Am I using my tractor properly? (Video)

[erkme73]

So I had a toy barn built and am in the finishing stages. I had a load of gravel dropped and used my 2555 to spread it out in the dirt between the concrete apron and the existing gravel loop.

It took me about an hour to get it reasonably level using the loader and box blade. But, as I'm doing it, going over most of the area several times, I kept thinking "There must be a more efficient way to do this".

The soil was still soft due to rain about 36 hours prior. We were slated to get another 2-3" of rain starting that evening, lasting a few more days, so I figured now or never. Maybe that's part of the problem, as the finished product is still pretty lumpy.

Can those of you with practical experience doing stuff like this comment on my technique? This is the first time I've ever done more than scrape my drive with the box blade.

[video=youtube;tHLUIU9VglI]Mahindra Cabbed HST 2555 Rock moving - YouTube[/video]

 

[/pine]

letting the truck spread it as much as possible prevents a lot of loader work...

 

[erkme73]

So you're saying to use the bucket and/or box blade to push/drag the rock rather than picking it up and placing it? I did that a bit more towards the end when the pile wasn't quite so tall. Hadn't considered doing so right out the gate.

 

[/pine]

So you're saying to use the bucket and/or box blade to push/drag the rock rather than picking it up and placing it? I did that a bit more towards the end when the pile wasn't quite so tall. Hadn't considered doing so right out the gate.

The delivery driver should be able to spread it quite evenly...they set chains on the tailgate for the depth...

 

[747driver]

Nice barn build ! I usually don't use my box blade to level things unless I have a level run to work off of. When you use use a box blade and you change grades such as a dip or up/down hill when the tractor goes up or down the box blade will either dig in or go up as it can't follow the tractors true path. I will use the scoop after dropping the load and level out as I go. You will figure it out as you learn the tricks...thats why we like being on our big boy toys !

 

[/pine]

Generally when I have a load spread...all that is required is a little back dragging with the bucket or reversing my rear blade and angling it back...

Good video BTW...and a good job for as little time as you spent...I'd say you have it dialed in...letting the truck spread it does save some time though...

 

[erkme73]

I did notice that the box blade was doing just that - coming off the ground, or digging in as the tractor changed angles. I tried to compensate with the hitch raise lever, but it was quite frustrating. Having the softer soil also didn't help as I was creating indentations with the tractor tires. I figured I'll let it dry out and harden up a bit before going at it again.

When the dump truck dropped his load, I wasn't sure I would spread on the soil before the next rain - so I had him put it out of the way. Then my will power gave way, and a couple hours later, I was playing in the mud

 

[/pine]

I know it can be an expense...but having a hydraulic top link makes a world of difference using a box blade..for smoothing the blade angle needs to be reversed every time the tractor changes direction...

 

[ovrszd]

I'm with Pine on this one.

Nothing wrong with what you were doing.

Need to fire the dump truck driver. He should have volunteered to spread that for you.

 

[erkme73]

He did offer. I declined because I thought the soil was too wet. Not his fault...

As for the hydraulic lift... so tempting. But I blew my wad on the barn!