Grading First Project - Driveway Cut

knightracing · Nov 2, 2003

I just picked up my brand new 4310 on Saturday! Thanks to this site for the advice on the 420 vs. 430 loader - went with the 430. Now that I have the tractor, I have a list of projects to complete to "justify" this new toy. The first of which is a new driveway from our house back to a pole barn approx 350' behind our house.

I am looking for ALL of the advice I can get on this one. What type of attachment would you guys use for the initial cut? How deep would you go? Would you use 3" stone for the base? What size stone next? Whats' the best way to grade the sides of the gravel drive to drain water? The gravel drive will be a straight shot over flat ground. The property was once a corn field.

I look forward to your input!

Jon Knight
Westfield, IN

OkieG · Nov 3, 2003

Welcome Jon,
And congrats. on your new tractor.
I don't know anything about cutting a new driveway, but my guess is a BoxBlade and your new loader would both be useful for that project.

OkieG

Wildman1 · Nov 3, 2003

My gut feeling when you mentioned a 350' drive was to go for hiring a dozer and doing the finish work with your tractor. Not that you couldn't do it but it will take lotsa time.

Golfgar4 · Nov 3, 2003

Jon,

Congrats on your 4310! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif You lucky dog you!! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

I don't have any persoanl experience in building roads myself, but here's a link to a thread that was posted last September that may help you find some good info.! Helpful Road Building Links

grainger12002 · Nov 3, 2003

Wheres the pics of the new John Deere? We need pics before any projects can start !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

fgross335_2210 · Nov 3, 2003

I cut a driveway last year using a rented 4210 and loader and it was successful but not very efficient using just the loader. I think the box blade would be a good start on removing dirt to create and grade the base. Then once you have a dirt removed the bb can again be used to evenly spread the gravel.

I think your soil type will have a lot to do with the size and depth of your base gravel. Where I live we have a lot of sand so we don't need to go real deep. If you have clay then the multi-layer approach will work better. Call a local sand and gravel company they will usually tell you over the phone what most people in your area are doing.

This will be a great first project, good use of the tractor, FEL and 3 point. Have fun!