I can't believe Volvo isn't going to make sure you are operating a Volvo Excavator. I hope someone from Volvo Marketing is watching this. Big fan of LD18. No criticism
Man, I am excited! Am I on my own? You know you're Letsdig18 fan when you get inklings that a bigger machine is in the pipeline. I know nothing absolutely zero about heavy machinery.. that's a lie actually, I've learnt a lot from watching Chris' videos. What an age we live in where anyone in the world can share his journey?! Super exciting times!
I am fascinated by excavators and what they can do. The ratio from what an hour costs to what they can do is outstanding. I wish I can buy one one day or at least have one on our property for 1 week every year :-) So yes, very exciting times in that sense (and pretty depressing times in other fields).
@@thatdave86 " three months or more " more likely, never . He's on the record as saying " fixing the paint doesn't make me any money " , when he was asked about painting Bubba Dump . Edit ; I stand corrected, he actually touched it up . Good for him .
I normally save LD18 video's for bedtime, or when I get up in the morning, but I saw the title and had to watch. Chris, your operation has grown so much in 3 years! Nice to see the younger generation with people who actually want to work and succeed in life.
I have a feeling it’s the Kobelco. Looks strong and handled the bucket well. No dipping with a full bucket all the way out. Sounds strong and quick too.
@leighphillips1913 you probably never operate hyundai or Volvo, I can tell you i operate both machine I end up getting hyundai 350 and 220 way better fuel than Volvo they operate similar but hyundai is cheaper I never have problems they are both have more 2500 hrs, the guy owns the Volvo has to many problems so there you go haha
Leaving us on a cliffhanger I see....lol. He leaned on the Kobelco, but a part of me says the Hyundai because he mentioned how much more ready it was and easier to move. I guess we'll see in the end. Either one would likely benefit his operation.
I have been a subscriber for about 3 years and truly enjoy your videos. It has been fascinating to watch your business change dramatically in 3 years. Three years ago you were working with John on a regular basis and primarily completing 1-4 day projects. In the last 12-18 months (since you purchased the haul truck) your work has expanded into multiple month projects. What is most amazing and probably challenging is completing the majority of the work yourself with limited part time support. Today's video was really fun and especially the teaser at the end - keeping us in suspense. I don't know much about excavators but just watching the video and assuming it is affordable I would think you would choose the Kobelco unit. Seemed to have better balance with the larger bucket. My guess is you will need to add a thumb to whichever machine you choose. Best of luck. Looking forward to your decision!!!
The jobs are just gonna get bigger. The Kobelco is in line with expansion to the max. The Hyundai moves around much easier to move and will be harder to sell later. Looking foreword to seeing how you see it.
both are very nice, either one but, I would go with the one that your mechanic has support for and can fix the quickest, nice to see you progress with your business. sad that C&C didn't have something for you. very nice.
@@justinfufun5483I wouldn't call that an issue, that's to be expected when you have that size of bucket relative to the machine. That's just the tradeoff you have to be aware of when you run a large bucket, better production but you have to swing your load closer over the side of your tracks and be well aware of your tipping point
I had a feeling that it would not be long after Chris ran that 550 that he would end up getting one or like in this case just getting a bigger machine because I could see how impressed he was with that bigger machine and how much material it moved so quickly!
A 550 is a pain in the ass everywhere and every time except when it's already on the job site. Both the costs of acquiring and operating that thing are astronomical.
I asked a Kobelco mechanic what he thought about their equipment. He said they were the Cadillacs of excavators. They have some beefy bulldozers and loaders too. That would be my choice, unless you were going logging. Then it would be the Link-Belt. 🤘😎
Good on ya Chris!! I thought you might be looking when you spoke of the 450 a few videos back. You have been very good at predicting your needs and getting the equipment that pays off the best for ya!! It’s not a simple skill to develop. The haul truck is a prime example and the fact you have 2 jobs on the go at any one time with 2 excavators now, are great examples. I suspect there’s a bigger haul truck in next year’s budget. You have mentioned the size of the 25 yard truck being a little too small. The bigger excavator will warrant either a bigger haul truck or a second 25 yard truck and at least 1 full time employee!! I’m just guessing. Of course you will do what you do & you already have a plan devised, I’m sure!! Keeps us coming back!! 😂😂. See ya tomorrow?? Heh heh. Take care, Eh!
That is some really really nice used equipment. I don’t think you’d go wrong with either one. I reckon just pick the one that best suits your budget, current and future needs, and that you can get parts and service for. Can’t wait to see what your ultimate decision is.
We all know you'll say "I know it costs more...but I just had to get the bigger one!" It's the Kobelco. Nice one Chris. Can't wait till you get it home.
I'm pretty sure Chris will be taking the Hyundai home. Mike Simmons (aka "Dirt Perfect" has a 210 A Hyundai ) so now Chris will smile and say "mines bigger than yours".
Oh, leaving us on a cliffhanger!!🤣🤣Watching you run that 550 made me wonder if you wouldn't get a larger machine. Those 220s are workhorses but when it takes ten scoops vs five or six, yeah makes perfect sense when you have dirt to move. Can't wait for the reveal!
In 1989-2000 I worked for the city of Bakersfield, Ca. operating wheel loaders. They bought through the bidding process a Sam Sung equivalent of a Cat 950/John Deere 644. In one year the Sam Sung was so beat up in our normal operations and then burnt up that the city banned Sam Sung from the bidding to replace their loader. I felt that the Deere 644 was for it's size was the best of all our loaders. you put up another great video. Thanks.
Maybe it was just me, but the Kobelco seemed to have visibly more ass to it's giddyup with the 60" bucket than the Hyundai. It also seemed stronger on the swing motor than the Hyundai. I know it's a slightly bigger machine. Both were pretty quick for that big of a machine.
OK so I'm not an operator.. It's hard to tell which is smoother because Chris can make nearly anything run like silk, but I think I picked up on the little hint at the end. :) Not saying which here, but I know when you need it, the new machine is going to do very well in your hands!
It’s so great to see how you’ve grown your business! I’m sure you’ll make the best choice for you. We had always heard that the Hyundai hydraulics were a little weak and prone to problems, but we never owned one to say first hand. Anyway, so glad to see your business is doing well and wish you all the best!
All I know is that whoever Chris contacted at Volvo clearly wasn’t high enough up the food chain to make sound business decisions on behalf of the company. When you have a brand ambassador with the following that Chris has, there are NO excuses to not figure out a solution to keeping VOLVO out front and center. Very stupid mistake.
If volvo was smart they would have done something. Cris advertising he has done for them. Wonder if he contacted Volvo and seen if they had a machine somewhere
lol there are companies out there that are buying more Volvo machines a year than Chris and his RU-vid followers combined will ever buy. Volvo isn't out here making stupid mistakes.
So grateful for the cliffhanger. Just one more reason to anticipate another LetsDig18 video to see which one it will be. Glad business is good for you Chris.
Yep, there is more expense to hauling these things! In NC anything 12' wide and up you have to have a chase car to help escorting it, anything under 12' no escorts are needed.
Man thats sucks volvo wouldn't answer u after Con expo but both kobelco and hyundai are good machines so either choice Matt has an older kobelco and of course Mr Mike at Dirt Perfect has his Hyuinda 220
@@gragor11 As long as you have the signs and lights. I suppose there might be a short course to get a ticket/license which I'm sure Chris would already have the knowledge.😀
They want $169,900 for the Hyundai. Not bad for a 1600hr machine. The Kobelco isn't listed on their site any longer, so I suspect we can guess which machine Chris bought... With 3 excavators and all the other equipment, Chris needs some reliable fulltime help. Just doing routine maintenance is becoming a chore and it's not sustainable as a one-man show.
Great to see that you are growing and expanding your business. Looking forward to seeing you move a great deal of dirt. I can't see you doing any pond clearing although it would make good viewing.
Congratulations mate, you work bloody hard for everything you’ve got, what’s next maybe a Volvo scraper ?, noticed the Kobelco has two small lines that look like bungee cords that run to the quick connect on the stick, they don’t look like they’d last a day clearing tree’s or stacking fires.
330 is a small machine for what I’m used to running… but that seems like a great size machine for the jobs you do. Seems to be a solid machine too. Think you made a great choice on this one. 👍
How about attachments cost (gotta have the Thumb)as for comments about machine movements, let's not forget "It's not the machine, it's the Operator", and Chris is a Smooth and Knowledgeable Operator. As always your videos leave us wanting "MORE".
Just to need a bigger machine and having a budget says something! Congratulations on a new machine! I would be happy with a mini and I'm working towards that
I cannot believe that Volvo won’t do anything for you. Your loyalty to them and their products and this is the thanks you get…oh well it’s their loss good luck with your new machine Chris. Be safe out there.
I saw out of the corner of my eye the title of your video as I was watching a steam tractor run. And I started to tear up because I've been praying for you to have the ability to get one a BIGGER one ,one that can pull trees out of the soil like a woman plucks eyebrows, I don't know how they do it without flinching but I know what ever girl you get will be like the Shehulk nothin will mess with her, I'm so happy for you, I knew after the 550 it wouldn't be long now that was a BIG girl and you made her purr like a kitten.
You seemed to like the increased speed of the Kobelco. Guessing that's hard to ignore. And that it could handle a full big bucket fully extended without being on one track.
I enjoy your videos so very much. I am really looking forward to watching you use a larger machine. you make it look so easy, while you operate your equipment.
Of these two machines the Kobelco makes the most sense for the work that Chris intends to do with it. It is larger, has more lift capacity, handles the 60" bucket better (could even have a larger one if needed), and from the outside view in this video, is more responsive, faster acting, and operates smoother. The other considerations is parts/dealer availability and location for when repairs are needed. I would imagine that a grapple will be added to fully accessorize the machine. The weight difference between these two is probably not that big of a limiter since both are in the "oversized load" category and will require pretty much the same transport requirements. The Kobelco will move more dirt and clear more land faster; especially with an experienced operator like Chris. On thing I've learned over the years is that the bu++ hurt of buying a tool fades quickly if that tool performs the job admirably and above my expectations. But the buyer's remorse stays with me for as long as I own the tool if it fails to work as needed. And budget is always the killer of good ideas. And to Chris, congratulations on all of your success. It has been fun to watch you grow your business over the years. You work hard and deserve all of your success. Looking forward to seeing your continued growth. Nice job!
Not knowing Chris's local DOT weight regs, hard to say which one is going home with him. But i do know that 60 inch bucket really needs a 2nd Volvo haul truck! Lol. I'm betting Chris is gonna hit the upcoming winter auctions hard looking for a sister to his! A 2nd haul truck would cut days off a dam build.
Chris when you’re restacking the burn pile with the excavator does the hydraulic hoses ever get too hot from the fire? Iv never seen you damage one yet but why do they not burn through more often?
I know it happened once, over a holiday weekend. He was redoing the pond dam on a job, I think 2 years ago now. Just checked the playlist, it was the 10 acre pond project.
@@dennismalcolm6620- if you have watched for a long time he has explained why. He doesn’t leave them near the fir long enough to get damaged. Like when you move your finger through a candle flame quickly. They tolerate a lot of heat.
It takes prolonged exposure to 500+ F to get rubber to start to melt and catch fire. While those fires can achieve 800+ down in the middle of the pile, up where he is working with the gasses are still burning off the temperature is much lower. It would probably still be enough heat if he set the stick in there and left it for a few minutes but He moves quick and all the motion up in the air is cooling them off
I have a JD 350 and while it sits at the shop most of the time, when you need it you need it. The 250, 210 and 160 are always the ones out on the jobs.
Chris guins , the king of dirt in north Carolina, freaking king of dirt on RU-vid that's for damn sure, freaking awesome Chris, gonna be sweet to see a new to you excavator in the fleet, thanks for sharing an I look forward to seeing the next video 💪🇺🇲✊🤙👌 my opinion,my opinion only, as much advertising that you have done for volvo over the years, they should give you a dang 350, but opinions very,
If the Hyundai was a 350 I don't think there would be any hesitation towards it, but I felt the Kobelco handled the bigger bucket a bit better than the Hyundai and Chris really wants the bigger bucket, so we will have to wait and see if the budget stretches to the bigger machine..🤔🤔🤔
I thought the Bucyrus Erie demonstrator he's been testing out on the farm was going to be the next upgrade for the fleet. It has plenty of stick and a quick decoupler for all your attachment needs too.😂
Nice picture of a b&e large,,wi driver side operator on the curb side.This was still pict,spreadvopen looks as fill the bill.Old sizing numbers were like 466 ,triple6, 866 and the 1o66..
I think either machine would be good. We’ve got both and each has held up well. I like my Hyundai 330 better though. Also hugely depends on the service you can get in your area. Good Luck Buddy!!!
I guess the 550 will have to wait on 2M subscribers. I'm guessing the KOBELCO is your choice but either should be a good addition to your equipment collection.
I was kinda half expecting a hunt for a bigger machine after the trialling of that Volvo 550E and getting into some projects that have maybe pushed the 220's. After the talk about the dump truck yesterday I think it was, I was thinking that that might be the next piece to upgrade though.
Looking like the Kobelco is the better choice for you. It handled WAY smoother and more graceful for you. Your sideswipe grading was significantly smoother and quicker. And your draw grading also looked quick, smooth and natural. Even given the more money, I think with the ease of use, you'll finish jobs sooner and end up paying for itself sooner. It's just the best fit of the 2!
