OK, here is what I'd like to do. Some years ago, we had a pond expanded and the dirt was just spread on the existing dam. This made it high, in some places 4 feet above water level. Also, erosion caused the top to become rather narrow. I've never liked the result of this project, and would love to remove some of this soil, at least enough to take the peak out. So I've been considering some box blades, but I've never used one. How are they for actually cutting and moving soil. Dragging the soil would be slow, but probably one of the safer ways of moving it. Or what about a dirt scoop. Have you ever seen one with teeth attached. I have seen the scoops used. Again, slow, but cutting off a crown should not take forever.
Moving around dirt
- Thread starter HRS
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gotrocks
Platinum Member
If I wanted to lower the top of my dam the boxblade is my choice. If you want to move the dirt away from the dam then a FEL or scoop would be my choice. With the box I think you could raise it on one side and let it push the soil toward the edge and that would make the top wider. OR a regular blade set at an angle may work better for that operation.
I would still start with my "oversized" box blade then if that did now seem to work then go to reg. blade set a angle.
I would still start with my "oversized" box blade then if that did now seem to work then go to reg. blade set a angle.
Egon
Epic Contributor
How wide is the top now and how deep is the water?
wushaw
Elite Member
A Box Blade will work just fine if you don't have to drag the dirt far.
phxraptor
Bronze Member
Please be very careful working on top of a dam with a tractor. Especially a tractor with an attachment. Went on a medical call not long ago where a person was spraying on top of a dam and the liqued shifted in the sprayer tank causing the tractor to roll. The man was dead when we got there from being crushed when the tractor landed on him.
N80
Super Member
I agree that a box blade would be good for this. However, it occurs to me that if you simply want the dirt to slide off down either side a rear blade might make quick work of this. You just angle it to so the the dirt slides down the side of the dam. However, if the dirt is too hard for a rear blade to penetrate and grab then a BB will be the best choice.
And I agree about being careful too!
And I agree about being careful too!
So... maybe a box blade to cut the center run out. Then have a grader blade that offsets to one side to push the edges going and coming making them just roll on off. This way I would not have to actually drive right on the edge. Tractor would be center at all times.
Now, how do I go about getting a blade that has an offset of something like a foot? Has anyone seen one like this or custom job only?
Now, how do I go about getting a blade that has an offset of something like a foot? Has anyone seen one like this or custom job only?
Egon
Epic Contributor
Taking the top off the dam will be easiest just using the loader. Safer too.
Start on one side and dig down to the depth you want. This gives a nice base to work from and then just continue on dumping the dirt over the side.
Start on one side and dig down to the depth you want. This gives a nice base to work from and then just continue on dumping the dirt over the side.
sandman2234
Super Member
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- JD2555 and a few Allis Chalmers and now one Kubota
The offset blades can be purchased. I bid on some nice ones at an auction in Oklahoma last spring, but didn't end up with any. The good ones command a premium price, so expect it. The ones I looked at were also very heavy, so hopefully you have enough tractor to handle the weight.
David from jax
David from jax