The Rise of Matt Stetar and Diesel Creek

Matt Stetar, the creator behind the popular YouTube channel Diesel Creek, has built a substantial following through his engaging content focused on heavy equipment restoration and construction projects. Based in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, Stetar operates under the YouTube handle @dieselcreek and has transformed his passion for machinery into a successful content creation career.^[1] ^[2]

The channel, which originally launched in November 2006, focuses on heavy equipment revival, repair, restoration, and construction content.^[3] ^[4] As of June 2025, Diesel Creek has amassed over 927,000 subscribers and more than 258 million total video views, establishing Stetar as a significant figure in the automotive and heavy equipment YouTube community.^[5]

Background and Career Transition

Before becoming a full-time content creator, Stetar worked in the construction industry, particularly in pipeline construction and heavy equipment operation.^[6] ^[7] His mechanical interests were somewhat unique within his family, as he was reportedly the only one with such inclinations aside from a distant grandfather who worked as a mechanic.^[8]

Stetar's journey into content creation began during his high school years when he developed an interest in filming dirt bike and motocross activities.^[9] ^[10] However, his serious commitment to YouTube content creation didn't occur until 2019-2020, when he was laid off from his construction job and decided to focus more intensively on his channel.^[11] ^[12]

Content Focus and Channel Performance

Diesel Creek specializes in content featuring the restoration and maintenance of vintage heavy machinery that Stetar discovers or rescues from various locations.^[13] His videos typically showcase equipment such as Caterpillar dozers, cranes, excavators, and other industrial machinery, often attempting to revive machines that have been sitting unused for years or decades.^[14] ^[15]

The channel demonstrates strong engagement metrics, with an engagement rate of 8.22% which is considered excellent for YouTube channels.^[5] Videos are typically longer-form content, with an average duration of approximately 59 minutes, which exceeds the length of similar channels in the automotive category.^[5]

One of Stetar's most popular videos features a wheel loader that had been abandoned for over 20 years, which has garnered over 3.4 million views.^[16] ^[17] The channel's content consistently attracts millions of views, with recent videos generating between 800,000 to 4 million views each.^[18]

Business Operations and Revenue

Stetar has diversified his income streams beyond YouTube ad revenue through multiple channels. He operates an online merchandise store at DieselCreek.com, selling branded apparel including hats, t-shirts, and accessories.^[19] ^[20]

According to analytics platforms, Diesel Creek's estimated monthly earnings range from $12,900 to $38,700 from YouTube ad revenue alone.^[5] Other estimates suggest the channel generates between $73,700 to $90,100 monthly when including sponsorships and other revenue streams.^[21] These figures indicate that Stetar has successfully monetized his expertise and audience engagement.

The channel maintains partnerships with various brands relevant to his audience, including tool manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and automotive product companies.^[22] ^[23]

Physical Infrastructure and Operations

Stetar operates from a substantial facility that includes a 40' x 64' shop where he can work on equipment indoors.^[24] He has also been documenting the construction of his dream home, providing viewers with content about the building process from foundation to completion.^[25]

The creator maintains a significant collection of heavy equipment on his property, which serves both as restoration projects and content for his channel.^[24] ^[26] He regularly attends equipment auctions, particularly Ritchie Brothers auctions, to acquire new projects for his channel.^[27] ^[28]

Personal Life and Collaborations

In October 2021, Stetar married his wife Eva Simone, who has contributed to the channel's content creation and business operations.^[29] ^[30] Eva brought professional experience in content creation from her background, including work as an intern at an animal hospital.^[31]

The couple shares their lives with two dogs, Rosco and Meatball, who occasionally appear in videos.^[32] Stetar maintains fan mail contact through a P.O. Box in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, demonstrating his connection with his audience.^[33]

Industry Recognition and Community Impact

Diesel Creek has established itself as a respected name in the DIY heavy equipment restoration community on YouTube.^[34] The channel's authenticity and Stetar's willingness to show both successful and unsuccessful projects has garnered appreciation from viewers who value transparency in content creation.^[35]

Stetar frequently collaborates with other content creators and has been featured in tours and interviews with fellow YouTubers in the automotive and equipment space.^[24] His approach to equipment preservation and restoration has contributed to keeping vintage machinery operational rather than allowing it to be scrapped.^[36]