"That looks nice. With all the random block, was it cheaper to go that route? Leftover piles?"
I bought all block seconds. Got them for $1 each. Didn't care about the colors because I knew I was covering them.
As far as the lift, I went with the 11,000# eagle equipment I've been happy with it so far. Only thing I don't like is the location of the reservoir. If your not careful, you can hit it going up with the front arm if you have them spread too wide