The Deep End with Eric Triplett — S2-E22: Contractor Confession - "The Machine I Wish I Would've Bought"
Podcast Recorded: March 6, 2026

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode, Eric Triplett—"The Pond Digger"—broadcasts live from the bustling show floor of the Con Expo Con/Agg in Las Vegas. He confesses to a significant moment of contractor regret and dives deep into the world of mini skid loaders with Steve Weldon, a product specialist from Vermeer. The central theme: How choosing the right machine can transform contractor efficiency, safety, and long-term business growth. Eric explores what sets Vermeer’s latest mini skid steer line apart, and reflects candidly on the lessons learned from his own equipment choices.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene at Con Expo Con/Agg

• [00:45] Eric shares the excitement of being at North America's largest construction trade show, describing “massive machines everywhere, iron everywhere you look... innovations... and a whole lot of conversations about where the contractor industry is heading."
• This episode is unique as it’s recorded live among the energy and chaos of the trade floor, lending authenticity and immediacy to the conversation.

2. Contractor Confession: The Machine Regret

• [04:26] Eric openly admits to purchasing an MT100 mini skid loader (not a Vermeer) in 2020 due to supply chain issues, expressing "so many regrets that I wish I would’ve got this [Vermeer] machine."
• The episode’s "confession" theme centers around critical buying decisions contractors face and the impacts these have on daily operations and long-term growth.

3. The Vermeer Difference: Attachments & Innovation

• [05:35] Steve Weldon describes Vermeer’s open attachment system: "We don’t have a specialized attachment plate... we've tested all of those. So anything that we sell, we know that it's been tested and we can stand behind it.”
• [06:41] Customer feedback is central to Vermeer’s R&D: “When we’re out in the field with customers... what are they missing that’s going to make them more productive? And that really drives a lot of the attachments that we offer.” (Steve Weldon)
• [07:10] Top attachments beyond buckets include Harley rakes, trenchers, rotary brooms, soil renovators, stump cutters, a new concrete mixer, and a core saw.
  • Notably, the concrete mixer attachment had just been released in October (2025).

4. Product Line Breakdown & Unique Features

• [08:22] Vermeer offers five mini loader models; three were represented at the show. Includes the S450TX (also available as a fully electric unit) and ML80, ML100, ML130, and ML150.
• [09:15] Stand-on design advantages: Vermeer’s "chariot style platform" offers improved operator protection: “When you step up onto the platform, it’s like you’re standing in a chariot... you’re protected on all three sides. You can brace your legs on the side... you can really lock in.” (Steve Weldon)
• High dump buckets extend reach for loading tall trailers or backfilling.

5. Operator Experience, Maintenance, and Serviceability

• [12:15] Dual, “saddlebag” diesel tanks offer all-day runtime and easier refueling: “This seems like a real clean, cool attachment.” (Eric)
• [12:39] Panels allow tool-less access for maintenance: “...both of those side panels on the engine will come out. No tools required to remove them. You have full access to that engine.” (Steve Weldon)
• [13:15] Track tensioning avoids the traditional grease system: “We do not use a grease system to tension our tracks... ours are spring tensioned... a gauge that slips into the side of the track... pretty easy.” (Steve Weldon)

6. Hydraulic Systems, Resale Value, and Warranty

• [14:23] All models offer dual high/low flow auxiliary hydraulics as a standard—often an add-on with competitors.
• [11:30] Vermeer machines hold strong resale value: “The value, the resale value, your residual when you’re ready to trade in, this holds its value.” (Steve Weldon)
• [14:50] Robust warranty: three years or 2,000 hours on boom and frame, one year/1,000 on rest of machine.

7. Real-World Pricing and Purchasing Insights

• [15:37] Pricing starts at $40K for the ML80, $45K for the ML100, and mid-$60Ks for larger models.
• [16:02] The ML100 is deemed the “sweet spot” for tight, residential spaces: “This is my next machine that I’m going to be adding to my fleet.” (Eric)
• [20:00+] Eric acknowledges Vermeer’s machines’ ability to fit through as narrow as 36-inch backyard fences, key for California, Florida, and Jersey contractors.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “This is where the real magic’s happening on the sales floor... talking to people.” (Eric Triplett, [04:01])
• “We weren’t the first to market with these, but we were one of the early pioneers, one of the best.” (Steve Weldon, [05:25])
• "When you step up onto the platform, it’s like you’re standing in a chariot... You're protected on all three sides." (Steve Weldon, [09:15])
• “[Vermeer]... the machine has some smaller tracks so you can actually get it into smaller locations... you can get into 36-inch backyard fences.” (Eric, [20:10])
• “The right equipment really matters. Sometimes it’s horsepower. Sometimes it’s lift capacity, sometimes it’s the little things that matter... [but] the real things that matter are safety and serviceability, attachment versatility... and how the machine actually works day to day in the field.” (Eric, [19:25])
• “I know I was leaning towards Vermeer and something pushed me... Whether it was a time delay or I don’t know what it was. 2020 was tough to get machines... But moving forward, this is definitely something worth putting on your radar.” (Eric, [21:00])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:45 — Live from Con Expo: Setting, energy, and scope of the event
• 04:26 — Eric’s “contractor confession” regarding equipment regrets
• 06:41 — How Vermeer develops attachments from customer feedback
• 08:22 — Overview of Vermeer’s mini skid loader lineup
• 09:15 — Operator protection and the chariot-style platform
• 11:30 — Discussion on machine resale value
• 12:15 — Fuel system and serviceability improvements
• 13:15 — Non-grease track tensioning system
• 14:23 — Dual hydraulic systems and warranty details
• 15:37 — Model pricing and target customer recommendations
• 19:25 — Eric’s recap: Key lessons on equipment decisions
• 20:10 — Importance of machine width for residential contractors
• 21:00 — Final reflections and looking ahead for Pod House Studios episodes

Tone & Language

• The exchange is candid, technical, and grounded firmly in daily contractor reality, peppered with good-natured industry banter.
• Eric’s vulnerability reinforces authenticity: “I have so many regrets... I wish I would’ve got this machine.”
• Steve Weldon’s responses are practical, focused on what matters to working trades professionals: reliability, serviceability, and innovation.

Summary

This episode is a must-listen (or read) for contractors contemplating machinery upgrades, especially those working in residential or tight-access sites. Eric Triplett’s honest self-evaluation, combined with a detailed tour of Vermeer’s latest mini skid steer features and philosophy, delivers actionable insights on making equipment decisions that matter. The abundance of firsthand field experience and direct feedback from Vermeer’s specialist gives listeners both a technical understanding and a “boots on the ground” perspective, all delivered with real-world passion and grounded advice.

Key Takeaway:
When it comes to equipment that shapes productivity, safety, and profitability, it pays to look beyond price tags and specs — and focus on how a machine performs, adapts, and holds its value in the field. As Eric sums up, “Sometimes it’s horsepower. Sometimes it’s lift capacity... But the real things that matter are safety and serviceability, attachment versatility... and how the machine actually works day to day in the field.”