Tractor Sizing Compact TLB for cutting trails into a sloped hillside?

finn1 · Jan 19, 2020

Mini excavator, or maybe a small dozer.

The Mini won稚 like the side slope much, so you will have to work ahead to level the side slope as you go.

I wouldn稚 try that with a light compact tractor.

jeff9366 · Jan 19, 2020

agiardin said:
This is in northern California, in the foothills.

I worked in Mendocino County, near Ukiah, for ten years. Portions of our vineyard ranches looked like that. We used such dry land for pig, bird and deer hunting.

We contracted bulldozers on the ranches regularly to rip for new vineyards and infrequently excavators for roads. We would not assume the risk of having non-professionals operate equipment in conditions pictured.

SAFETY FIRST.

Egon · Jan 19, 2020

A little tractor like a JD 4200 with frame mount backhoe would do the job for you. Only mentioned JD as I have one.

I would recommend welding on a much more substantial cutting edge with flat wear strip on the bottom and edges of the bucket. This makes it much stiffer.

For doing the work start at the bottom if using the backhoe use the hoe to pull yourself up hill. With the bucket start at the top and side dump. In both cases start flat and keep it that way. Make the trail as wide as possible within reason. Actually build the outside edge up slightly and do get the. Front wheels on it for some compaction. Do this at an angle as close to 90 degrees as possible. Do not get both wheels on one side on the outside edge at the same time.

I am familiar with road grade building in mountainous terrain, albite many years ago.

Diggin It · Jan 19, 2020

How hard are those gnarly trees? I'd be more concerned about digging those roots out that the rocky ground.

agiardin · Jan 19, 2020

Diggin It said:
How hard are those gnarly trees? I'd be more concerned about digging those roots out that the rocky ground.

The wood (Manzanita) is unbelievably hard, but luckily their root system is almost non existent. They rip right out of the ground with a gentle tug from a half ton pickup.

agiardin · Jan 19, 2020

jeff9366 said:
An excavator is the right machine. Excavator has a rear engine. Tracks are much more stable than tires. Excavator swivels 360 degrees.

Second choice would be a (rear engine) tracked skid steer usually termed a compact track loader. (CTL)

The bummer about an excavator or dozer is that it would be a single purpose machine for me, and wouldn't help with things like maintaining my driveway, moving gravel around, making burn piles, etc... In that regard, a CTL would be much more appealing. But I'm just not sure if a CTL could really dig into the hillside, having never used one here.

4570Man · Jan 19, 2020

agiardin said:
I don't think a CTL would be able to do the job. A lot of the soil is very rocky. I've tried digging into the hillside with the FEL on an L-series (maybe 4000 pounds?) And it didn't work very well. I was very slowly chipping away and I don't think the FEL would have survived long being used like that.

I'm not too concerned about erosion. I don't get a lot of rain where I am, and the soil is so rocky that it's pretty stable on it's own. 2 years ago I cut some walking trails by hand into the hillside for a couple hundred feet, and they are still in great condition.

As far as rollover is concerned... If I start on a flat spot, and proceed up the mountain cutting a level trail into the side, the machine will only ever be on a level surface, right?

A CTL will eat a tractor alive when it comes to digging. Although a mini excavator is probably the better tool. You’ll want a tilt attachment for the bucket if you’re using a CTL.

cholland · Jan 19, 2020

I would focus on long term needs with the tractor. A CUT would be great for maintaining your property. I also live in the rocky California foothills and would suggest renting a mini ex for a week or two for building your road/trail. Then use the tractor for the final grading and long term property work.

Diggin It · Jan 19, 2020

agiardin said:
The bummer about an excavator or dozer is that it would be a single purpose machine for me,

But I'm just not sure if a CTL could really dig into the hillside, having never used one here.

I've never used one either, but I'm reasonably certain it will dig that trail better and safer than a tractor mounted BH. As to your single use issue:

cholland said:
I would focus on long term needs with the tractor. A CUT would be great for maintaining your property. I also live in the rocky California foothills and would suggest renting a mini ex for a week or two for building your road/trail. Then use the tractor for the final grading and long term property work.

Is the trail the only major digging project you have planned? At your stated 1,500' run, renting might be an option, but since you've never used one, you'll waste a lot of time learning and adapting. A contractor might be able to rough cut that 1,500 feet in a day or two which might be the lesser cost in the long run. Then take your time cleaning and grooming it on what will be a safer working surface for a novice.