Rear blade decision

oosik · Nov 20, 2024

scootr - Yes - for sure on hitting the drive when it has moisture. There are usually two times. Spring and fall. Then there is the "swamp". A 120 foot section of the driveway that turns to "goo" in the spring. Not realizing that the neighbors large field drains down to this one spot. Something should have been done in '82 when the driveway was built. However - patience and percerverance wins out every year. This section will always end up with large whoop-te-doos but smooth as a pool table. This 120 foot section justifies my purchase of the LPGS with scarifiers.

scootr · Nov 20, 2024

oosik said:
scootr - Yes - for sure on hitting the drive when it has moisture. There are usually two times. Spring and fall. Then there is the "swamp". A 120 foot section of the driveway that turns to "goo" in the spring. Not realizing that the neighbors large field drains down to this one spot. Something should have been done in '82 when the driveway was built. However - patience and percerverance wins out every year. This section will always end up with large whoop-te-doos but smooth as a pool table. This 120 foot section justifies my purchase of the LPGS with scarifiers.

Sounds like one section is ready for grading after the others. In any case even a swamp that eventually dries out will have a perfect time to work it. Scarifying a road the east optimal option IMO. How about installing a pipe and adding a little road material.
We had the swap section on our road too. we added material to raise that section and corrected the drainage issue. Been years now, I forgot how bad it would get...

oosik · Nov 21, 2024

Scootr - believe me - I have tried. There are two factors working against me. Solid, hard bedrock is very close to the surface at this location. AND - true correction would mean considerable earth work on both neighbors properties.

My 30 foot road easement is right down the section line. Between my neighbor on the north and my friend on the south.

I have cut a ditch on the north side of the driveway. Intercepts a vast majority of the water coming off the north field. But I'm also mindful that whatever I do does not present a hazard to his cows.

Besides - this "swamp" condition is only exists for a month or so every year. And - I have added several loads of large gravel which does stabilize the driveway. Does not get rid of the water but at least it is drive-able.