30" scoop for gravel?

[cwarrix]

30\" scoop for gravel?

I have a 30" scoop that I have not used before, on a Yanmar 2210. I'd like to have some gravel delivered (about 25 tons) to widen a driveway to my barn, and add some to the back of my barn where we cut firewood. It gets really muddy back there. Since the areas really don't get that much traffic, I won't be digging way down and adding a deep base of gravel, but instead cutting the top layer of sod and adding about 3 - 4 inches of gravel. I was thinking of using #4 gravel because it is a little bigger and adding some 57 later (next year maybe) as needed.

My question is, will the 30" scoop work for moving the bigger #4 gravel (1.5 inches) around, or should I go with the smaller stuff right from the start? The truck will not be able to get to most of where I want to spread the gravel so I will have to move it from a pile 60 - 80 ft away. I'd rather not have to rent something else if I can use the scoop.

Any ideas or suggestions?

 

[Soundguy]

Re: 30\" scoop for gravel?

I don't see why it wouldn't. Just get the top link adjusted so you can get a decent payload.. etc.

I moved many yards of dirt with my yanmar 1700 and a 30" rear scoop. I pulled from piles of dirt dumped via dumptruck as well.

At least you won't have to worry about water weight or compaction of the stockpile.. etc.

Also.. you may find you want more than a 3" layer over wet spots... I probably wouldn't remove the topsoil either.. sounds like a good couple inches of rock may just merge right into the mucky soil anyway...

Soundguy

 

[cwarrix]

Re: 30\" scoop for gravel?

Thanks Soundguy, I was thinking about how bigger stone is harder to shovel by hand than the smaller stuff. Wondering if the #4 would cause a problem for the scoop. I think you're right about the sod, I think I'll leave it and just add the gravel to the top, makes more sense.

Thanks!

 

[steveinmo]

Re: 30\" scoop for gravel?

The scoop will work fine if you've got the time. You'll save money in the long run if you put some geotextile fabric down before you lay the gravel. It will keep the gravel from just sinking into the ground. It's money well spent.

Good luck!

 

[marks]

Re: 30\" scoop for gravel?

You state that 'it really gets muddy' thus there may be a drainage issue that needs to be assessed. 2% fall, 1/4 inch per foot, is standard, yet if it is not feasible to direct the water away from the barn, then build a french drain and set you slope to that. NDS manufactures products and provides a tutorial for drainage management techniques. http://www.ndspro.com/Training.asp
A properly engineered drainage system my seem somewhat expensive, however it may reduce the annual maintenance, the amount of gravel required, and of course save labor.

That said I would also consider using the larger rock, #4. Larger rock, assuming you are using crushed rock and not river rock, will bind and lock together better than smaller rock.

Hope this helps, if you have questions PM me.

 

[cwarrix]

Re: 30\" scoop for gravel?

Thanks Steveinmo, I just wasn't sure if the scoop could handle the #4 gravel or not. Sounds like that might not be a problem. Where can I get the fabric you mentioned? Is it just like the stuff you use for flower beds, etc?

Thanks!
Chuck

 

[cwarrix]

Re: 30\" scoop for gravel?

Hi Marks, thanks for the info. Part of the reason it gets muddy in the back is because I spray it with roundup to keep the grass and weeds down in that area, so it's just dirt (or mud). I thought adding gravel would dry things up a bit. I'll probably go with the bigger #4 stuff. It's actually cheaper too, I just wasn't sure if my 3 point scoop could handle it, but it sounds like it can.

I bookmarked the site you sent, I will definately be checking it out a little coser. I want to do something with the water coming from my house downspouts and it looks like that site will have plenty of ideas.

Thanks again for the info!

 

[spanky8N]

Re: 30\" scoop for gravel?

I moved many yards of dirt with my yanmar 1700 and a 30" rear scoop. <font color="blue"> </font>

I will respectivly disagree with sound guy. I have also moved a lot of dirt with my 30 inch scoop and ford 8n with no problem. However, I had a dump truck load of number 4 gravel delevered last year and I found it next to impossible to get much in the scoop without ramming the scoop in with momentum, even then I could never even get it half full. I had no trouble with fine gravel or dirt...the larger gravel was a problem though.
I have to admit my expierence is limited to my 2wd 8n. I know Soundguy has more expierence with older iron and Yanmar's though. I am also unsure of the HP difference between a 8n and a 2210. Just my 2 cents worth.
Dan

 

[steveinmo]

Re: 30\" scoop for gravel?

Here's a link to manufacturer of geotextile fabric:

http://www.usfabricsinc.com/products.html

The stuff really works. I talked my builder into putting in under my 450' drive. He's really impressed and says he'll talk all of his customers into it in the future.

Hope this helps.
Steve

 

[Henro]

Re: 30\" scoop for gravel?

<font color="blue">I had a dump truck load of number 4 gravel delevered last year and I found it next to impossible to get much in the scoop without ramming the scoop in with momentum, even then I could never even get it half full. I had no trouble with fine gravel or dirt... </font>

spanky8N,

With my dirt scoop sometimes I have been unable to load up heavy dirt...but if I raise the scoop when it starts to bite, while I am backing into the pile, it fills much better and frequently heaping full.

Just wondering if you tried lifting the 3PH when you were backing into that pile of #4 gravel? Doing so might help. I would imagine you may have, but thought I would ask anyway... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif