Diggng Sewer Pipe?

Indian MC · Jul 28, 2017

I have an issue going on with my 10' long PVC sewer pipe exiting my foundation to my Septic Tank.
Question?
Can I set on top of the Septic tank to dig with my 2601/BH without worrying about compromising and busting the tank? It's the best option, though, I can get at the pipe from the side being extremely careful.
The Septic tank and exit pipe is a little over 3' below the ground surface, concrete, with the structure being about 4" thick.
The 2601 with FEL weighs in at about 2300lbs.
I can't find the weight of the BH in the BH manual.
So,,, I'm gonna guess that I'm a few hundred pounds over 3000 Lbs.
Thanks,

kthompson · Jul 28, 2017

Man, I would hate too. Ask the company who built the tank, will think they tell you no. If you must would use timbers to help spread the load. You will have vibrations in small areas being transmitted to the tank. If me I would stay off the tank totally. If I must would even use shovel to protect the tank.

radioman · Jul 28, 2017

there is something you need to consider. we can drive over culverts just fine as the pipe is round and can distribute weight evenly all around the pipe. a septic tank has corners so the weight can only go to the corners so the breaking point is in the middle of the tank when you have your tractor tires/outriggers down at that point. not a good scenario . i know you want to dig a smooth trench, but if you can, i'd dig sideways and dig a hole to expose the line. with luck its not very deep and any damage you do can be repaired . hopefully there is no plants or anything in the way.
fyi -- i have broken through a 40-50 year old concrete tank with my bx just backing up and reposition for a client of mine. I ended up repairing it at my cost and its not something i want to repeat.

bdhsfz6 · Jul 28, 2017

Personally, I'd dig from the side. I assume you are going to replace the 10' sewer pipe. If so, why do you have to be extremely careful? Is there something else in the ground nearby?

kevin37b · Jul 28, 2017

If the tank is 3ft deep I would not be concerned .Your outriggers and loader bucket will pretty much be on the edge of the tank anyway . Have at it .

Budweiser John · Jul 28, 2017

If the rank has been in the ground for a while with three feet of soil coverage I would put down several sheets of 3/4" plywood to drive on. In addition to the plywood, i'de add a couple 2x12s that are long enough to reach from pedestal to pedestal plus two feet or so to plant the pedestals on. With your FEL bucket positioned down on the plywood you should be good to go.
I would probably not max out the machine's capacity while digging, but you don't have that much material to move.
B. John

Snobdds · Jul 28, 2017

Budweiser John said:
If the rank has been in the ground for a while with three feet of soil coverage I would put down several sheets of 3/4" plywood to drive on. In addition to the plywood, i'de add a couple 2x12s that are long enough to reach from pedestal to pedestal plus two feet or so to plant the pedestals on. With your FEL bucket positioned down on the plywood you should be good to go.
I would probably not max out the machine's capacity while digging, but you don't have that much material to move.
B. John

I too would not worry too much about a tank buried 3 feet down. I would also put down 3/4 plywood and throttle down the rpm's to keep the hoe from jerking around. Once you get close to the tank, you're going to have to dig from the side.

sidecarist · Jul 28, 2017

Whats the tank made of? Ive seen Steel and Plastic tanks that I wouldn't want to be on top of. A concrete tank 3' down wouldn't bother me much with a tractor that size.

LD1 · Jul 28, 2017

Buried 3 feet and if the dirt is settled, you could drive a semi over it and not hurt it.

Have at it.

Billrog · Jul 28, 2017

With 3' of soil over the tank it will be just fine . Centered on the tank you'll have no weight any where near the center where it would be vulnerable with less cover. If you keep the front bucket flat there will be no more than a few # per sq. ft. if you apply down pressure when your at the house end of the tank to reach toward the house.

3Ts · Jul 28, 2017

It really depends. The deeper the tank the less concerned I'd be. It also depends on the size of the tank and how thick the lid is. Also, the weight of your tractor and the backhoe is not the total weight to be concerned about, also add in the forces when you are breaking out and where those are absorbed (i.e. stabilizer or rear tires) Having said that, I've used a 2000# L235 to mow over the concrete tank for many years and it's buried only about 6" and never broke it.

kevin37b · Jul 28, 2017

Did anyone read post #5 ? You do not need plywood or idle down , that will make it worse .I see too many posts about using a backhoe and what to do ? Or I bought 300 acres and how do I clear it with a push mower ?

cat fever · Jul 28, 2017

I agree with Kevin37b,

3' down the tank will be just fine.

Snobdds · Jul 28, 2017

kevin37b said:
Did anyone read post #5 ? You do not need plywood or idle down , that will make it worse .I see too many posts about using a backhoe and what to do ? Or I bought 300 acres and how do I clear it with a push mower ?

I'm all for hearing how not putting plywood down or making the tractor less jerky is really making it worse?

4570Man · Jul 28, 2017

I think you'll be fine. Tanks here rarely have more than a couple inches of dirt over them and would survive that.

Indian MC · Jul 29, 2017

Thank you.
She's a Concrete Tank... ( Why they classify these tanks as Concrete, I don't know ) Sand and cement... No stone... Precast.
3' below surface to the cover.
Which brings the bottom of the tank at around 6' under ground.
20 years sitting in the same place.
I can come in and dig from the side.
But,, I'll be sitting right along side the house and walk in stairs.
Only one way to dig and swing the BH.
I have maybe 20 hours at running the backhoe, I don't want to end up being an imbecile.
Thursday, I phoned my Septic tank pump person.
He had mentioned my Drain Pipe might be compromised. Come spring, dig it out.
I asked him.. It it OK if I mess up while digging and wipe out the pipe?
He said ""NO""
Clean out the soil and be careful of the pipe...
Be careful, I need something to work with.

sidecarist · Jul 29, 2017

6' down you'll have no problem.

His concern about the pipe is that he needs something at each end to work with. You don't want to mess with replacing the pipe where it goes through the house foundation....

kevin37b · Jul 29, 2017

I have been running real hoes for 40 yrs , that is what I do . Control is best at WOT . And why buy $100.00 worth plywood when not needed ? I am all for hearing what makes you a ******* expert ?

kevin37b · Jul 29, 2017

Is it the pipe from the house to tank , or the field not draining ? You need to uncover the tank and the lids and see what is going on . How much paper is being used ? If it is the pipe from house to tank , easy fix . If not ,$$$$ . I am going to wager that thinwall PVC was used on the system and has settled or snapped off at inlet or outlet .BTW you need a new pumper guy !

/pine · Jul 29, 2017

Some places that sell tanks offer reinforced lids that can be driven on...regardless of the depth...
Depending on the type of soil...the planted depth of a tank makes no difference on the distribution of weight...i.e., the weight of a machine CAN be directly applied to the tank lid regardless of depth...