Dirt Moving BX25 How Much Dirt can you move and labor rates?

[RomeK2]

Your question is hard to answer! Part of it is your skill effort!
I'd not figure over two hours per load for any operator but some might take longer although I'd say half of that time should be generous enough.

Why not tell him you'd rather do it by the hour?

Art,

That is what I am planning to tell him, I want to be able to give him an estimated time for the whole thing so he has an idea of the total cost. I think I need 12 truck loads now!

 

[dodge man]

Yeah, you last numbers are closer. Just a wild guess on my part, but you might be looking at 24 hours or more of seat time to move that much dirt.

 

[Tractor Factor]

I am gonna use I cubic yard of dirt = 1 ton, there for I need 139 tons or about 12 truck loads. Is that about right?

My guess is that 1 cubic yard of your dirt will be half a ton or less. A yard of crushed gravel is a bit more than a ton a yard, maybe around 1.5 tons a yard, or so. As long as you know the volume you need, the place you buy the dirt from can give you a pretty good idea of the weight, if you need to know that. Since your BX25 can easily lift a full bucket of dirt, I think the more important figure to you is the volume so you know how many trips it will require to move the entire amount you have delivered.

 

[MarkV]

For that much dirt I would rent a skid steer to do the moving. They will fit anywhere the BX will, maneuver better and move dirt much faster.

MarkV

 

[radioman]

I forgot to add one more thing- DO you realize due to the sheer number of trip you will need to make, If you are driving over a lawn to do this, you wil also need to factor in the sod repair costs.

 

[RomeK2]

Since this is not what you do for a living, you need to ask yourself a few questions.

1. moving the dirt is not a problem, have you driven 200 ft with your BX, lets say at least 20 times in a row without stopping? The BX is not known for its ground speed efficiency. You noticed I rounded up the footage driven since you will need it for driving around pile, maneuvering obstacles and such. With BX, it will wear you down quick, so this being said a BXpanded bucket extender is GONNA help! Every little bit will make a difference. Do you have a trailer you could use too ? With right setup, you can load trailer, hook up trailer, drive to location, disconnect , lift with bucket to dump, go back to pile and repeat. all of this can be done without getting out tractor with 3 pt hitch.

2. Are you doing this on your vacation time from regular work? will you be able to replace your "lost vacation time" with same rate of wages? This is typically the going rate you charge. OR are you doing this on a weekend for diesel money plus a little extra for your self just to get the job?

3. insurance, breakdowns? If something happens, are you prepared for the risks? Do you have a time line you must complete the work within?

4. I wouldn't worry about the cost of getting BXpanded extender if it something you can use at home too. If it a one time use for your client, and no other jobs lined up in future, just three truckloads? well I'd say its a borderline decision. by the 3rd truck load or so, you will be either be kicking yourself, or be proud of what you done without it.

Usually when people ask me do to things for them that require use of my tractor,fuel for both towing it there and tractor, I give them a few hundred dollars quote just for my time and the work to be done if it can be done in one day they always (99 percent of time) give me a little extra which is nice. Your mileage may vary.

Radioman,

1. I have moved a truckload at my house (12 tons). It took me about a day but that included grading and leveling. I know there are a lot of experts here, I just want to find out moving the pile time only. I can play all day without stoping! Interesting though on the set up you discuss. How can you hitch to a trailer withoug getting on and off tractor? Please explain.

2. There aren't enough jobs at the firm I work for. I have put on furlough about 3 times lately. So I anticipate and plan on doing this to make up for income loss.

3. My bx is about a year old/85 hours. If it breaks I will fix it. I don't think it will break. No hard timeline other than I would do it full time 8-12 hours a day until completed. With the new posting I am really not sure how the 139 cubic yards converts to dirt tons. Does anyone have an answer to that?

4. Looking for an excuse for a new toy!

 

[RomeK2]

I spread 30 yards of mulch in about 8 hours. 4 on each day.
Very boring. I bought a set of radio/hearing protection earmuffs. Makes the time go quicker.
A full scoop is the key. You will really get a feel for the FEL, just like after
100' od trench will make you and the BH as one.

Oneness, I like that. Me and my machine.

 

[RomeK2]

I generally charge 100-120 per truck load to move it from the street to the back yard. I'm talking 12-14 ton loads, and every job has it's variables. This price does not include spreading, only to get it to the general vicinity of where it's going to end up. The BX hauls around 1/5 yard per scoop I think, so multiply your toatl cubic yard by 5 and you'll get an idea of total trips.

Keep your backhoe on for ballast, especially if you buy the expander, or you'll be tipping at every bump and you don't want to tag the house.

Coreshot,

That's good info. Thanks. How long would it take 'you' on your bx to move a truck load....say 150 feet travel distance? at what speeds do you use?

 

[RomeK2]

For that much dirt I would rent a skid steer to do the moving. They will fit anywhere the BX will, maneuver better and move dirt much faster.

MarkV

Mark,

That may be the best thing to do, but that might not feel like play. I don't want to tag the house also.

 

[RomeK2]

My guess is that 1 cubic yard of your dirt will be half a ton or less. Even a yard of crushed gravel is less than a ton a yard, maybe around 1.5 tons a yard, or so. As long as you know the volume you need, the place you buy the dirt from can give you a pretty good idea of the weight, if you need to know that. Since your BX25 can easily lift a full bucket of dirt, I think the more important figure to you is the volume so you know how many trips it will require to move the entire amount you have delivered.

I really need to figure how 139 cu yards of volume translates to dirt tons. Ironically one place I called that sells dirt did not know how many yards or cuft volume a ton of dirt is. Maybe it just the guy who answers the phone. Any know the hard facts?