BIG ROCK PROBLEM????

dirtworksequip · Jan 2, 2007

OK guys and gals, see what kind of method you can come up with to move this rock back away from the water about 10 feet so I can reset it level in the same postion it is now. Problem: ROCK approx. 8 tons. Equipment available: Caterpillar 287 track skid steer (4.5 ton ), Caterpillar 308CCR excavator (8 ton machine) and a JD 3520.
Also the rocks end is at the right hand edge of the pic, behind it is level grassy area so there isn't a problem with getting a machine or to there.

And don't anyone suggest renting a D9 or blowing it up with dynamite.

I took a pic of me on it to give you some scale.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q259/dirtworksequip/bike pic/P1010909.jpg

randy41 · Jan 2, 2007

be easier to move the water

Egon · Jan 2, 2007

Jack it up, put down some timbers, add rollers, attach a 8 shiv. block and tackle, anchor it and start pulling.

Don't stand under it when jacking. Maybe make some cribbing to support it.

Don't need those machines at all.

EddieWalker · Jan 2, 2007

Do you have allot of logs, some chains and a few friends to run your equipment?

I'd dig up all around it and see if you can lift part of it enough to get a log under it. Then dig a ramp to get it up and out of the ground, or dig a trench to where you need it to go.

Then get the chains around it and pull with which every one of your machines has the most power and traction. If that's not enough, put another machine in front of the first one and pull with both. Keep adding vehicles until you can get it moving.

When it starts to move, put more logs under it and continue until you get it where you want it. If the Egyptions did it with people power, you shouldn't have too much trouble with all your tractors.

Good Luck,
Eddie

dirtworksequip · Jan 2, 2007

egon, I rolled it into place on several round treated fence post, but they pretty much splintered to pieces. I had it setting real nice and level. Now its settled into the current postion and I need to rethink the whole thing once I get it rolled back out of the way.

dirtworksequip · Jan 2, 2007

Eddie, now your thinking. Good idea about digging the trench. I just might be able to get it slightly down hill. Gravity would help tremendously. Do you think a lot of butter would help? hahahaha

mike69440 · Jan 2, 2007

I was shocked at the size of the rock I could move with a 7500Lb L39 Kubota's BH. I kind of picked one end up a bit and swivel and crab it around. I was afraid that rock would slide too far and cream the L39 stabilizers!

I would think the Cat 308 would be able to move this. The other machines haven't a chance. Dig a trench behind the rock and pull it toward the trench. Repeat this several times and I bet you will be able to slide it if it is really only 8 tons.

I'd love a Cat 308!

Ken_CT · Jan 2, 2007

I'll bring my BX23 over and take care of it for you in no time, (just making fun of another thread)

. But seriously, there is a product called Dexpan, which is an expanding cement. You drill holes, pour it in, wait a day, and it cracks the rock pretty well. From there a rented jack hammer will do the rest. I removed a bunch of large rocks with it a couple of years ago and was impressed with it. It is a bit expensive, but it might do the trick for you. Here's a link.
Dexpan Non-Explosive Demolition Agent

dirtworksequip · Jan 2, 2007

When we loaded the rock on a roll off truck to get it to my place I hooked onto it with a D8 and 20 foot 5/8ths chain. Took the slack out real easy. Let off of the decel pedal and the chain popped like a rubber band. Had to push it onto the rolloff with the D8.

The rock still chained on the truck.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/...TES POND ROAD BUILDING AND OTHER/P7100265.jpg

The rock was facing the other direction on the rolloff so we spun it around with the cat 308ccr while it was still loaded on the truck.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/...TES POND ROAD BUILDING AND OTHER/P7100269.jpg

Thanks to Josh Miller of Miller Trucking for making it happen.

dirtworksequip · Jan 2, 2007

Ken, I'm sure the dexpan works great, but I hauled this rock in! The rock isn't the problem its that it settled in and now I need to move it so I can reset it in a level position just about where it is now. If I had given it a little more forthought I probably should have poured a concrete footer for it to set on.

Thanks for the help though.

khd · Jan 2, 2007

Instead of moving it away, how about a large a-frame to lift the hanging end. Take the tension off the front, dig the trench behind as others suggest to allow the back to drop as the front is lifted enough to work under it, crib it for safety and then build your footing to bring it level and gently set it back down???

Regards,
Kevin

Egon · Jan 2, 2007

Now I get a different perspective of the problem. You really want the Rock where it is.

Jack it up and place cribbing under it. Pour some cement supports and then lower it back down.

MarkStewart · Jan 2, 2007

Check out this video on youtube. You may get some ideas from it. If anything I
found it pretty entertaining. YouTube - Building Stonehenge - This Man can Move Anything

dirtworksequip · Jan 2, 2007

Keep the ideas coming! I think a combination of everyones suggestions may just get it done.

I enjoy reading the different solutions to this problem. Its always better to get someone elses perspective.

Someone may even come up with a truely simple and unique method!

Thanks again to everyone that has responded so far.

Ken_CT · Jan 2, 2007

dirtworksequip,
Sorry, I misunderstood the project, even though you explained it perfectly

. Looking at the pic of the rock, it seems to have a few cracks or fissures in it. Looks like it will have to be move carefully or it could break. I agree with mike69440, a trench behind, some really strong straps, and the Cat. Maybe dig under as far as you can and make a ramp. Good luck and please post pics of the move.

Ken

dirtworksequip said:
OK guys and gals, see what kind of method you can come up with to move this rock back away from the water about 10 feet so I can reset it level in the same postion it is now. Problem: ROCK approx. 8 tons. Equipment available: Caterpillar 287 track skid steer (4.5 ton ), Caterpillar 308CCR excavator (8 ton machine) and a JD 3520.
Also the rocks end is at the right hand edge of the pic, behind it is level grassy area so there isn't a problem with getting a machine or to there.

And don't anyone suggest renting a D9 or blowing it up with dynamite.

I took a pic of me on it to give you some scale.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q259/dirtworksequip/bike%20pic/P1010909.jpg

Defective · Jan 4, 2007

You want it level...

Will it upset you to possibly lose a little elevation?

If not, I'd bring in a hydro-excavator. Just wash out a little of the earth supporting the high end.

I've done similar with a simple pressure washer but on a much smaller scale. It's amazing how much weight you can move if your just going down.

dirtworksequip · Jan 4, 2007

Defective, yea I want to keep it as level as I can and cantilevered out over the water as far as far as possible.The paint line on the side of the rock is the balance point. The elevation was sort of critical because I wanted some space between the water level and the bottom of the rock. If anything I need to go up with it.Thats a good trick to remember about the water. Sort of like the old time gold miners with the water cannons.

EddieWalker · Jan 4, 2007

I've got a clearer idea of what you want to do now and think I'd try something different than I first thought.

I was thinking about digging a pit and droping one end down into it, which will raise the end over the water like a see-saw. But that's allot of work and you still have to get the end in the ground back up again.

Now I wonder why you cant just dig a small opeining under the overhang of the rock and put a 20 ton bottle jack under it and jack it up? Get it up so far and block it with some wide lumber. Keep going until you have it so high, then do the same thing at each corner.

I did this with my dozer and it weighs 20 tons, so it's not that big a deal.

Once you get it up in the air and blocked nice and safely, it should be a simple job of shoveling material under it.

If your trackhoe can lift it up some, that might be easier and faster.

Good luck,
Eddie

dirtworksequip · Jan 4, 2007

Eddie, that may have worked with the bottle jack. Here are some updated pics.
Pic: Thinking of best angle of attack.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/...TES POND ROAD BUILDING AND OTHER/P1010919.jpg

Pic: Thats not going to work! I'm at max. reach and the blade is tight on the rock.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/...TES POND ROAD BUILDING AND OTHER/P1010920.jpg

So I turned the machine around and tried that way.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/...TES POND ROAD BUILDING AND OTHER/P1010921.jpg

I can reach the end of the rock now, but don't have a lot of leverage with the boom and stick fully extended. (note: the paint mark on the rock that is the balance point)

dirtworksequip · Jan 4, 2007

Its moving, but not very good. Fraction of an inch at a time. Since I have the machine turned backwards from the blade I can't hold myself in position. When I pull on the rock the machine slides towards the rock.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/...TES POND ROAD BUILDING AND OTHER/P1010922.jpg

To solve the problem of the machine sliding towards the rock I had to push on the travel pedals to hold it. Worked ok, but doing that takes power away from the boom,stick and bucket functions.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/...TES POND ROAD BUILDING AND OTHER/P1010923.jpg

Got it moved a little over 1 foot. Have to fight it for every inch.I even tried cussing it, but it didn't do any good.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/...TES POND ROAD BUILDING AND OTHER/P1010925.jpg

I quit for now! Its back far enough that I don't have to worry about it slipping into the pond.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/...S POND ROAD BUILDING AND OTHER/P1010926-1.jpg