BX25 with BH weight over septic?

[JFoy]

The 4" septic line from my house to the septic tank is around 10ft long. From the house it starts out cast iron and about half way to the tank, switches to what we believe is terracotta pipe. Looking down the cleanout of the cast iron pipe towards the tank, it appears the terracotta has cracked or something at the point where it joins the cast iron and the clay pipe sunk. So, the pipes are not vertically inline anymore and I'm having drainage issues on that line going to the septic tank. The septic tank was built back in the 50's, was hand made with block, and has cement slabs covering it. I just started mowing that area with the BX25 with MMM and it is possible I caused this but I don't think so.

In order to use the BH to excavate that area, I'd have to place tractor over the septic tank. This assumes I'd position the tractor in-line with the pipe. I could excavate perpendicular to the line and not sit on top of the tank.

The weight of BX25 + BH + FEL would probably be over 2500lbs. The pipe itself is probably 12" to 18" down.

Question is then, tractor in-line with the pipe, perpendicular to the pipe (and off the tank), or get out the shovel?

Thanks,
JFoy

 

[davesl708]

How thick is the concrete?

If the pipe was 18" deep I don't think the BX broke it. Terracotta is fragile where it joins other pipes.
Might want to replace with ABS or similar pipe.

 

[Mendonsy]

Well .... there IS one way to find out, but if it doesn't go well you won't be happy with the results! I wouldn't risk it myself.
One thing that you could do is to distribute the weight over a larger area. You could get a couple of long railroad ties and put them under the outriggers to spread out the load and also use some wide planks under the tires.

 

[JFoy]

How thick is the concrete?

If the pipe was 18" deep I don't think the BX broke it. Terracotta is fragile where it joins other pipes.
Might want to replace with ABS or similar pipe.

I don't know how thick it is as it has been a while since I lifted it. I do recall needing an 8ft. pry bar though - heh.

As for the tractor breaking the pipe, I since realized I don't actually drive the tractor in that spot since it is just inside the mulch area. So, I don't think the tractor was responsible.

 

[dragoneggs]

This shouldn't really be a data point for you but I drive over my septic tank every time I use my BX25D (BH installed) as it is located in the path of where I need to park it. The septic tank is concrete and buried about 18in below surface and buried mostley with rocky dirt and a few inches of gravel on top. As far as I know, no issues. I did dig down to the cap to pump it out a few months ago using the BH and then lifted the concrete lid with the boom and chain. Worked great and looked fine. Good luck.

 

[JFoy]

Thanks to all. I think I should be ok but I will still use some boards to spread the weight.

 

[dragoneggs]

Thanks to all. I think I should be ok but I will still use some boards to spread the weight.

Smart thinking... Can't hurt.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I drive my RTV900 over my septic tank all the time and it is fiberglass about 18" below grade. I thin the RTV 900 weighs about the same as your BX.

 

[5030]

A long time ago... I drove my M9000 over my septic tank (forgot it was there and was having a stupid moment). needless to say, I had a poopy situation....about down to the axle on the right side and had to put it in FWA to get out. I had to pour a new lid. I don't pull that stuff anymore....