Grading Dirt Work

[farm guy]

Hi All,

I had put a deposit down on a Branson 5220 tractor 55hp turbo with a FEL the loader is rated at 2200 pounds at the pins. My question is, I would like to use it to level and grade some land so I can erect a steel building on the land. The area is relatively flat with a slight grade. I would need it to clear away some logs and debris and level the area. Then lay down a limestone sand base for the building. Am I asking too much from this tractor to do this task?

 

[Nissan197]

I would say it depends on how much land you will be grading. When I put up my 40X50 pole barn I also had to get the ground level. I started doing it myself but quickly figured my Mahindra 3215 would take forever. I hired a local guy who had it done in a few hours with heavy machinery. When I had the limestone delivered I took care of that with my tractor. I don't think you are asking too much of the tractor, it just depends on how much time you have.

 

[the6shooter]

That will be more than enough, tractor for what you want to do with it.
You could even go down to a 30H.P. tractor. But the 55H.P. would be something you may need for future, projects. Buying more than you need, will always be my choice. for the money you would be more than 2/3rds way to the bigger unit anyway.
david

 

[farm guy]

Hi,

Thanks for the quick replies, the building is going to be 20 by 60 foot. It is only 20 wide because the land and hillside limitations. A steep drop off one one side and hillside on the other! Thanks again for the advise!

 

[IndyIan]

Hi,

Thanks for the quick replies, the building is going to be 20 by 60 foot. It is only 20 wide because the land and hillside limitations. A steep drop off one one side and hillside on the other! Thanks again for the advise!

Your place sounds like mine. A good heavy boxblade is great for dirtwork as well. You can use the rippers to loosen up the dirt and the box to move it. Depending on your soil and rocks, digging with the FEL may not be the fastest or easiest on the tractor.

 

[Timber]

I would recommend a tooth bar for the bucket but you will have no trouble at all. I have a 30 HP B7800 and you wouldn't believe what I have done with it. I also recommend a box blade to level the ground. It is about the most usfull piece of ground engagement implement you will ever buy for under a grand.

This is a project I did when I installed my inground pool, I had to level off the ground down almost 24 inches so the runoff from the house wouldn't run into the pool

Before

After

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n235/Timber_8/Untitled_0001.mp4

 

[Timber]

This is the water garden I dug with the loader, this is just a 30 HP tractor

Before

After

 

[Verticaltrx]

I would recommend a tooth bar for the bucket but you will have no trouble at all. I have a 30 HP B7800 and you wouldn't believe what I have done with it. I also recommend a box blade to level the ground. It is about the most usfull piece of ground engagement implement you will ever buy for under a grand.

x2

I've done an amazing amount of excavating with my little B3200 Kubota. I will say it isn't nearly as easy as with something larger like a skid steer or track loader, but with some fineness you can do a lot with a little tractor. Attached is a pic of an excavation I'm working on for a 40x60 shop:

 

[farm guy]

Guys,

Thanks so much for all the info! I had never thought of using a box grader, but I now see how that could really help. From all the projects you have all had done I feel confident I will be able to tackle the project I now had in front on me. Thanks again for all your help!

 

[blueriver]

Guys,

Thanks so much for all the info! I had never thought of using a box grader, but I now see how that could really help. From all the projects you have all had done I feel confident I will be able to tackle the project I now had in front on me. Thanks again for all your help!

I like to use a disc harrow on sod and disc the area to break it up then use the box blade and you can move alot of dirt ... sod on the other hand can be tough.