Hello there I’m new.

[PeterTheCarpenter]

Hello, there is my first post on here to see how it goes. Hoping for positive and welcoming things. I’m a qualified Chippy from past years. A handy Ex sole trader. Would anyone be prepared to provide sound advice on ground works?

[Nickfromwales]

  On 26/03/2025 at 22:15, PeterTheCarpenter said:

Hello, there is my first post on here to see how it goes. Hoping for positive and welcoming things. I’m a qualified Chippy from past years. A handy Ex sole trader. Would anyone be prepared to provide sound advice on ground works?

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Hi Peter. 
 

Yup, loads of advice and info here on ground works so just choose the correct sub forum to post your questions in, and also read through some of the many posts here to see if that gets you some answers. 👍. 

[MikeSharp01]

Welcome to THE forum for people like us.

[saveasteading]

Ask away.

[ToughButterCup]

Hello, welcome.

My Groundworks truisms.

• An experienced person and his machine will do it -better- in a tenth of the time it takes you to do it on your own.
• Buy a digger anyway.

[saveasteading]

  On 27/03/2025 at 08:30, ToughButterCup said:

Buy a digger anyway

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I'm resisting.

I'd like a cherry picker too.

 

I wonder if people who regret buying the toy keep quiet about it.

I've seen so many 5t diggers sitting idle on site waiting for a very expensive repair. 

Can you buy at good value and with some guarantee?

 

Where do they go for the last owner before scrapping? I know: my groundworkers and self builders.

[Roger440]

  On 27/03/2025 at 10:02, saveasteading said:

I'm resisting.

I'd like a cherry picker too.

 

I wonder if people who regret buying the toy keep quiet about it.

I've seen so many 5t diggers sitting idle on site waiting for a very expensive repair. 

Can you buy at good value and with some guarantee?

 

Where do they go for the last owner before scrapping? I know: my groundworkers and self builders.

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Any cheap digger, i think you are pretty much on your own.

 

Older stuff is simple and reliable, but, hydraulics are expensive when they go wrong.

 

My first digger the slew motor developed a massive leak (turned out a previous bodge). Cost abot £300 to get the motor repaired. But many hours were spent by me getting to it. Im sure its the first part they start with when building a digger.

 

Owning an old machine, is, essentially gambling.

[Iceverge]

Ground works. 

 

Dig hole, pour in concrete. 

 

Done, dusted , finito. 

 

 

Now let's talk about this digger.......

[saveasteading]

  On 27/03/2025 at 23:48, Iceverge said:

Now let's talk about this digger...

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Yes please. Where to source, what to avoid? Running costs? Regrets?

[ToughButterCup]

I've written a checklist about diggas here on BH somewhere...