Clearing a pad in wet conditions

[Rio_Grande]

I have to clear a pad in the next few weeks for our new pole building. I orignaly planned to just push the sod off with my loader then level up with a grader balde, Problem is it is so wet that I am concerned with making more ruts than I level out or sticking the trailer.

Any Ideas on the best attachment or method of doing this?

 

[greg_g]

What you use is immaterial in the face of wet ground. The prudent thing to do is wait till conditions are dry enough. You might consider using the tractor for drainage cuts though, might help the area dry faster.

But personally, I wouldn't use my tractor at all - once it's dry enough, I'd rent or hire a small dozer. A good operator can actually save remove the sod for use elsewhere, and save the topsoil on another pile. After that it's simple matter of moving the subsoil around till your pad is flat. And the weight of the dozer will compact the area at the same time. You won't lose as much gravel that way. Then use your tractor and loader to clean up after the dozer's done

//greg//

 

[Slippy]

I have done it numerous times and I use my loader with tooth bar to rip the sod, then I use my roll over box blade to finish out. I have done it even in wet conditions. With the roll over blade I can push or pull all from the forward moving direction that means my tracks are covered as I pull out of the area. Good idea depending upon how low you are going to go to put top soil in one pile and less desirable in another. I actually think I can do it about as fast as a dozer and because I have a loader, can move the dirt further away without disturbing the soil between the work site and the pile.
Have your rock ready though so you can get it down and compacted to keep from having a pond if it rains again.