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What I’ve Learned Since Buying the Excavator

📅 November 6, 2025 ⏱️ 39:44 🎤 Tyler

Chapters

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  • 0:00
    Excavator Purchase Review
    The host provides a follow-up on his excavator purchase made a year ago, discussing its utility and impact on his business.
  • 1:45
    Financing & Tax Advantages
    He explains the 0% financing for Kubota equipment and the significant benefits of the Section 179 tax deduction for capital expenditures.
  • 7:34
    Excavator Applications & Versatility
    The host highlights various tasks the excavator has handled, from digging footings to removing concrete and grading, emphasizing its middle-of-the-road size for versatility.
  • 12:49
    Hidden Costs of Ownership
    He discusses additional costs beyond the purchase price, such as insurance, trailer requirements, DOT regulations, and fuel expenses.
  • 18:03
    Charging for Excavator Use
    The host outlines his strategy for charging clients for excavator usage, combining an hourly rate with an equipment fee to cover costs and generate profit.
  • 23:38
    Attachments & Customizations
    He talks about various buckets and attachments, including a tilt grading bucket and future desires like pallet forks, noting their impact on efficiency.
  • 30:27
    Pros and Cons of Ownership
    The host weighs the advantages like self-performing tasks and schedule flexibility against potential drawbacks like damage to lawns and maintenance costs.

Speakers

T
Tyler
Host

Key Takeaways

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Leverage 0% financing and Section 179 tax deductions for equipment purchases to retain capital and significantly reduce tax burden in the first year.

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Factor in all associated costs, including insurance, transportation (trailer, DOT compliance, registration), maintenance, and fuel, when budgeting for equipment ownership.

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Invest in versatile equipment that can handle a wide range of tasks to maximize its utility across different project types, especially if full-time dedicated use isn't the primary goal.

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Develop a clear and fair pricing model for equipment use on jobs, ensuring it covers ownership costs, liability, and allows for profitability, even for partial-day usage.

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Prioritize purchasing slightly older, proven models (like a 'leftover') to avoid first-year model kinks and potentially save money, especially for initial investments.

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Seek out used attachments or implements (e.g., via Facebook Marketplace) to significantly reduce costs while still gaining valuable functionality.

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Consider the long-term efficiencies and control gained by owning equipment, such as reduced rental costs, better schedule management, and the ability to self-perform diverse tasks.

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