Newb backhoe owner Case Destruction King

[Charles]

Hi all,

I recently purchased a case 580K construction king for "hobby" work or around the property. (some buy boats, sports car, harley ect... backhoe is my choice) anyhow, I had to dig a trench to repair a well line, I guess some higher power thought i needed a job to do with my new (used) hoe. My question is, what do most people use to grade/fix the mess made after a backhoe churns up the soil. The area is wet. I am going to wait till summer to do anything. I am not sure the techniqes/ attachments used in this type of situation. The eqipment at my disposal is a case 580k hoe and a tn90f (orchard tractor 3-4 tons) with scraper blade. I am thinking a rake on the tn90f. The problem is, I burried the tn90f up to the "frame" last time I drove it into the location. The backhoe is so heavy that it destroys anything it drives on in my location, hence the new name Destruction King. Perhaps renting a smaller machine is in order? skid steer or cut with rake?

Chas

 

[Wolfy]

You need a small dozer. Backhoes, esp 2wd, only grade okay when the ground is very dry. Even with a dozer, there can be a point of too much wetness, when you need to wait for the sun to do its magic.

 

[kneedeep]

Is the wet area natural or due to the well leak? If the leak caused the wet area, it should dry quickly. If it is a natural wet area, perhaps you could take the Destruction King and install a French Drain to dry it up.

Pictures always get lots of replies!!! :cool2:

 

[Cord]

When digging you can pile the soil to either side of the trench. I'd suggest putting the good top soil on one side and the poor soil from deep on the other side. When done, you can use the bucket to push the spoil back into the trench and then cover it with the good soil. To make back filling easier, don't pile the dirt up. Instead place it in nice long even rows.

 

[crazyal]

When you get some more seat time you can repair some of that damage as you go along. If you don't mind another piece of equipment for your "hobby" I would recommend a 3000 to 4000 lb 4wd tractor to repair the damage done. A dozer would work well too but they can get pricey if you don't know what to look for and get one needing work. A lighter tractor will not sink into the mud as badly as the heavy equipment you own. The equipment you already own seams to have the needs for higher HP covered so a lighter tractor would fill the void. Another option would be a skid steer with tracks.

 

[CJONE]

I have used the backhoe to fill and smooth the area out if the machine will not pull itself with the tires. It is hard at first but it will make you a better operator for the hoe. One of the best things I have done to "teach" myself was stripping topsoil with a EX or backhoe. That builds more skills than digging a hole. Setting grade on drainfields or footings makes good quick esp. if you hate using a shovel like I do! CJ

 

[Charles]

Thanks for all the input.
The french drain idea is a good one, I have to be carefull as I have water, electric, cable, phone, internet lines, all buried. I am wondering If I need a transom to make sure the water can flow.
Both my machines are 4wd. The case 580k has a 4in1. I have dug up some stumps, back filled with the scraper blade. I cant see as well on the backhoe as I can with the tractor. I am wondering what I can use in terms of attachments to smooth out the ruts and stuff. Ill have to post pics so you can see what type of soil/areas I am working with. Soon as the snow is off the ground.

 

[ChristianHF]

I have seen operators use a section of "I" beam held between the thumb and bucket as a grading/smoothing tool when operating a backhoe/excavator. seemed to work pretty slick.

 

[wmonroe]

Sounds like a box blade would work well to even out the ground once it dries up.