

Hello, I’m David Browning, owner of Bucky’s Bucket Service & Dirtwork.
For over 30 years, I made my living on the road as a professional truck driver. For 18 of those years, my wife Melissa and I ran team over-the-road together. We built our life around hard work, long miles, and doing the job right the first time.
When our grandson came to live with us, we made the decision to come off the road and build something closer to home. Starting over at 50 wasn’t easy — but we weren’t afraid of hard work then, and we’re not afraid of it now.
That work ethic is the foundation of this company.
Built on Old-School Values
Bucky’s Bucket Service & Dirtwork was built on simple principles:
- An honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay
- Show up when you say you will
- Do the job right — not halfway
- Treat every property like it’s our own
We’re not a big corporate outfit chasing only high-dollar commercial contracts. We work for landowners, homeowners, real estate agents, farmers, and families across Southern Illinois who need dependable excavation and dirt work done correctly.
If the job needs doing — we’ll get it done.
What We Do
We provide professional excavation and property services throughout Southern Illinois, including:
Excavation & Site Preparation
- House & structure demolition
- Garage and outbuilding removal
- Mobile home removal
- Building pad and garage pad installation
- Pole barn pads
- Pool pad excavation
- Foundation digging and backfill
- Utility trenching (water, sewer, electrical)
- Access road clearing
Dirt Work & Property Improvement
- Driveway installation & repair
- Gravel and rock pad construction
- French drain installation
- Drainage correction & water runoff solutions
- Culvert installation
- Ditch shaping and grading
- Pond digging & pond clean-outs
- Land clearing & brush removal
- Stump removal & root raking
Material Delivery & Hauling
- Fill dirt
- Topsoil
- Gravel
- Rock
- CA-6 base material
- Full semi loads or smaller job-site quantities
- Spreading and grading services available
Emergency Services (24/7 Response)
When storms hit Southern Illinois, we respond.
- Storm damage cleanup
- Downed tree removal
- Fire-damage debris cleanup
- Emergency demolition
- Collapsed structure removal
- Insurance-friendly documentation
Why We Do It
We started this business to build something lasting — something our family could be proud of.
Every project we take on represents someone’s home, property, investment, or future build. That matters to us.
We may not always be the cheapest bid — but you’ll get:
- Updated, reliable equipment
- Experience from decades of heavy hauling
- Straight answers
- And work done the right way
Licensed. Insured. Bonded.
Serving all of Southern Illinois.
When you call Bucky’s Bucket Service & Dirtwork, you’re not calling a call center. You’re calling a man who will show up, shake your hand, and stand behind his work!
Reliable Excavation Services
Learn More About Our Services
Excavation Services
Our excavation services include site preparation, grading, and trenching, ensuring a solid foundation for your projects. We utilize advanced equipment for efficiency and precision.
Skid Steer Services
We offer skid steer services for various tasks, including landscaping, debris removal, and material transport, tailored to meet your specific needs.
Fill Dirt and Topsoil
We provide high-quality fill dirt and topsoil for landscaping and construction projects, ensuring optimal soil conditions for growth and stability.
Rock and Gravel Delivery
Our rock and gravel delivery services cater to both large and small projects, with options for semi-loads or smaller quantities to suit your requirements.
Why Choose Us?
Licensed and Insured:
We are fully licensed and insured, providing peace of mind and assurance of quality in all our services, protecting both our clients and our team.
Experienced Team:
Our experienced team is dedicated to delivering top-notch services, utilizing the latest equipment and techniques to ensure the best results for your projects.
Customer Satisfaction:
We prioritize customer satisfaction, working closely with clients to understand their needs and exceed their expectations with every project.
Quality Equipment:
We invest in modern, high-quality equipment to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in all our services, leading to superior outcomes for our clients.
Commitment to Excellence:
Our commitment to excellence drives us to continuously improve our services and maintain high standards in every aspect of our work.
Our Values and Mission
At our company, we believe in delivering exceptional service through integrity, professionalism, and a strong work ethic. Our mission is to provide reliable excavation and skid steer services that meet the diverse needs of our clients. We strive to build lasting relationships based on trust and satisfaction, ensuring that every project is completed to the highest standards. Our team is dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation, always seeking ways to enhance our services and exceed client expectations. We are your trusted partner in construction and landscaping, committed to helping you achieve your goals with quality and efficiency.
Pros of Our Services
+ Highly skilled and trained professionals with years of experience in the industry.
+ Comprehensive range of services tailored to meet various construction and landscaping needs.
+ Commitment to using the latest technology and equipment for optimal results.
Cons of Our Services
– Pricing may be higher than some competitors, reflecting our quality and expertise.
– Availability may vary based on project demand and scheduling.

