Dirt scoop uses

specialkkl · Mar 31, 2007

Just trying to figure out other uses for a dirt scoop. I was thinking of picking one up for some ballast on the back. Other than that it seems kind of awkward for any other use. Is it worth it?

RobJ · Mar 31, 2007

I could have picked one up from the guy I bought my disc from for probably less than $100. Since I don't have a FEL I could use it to move around a small amount of dirt. But I think they are only $200 new at TSC.

If you have a FEL I don't see much use.

sandman2234 · Mar 31, 2007

If you don't have a FEL, they are great to have. I use mine to carry dirt from the backyard to areas that need a little leveling, or potholes in the driveway.
They are better than a wheelbarrow for hauling off broken brick and concrete, which was the last time I used mine. I was asked to remove the brick sign in front of the Church up the street, and I used it to haul off the broken up pieces over to where we were disposing of it.
I have considered building a larger one, since my 24" one is a little small for the 70 hp tractor. Just haven't gotten around to it.
David from jax

Mike120 · Mar 31, 2007

I've got one that I picked up for $45 at an auction. I've used it to clean out a drainage swale, but other than that, I haven't found much use for it.

dillo99 · Mar 31, 2007

I also picked one up cheap and I use is really just as an extra place to carry stuff. I have been moving a lot of medium sized stones on my property. I hand fill the loader and then fill the rear bucket as well. Just gives me double the capacity for stuff like that in a single run.

ovrszd · Apr 1, 2007

I bought a used Ford scoop for $75. It's a great attachment to have. I don't have a loader so I use my scoop to haul dirt frequently. Most recently cut a sloped bank and created a flat slab along my shop for an addition. This required simple excavation and carrying the dirt away. Worked sweet. Even if you have a loader and are trying to move a large quantity of dirt very far it would increase your carrying ability by 60-70% depending on how big your bucket is.

I grew up using an old Ford scoop on various Ford tractors. Very handy attachment that is cheap to own. If you can find a used one for $100 or less versus buying a new one for $200, buy the used one. I've never saw a dirt scoop that was worn out!!!! My old Ford scoop is reversable and definitely more durable than the new ones offered at TSC.

Nuru · Apr 1, 2007

specialkkl said:
Just trying to figure out other uses for a dirt scoop. I was thinking of picking one up for some ballast on the back. Other than that it seems kind of awkward for any other use. Is it worth it?

for me, my Dirt scoop has been used for:

Extra load carrying when loader id full.
ballast for rear
cutting 30 inch paths
supporting gravel road smoothing and leveling
limited loader work until you get a loader
precision dirt removal in placed you can't use your loader
patio foundation dirt removal
carrying furutre college students from parked location to job site - standing room only

rebuilder · Apr 6, 2007

My grandfather dug our half acre pond with his and an 8N Ford. Worked great, I guess. I was just a baby. Worked great, that is until they put it on the 2N and my uncle got confused (different shift pattern) and backed it into the water.

All rescued and I still have both tractors and the scoop.

Nuru · Apr 7, 2007

Glad all were safe, especially your uncle.

jinman · Apr 7, 2007

specialkkl said:
Just trying to figure out other uses for a dirt scoop. I was thinking of picking one up for some ballast on the back. Other than that it seems kind of awkward for any other use. Is it worth it?

If I had a tractor with no FEL and could only buy one implement, I'd buy a boxblade. If I could buy two, I'd be torn between a post-hole digger and a dirtscoop as the second choice. Ah, what the heck...buy all three and put a smile on your face.