The Machines You Need to Start a Dirt Work Company
Published: July 15, 2025
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Thinking about Starting a Dirt Work Business?
You don’t need a fleet of machines to be successful in dirt work. But if you don’t start with the right equipment, it’s pretty hard to get momentum. If you’re ready to start your dirt work company, here are the core machines you’ll use on every job site.
What Is Dirt Work?
Dirt work is the work that gets a site ready to build on. To put it simply: you’re moving dirt to get a job done. It can look like anything from grading to backfilling or cutting a drainage ditch. Whatever you’re doing, though, it’s all about stability. You’re ultimately shaping the ground to hold weight and drain properly. If you do dirt work right, your final build starts out on a level, solid surface.
Dirt Work vs. Earth-Moving Equipment: What’s the Difference?
You’ll hear both terms thrown around (sometimes in the same context). Dirt work usually refers to smaller-scale jobs like grading a driveway or prepping a pad. For most dirt work jobs, you’re going to need compact equipment.
Earth-moving can look similar to dirt work, but it’s usually done on a larger scale. Think clearing 5+ acres for a housing development or cutting and filling for road construction. Earth-moving equipment—also called heavy equipment—is usually much bigger than what you need for a typical dirt work job.
1. Mini Excavator (Bobcat E35)
Bobcat E35 (25 hp) Compact Excavator
The Bobcat E35 features a 25 hp engine and offers a wide range of compatible attachments to tackle any job.
Starting At $47,309
0% for 48 Months*$1,080/MO
*With 0% Down and Approved Credit.
Key Specs
Performance
Best for:
– Digging
– Trenching and backfilling trenches
If you’re starting a dirt work business, you’re going to need a machine that can dig. It could be for big, medium, or small jobs—which is why you’ll want a very versatile excavator.
We suggest the Bobcat E35. It’s small enough to haul pretty easily between sites, but it’s also big enough for most jobs (like digging concrete footings, trenching water lines, and installing and repairing utilities). With an angle blade, you can use an E35 to backfill a trench after you dig it. Or you could equip it with a hydraulic clamp to set concrete stones and rocks on landscaping jobs.
Overall, this excavator is perfect for all kinds of sub work. We hear most first-time operators say it’s easy to operate…and made even easier by the customizable ISO or SAE-pattern controls. You could have one machine. You could have twenty. Either way, this is a great machine.
Attachments to Get: bucket, hydraulic clamp
2. Compact Track Loader (Bobcat T66)
Bobcat T66 Compact Track Loader
No matter how extreme your working conditions, the vertical-lift-path Bobcat® T66 compact track loader tackles tough jobs where other equipment can’t.
Starting At $63,055
0% for 48 Months*$1,439/MO
*With 0% Down and Approved Credit.
Key Specs
Performance
Best for:
– Grading lots and driveways
– Moving dirt, gravel, or debris
– Site cleanup and prep work
You’ll need a compact track loader (also called a track loader) for more than half the jobs you take on. We suggest our track loader models because the tracks give it a good grip on uneven or muddy ground. And we think the Bobcat T66 compact track loader is the best choice for a new dirt work business because it’s a good mid-size compact track loader, which makes it perfect for residential and commercial work. It has the power to run most attachments, and it can handle most jobs. If this is your first loader purchase, a T66 will last you a long time.
While we’re here…sometimes, you’ll hear people call the T66 a skid steer. This is partially because Bobcat created the first skid steer. In general, skid steers have wheels. Unless you’re working on concrete, you’ll likely want a compact track loader (also called a skid steer with tracks) for jobs in North Texas.
Attachments to Get: bucket, land plane, grapple, trencher, post hole digger, pallet forks
Why Bobcat of North Texas for Dirt Work Equipment?
We work with first-time buyers all the time. Our goal is simple: to help you turn a side hustle into a steady business—maybe even something you can pass down to your kids and grandkids. That starts with reliable equipment, low prices, and great parts and service support. We’re here for whatever you need.
Demo an E35 or a T66 Today
You don’t need a huge fleet to start a dirt work company. You just need the right compact track loader and excavator—and someone who’s in your corner. At Bobcat of North Texas, we want to help you build something that will last. Contact your local sales rep to get started with a Bobcat E35 or T66 today.
Prefer to speak Spanish? We’ve got people on our team who can help you out. Contact your nearest location and ask for a Spanish-speaking sales rep.
