For years I dreamed of building my own pole barn style workshop and doing it myself instead of contracting it out. I knew it would be a challenge on many levels by testing my abilities in carpentry, engineering, and logistics. I started by clearing the site of trees and brush. I was able to remove all the vegetation, including the roots, except for three large pine trees that were too big for my equipment to deal with. I hired someone with a backhoe and dozer to remove those. Next, I had to grade the site to redirect the rainwater because the shop would be blocking the original flow direction. Once this was done, I had to build-up the ground to create a level surface for the concrete floor. I used by tractor and box blade to dig the dirt from a site elsewhere on my property and then load it onto my dump truck. It took about 17 loads to level the site and raise the lowest side up about 18 inches. To pack the dirt, I would spread some of it with the tractor, then drive back and forth over it with the fully loaded dump truck.
After the site was prepared, I began assembling the things I would need to construct the building. I bought 2 stackable work platforms and attached lawnmower wheels to one of them so they could be easily rolled around the site. I had to buy a 14-inch auger to drill the post holes and made a boom to attach to my pallet forks for lifting the posts and trusses into place. I spent hours contemplating the design of the building and the logistics of constructing it with the knowledge and equipment available to me. Countless more hours were spent online searching for the best prices for materials and hardware needed for the project. With help from my dad and my brother, I was able to complete the project without hiring any professional help, except for the concrete and roll up door.

Check out the tree puller shown in this video:
   • Tractor Attachment: Homemade Tree Puller