cheapo ways to move dirt

[zmjc]

Thanks for all the suggestions! It sounds like there is no magic bullet, unlike the chain sling for rocks.

I'll probably rough out the trail myself, and see if the tractor sinks into the wet parts (I have to cross a small stream)... that would be a good time to call a contractor :laughing:

I was bummed out at the need to make a pointless trail, but I'm getting excited about the challenge now

 

[zmjc]

Say that in one breath, and it sounds like you have a dump trailer

I'm just not sure what you mean by "quality trailer"... does that mean you're afraid to scratch it with a chain when flipping it up, or does it mean it can take a beating ?

It's a shiny, pricey aluminum trailer that's been brilliant for moving lumber, plywood, log-splitters, couches, etc. I'm not sure I want to pile dirt in it and bash it with the FEL yet... we'll see how desperate I get :laughing:

 

[kthompson]

No idea about there but check with rental companies. You might find a small dump truck for very reasonable price. Depending on distance and your tractor might want two, one to be loaded while the other is making run to dump. Another option is a large front end loader from rental company. They get nervous on those if you dirt is not loose and you are not experienced. Course you need good friends to drive them. If you go with dump trailer be advised many if not most don't lift near to the angle of a dump truck and are harder to dump with anything that is the least bit sticky. Think on any idea on how often you will need to get off and back on the tractor or anything else. That can be mighty tiring and time consuming. Be sure you don't get anything that is too high for your loader to dump into it nor you care if it gets scratched or even dented. You are making heavy moves in tight spaces and trying not to waste time and...well bumps and bog downs and even turn overs happen in wet or slopes with heavy loads and you have no idea the weight of what you are loading. It will be as heavy as dirt.

A question, if you are building down hill of your neighbor have you taken into consideration you will be building a **** and need to tile for that.

 

[North Country]

I could use the backhoe to fill a cheapish dump cart.

If that's cheapish to you, look at this one:

Polar Sport Off-Road ATV Trailer 1500-Lb. Capacity, Model# 8233 | Lawn + Garden Utility Trailers | Northern Tool + Equipment

$200 less, although you need to pay shipping.

Add the sides (listed under "accessories") and it becomes a 1+ cu yd trailer for firewood, etc, although you don't need a yard to haul 1500lbs of soil.

I've beat the snot out of mine. I pick it up with the forks often, even when loaded. Also, it's considerably wider & lower than others so it doesn't tip over when loaded on sidehills - this was a big plus for me. The agri-fab has less ground clearance while carrying the load higher.

The removeable tailgate on the agri-fab will be a small advantage when dumping, although I haven't had trouble with the polar.

 

[zmjc]

A question, if you are building down hill of your neighbor have you taken into consideration you will be building a **** and need to tile for that.

Sadly, the public road goes uphill from the existing trail, and my land goes downhill. I plan to install a plastic culvert to handle the stream.

 

[studor]

are you talkin about those dumpster bags from hardware stores

Yes I was refering to the dumpster bags and around here they also deliver dirt in a square one or you can get a version from tractor supply for 80 bucks that is like a sling that holds 3000 lbs

 

[SPYDERLK]

200 feet; stick with the FEL. :thumbsup:

That was what I was thinking, with loading and unloading and transporting, etc, I was thinking I would just stick the hydro in M, and be there before all of this got done.. just an opinion.. but thats mine too.

James K0UA

++ Im thinking ultimately you will be spreading the dirt at destination. So small loads like a FEL bucket and repeated [short] trips will essentially allow tailoring dumps and limit the spreading. You will also be packing the fill more effectively -- a little at a time. Not knowing your specific situation :confused2: but it seems like the way to me. :confused3:
larry

 

[zmjc]

Hmm, using a Bagster as lining for my trailer might not be a bad idea...

 

[zmjc]

You will also be packing the fill more effectively -- a little at a time.

Good point! Thanks, the advice is appreciated...

 

[KML]

Don't know your time frame for getting this done but an option my neighbor used that worked pretty slick for him was to keep his eyes out for a nasty old beat up dump truck that still ran and worked but was so rough no one would touch it. After about 6 weeks he found an old ford single axle for $1000. He drove it to the property with a temp plate and used it for the duration of his project (and a few more). When done he tried selling it for a few weeks but didn't get any takers so he called the scrap yard who happily paid him $150/ton for it. At 10 1/2 tons he actually made money on it! He did the same with an old road grader.

His "recipe" is - Find out what scrap prices are and keep that and the weight of what you're buying in mind when shopping and pay accordingly. Scrap prices are through the roof here but make sure you get the right price from the scrap yard as bare cut up steel ($250/ton) is more/ton than rolling scrap ($150 here this week). Prices do vary so that is also a risk.

Of course if it breaks down before you're finished it may not work as slick but if you have the time it and are mechanically inclined it may be an option.