About STEELE Group
Who We Are
Steele Group is a Long Island–based site work and heavy contracting company built on precision, integrity, and local pride. From excavation and drainage to shoreline protection, trucking, and municipal services, we shape the land responsibly — building durable foundations for homes, communities, and the North Shore environment.
We believe in doing it right the first time, using the right equipment for every job, and maintaining the highest standards of safety and craftsmanship.
Our Ethos
At Steele, our work is guided by four core values:
- Precision: Every cut, grade, and pour done right.
- Integrity: We stand by our word and our workmanship.
- Stewardship: Protecting Long Island’s soil, water, and shoreline.
- Community: Investing in the people and places we serve.
We’re not just building projects — we’re maintaining the character and strength of Long Island itself.
Our Founder
James Steele founded Steele Contracting LLC with a simple goal — to deliver honest, dependable, and high-quality site work across Long Island. Raised around heavy machinery and hard work, James brings hands-on expertise to every job, overseeing projects personally to ensure that each one reflects the company’s reputation for reliability and excellence.
“We take pride in every inch of ground we touch — because it’s our community too.”
— James Steele, Founder
Our Equipment
Excavators
Our CAT excavators are the backbone of our operation — delivering the power, reach, and precision needed for deep foundation digs, trenching, grading, and rock work. These machines feature:
- Operating weight: 35,000–50,000 lbs (mid-size class)
- Digging depth: up to 22 feet
- Bucket breakout force: over 30,000 lbs
- Hydraulic thumb and quick coupler attachments for maximum versatility
This allows our operators to handle everything from foundation excavation and drainage trenching to boulder placement and shoreline rock revetments efficiently and safely.
Mini Excavators
The CAT 305E2 CR is the compact powerhouse of the Steele Contracting fleet — perfect for residential excavation, drainage installation, septic systems, and tight-access foundation work across Long Island. Despite its smaller size, it delivers the same reliability and hydraulic performance as full-size units.Specs & Capabilities:
- Operating weight: ~12,000 lbs
- Digging depth: up to 12 feet
- Bucket breakout force: over 10,000 lbs
- Zero tail swing for tight job sites and minimal surface disruption
- Hydraulic quick coupler for fast attachment swaps (buckets, thumbs, trenching tools)
This machine excels in backyard foundation digs, utility trenching, and precision grading where maneuverability and control are key. Its rubber tracks protect finished surfaces and allow smooth travel over sensitive residential landscapes.
Skid Steers
The CAT 289D is a high-performance compact track loader built for precision and power. It’s a key part of Steele Contracting’s fleet, ideal for grading, backfilling, lot leveling, and material transport on both residential and commercial projects throughout Long Island.
Specs & Capabilities:
- Operating weight: ~10,000 lbs
- Rated operating capacity: 3,850 lbs
- Rubber track system for minimal ground disturbance on lawns and finished grades
- High-flow hydraulic system for powering attachments such as augers, trenchers, and grading blades
With its compact footprint and smooth control, the CAT 289D is perfect for final grading, driveway prep, turf installation, and material movement in tight access areas. It’s the go-to choice when precision and surface protection matter most.
Compact Equipment
The Ditch Witch SK1050 is the compact precision tool of the Steele Contracting fleet — engineered for tight-access excavation, turf prep, grading, and material handling. Despite its small footprint, it delivers impressive hydraulic power and lift capacity, making it ideal for backyard foundation digs, drainage installs, and landscaping projects across Long Island.
Specs & Capabilities:
- Operating weight: ~3,900 lbs
- Narrow width: 42 inches — fits through standard gates and tight access areas
- Track system for smooth operation over soft or finished ground
This machine excels in precision site preparation, material transport, and finish grading, helping our crew work efficiently where larger excavators or loaders can’t reach.