The Next Best Thing To Concrete!

The video follows Neil rehabbing three gravel driveways using his “arsenal” of driveway tools, especially the newly repaired Wacker RD880 roller.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] ## Detailed outline of the video ## 1. Intro and tools overview (0:00–2:30) - Introduces Dig Drive DIY and explains his side gig restoring stone driveways.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Lists his existing tools: dump trucks, tractors with grader boxes, a skid loader with a grinding bucket, and says he has wanted a small roller to finish projects.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Explains how viewer Travis contacted him about a Wacker RD880 roller that was broken in half, and how he and his father‑in‑law plus a local machine shop repaired it.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - States that he has only tested the roller on a lawn and will now try it on three real driveways in one day.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] ## 2. Loading equipment for Job 1 – Karen’s driveway (2:30–4:30) - Talks about needing a bigger trailer behind his dump truck but making do with what he has.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Describes loading all needed equipment on one truck to avoid multiple trips.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Introduces the first job for neighbor Karen, whose driveway to a shop building has become weedy.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Sets the goal: grind up the surface, regrade, and finish with the roller to give her a fresh start on weed control.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] ## 3. Job 1 process – grind, grade, roll (4:30–10:00) - Arrives at Karen’s place, explains the plan: use the skid loader with the grinder bucket to chop up weeds and loosen stone (“dress and tune”).[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Runs the grinder bucket, mixing weeds into the stone and creating loose aggregate to work with.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Switches to the John Deere 755 tractor with pull‑type grader box to fine‑tune the surface.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Notes he prefers not to have the front‑end loader on the tractor for grading but left it on this time.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Mentions that a smaller four‑wheel‑drive 655 would be his ideal tractor for this box blade.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Uses the grader box to smooth and straighten the driveway, hand‑rakes corners, then prepares to finish with the roller.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Makes comments about wanting more angle and tilt on the grader box to create a better crown and pull stone from edges to center.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Rolls the driveway with the Wacker roller, then shows the finished surface, commenting that it adds the final touch he had been missing.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Observes that fines are coming up to the top and suspects his technique (going backward with the hydro bucket), saying he’ll refine the system over time.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] ## 4. Transition to Job 2 – Sterling’s wedding driveway (10:00–14:30) - Concludes Job 1, reloads equipment, and mentions that next he will do two driveways near his workplace GNK Concepts.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - On a later day at GNK Concepts, he loads the roller and skid loader, plus the 755 with pull‑type grader box, and mentions a dead battery on the skid steer.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Explains Job 2 is a tune‑up for friend Sterling’s driveway before a wedding that weekend, mainly to make it look nice for guests.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Drives the 755 down the road to the job.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] ## 5. Job 2 process – grading and logistics (14:30–20:30) - Greets Sterling and explains he will “polish up” the driveway with some grading and rolling.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Grades the driveway, notes there is a lot of powder in the stone once it is stirred up.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Hand‑rakes edges, pulls stones off the concrete, and smooths out lines before rolling.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Debates how to get the roller to the site (reloading on truck vs. driving the roller vs. carrying it with skid loader) and decides to carry it with the skid loader, picking it up at the engine end.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Mentions Amish neighbors who use Bobcats as transportation, including pulling wagons and carrying kids in buckets, and jokes he feels like them driving down the road with his skid loader.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Starts rolling Sterling’s driveway and notes how dramatically the roller changes the appearance and feel, making it smoother and more concrete‑like and easier to walk on, ideal for wedding foot traffic.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Rolls an additional yard area that Sterling has been watering, showing him how to operate the roller (forward/reverse lever and vibratory switch), with cautions not to sit still while vibrating.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Shows the finished rolled surface; Sterling and others remark that it looks like a paved driveway and is much nicer to walk on.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Neil jokes about not letting the UPS driver tear it up; notes Sterling is a UPS driver and that he appeared in uniform in a previous video.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Wraps up Job 2, pleased with the result and the wedding setting around the pond.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] ## 6. Transition to Job 3 – Micah’s new stone and side drive (20:30–23:30) - Moves to the next neighbor, Micah, on the opposite side of GNK Concepts.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Explains Micah is a family friend and Harland Days volunteer, and that Micah has been asking since spring to fix the driveway in front of his shop and add access to a side door.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Describes the scope: cut out edges where new stone will go, create a side driveway to the east door, and then bring in multiple loads of stone.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Notes that two loads of stone are already delivered, with four or five more scheduled after noon.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Marks edges with orange paint, plans to cut with an edger and remove sod/topsoil, then bring stone up.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Calls this a fairly big project for him.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] ## 7. Job 3 excavation and stone placement (23:30–30:30) - Starts cutting out the edge with the hydro bucket but decides to “steal” a larger bucket from colleague Greg at GNK to move more dirt per scoop.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Uses the bigger bucket to remove topsoil and cut the area, acknowledging he’s taking heavy cuts but will clean it up.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Continues cutting and leveling, then begins spreading the first stone piles; notes stone is arriving faster than he can use it.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Tracks stone loads (eventually six loads) and decides to order one more, expecting some extra but knowing it can be used elsewhere.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Works with Micah, who handles edge labor while Neil operates machinery, and appreciates that he gets to do the “fun stuff.”[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - After a day of work, reflects on how running equipment makes time disappear, especially when under mild pressure awaiting stone deliveries.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Starts the next day by moving remaining piles, pushing stone slowly to the edges to avoid rolling rock into the grass, emphasizing his rule: don’t put stone or dirt where you don’t want it.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Explains his edge technique: gradually work stone toward edges, which helps pack edges and prevents high fluffy ridges.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Has Micah haul surplus stone to another driveway using a neighbor’s newer John Deere 332 skid loader.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Comments that he’s still learning to run a skid loader and hydro bucket, avoiding hourly pricing while he’s in the learning phase, and compares his proficiency to other machines like backhoes and excavators.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Notes the tracked skid steer makes grading feel more like running a dozer and that he is getting “more and more better.”[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Observes the skid loader is burning a lot of fuel (“this girl is getting thirsty”) but has most stone roughly in place.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Switches back to the 755 with grader box to drag and shape the surface; mentions the powder content in the stone and how the roller will be ideal for compacting such a large, freshly stoned area.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] ## 8. Mechanical issue and final rolling (30:30–end) - While finishing grading with the grader box, he loses steering when the bolt on the power‑steering cylinder end falls out.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Locates the bolt near a stone pile, reinstalls it temporarily well enough to finish the job, and notes he will need to repair the 755 properly later.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Decides not to push his luck further with the grader box, loads the tractor, and brings in the roller for final compaction.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Rolls the whole driveway, remarking that using the roller is almost as satisfying as grading because of how it transforms a rough‑looking surface into something that looks nearly like concrete.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Emphasizes that rolling is a short part of the job (about 30–35 minutes at Micah’s) but makes a huge visual difference.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - States he probably can’t imagine doing another driveway without the roller now and thanks Travis again for it.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Confirms they used all the stone loads, with one diverted to the house driveway, and that he’s happy with Micah’s finished driveway.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Concludes that the roller has become popular in the neighborhood after people see the results.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Signs off saying that’s enough driveways for a bit, hints at upcoming projects (something for the Cub, a surprise at home, and a fall project), and thanks viewers for watching.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] ## Equipment mentioned in the video ## Wacker RD880 double drum roller - Description: Compact ride‑on double drum vibratory roller used for asphalt and gravel compaction; Neil uses it as the final finishing tool to densify stone so the surface looks almost like concrete and is easier to walk on.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Key specs (typical for RD880V models): about 16 hp gasoline engine, hydrostatic drive, dual 35–36 inch smooth drums, vibratory front drum around 3,800 VPM, operating weight roughly 2,400–2,500 lb, and an onboard water tank for drum wetting.[purplewave+2](https://www.purplewave.com/auction/250522/item/EF3092/1996-Wacker-RD880V-Rollers_and_Compaction-Double_Drum_Roller_Compactor-Texas) - Example resources: - General RD880 overview and specs: [https://www.veritread.com/specs/construction/compactors/wacker-neuson/rd880](https://www.veritread.com/specs/construction/compactors/wacker-neuson/rd880)[[veritread](https://www.veritread.com/specs/construction/compactors/wacker-neuson/rd880)] - Used RD880 listing with dimensions and details: [https://municibid.com/Listing/Details/16134551/1992-wacker-rd880-roller](https://municibid.com/Listing/Details/16134551/1992-wacker-rd880-roller)[[municibid](https://municibid.com/Listing/Details/16134551/1992-wacker-rd880-roller)] - Replacement parts and support: [https://stores.dhsequipmentparts.com/wacker-neuson-ride-on-roller-parts/](https://stores.dhsequipmentparts.com/wacker-neuson-ride-on-roller-parts/)[[stores.dhsequipmentparts](https://stores.dhsequipmentparts.com/wacker-neuson-ride-on-roller-parts/)] ## Skid loader / skid steer with grinding (hydra) bucket - Description: Compact tracked skid steer loader used for cutting edges, removing topsoil, moving stone, and operating a hydraulic “grinder” or “hydro” bucket that chews up the top of existing gravel, mixing in weeds and fines to create loose material for regrading.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Typical capabilities: With appropriate attachments (milling or grinder buckets, cold planers, etc.), skid steers can break up and remix asphalt or gravel, rip potholes, and then carry material using general‑purpose or high‑capacity buckets.[bluediamondattachments+1](https://www.bluediamondattachments.com/blog/skid-steer-attachments-asphalt-concrete) - Example resources on skid steer grinding/milling attachments: - Overview of skid steer cold planers, grinders, and buckets for asphalt/concrete repair: [https://www.bluediamondattachments.com/blog/skid-steer-attachments-asphalt-concrete](https://www.bluediamondattachments.com/blog/skid-steer-attachments-asphalt-concrete)[[bluediamondattachments](https://www.bluediamondattachments.com/blog/skid-steer-attachments-asphalt-concrete)] - Guide to gravel driveway repair using skid steer attachments (scarifiers and leveling blades): [https://www.skidsteers.com/blog/gravel-driveway-repair/](https://www.skidsteers.com/blog/gravel-driveway-repair/)[[skidsteers](https://www.skidsteers.com/blog/gravel-driveway-repair/)] ## John Deere 755 compact utility tractor - Description: Small John Deere compact utility tractor Neil uses to pull the pull‑type grader box; he comments on its usefulness but wishes for a smaller four‑wheel‑drive 655 for better maneuverability.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Typical use: Compact tractors in this size class are used for light earthmoving, grading, and landscaping with 3‑point or tow‑behind implements. General resource for John Deere compact utility tractors (similar class, specs and uses): - John Deere compact tractor lineup and applications: [https://www.deere.com/en/tractors/compact-tractors/](https://www.deere.com/en/tractors/compact-tractors/)[[skidsteers](https://www.skidsteers.com/blog/gravel-driveway-repair/)] ## John Deere 655 compact tractor (mentioned as desired) - Description: Smaller John Deere compact tractor Neil would like to have as an “ideal” machine to pull the small grader box due to its size, power, and maneuverability.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Typical role: Similar to the 755 but slightly smaller frame; used with rear blades, box blades, and other grading implements for residential driveways and small properties. Reference on older John Deere 55‑series compact tractors: - General discussion/spec info archive: [https://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/tractors-john-deere.html](https://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/tractors-john-deere.html)[[skidsteers](https://www.skidsteers.com/blog/gravel-driveway-repair/)] ## Pull‑type grader box / box blade (North Woods / Northwoods Fabrication) - Description: Tow‑behind box blade/“grader box” used with the compact tractor to grade, level, and crown gravel driveways.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Features (North Woods Fabrication models): towable design for ATVs, UTVs, or garden tractors; electric actuator to raise/lower the cutting edge via wireless remote; adjustable and reversible cutting edge; optional ripper shanks for breaking up hard or compacted gravel; ability to tilt for crowning or swale cutting; weight racks for concrete blocks to increase down pressure.[goodworkstractors+2](https://www.goodworkstractors.com/product/northwoods-fabrication-60-pull-type-box-blade-atv-utv/) - Example resources: - Product line overview: [https://www.northwoodsfab.com/implements](https://www.northwoodsfab.com/implements)[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - 60 inch pull‑type box blade with rippers: [https://www.northwoodsfab.com/product-page/battery-powered-60-pull-type-box-blade-with-rippers](https://www.northwoodsfab.com/product-page/battery-powered-60-pull-type-box-blade-with-rippers)[[northwoodsfab](https://www.northwoodsfab.com/product-page/battery-powered-60-pull-type-box-blade-with-rippers)] - 48 inch battery‑powered pull‑type box blade: [https://www.northwoodsfab.com/product-page/battery-powered-48-pull-type-box-blade](https://www.northwoodsfab.com/product-page/battery-powered-48-pull-type-box-blade)[[northwoodsfab](https://www.northwoodsfab.com/product-page/battery-powered-48-pull-type-box-blade)] ## Hydro / hydraulic bucket (grading and grinding bucket) - Description: A hydraulically driven “hydro bucket” attachment for the skid steer that can grind or aggressively rake the surface, used here to chop and remix gravel and weeds, and later as a grading tool.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Functionally similar to: skid steer cold planers or milling/grinder attachments that scarify and plane gravel/asphalt, leaving loose, workable material for regrading.[bluediamondattachments+1](https://www.bluediamondattachments.com/blog/skid-steer-attachments-asphalt-concrete) - Example explainer on such attachments: - “Great Skid Steer Attachments for Milling and Removing Asphalt and Concrete” (discusses cold planers, slab buckets, and related tools): [https://www.bluediamondattachments.com/blog/skid-steer-attachments-asphalt-concrete](https://www.bluediamondattachments.com/blog/skid-steer-attachments-asphalt-concrete)[[bluediamondattachments](https://www.bluediamondattachments.com/blog/skid-steer-attachments-asphalt-concrete)] ## Larger general‑purpose bucket (borrowed from Greg) - Description: A larger capacity skid steer bucket that Neil borrows from colleague Greg to move more dirt per scoop during Micah’s driveway excavation.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Typical use: High‑capacity or standard utility skid steer buckets used for moving soil, gravel, and debris efficiently.[[bluediamondattachments](https://www.bluediamondattachments.com/blog/skid-steer-attachments-asphalt-concrete)] - Example overview: - Range of skid steer bucket types and their applications: [https://www.bluediamondattachments.com/blog/skid-steer-attachments-asphalt-concrete](https://www.bluediamondattachments.com/blog/skid-steer-attachments-asphalt-concrete)[[bluediamondattachments](https://www.bluediamondattachments.com/blog/skid-steer-attachments-asphalt-concrete)] ## Edger (for cutting driveway edges) - Description: Walk‑behind or attachment‑type edging tool used to cut crisp boundaries between the new stone driveway and the surrounding lawn before removing sod and placing new stone.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Typical use: Landscape edgers or sidewalk edgers cut clean lines in turf, making excavation and definition of drive edges easier and neater. General resource on powered edgers for landscape and pavement work: - Overview of landscape/sidewalk edgers and their uses: [https://www.landscapemanagement.net/how-to-choose-an-edger/](https://www.landscapemanagement.net/how-to-choose-an-edger/)[[skidsteers](https://www.skidsteers.com/blog/gravel-driveway-repair/)] ## Hand rake / concrete rake - Description: Neil uses a hand rake to pull stray stones off concrete, clean edges, and smooth lines before rolling.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Closely related tool: a concrete rake (come‑along rake), which some commenters suggest as ideal for working gravel and stone due to its heavier head and straight blade.[[skidsteers](https://www.skidsteers.com/blog/gravel-driveway-repair/)] Reference on concrete rakes: - Tool description and uses in concrete/gravel placement: [https://www.concretedecor.net/departments/concrete-tools/concrete-rakes-and-come-alongs/](https://www.concretedecor.net/departments/concrete-tools/concrete-rakes-and-come-alongs/)[[skidsteers](https://www.skidsteers.com/blog/gravel-driveway-repair/)] ## Dump truck and equipment trailer - Description: Medium dump truck with an equipment trailer used to haul the skid loader, tractor, and roller between jobs; Neil notes he could use a larger trailer to carry everything more easily.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] - Typical role: Transport heavy compact equipment and deliver or reposition materials; paired with local stone delivery trucks that bring the multiple loads for Micah’s job.[[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACn16WQOUvk)] General info on dump trucks and trailers for construction/material hauling: - Overview of dump truck uses in construction and aggregates: [https://www.rockproducts.com/aggregates/what-is-a-dump-truck-uses-and-types/](https://www.rockproducts.com/aggregates/what-is-a-dump-truck-uses-and-types/)[[skidsteers](https://www.skidsteers.com/blog/gravel-driveway-repair/)] If you want, I can convert this into a timestamped outline table for Obsidian or add a separate gear‑specs table you can drop into your notes.