How Mike gets more done with his Groundhog ZH24D-2.
Voices from the Field: Mike Ladd
Voices from the Field: Mike Ladd
April 7th, 2026
When it comes to getting the job done right, having the right equipment makes all the difference. For Mike Ladd from Oneida NY, that means relying on a machine he can trust day in and day out. We caught up with him to talk about his experience with his Groundhog ZH24D-2 and how it’s held up when put up against real-world conditions
Q: Tell us a little about yourself. What machine are you operating, and is that what you do for work?
A: I am a homeowner who was looking for a machine to take care of all my odd jobs around mine and my family’s properties. I do not do this for work but I am getting pretty proficient and may do something on the side. I am operating the Groundhog ZH24D-2.
Q: What made you want to buy a Groundhog, and has it lived up to your expectations?
A: The superior quality of the machine compared to other imported machines. They’re very well built. It has lived up to my expectations and more.
Q: What kind of jobs are you doing with your Groundhog?
A: I’ve done some light septic work, drainage work, ditching, interior plumbing and infloor plumbing, and firewood. I’ve also used it for loading logs onto a sawmill.
Before and after of a creekbed that was washed out during some flooding.
Q: How has your Groundhog performed for you on the job?
A: It has performed at 100%. I’ve had no problems when working with it, and every task I’ve thrown at it, it has succeeded everytime. I have only had one issue, where a wire was broken, but CARS Equipment got it in, diagnosed and repaired under the warranty program provided by Groundhog. No questions asked.
Q: What features stand out the most to you?
A: I have a machine that was optioned out with a D902 Kubota, side swing u-boom, 9 inch tracks, and two speed. It also came standard with a hydraulic thumb, which is a must-have. The side swing boom especially came in handy when digging for a foundation drainage pipe. The two speed drives have come in handy on 3 different family properties, one of which is around 6 acres. The machine is also easily loaded on and off an equipment trailer allowing for easy transfer between properties.
Q: Has your Groundhog changed the way that you work or improved efficiency?
A: Definitely. It makes the jobs a lot easier. It’s a lot loss manual labor. When I do firewood, i hold the log between the bucket and the thumb so I’m not having to bend over to cut with the chainsaw. I can then pick the logs up with that and set them on the sawmill instead of manhandling them. And it sure beats a shovel!
Q: What would you say to someone considering buying a Groundhog excavator?
A: It’s top of the line. It’s a great value with an affordable price. You don’t have to go out and buy a brand name machine when these will do it at a fraction of the cost. These have a lot of the same parts as the brand names and dig the same hole without burying too much money in it. If you’re looking for one, CARS Equipment is the place to go.
For Mike, it comes down to having a machine he can count on every time he starts it up. When the work is demanding and the days are long, reliability isn’t optional - it’s everything.
At CARS Equipment, that’s exactly what we aim to deliver: dependable, hard-working equipment that stands up to real-world demands. Hearing firsthand how our machines are being used out in the field is what drives us to keep providing and supporting the people who rely on them.
Interested in learning more about Groundhog equipment or seeing if it’s the right for for you? Reach out to us here at CARS Equipment, your local dealer for all things Groundhog. We’re always here to help you find the right solution for you.