Tips and How-Tos Articles

October 23, 2026 | Matt

A practical guide to jobsite diesel storage: SPCC thresholds, secondary containment sizing, tank choice and siting, OSHA refueling rules, spill response, and fuel quality.

October 20, 2026 | Matt

A trench collapse rewards planning and punishes instinct: the first-minutes response, why would-be rescuers die, and the plan OSHA expects before the dig.

October 18, 2026 | Matt

A step-by-step guide to what happens after a utility strike: securing the site, evacuating for gas, staying on the machine after electric contact, who to call, and how to document the damage.

October 16, 2026 | Matt

A practical guide to tight-access excavation: matching machine width and tail swing to the opening, protecting turf and pavement, moving spoil from a contained site, and digging safely in confined space.

October 13, 2026 | Matt

What excavation really costs per cubic yard, why the same hole prices so differently, and how to compare contractor bids.

October 08, 2026 | Matt

A practical comparison of forestry mulching, bulldozing, and excavator grubbing - what each land clearing method costs, how fast it works, and which fits your property.

October 06, 2026 | Matt

How woven and nonwoven geotextiles and geogrids differ, what each does under a base or drain, and how to choose the right geosynthetic for the job.

October 05, 2026 | Matt

A practical guide to fill dirt cost: prices per cubic yard, fill dirt vs. topsoil, delivery fees and minimum loads, free fill caveats, and how to calculate the volume you need.

October 04, 2026 | Matt

A practical jobsite guide to working safely around heavy equipment: understanding blind spots, using spotters and hand signals, wearing the right high-visibility apparel, keeping workers out of the swing radius, and following OSHA rules for crews on foot.

October 03, 2026 | Matt

A practical guide to digging post holes for decks and fences: how deep and wide to dig, frost line and frost heave rules, choosing an auger or hand digger, gravel base and concrete, and setting posts that stay plumb.

October 01, 2026 | Matt

A field guide to setting grade: how contractors use a benchmark, height of instrument, grade rod, and cut and fill stakes, plus blue tops, laser levels, slope math, and the checks that keep finished elevations accurate.

September 30, 2026 | Matt

A practical guide to pond digging costs: how pond volume sets the price, per-cubic-yard and per-acre excavation ranges, backyard vs farm pond numbers, spoil hauling, liners, permits, and the site conditions that drive the bill.

September 28, 2026 | Matt

A plain-language guide to the excavation competent person: OSHA's definition, the daily inspection and soil classification duties under 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P, protective system checks, training, and the authority to remove workers from a hazardous excavation.

September 24, 2026 | Matt

A practical guide to catch basin installation: sizing the inlet, sump depth, grate load ratings and ADA openings, rim and invert elevations, bedding, backfill, and keeping inlets working during construction.

September 18, 2026 | Matt

How to protect existing trees through excavation and grading: critical root zone sizing, fencing and prohibited activities, compaction and grade-change limits, and safer digging methods near roots.

September 17, 2026 | Matt

How water and sewer trenches are excavated: frost depth for water service, the fall a sewer has to hold, bedding, compaction, separation, and inspection before backfill.

September 15, 2026 | Matt

A temporary construction entrance guide covering stabilized rock pads, geotextile fabric, track-out control, road cleanup, and maintenance for muddy jobsites.

September 13, 2026 | Matt

How a French drain works and how to install one the right way: planning the outlet, trench depth and width, pipe slope, washed gravel, and filter fabric.

September 12, 2026 | Matt

A practical guide to installing silt fence the right way: location, trenching, post spacing, J-hooks, splices, fabric height, and the maintenance that keeps sediment on site.

September 11, 2026 | Matt

How a driveway culvert is installed, from sizing the pipe to the watershed and choosing the material to minimum cover under traffic, slope, bedding, backfill, and end treatments that stop washouts.

September 10, 2026 | Matt

How calling 811 before you dig works: the locate request, waiting periods, the tolerance zone, APWA color codes, the private utilities 811 leaves unmarked, and who pays when a line is hit.

September 09, 2026 | Matt

How to build a gravel driveway that lasts: preparing and proof-rolling the subgrade, when geotextile fabric is needed, laying and compacting base stone in lifts, crowning for drainage, and estimating how much stone to order.

September 08, 2026 | Matt

What excavating for a septic system really involves: soil evaluations and permits, digging the tank hole, drain field trench depths and widths, gravel and pipe placement, the right equipment, and protecting the soil that treats the wastewater.

September 07, 2026 | Matt

How much does land clearing cost per acre? Typical ranges for light brush, wooded lots, and heavy timber — and what stump removal, debris disposal, and grading add to the bill.

September 06, 2026 | Matt

How much slope does a yard need for drainage? The IRC requires 6 inches of fall in the first 10 feet from the foundation, with 2% minimums for lawns and paving — here is how to measure your yard's grade and fix negative drainage.

September 01, 2026 | Matt

What happens after excavation? The complete jobsite handoff checklist: verifying grades, documenting compaction tests, proving drainage, inspecting utilities before backfill, cleaning up, and passing the final inspection.

September 01, 2026 | Matt

How experienced contractors manage spoil piles on construction sites: placement and setbacks, slope stability, drainage, equipment access, erosion control, material reuse, and removal planning that keep sites safe, compliant, and on budget.

August 26, 2026 | Matt

Practical guide to calculating excavated soil volume in cubic yards, applying soil swell and expansion factors, and figuring out exactly how many dump truck loads it takes to haul the dirt away.

February 03, 2025 | John Malcolm

Excavation is a key step in home projects like foundations, basements, and driveways. Learn the process, costs, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

March 16, 2024 | Matt

In construction, precision is key. Learn how GPS technology enhances excavation accuracy, reduces errors, and saves costs in our informative guide.

March 14, 2024 | Matt

Learn the essentials of excavation drainage, from soil analysis to proper drainage solutions. Keep your construction site stable and dry.

February 27, 2024 | Matt

When it comes to rock breaking strategies, choosing the right attachment and employing proper operating techniques are key for efficiency.

February 20, 2024 | Matt

Understanding advanced techniques for precision land grading will help you maximize efficiency and accuracy in your construction projects.

February 16, 2024 | Matt

Looking to improve the efficiency of your earthmoving project? Choosing the right excavator bucket for specific soil conditions is key.

February 09, 2024 | Matt

Logistics is key in construction, especially during excavation. It involves precise coordination, workforce management, and material delivery.

January 09, 2024 | Matt

Are you starting a trench excavation project? Learn essential tips and mistakes to avoid to save time, money, and ensure a safer process.

December 27, 2023 | Matt

Looking to remove a tree with a mini excavator? See how these versatile machines can handle tree removal tasks effectively and efficiently.

December 03, 2023 | Matt

Starting a home improvement project that involves excavation? Learn how to choose the right excavation equipment with our comprehensive guide.

August 07, 2023 | Matt

If you're new to operating a skid steer or need some guidance, this guide covers the essentials on how to operate a skid steer.

August 02, 2023 | Matt

Learn the essential hand signals for telehandler operators. These signals enable clear communication and safety on construction sites.

July 19, 2023 | Matt

Unleash your bulldozing potential and learn how to operate a bulldozer like a pro. Our experts will guide you through the basics.

July 13, 2023 | Matt

We've put together a 7 step daily maintenance checklist for your excavator. By following this checklist, you can prevent breakdowns.

June 06, 2023 | Matt

Maintaining your excavator is critical to keep it running. To help you out, here's how to add hydraulic fluid to an excavator.

April 04, 2023 | Matt

Chaining down an excavator can be challenging, but not with these pro tips! Learn the proper way to chain down an excavator with ease

December 12, 2022 | Matt

If you're going to grade with a skid steer, you need to know what you're doing. Here's a full guide to help you get started.

October 30, 2022 | Matt

Wondering if you can dig a pond with a front-end loader? You can, and here's why you should consider using a front-end loader.

October 27, 2022 | Matt

Trying to move a non-running excavator can be difficult if you don't know how. We'll give you a few ideas on how to do it with this guide.

October 27, 2022 | Matt

Wondering how to transport a backhoe? This step by step guide will show you how to safely load and transport it to your destination.

April 04, 2022 | Matt

If you're going to take a shot at using a Bobcat for yard grading, you're going to want our tips and tricks from the professionals.

April 04, 2022 | Matt

Do you have an uneven lawn and looking to fix it? We're giving you the best land grading techniques from our experts.