin down the ROW. Thought some of you might enjoy seeing the equipment on the job in action.

Thought the last shot is interesting- a new way to plow snow:cool2:

[Junior M]

Ah, I love early mornings, only when I am goin to work though, past that, they can screw off... :laugh:

Never seen one of them bucket skidder looking thingy mabobbers, interesting looking machines..

When you say "we" You mean you, that other 320 and that tree trimming crew? One quick question, are you a sub to a subcontractor or are you working directly for the power company?

[dozerman21]

Nice pics. It looks like you lost one of you rear lights on the Bobcat.

[riverwalklandscaping]

Neat skidder bucket truck, around here they use bucket trucks on tracks. Just curious i see that nice F450 (or 350)? truck but it's not a dump. Wouldn't you rather have it a dump if your doing that much with stone and landscaping? What do you use to get your material around?

[ARP]

Those skidders can go over some tough terrain. Sure makes regular bucket trucks look puny :laugh:

Junior: I work as a subcontractor to a subcontractor. But it is weird because I also communicate directly with the power company. Oh well- it works for now.

The other T320 on site has seen better days. Both rear lights are destroyed, the front lights are pushed in, and the undercarriage needs some attention. They have also had a host of other problems with the machine and most of them are due to past "operators."

In terms of my truck (F450), the reason I didn't get a dump is because I need my truck to pull my big gooseneck and carry my tools and fuel tank around. If I need material, I usually get it delivered by several trucking companies in triaxles or trailers. The stone in the photos before this set, was delivered in two triaxles. Right now, it is much cheaper for me to have my materials trucked by other companies than to do it myself.

[lawncare18]

What subcontractor you working for?

[ARP]

I'm working for Asplundh.

[ARP]

One more action pic. A little foggy yesterday. Supposed to have a foot of snow in that same shot on Monday.

[lawncare18]

Nice! What kinds of hours those guys got ya working?? Also do you plow with your truck yet? good luck in the future.

[ARP]

Hours- ha! Let's see. Up at 4:30, on the road at 5:30, on site at 7:00. I then work anywhere from 3:00- 5:00 in the afternoon. Repeat the hour and 15 minute drive home. Go to bed at 8:00 (puts a serious kink in the social life ;-) ). Repeat. Suposed to be moving farther north soon, so I should be getting up around 4:00 to be on the road by 5:00. Just a longer drive but at least I have work.

I did this same schedule for my past employer. As grateful as I was for the work, getting up to go to my own job makes the early mornings slightly more enjoyable. Overall, I'm billing anywhere from 40-50 hours a week, with an additional 18 hours on the road.

In terms of my truck, I'm not going to be plowing anytime in the future with that. Too many things that could go wrong for the limited financial reward of plowing with the truck. Certainly could handle a plow though!

[Junior M]

Are you pulling the trailer everyday, or do you just leave it at the house?

[ARP]

The trailer and the machine are at the house every weekend for security reasons. During the week I lock it up and leave it on site.

[Junior M]

The trailer and the machine are at the house every weekend for security reasons. During the week I lock it up and leave it on site.
Ever had any issues with people messing with your equipment during the week?

Have you got the mulcher and all your other attachments yet?

[ARP]

So far I have been lucky with people not messing with the equipment. I keep everything locked up/ shut off to discourage people from messings with things. Beyond that, that's what insurance is for.

The other attachments should be being added by the end of march.

[AdvancedLawns]

Wow man love that 450..got any more pics of the truck and trailer??

[bobcat_ron]

Us equipment operators aren't supposed to have a social life, look at me, 31 years old, and still living at home, and I don't know why, but all the drunk college girls have suddenly stopped showing up at my door, it's like the season ended or something.

[ARP]

Thanks, the truck works really well for my operation. Here are a couple more pics of the truck when it was clean :rolleyes: Also, I apologize if I break any computer screen with the photo of the ugly guy in the last pic.

[AdvancedLawns]

send me money..cause mine is now broken..(i used a different computer to type this and its starting to crack)

j/k..how much did that trailer set you back? if you dont mind me asking

[ARP]

Ron- Don't ya just hate it when the line of girls just dries up? Gosh, I would think that grease covered clothes, diesel soaked hands, and really early hours would be a major attraction to the female species:rolleyes:

Note: Still waiting for that girl Kenny Chesney says: "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy.":cool2:

[Junior M]

Ron- Don't ya just hate it when the line of girls just dries up? Gosh, I would think that grease covered clothes, diesel soaked hands, and really early hours would be a major attraction to the female species:rolleyes:

Note: Still waiting for that girl Kenny Chesney says: "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy.":cool2:
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[ARP]

Hmm- guess I should get the piggy bank out for all these future computer claims:rolleyes:

The trailer was just a little over $10k. Comparable Big Texs and Towmasters were running $12-16K. Other than a lack of grommets around wear points for the trailer wiring, the finish and quality of the trailer is excellent. (Nothing that couldn't be fixed with electrical tape to protect from any possible chafing.)

A quick plug: Wendall from Fayette Trailers was excellent to deal with. I would suggest that anyone looking for a trailer call him. They supposedly move 800 trailers a year so they know their stuff and can get you anything you need.

[Junior M]

Hmm- guess I should get the piggy bank out for all these future computer claims:rolleyes:

The trailer was just a little over $10k. Comparable Big Texs and Towmasters were running $12-16K. Other than a lack of grommets around wear points for the trailer wiring, the finish and quality of the trailer is excellent. (Nothing that couldn't be fixed with electrical tape to protect from any possible chafing.)

A quick plug: Wendall from Fayette Trailers was excellent to deal with. I would suggest that anyone looking for a trailer call him. They supposedly move 800 trailers a year so they know their stuff and can get you anything you need.
What do you mean around wear points? Dads a really picky Master Electrician and didnt have one problem with the wiring on our PJ, its all enclosed in EMT..

[ARP]

Well after being a boater my whole life, I just get paranoid about any possibility of chafing. The wear points I was talking about are where the wire bends around corners in the gooseneck area and goes into the trailer channels and touches metal edges. Granted, it would take years of vibrations to cause any problems, but again I'm a stickler and like to protect my investment.

[Junior M]

Well after being a boater my whole life, I just get paranoid about any possibility of chafing. The wear points I was talking about are where the wire bends around corners in the gooseneck area and goes into the trailer channels and touches metal edges. Granted, it would take years of vibrations to cause any problems, but again I'm a stickler and like to protect my investment.
Ah, I get what your saying, since we dont have a gooseneck, we dont have that problem, but you might take some wire wrap and put it over the wire, that stuff is hard to wear through.. But like you said, it will take a long time to wear through that wire unless it has some substantial movement in it..

[all ferris]

ARP, are you like BC Ron and live at home with the parents? I couldn't stand to live with my parents anymore but it sure was cheap. I'm 32 and my dad passed away about 10 years ago. Mom stayed in the house I grew up in for about 3 years after my dads death. Mom got remarried to a great guy then came to me and said "I'm selling the house and you're not moving with me!". I got booted from the house at 23 and it was a good thing. I get along with my mom fine but we both knew it was time for me to get off the, so to speak, t!t.

Living with parents is a great time to build up your business because of fewer costs. However, it sure is a wake up call when you have to spend an extra $2500/month for a house, food, insurance, property taxes, and all the other things(kids). There is no way I would be able to live in as nice as house as I do if my wife didn't work.

I really get a kick out of all the young guys on this forum that live with mom and dad and think they are making good money running a lawn business at $40/hr. I guess they are doing ok because they don't have living expenses.:laugh:

ARP, you look like you are driven to succeed and are well on your way.

BTW- I like the truck. I have a 2008 F450 Chassis cab with a dump and love it but it sure guzzles the fuel.

[ARP]

Ah yes- the tender "Do you live with your parents" subject. :rolleyes:

I'll address this once and for all. Yes, I do live with my parents right now. Not by choice but out of necessity. I'm certainly not proud about it as I am a fiercely independent person (as you can tell), but again, there was no way I could go to college (and pay it off), start a business, and pay for my own lodging at the same time.

The plan, which I have dicussed with my parents, is to be out of their house and into my own within 2 years. I have a lot of work ahead of me to get to that goal but I will get there. In fact, I might end up buying some land for my company and building a little house on that land- gotta stay close to work, right? As it is right now, any money I pay myself I save to accomplish this goal.

$40 an hour is nice, and would have been nice to have over the last year as the majority of my savings have gone to this company. But my goal is to make much more than that for myself and my family.

The whole goal with my company is to provide a better life for my employees, my family, and myself. I have received a lot of financial and non-financial support from my family to start my company and I certainly want to pay that support back in the future.

I would certainly like to think that everything I have accomplished to this point is due solely to my own efforts. While a large part has been due to my work over the past 5 years, an even larger part is due to God and my family.

I've always viewed it as a responsibility of the younger generation to build off of what their parents had and gave to them. My parents work and have worked extremely hard to get to where they are and without them I wouldn't be talking to you guys and showing you these cool pictures. I will make sure that anything they need in retirement is taken care of. I would also love to be able to build them a new house as my Dad has wanted a new house for years. Boating is also a major thing in my family, and I would love to be able to buy my parents a nice boat in the future as a thank you for everything they have done.

I apologize for the length of this post, but this subject about parent's and other's support (in whatever form of support it may be) strikes a cord with me. I certainly have my own dreams that I work for, but I make it a point to make sure those that have taken care of me receive credit and are taken care of in the future as well. I know that there are a lot of people my age or younger who look at these posts with the shiny equipment in them (I was and am still one of them), and think that everything is about the money in the end. While I certainly hope that posts like this and others like Yellowdog's, Rockset's, KSSS's, J Peterson's, and many others inspire others to create a business, I just want to remind everyone that great things are never accomplished on their own. Just make sure you don't forget those that helped you along the way, whether it was by providing you with a cheaper place to live when you were getting started, financial support, or just a word of advice.

[ARP]

I forgot to say "Thanks" All Ferris. I certainly hope everything works out in the future and I'm glad to hear that you have been successful as well. Gives me a little hope during the tense times that occur:rolleyes:

The truck does like to guzzle fuel. Towing about 20,000lbs up hills in the 15 degree temps the other day I was getting about 5mpg. On the return trip Friday in 60 degree temps I got about 8mpg with the trailer on the truck. Just on the highway I only get about 10-11 mpg (Thanks tree huggers and the need to burn more fuel to save the environment). But again, the truck is a tool, and allows me to have a rig smaller than the conventional lowboy to move all this equipment around.

It does feel at time though that I should have my own gas pump reserved at the local gas station. In fact I gotta go fill up the truck and transfer tank this afternoon in the snow. Good thing my fuel purchases are linked to a Upromise account- I might be able to put a future kid through school just on the fuel savings!:laugh:

[old oak lawn]

ARP- I relay like your set up, Looks real good. Was wondering about the Rent to Own program. Was it hard to get into and how long do you have before you have to buy? Would like to get a T190 this year but but don't have a lot of $$ to put out up front. Thanks and good luck this year.

[ARP]

Thanks Old Oak. The Rent to Own program was real easy to get into. My program is applying 100% of my monthly rental payments for 3 months to the purchase of the machine. Other dealers will only apply 70% for 3 months. Just make sure you check around. The usual term is 3 months but I am sure you can get flexibility in that as well these days. For me the Rent to Own program is the only way to go as I too don't have a lot of cash sitting around for a downpayment. Hopefully everything will keep going as it is and I will be the person lucky enough to be making monthly payments on this equipment in a few months.

Good luck yourself!

[lawncare18]

So did you go to work today or stay home?? I know you guys got a big storm.

[Dan85]

Nice setup ARP - great pictures too! Sounds like you have a nice little operation going, best of luck to you! Looking forward to seeing some more pictures in the future!

- Dan

[ARP]

First of all- Thanks Dan! Welcome to the site! Will definitely be posting more photos in the future.

Lawncare- Well, I went to work yesterday. Can't say the same about the crews I was supposed to be meeting. Got on the road at 5:00AM with the trailer in tow, and at times I could only see 3 car lenghts ahead of me- alot of snow! Took me almost 3 hrs to make a trip that usually takes 1 hour and 10 mins. Got on site, and since no one was there, all I could do was plow out our 1/2 mile access road and a place for my trailer. Went home early, and rather than sleeping the rest of the day, brought the F450 to the shop to get a new radiator. I'm about to leave in a bit to go pick it up and salvage this day.

I got a Ford Focus as a rental car. Sure is a humbling experience to go from being the king of the road in the 450 to looking up at peoples' bumpers in the Focus!:laugh:

[Junior M]

What was wrong with the radiator?

[Dirt Digger2]

you haven't been pulling your machine out there and back everyday have you?

[Junior M]

The trailer and the machine are at the house every weekend for security reasons. During the week I lock it up and leave it on site.
There ya go Dirt..

Sorry ARP, just thought I'd save you answering it again..

[ARP]

Thanks Junior! lol

I might be hiring a secretary/ office help soon. I'll keep you in mind with that kind of response.

The radiator was leaking again, like some do on the Fords with the 6.4 motor. All you can do is get it replaced (under extended warranty).

Sure felt nice being out $1k today from lost work :rolleyes:.

[Gravel Rat]

The 6.4s have 10 grand worth of radiators and intercooler stuff all stuck in front front of the engine.

I do like the set up I'am not sure if I would have gone with a F-450 pick up yes they look nice but for dollar wise a F-550 cab and chassis with a flatdeck would have been a little cheaper.

It is good to see you went with a heavy enough trailer and proper size truck to pull it with.

Your a brave man to take on such debt. One of the guys I went to school with is having a real tough time with his mini excavating business. He does good work but there just isn't enough work out there. Any of these guys that are new in business I wonder if they are going to survive. Even the 20 plus year in business companies are scraping the bottom of the barrel to survive.

[lawncare18]

geting any work done yet this week?? Or the snow storm shutn ya down still?? Any saturday work due to the snow this week? good luck to ya

[ARP]

Well besides being shut down Tuesday due to truck issues, we have been working 8-9 hour days all week. I actually just pulled a 12 hour (billable- not driving time) day yesterday to move my equipment in the eveing to keep pace with the crews. What's a little snow- this is New England!:laugh:

I got some more pics from today, but I have to wait until this weekend to pull em off the camera and post em. It's time for bed now.

PS- Should have took some pics of my rig on Monday in the snow on our main interstate. Had to stop 3 times to de-ice the windshield. Fun times!

[CAT powered]

Yea. I ran from the New Haven area to East Hartford on Monday and it was brutal. I went through a fair bit of wiper fluid trying to keep my windshield from turning white because of the salt. I couldn't believe how fast some people were going.

I was doing 50-55 and I felt that was plenty fast for when there was only one real beaten down path through the snow. It was the center lane that was real beaten down. I got passed on the left by a class A truck. No more than 2 seconds after he passed me I saw a state trooper go by me at a decent rate of speed on my left. Unfortunately I didn't notice the jerk pulled over anywhere. Mainly because I needed to stop and get the ice off my wipers.

The state of the roads got a lot better after 2:30-3:00. The roads were nothing but wet and black by the time I was headed home for the day.

Well actually I went to the shop to hose down the truck before I went home. I had so much sand/salt built up in my wheel wells that it was actually being worn away by the wheels when they were turning. I had to break it out with my boots because water wasn't doing a thing. Then I had to scrape all the ice I just made off of my mirrors and windows. But I got that dang salt off my truck.

[ARP]

Whew- long week. Anyway- here is the weekend update.

First pic: I felt like little Red Riding Hood making my way to the new section of ROW.

[ARP]

Ever been on a 40,000 lb ice skate?

Going up forward- starting to slide:

[ARP]

"Let's try it the other way." (He did make it a little bit farther up the hill:rolleyes:)

[ARP]

And finally- who wouldn't enjoy a view like this?

[riverwalklandscaping]

what did he do winch himself up the hill?

[bobcat_ron]

Nothing beats a job with a damn good view.

[Dirtman2007]

This is just how I think, but when I look at those last two pictures, all I think is where in the world to you go to lunch at? Looks like your in the middle if BF Egypt lol

that's the first thing I ask when we start a new job... where do you eat at:laugh:


Oh BTW Nice pictures!

So what are you doing with the grapple? just dragging the limb/ tree cuttings out so they can be shreaded?

[ARP]

Rather than winching, he got himself around the hill with this:

[ARP]

That last photo on the hill was a good half a mile away from my truck. I was sitting up there waiting for the skidders to come up the hill. And ya, the morning sun just made everything look real nice.

Thanks Chris for the compliments- the grapple is used to move large trees out of the way of the skidders and then stack up all the debris along the edge of the ROW after it has been shredded.

[talus]

That a very nice lookin KW. I've seen it a few times on 95.

[Duramax8832]

I would have thought the skidders could go pretty much anywhere. Did they have logging chains on them?

[Gravel Rat]

Skidders have their limitations and anytime you have snow and tires it doesn't mix. You would have to have chains on all 4 wheels with ice picks on the chains.

[ARP]

The skidders only had chains on the front tires. The orange skidder made it up the hill the day before. But the morning they tried it again, both started slipping. Ice sure is a finicky thing.

[GWhunter]

ARP, thanks for all the pics I enjoyed following this thread. Is the mulching unit your's also or are you just running the bobcat/wgrapple? Are you working with Lewis tree service? I'm in the power industry and in NE also. Usually they clear the ROW's for us with either two modified skidders with rotary mowers or a fecon 140 and 10k mini ex with Cimaf head. They sure make quite abit of progress considering the terrain. Do you know the line number your working on? On the truck did you buy new or used? I'm looking into a 450 and was really leaning towards used.

Matt:)

[ARP]

GW,

I'm glad you have enjoyed the thread. Stay tuned, as I will be adding more photos of this job and others as I keep going here.

In regards to the equipment I'm running right now, I am just running the T320 with a grapple and bucket. This week I am demoing a mulcher head and probably will be adding one to my arsenal in the next 2 weeks. Once I do that, I will be bouncing around even more to different sites. I'm also chasing some more projects where I might be able to add a excavator and various attachments.

I'm working for Asplundh Tree who works for National Grid. I don't know the line number, but we are in Princeton, MA right now.

What do you do for the power companies? I'm intrigued.

My truck is used. I got it in NC with low miles and for a great price. So far it has been great, minus the issues that the 6.4 motor has with radiators. Nothing an extended warranty can't cover. It tows like a beast and the interior is extremely comfortable for those long hours on the road.

Andrew

[ARP]

Time to blow the dust off this thread and report on some good news.

Finally bought the first machine for my company. After just about a year in business, I signed the papers this week on the T320, combo bucket, pallet forks, forestry grapple, and mulcher.

From getting up at 4AM everyday, to dealing with equipment, it's been an interesting month to say the least. Just this week I put 1500 miles on the truck:dizzy: with everything going on.

For the picture fiends on here, here's the "Beast" on her "home" and in the "wild":

[mrsops]

Nice pics!! Ford and bobcat two of the best :weightlifter:

[GWhunter]

That's awesome especially in this economy. Is the head a rebadged fecon? Are you working steady with more work lined up? I'm seeing some really good deals on lighty used 450's so we'll see where that goes. Congrats on your success and I hope it continues. Keep the pics coming.

Matt:)

[Canon Landscaping]

I wish I still lived at home.

[ARP]

Thanks all (MRSOPS and GW). I'm working on uploading some pics from my jobs from the last month.

GW- The head is a rebranded FECON. I originally bought a FECON but returned it (long story). The Bobcat head has worked out better than I expected so far. Cuts faster, less vibration than the FECON, and service access is easier (hinged covers to the inside of the head).

Canon- I'll say this once. Grow up.

Yes I may still live with my parents, but I believe if you look back a couple of pages I addressed this fact and that you can tell that is certainly not the plan for the rest of my life. I don't know too many 22 year olds who work the hours I do without getting paid for it (still haven't paid myself- paying off loans and buying equipment first).

I hope I mistook the intent of your comment and I will be the first to apologize if that is the case. However, if that is not the case, please don't ruin this thread with comments like that. I have never come on here to brag or make claims that are false. I enjoy this site and the threads on here as they are highly educational and inspirational. I know that in the years leading up to my business launch I visited this site often. I only share my pics and stories so that young future business owners like myself can see how stressful, challenging, and fun owning this type of business can be.

[ARP]

GW- forgot to mention, but as of right now work is looking pretty good. Everything can change in a second (as you know), but all indicators right now are pointing to an extremely busy (and long) year. Keeping the fingers crossed and continually talking with old and new customers helps my state of mind as well :rolleyes:

[Junior M]

I wish I still lived at home.
That was uncalled for.. :nono:

And ARP, you are almost living my dream business! My goals are leaning more and more towards owning a set up like this, I may not start out with the shiney new equipment, but I'll get there.. Good luck and your definetly an inspiration to me..

[talus]

I think ARP just dished out a verbal bitchslap:laugh:

[mrsops]

Thanks all (MRSOPS and GW). I'm working on uploading some pics from my jobs from the last month.

GW- The head is a rebranded FECON. I originally bought a FECON but returned it (long story). The Bobcat head has worked out better than I expected so far. Cuts faster, less vibration than the FECON, and service access is easier (hinged covers to the inside of the head).

Canon- I'll say this once. Grow up.

Yes I may still live with my parents, but I believe if you look back a couple of pages I addressed this fact and that you can tell that is certainly not the plan for the rest of my life. I don't know too many 22 year olds who work the hours I do without getting paid for it (still haven't paid myself- paying off loans and buying equipment first).

I hope I mistook the intent of your comment and I will be the first to apologize if that is the case. However, if that is not the case, please don't ruin this thread with comments like that. I have never come on here to brag or make claims that are false. I enjoy this site and the threads on here as they are highly educational and inspirational. I know that in the years leading up to my business launch I visited this site often. I only share my pics and stories so that young future business owners like myself can see how stressful, challenging, and fun owning this type of business can be.

APR im very impressed with what your doing.. I myself bought my first machine when i was 22.. I mean it was only a bobcat mt52 but you know its a good feeling :usflag:

[bobcat_ron]

I still live at home too, 31 years old, never kissed a girl and I am a virgin (except for the whole bent-over-Bobcat situation) nothing wrong with it, except when the old folks start popping their "special" pills on a Saturday night and start walking around in their skimpies, then I would rather be in a cave.

[Junior M]

I still live at home too, 31 years old, never kissed a girl and I am a virgin (except for the whole bent-over-Bobcat situation) nothing wrong with it, except when the old folks start popping their "special" pills on a Saturday night and start walking around in their skimpies, then I would rather be in a cave.
Wow.... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[Canon Landscaping]

I didn't mean it like that I really wish I still lived at home life would be so much easier. It sucks having to pay house payments instead of buying a new truck or machine.

[ARP]

Appreciate the response Canon. I apologize that I took it that way. I've just had some negative experiences with people in the last few days who did not mean it the same way that you meant it. Kinding chafing at any negative comments at the moment.

I find it funny, but I really want to be in your position right now with house payments and all. I'm not a big fan of the whole having to rely on others for housing. I guess we can call it the naivete of youth huh?:rolleyes: No hard feelings here.

[Canon Landscaping]

I would stay at home forever just lock the parents in the basement and collect their mail. j/k I am 24 and have a house payment 2 supply yard lot payments 2 machine payments 2 truck payments and I can't keep up with all the insurance it really sucks. I wonder sometimes if it is even worth it especially around this time of year when I do my taxes. My friends and siblings are still in school becoming doctors, pharmacist, and vets and I work 24/7 while they go on spring break and such. Some my envy owning your own business I did too. But now that I am up there competing with some of my friends dads in business and have employees it is hard to keep it all rolling.

And I know what you mean about peoples comments I have my share of haters they can't wait to see me fail. I just tell everyone I am an employee and I don't have to listen to that but your so young bs.

[Dirtman2007]

I'm impressed my man, really am. I would be trying to do the same thing as you but I know eventually I will take over the family business so I'm just doing my best to keep a good name and a perfect work record. I already run it like I own it, thats the way I am and the pride I take.

So do you pull your equipment home everyday or leave it on the jobsite? This may have been answer but I don't want to to look through 18 pages lol.


Keep on keeping on:drinkup:

[ARP]

Canon- like I said, I envy people like you who have reached a certain level of success and are striving for that next level. I'd be really interested about hearing about the supply yard side of business as that is a direction I am contemplating going in the future. We should talk sometime. I'd probably go after more of the construction aggregate side of the market with a screening and crushing operation on site, but I have to imagine the basics and economics of the yard business would be the same.

And ya, I hear you on the spring vacation and all. I got some lovely calls from buddies of mine mid-march while they were all in tropical paradises. It's real fun hearing the sun and waves are awesome while you're crawling around in the mud and snow!:laugh:

Chris- The machine is usually only home on weekends when I can't find a secure place for it in the wilderness, or like this weekend when I had to do another job with it. The warm weather and those flip flops must be making you lazy these days huh? :laugh: (JK) Please send some of that warm weather up this way- just keep the mud and bugs with you though :rolleyes:

[Dirtman2007]

Chris- The machine is usually only home on weekends when I can't find a secure place for it in the wilderness, or like this weekend when I had to do another job with it. The warm weather and those flip flops must be making you lazy these days huh? :laugh: (JK) Please send some of that warm weather up this way- just keep the mud and bugs with you though :rolleyes:

haha, I was actually in shorts and flip flops today lol. it was 75 out. I'll send you some of those swamp skeeters with the warm weather :laugh:

It's almost warm enough to work outside again LOL

[ARP]

Geez, looking back this thread is getting a little serious!:laugh: Since I'm a picture kinda guy, here's some pics:

First day with the new mulcher. Had to clear this 400' by 100' hill side of vegetation so that a skidder crew can set up and take down some damaged trees. Couldn't walk through the place beforehand.

Before:

[ARP]

And now some after pics:

[Junior M]

hows it run the mulcher? any thing you pay close attention to?

[ARP]

Oops, almost forgot- the ceremonial 100 hr mark where the machine either keeps working or falls apart around me. (Hoping it was put together on a good day in the factory and that it keeps working).

[ARP]

Ouch Chris, ouch. :laugh:

Junior- the head works real well. While I'm still fairly new to the mulching side of things, the big things you have to look out for are as follows:
1. Go slow. Even if the ground looks like you can run real fast, don't because someting will be there to ruin your day. I run at less than 1 mph most of the time in dense brush like that pictured above. Also helps to protect the machine and hydraulic couplers from branches falling on them. Even going slow doesn't save you all the time from the stuff listed next:
2. Rocks- hit one hard with the carbide teeth and you can pop a tooth off. Already had that happen with a rock buried under the snow when and the machine teetered over a hump in the ground and the head hit the ground. Again, its all about the learning process, and I'm still learning. Expensive learning process though :rolleyes:.
3. Petrified stumps- see rocks above.
4. Steel cable. Hit this yesterday. Wrapped almost 100' in the drum of 1" braided steel cable. Got too ambitious and got too close to it. Man does that like to wrap tight in the mulcher!:rolleyes: Ruined a set of bolt cutters and lost an hour of production getting it out. Also knocked two carbide teeth out. It's been my week with these carbide teeth.:rolleyes:
5. Tires- just not fun.

Basically, you really don't want to hit anything hard with the head and you really don't want to hit anything metal. It just happens that all the places I work are either "junkyards", or the worst terrain possible for this type of machine (ie electrical ROWS with junk, rocks, stumps, and hills that allow the machine to fall into said obstacles). It doesn't help that the ROWs don't give you too much room to manuever and approach work and obstacles from different directions.

[Gravel Rat]

I wish the terrian was that easy here it would make brush clearing easier. When B.C. Hydro (provincial hydro company) does ROW clearing they have a contractor with a modified Madill feller buncher. The buncher head is replaced with a mulching head

A Madill Buncher like this one

http://usediron.point2.com/Photo/Equipment/510471-1-M.jpg

A buncher can crawl over some extreme terrain where no other machine can go.

[Junior M]

Why dont you have that metal box around the couplers? The 2 320's I looked at the other day had them..

And I had another question but I forgot.. :wall

[riverwalklandscaping]

http://usediron.point2.com/Xhtml/Equipment/Details/P2/Forestry-Feller-Buncher/MADILL/3200C/510471/ViewEquipmentDetail.html?src=www&vid=141771

fixed link

There is a nice 210 volvo with a mulching head at the local dealer

[ARP]

Junior- I do have the metal box but since I switch attachment often, I haven't put it on yet. Everytime you need to unhook the couplers, you have to remove the 4 bolts holding the box on and then remove the box. Kinda gets to be a hassle after a while. It just means I have to exercise my usual caution and make sure I'm not ramming the couplers into branches- not too hard to do, especially if you have to pay the repair bills :rolleyes:

Riverwalk- what dealer is that has the Volvo?

[GWhunter]

A word of caution about mulchers, I seen every brand on fire at some point. Regular cleaning of debris from the engine and hydralics will help but if a hose should burst your machine is toast. I would definatly have several fire extingushers with you. Especially in such an isolated location. Not trying to scary you just giving you a heads up. These unit really need a fire suppresion system. Thanks for all the pics.

Matt:;)

[ARP]

My pleasure Matt. :) And thanks for the warnings, I am well aware of the fire possibilities. I carry 1 fire extinguisher in the machine and a larger one in my truck which I try to keep close to me. I also open the engine compartment 2 or 3 times throughout the day to check for debris build up and any leaks, in addition to cleaning other debris that has built up around the machine.

I guess its a good thing that my inner clean freak comes out during the day :rolleyes:.

[ARP]

Well, I finely got a chance to update this little thread. Tough to post with the 16 hr days I have been having lately for the past 2 weeks. Glad to be working but a little sleep would be nice as well!:rolleyes:

Anyway, here are some photos from the airport clearing job that I was back working on the last two weekends.

Before and after:

[Junior M]

dude, I really could use your machine for 12 hours Friday and Saturday, think I could borrow it? :) :laugh:

[ARP]

Round 2:

Before and after:

[ARP]

I love this kind of work, plowing through stuff so dense that you can't walk through it.

Before and after:

[Junior M]

ARP, so your just clearing the property line?

we are doing essentially the same thing except with a bush hog and grapple, a machine like yours wasnt in the budget for the customer..

[ARP]

And finally, I love learning what this machine can do. Just powered right up the hill (while running the mulcher) and didn't look back.

[ARP]

Oops, forgot this little gem. I never thought a 12,000+ lb machine could "walk on water." The ground was so soft that if I walked across it I would start sinking. I love mowing in a swamp!:cool2:

[ARP]

Junior,

Sorry, my machine is getting a weekend of well needed rest. Have fun with your T190- don't forget pics!

And yes, I am clearing the fence line. The airport needs to repair several fence line breaks from deer and other wild life.

Andrew

[Junior M]

Junior,

Sorry, my machine is getting a weekend of well needed rest. Have fun with your T190- don't forget pics!

And yes, I am clearing the fence line. The airport needs to repair several fence line breaks from deer and other wild life.

Andrew
DAM! :wall :laugh:

I just wanted a cab, I could give a crapless about the rest.. LOL..

[ARP]

Ya, that cab even has A/C, heat, suspension seat, radio, massage chair with masseuse, big screen tv, etc. (ok it has the first 4, i just wish it had the rest:rolleyes:). Jealous? :laugh:

[Junior M]

Ya, that cab even has A/C, heat, suspension seat, radio, massage chair with masseuse, big screen tv, etc. (ok it has the first 4, i just wish it had the rest:rolleyes:). Jealous? :laugh:
yeah! I got an open cab and maybe an Ipod.. :laugh:

[ARP]

Well just so everyone doesn't think that all I do is mulch brush, I decided to put up some pics from a job my old boss brought me back on to finish up for him last year.

This place is going to be a self serve "dog wash." I was operating the excavator, supervising the crew, laying out the parking lot, and being the "parts guy". Not a bad three day gig where we backfilled the foundation, dug and laid a 2" domestic water line from the shutoff valve at the road to the rear of the foundation, and installed the sewer line leading into the building from where it was stubbed off.

And now onto the pics!

[mrsops]

Nice pics apr.. Keep them coming

[Junior M]

I got one kind of offtopic question that I never thought of till I mowed with a Bobcat today, but do you run the mulcher on float? And when you come down on top of something do alot of chips come flying back at you?

[ARP]

Junior-

No I don't run the mulcher on float. I do not want the head contacting the ground because that is when you will start destroying your teeth. As it is, I have already lost several carbides hitting steel cable, tires, concrete, and boulders- all of which where obscured by dense vegetation or hit due to the machine's sometime erractic movements in the tough terrain I work in (Picture trying to cut brush while teetering on large rocks and in rock gardens- welcome to ROW mowing in my area).

The chips flying back on you is due to the angle of the head. If I angle the head forward (like dumping a bucket), I will get hit with more chips. I try to never have the head angled forward in this manner as it throws more chips and does not grind the material up as well as it would being run through the head more.

[Junior M]

Junior-

No I don't run the mulcher on float. I do not want the head contacting the ground because that is when you will start destroying your teeth. As it is, I have already lost several carbides hitting steel cable, tires, concrete, and boulders- all of which where obscured by dense vegetation or hit due to the machine's sometime erractic movements in the tough terrain I work in (Picture trying to cut brush while teetering on large rocks and in rock gardens- welcome to ROW mowing in my area).

The chips flying back on you is due to the angle of the head. If I angle the head forward (like dumping a bucket), I will get hit with more chips. I try to never have the head angled forward in this manner as it throws more chips and does not grind the material up as well as it would being run through the head more.
Okay, that makes sense, like I said I was just curious..

[ARP]

I have to go have dinner (Happy Easter everyone), but before I go I thought I would throw this pic up from this job that I was a supervisor on during the initial land clearing phase. Got many photos from working for this company.

Man I miss working for these guys. Great company.

[Junior M]

thats an awesome pic! Post some more!

[ARP]

Now for a little dirt work. Got asked to go to the family house that we are renovating and do some regrading of the private dirt road and parking area in front of the house. Nice little job with only 1 rock seen all day! (Not bad for New England where there are rocks everywhere :rolleyes:)

Now for some before and during work pics:

[ARP]

And now for some after pics:

For finish work I will be installing a timber retaining wall along the edge of the lawn. Only had enough time in a half day.:rolleyes:

Also, for the arborists out there, the trees won't die with a cut made that close. Managed to not cut any of the large roots coming out of the base of the trees. Plus, those locust trees are extremely resilient- can't kill em, they just keep coming back!

[Junior M]

looks good, left alot of track marks though! :nono: :laugh:

is that you operating in the pics?

[ARP]

Thanks Junior- yes that is me operating the machine. BTW- without a compactor, I did what is called "tracking it in." That is why you see all the tracks. We do that all the time in site work with the larger dozers to provide the initial little bit of compaction.

[Junior M]

Thanks Junior- yes that is me operating the machine. BTW- without a compactor, I did what is called "tracking it in." That is why you see all the tracks. We do that all the time in site work with the larger dozers to provide the initial little bit of compaction.
Yeah, I know, I was bsing you.. :laugh:

[Gravel Rat]

Looks good. Nice easy material to work with.

[CAT powered]

Yea. New England material is nice and rocky. I've got piles full of stone from my screen that can attest to that.

I gotta say that 450 looks pretty sharp all black with the pickup box on it.

[ARP]

I figured Junior- just double checking you know :laugh:

Ya it was nice to work in sand for once. Nice easy grading :cool2:

[Junior M]

I figured Junior- just double checking you know :laugh:

Ya it was nice to work in sand for once. Nice easy grading :cool2:
Yeah.. :laugh:

And sand is nice to work in till it dries out and the wind is blowing like crazy and your trying to load a truck with a thumb that is getting in your way, yeah, what you said, sand is fun! ;) :laugh:

[Looking Good Lawn Service]

Hey ARP, I noticed you had mentioned earlier in this thread that you went to school for your bachelors in BA, so how did u learn construction, not in college, right? I am wrapping up my 2nd bachelors in Business Management and was wondering where you learned.

[ARP]

Looking good,

I got my site work experience by working every spare moment I got between the summer before freshmen year of college and my senior year of college. I got my hoisting license at age 18 and the day after I went to work for a local landscaper running a Bobcat. I just showed up and asked if I could learn how to run a machine and that conversation led to a month and a half of work.

I left the landscaper when I got an opportunity to work for a small sitework firm. There I learned how to read plans, set grades, use a laser, and run heavy equipment. After working for this company for about 6 months, he ran out of work and I had to go elsewhere. So I networked around and finally got introduced to the owners, who are brothers, of a very large sitework company in my area (about 250 employees at their height, 60 in the sitework division alone). I was brought on by the younger brother and placed in the field as an assistant supervisor on a $3 million apartment project. I worked on that job for my sophmore summer and through my sophmore winter and spring.

For my junior year, I was brought back on as a site engineer, as was given a week to learn how to use a GPS system. I then spent the summer laying out four different sites, a store complex, pond, residential development, and trucking center. BTW- I never had a single failure or rework of work that I laid out (My little brag moment :rolleyes:). At the end of that summer, I was given the responsibility of a site supervisor, and was tasked with laying out a 26 acre trucking complex and a half mile of roadway. I then directed the land clearing and grubbing of the whole site. Unfortunately, I had to go back to school and I had to relinquish the reins of the project after a month and a half.

Overall, the majority of my experience has come from working for that large sitework contractor. In addition to actual site experience, I also worked in the office doing estimating. As I have gone on to form my company, I remain close to my former boss and view him as a mentor of mine.

The moral of my very long response, is that I have been very focused on what I wanted and have spent the last four years getting to where I am now. While college taught me good business practices and discipline, what I did in my spare time actually got me my (limited) construction experience.

[Looking Good Lawn Service]

Very impressive ARP,

I had a similar experience with Landscaping and learned while I worked after school and summers for a local contractor, whom I am still friends with to this day. Very interesting story, and I admire your work ethic, reminds me of myself. I have my fathers friends whom have a nice construction operation, but, I'm not sure they would teach me, they are friendly and helpful, but they don't recommend "college grads" do their work and might not teach me because they feel as if I should be using my brains and not working with my hands, which I enjoy,lol. But academically I have done very well too, so its a toss up. I might bring the topic up and see how they react to it.

Pleasure hearing your background,
Sebastian

[ARP]

Thanks Sebastian,

It's funny that you say the owners of the construction company don't recommend "college grads" do this type of work. IMO, that kind of response is a symptom of a much larger problem in this country. With the large decrease in interest in "the trades" over the past decade by the general public, it makes one wonder who will do this work in the future?

I wouldn't let their past response deter you from pursuing your passion. It's funny, because I did very well academically as well (graduating magna cum laude in May), yet I still choose to pursue this field of work. Before I started working in construction, I was of the mindset that anyone could do this type of work. Man, did that opinion change once I got into things! Needless to say, I am still learning constantly and looking forward to learning more in the future.

I wouldn't let your intelligence scare you away from this work. This business can use a lot more intelligent people as business leaders in the future. I'm actually excited for the future, as the market will open up significantly as current owners retire or get out of the business.

[mrsops]

Apr come down to New York i got some nice jobs for that t320 :weightlifter:

[landscapesc]

I am new to the forum...have been looking at it for a while but i just registered and have enjoyed being able to post. I too went to College and did the suit and tie gig for a few years after i graduated but was not satisfied with what i was doing and missed working outside with my hands. I then decided to get into landscaping, which i have been doing my entire life through out high school and college. Long story short, i don't own my own business, but i am the ops manager of a regional landscaper and i hopefully will have a long successful career. I agree more educated people in this field would be great...i get tired of losing bids to people that don't have a clue what it takes to do the job right! I commend you on starting your own business and it looks like you will have sucess in the future! Best of luck....

[Looking Good Lawn Service]

Thats very true Arp, the market needs educated people, they just don't see that now, and the fact that you cannot find qualified people in the trades illustrates this point. I guess learning by trial and error may be the only bet, if no one is willing to mentor you along the way. Its definitely true that many of the current companies are aging and will soon retire, the company I know is already in their 60's and still runs equipment, but that will be short lived as they plan to retire soon, so they say, and not one of their kids want the biz, and went to "college" to avoid it. It Doesn't make sense, whats wrong with operating a successful business?

[ARP]

Landscapesc- Thanks and welcome to the forums! :drinkup: It's always nice to have new members. I, as well as others I'm sure, are interested in hearing about you and having you in the discussions on here. I'd certainly be interested in hearing more about your operation that you head up.

Looking Good- It is kind of disappointing that the trades are looked down upon these days. But again, where there is a problem, I find an opportunity and I hope other like minded individuals will too.

I was chatting with my former employer recently as well, and he too is wrestling with a succession plan for his company. What I would give to be one of his kids or relatives! Oh well- guess I'll just have to keep starting from scratch and go from there. It is a shame that people would pass up an awesome opportunity to run a very successful business (and one of the largest donors to charity in the area) because they might have to get some "mud" on their hands and clothes.

[ARP]

Mrsops- you must have that new E60 on your mind as you keep calling me "APR" :laugh: No worries though- all will be forgiven once you get me some good mulching or grading jobs. :cool2:

So what's goin on down in your area that a T320 could handle? I like to travel...

[mrsops]

Mrsops- you must have that new E60 on your mind as you keep calling me "APR" :laugh: No worries though- all will be forgiven once you get me some good mulching or grading jobs. :cool2:

So what's goin on down in your area that a T320 could handle? I like to travel...

Your right i do sorry about that :laugh:.. Grading jobs are no problem for me but i would like to maybe get into this mulching thing

[ARP]

Well, judging by your pics, I figured you got grading down. Just figured we could move some serious dirt putting that T190 of yours side by side with my T320 :cool2:

Let me know if you do have some mulching jobs. Maybe I could offer a few pointers or maybe take a mini "work vacation" down your way for a few days.
BTW- how big a market do you see in your area for this type of work? It's a good business if you can get the right employees to run the equipment and if you can keep the units busy. I'm already starting to plan adding another unit myself, the timing still TBD.

[mrsops]

Well, judging by your pics, I figured you got grading down. Just figured we could move some serious dirt putting that T190 of yours side by side with my T320 :cool2:

Let me know if you do have some mulching jobs. Maybe I could offer a few pointers or maybe take a mini "work vacation" down your way for a few days.
BTW- how big a market do you see in your area for this type of work? It's a good business if you can get the right employees to run the equipment and if you can keep the units busy. I'm already starting to plan adding another unit myself, the timing still TBD.

Yeah grading is a big part of my bussiness and my moving dirt is never a problem.. The problem is i dont see anybody doing this mulching over here. Maybe its something to look into over here.. What are you looking to get another t320?

[ARP]

If things keep going the way they are, I'm looking at adding another T320 and/or a excavator (E60 maybe?) with a mulching/mowing head. I need another unit so that I can keep growing my business. While it is really nice to have one unit working all the time, it is hard to grow with a unit that is dedicated to a single customer every day of the week. Hopefully things will keep going the way they are and I can get the second and/or third unit soon. Dream big.

[mrsops]

If things keep going the way they are, I'm looking at adding another T320 and/or a excavator (E60 maybe?) with a mulching/mowing head. I need another unit so that I can keep growing my business. While it is really nice to have one unit working all the time, it is hard to grow with a unit that is dedicated to a single customer every day of the week. Hopefully things will keep going the way they are and I can get the second and/or third unit soon. Dream big.

I like your confidence.. I dont see a problem you do very nice work

[ARP]

Thanks Msrops. Gotta balance the confidence with reality though. The times are still uncertain, but I am getting rumbles of additional work coming down the pipeline. A few more months will give me a better feeling of things. I'm certainly excited about what the future brings!

So seriously, you need to get the E60 and give me a review of the beast. I'm enjoying the pics of your projects- got any more?

[Bleed Green]

I would like to work in landscape. I am going to college now and I am thinking the same way as you guys are talking. If you go to college, most people think, why would you go to work in construction or landscape work and get dirty every day. I would say to them maybe because I like it... I am thinking now that you should go to work for what you like not what other people think you should do just because you have a degree and should not be working in the dirt. Many people seem to think, you have a degree you should be doing "smart guy" business work. If nobody did the dirty work though then who would do all the things that nobody in the business world wants to do?

[mrsops]

Thanks Msrops. Gotta balance the confidence with reality though. The times are still uncertain, but I am getting rumbles of additional work coming down the pipeline. A few more months will give me a better feeling of things. I'm certainly excited about what the future brings!

So seriously, you need to get the E60 and give me a review of the beast. I'm enjoying the pics of your projects- got any more?

Well right now i have a cat 305c cr which is gonna be matched up against the e60 once it comes out.. You never know i will demo it see what its all about but i must say I'm happy with my cat.. I will post some more pics tomorrow of the tree job

[Bleed Green]

tree job looks good

[ksss]

If things keep going the way they are, I'm looking at adding another T320 and/or a excavator (E60 maybe?) with a mulching/mowing head. I need another unit so that I can keep growing my business. While it is really nice to have one unit working all the time, it is hard to grow with a unit that is dedicated to a single customer every day of the week. Hopefully things will keep going the way they are and I can get the second and/or third unit soon. Dream big.


You might want to consider an RPO. If things keep going you can roll it into a purchase if they don't, pay the rent and give the machine back. Like dump trucks, when you need them you need 10 and when you don't one, one is too many. The RPO is a good tool to use protect yourself.

[stuvecorp]

I was chatting with my former employer recently as well, and he too is wrestling with a succession plan for his company. What I would give to be one of his kids or relatives! Oh well- guess I'll just have to keep starting from scratch and go from there. It is a shame that people would pass up an awesome opportunity to run a very successful business (and one of the largest donors to charity in the area) because they might have to get some "mud" on their hands and clothes.

I have had that conversation with my Dad about a lot of the cranberry marshes, my age group just doesn't seen to want anything to do with it(besides the money). I would love to have the opportunity.

[stuvecorp]

You might want to consider an RPO. If things keep going you can roll it into a purchase if they don't, pay the rent and give the machine back. Like dump trucks, when you need them you need 10 and when you don't one, one is too many. The RPO is a good tool to use protect yourself.

I really think the RPO is the ticket but the dealers seem to freak if you bring it up.

[ARP]

Thanks KSSS and Stuve- RPO is a good idea. The T320 that I have now was actually bought on an extremely flexible RPO agreement. I agree that it certainly insulates your company from alot of the risk associated with the cyclical nature of our work. Going forward, I will only buy a machine if the dealer is willing to do a RPO. For one, it shows that they are willing to work with a customer, and two, it allows me the flexibility I need to keep my business running profitably.

Stuve- it's funny that you mention cranberry bogs. There are a massive amount of them in my area, many of which are run down. I would love to buy a few in the future and use them as a spring board for more business opportunities.

[stuvecorp]

ARP, you guys out east got hit pretty bad with the cranberries. I hear the way we do it here is different from out east. I think it combines the best from landscaping/excavating/farming. I have a plan to build a marsh with my skid, one bed at a time.:)

[ARP]

That'd be the way to do it. I'd just like to find some land and it seems cranberry bogs offer the possiblity of getting some land that might have some cash flow associated with it. I also really like cranberry juice :laugh:

[ARP]

Well a new week, new job! This time around it is a sub- transmission line that runs for 2 miles from a sub station to a road where it is picked up by the distribution lines along the street. My job is clear from pole to pole and around each pole to allow for utility workers to install new poles and hardware. I also have to create access roads through the woods to the ROW where swamps and hills prevent access to our ROW. In 40 hours, I have cleared 52 pole lengths or just a little over 1 mile. (I would be to about a mile and a half if I didn't throw a track yesterday :rolleyes:). The whole job is about 91 poles. Fun little job, I have gone from a swamp, rocky hill, and field in the space of 5 pole lengths. Gotta love the variety!

And now onto the pics- first, a mile stone :cool2:

[ARP]

First pic: The beginning of the ROW after being cleared.
Second pic: Looking back on 3/4 mile of clearing.
Third pic: "You are a mulcher" POV. Random action shot from in cab.

[ARP]

Oops- time for a detour!
Pic 1: The beginning of the first access road.
Pic 2: Jungle living.
Pic 3: King of the Jungle.
Pic 4: First part of access road complete.

[ARP]

Pic 1-2: Second half of access road looking out from the woods.
Pic 3: Second half of access road looking in.

[ARP]

Now for a little before and after action.

Pic 1: Before
Pic 2: After

And finally, Pic 3- looking back on a week of work.

[Junior M]

Hey, you missed a spot.. :laugh:

Nice work..

[ARP]

Haha Junior! That's why I have a ground man with a chainsaw :cool2:

I saw you were feeling pic deprived in Chris's thread- does this help a bit?:laugh:

[Junior M]

Haha Junior! That's why I have a ground man with a chainsaw :cool2:

I saw you were feeling pic deprived in Chris's thread- does this help a bit?:laugh:
Hell yeah! this is somewhat the kind of work I want to do..


whats the story with the track, you just didnt have it tight enough?
Any issues with the 320?

[ARP]

Story with the track:

Nope, I did have it tight. However, if you hit the track just right on a rock or a stump where it forces the lugs out from around the idlers, the track can come off. Hence, why they say in the manual not to go in rocks, hills, or anything that might pop a track off (kinda hard to do in land clearing :rolleyes:). So, even though I tighten my tracks once a week and go extremely slow, because of the terrain I worked it I still lost a track. Usually, you can stop and reverse the direction you were traveling and the track will pop on. Needless to say it didn't do that this time which led to a very long morning.....

On the bright side, now that I know how to do it, I should be able to put a track back on in less than an hour (as long as I have someone to help :rolleyes:).

[ARP]

So I had a little maintenance day yesterday. Had to change out a couple teeth after they had become damaged after hitting rocks.
First pic- the operating room
Second pic- the patient
Third pic- the operation
Fourth- a little "expensive" comparison

[ARP]

Almost forgot- the daily ride to work.

[Junior M]

Nice, get a retractable hose reel for the bed of the truck and you got a nice little set up..

[GWhunter]

The drive to work must have you dreaming of a srw truck. Besides that 450 is too nice to scratch up on a utility line trail. The pics are great keep them coming.

Matt

[Duramax8832]

Have you thought about trying the steel track undercarige they have out now, when the rubber tracks have had it? I agree, the 450 is way to nice, and way to much area to be waxing out trail scratches..