Excavating logo for new small business: Help me help him!

This is what Liepins Excavating was looking for in their logo design

Help me help my partner who has an amazing set of skills, but graphic design isn’t one of them. I want him to see the power of being able to brand his business so I am reaching out for professional help!
He is officially launching his own business Liepins Excavating, L.L.C.
The business is versatile doing small scale excavation work in the summer like driveways, drain tiles, concrete prep, and barn pads with skid steer and mini excavators. In the off season he has a true passion for working in wood lots both cutting trees and selling large scale firewood. His two best employees are the log dogs/truck puppies that travel with him— they may be spotted in a few of the pictures provided.
We are open to logo being either very simple including just the text with design elements or including imagery relating to the work listed above. Dislike 3D or cartoon type logos. Prefer simple, classic, professional appearance. Read more