How big of a rock/boulder can a 60 HP tractor push on relatively flat dirt?

[future_vision]

Ran across this video. Probably something to consider. Just because I can get the tractor to do something doesn't mean I should or is this guy wrong?

 

[M59]

self loading stone boat.

View attachment 751516

Bruce

Bruce,

Your self loading stone boat is probably the best low cost most effective solutions I have seen on TBN

 

[bcp]

Bruce,

Your self loading stone boat is probably the best low cost most effective solutions I have seen on TBN

Just a photo I found on the internet.

Bruce

 

[future_vision]

self loading stone boat.

View attachment 751516

Bruce

Yes!!! I was thinking something along this line for a design but I would want to get the rock up off the ground more but this could certainly work. Does it close completely under the rock? Did you build it yourself?

 

[M59]

Ran across this video. Probably something to consider. Just because I can get the tractor to do something doesn't mean I should or is this guy wrong?

Future-vision,

Thanks for the video. Most tractor people look at price and weight instead of of the more important factors of expected lifetime of the implement. Initial price is a very small portion of the lifetime cost unless the implement only has a very short lifetime due due to poor design. Good design means greasable wear points, proper hydraulic routing and protection, and replaceable wear parts. The really important info at 9:50 in video is something you will never see in the cheap and cheerful implements.

I run a Paladin 72" grapple on a M59 and have never had any issue with it other than wasps like to build nests in the tubes where hoses are run for protection against damage during use. Can of spray foam solved that.

 

[fishdrivel]

I have moved 3 ton granite boulders with my 29HP tractor. (b2910 with FEL and tiller)

 

[future_vision]

Future-vision,

Thanks for the video. Most tractor people look at price and weight instead of of the more important factors of expected lifetime of the implement. Initial price is a very small portion of the lifetime cost unless the implement only has a very short lifetime due due to poor design. Good design means greasable wear points, proper hydraulic routing and protection, and replaceable wear parts. The really important info at 9:50 in video is something you will never see in the cheap and cheerful implements.

I run a Paladin 72" grapple on a M59 and have never had any issue with it other than wasps like to build nests in the tubes where hoses are run for protection against damage during use. Can of spray foam solved that.

I don't think EA grapes have the floor back protection. Can that be bought aftermarket?

 

[jigs_n_fixtures]

Break the rocks into smaller rocks.
Drill a 3/8-hole about 6-inches deep.
Fill it with silly putty.
Cover the thing with some old carpet
Take 32-caliber Ram-Set, with the heaviest charge, and longest pin they make.
Center the Ram-Set on the hole full of silly putty, and give it a good smack.
The hydraulic pressure will split the rock.

Traditionally, a ”Stone Sled” was made with two lengths of 4X6, with the fronts tapered up, and the whole length faced with 1/4-inch steel strap. You then put 2X cross pieces over the 4X6s to make a deck. Two hole were drilled near the front of the runners, to attach towing ropes or chains.

I think you could find actual plans for one in the plan archives of the Agg Engineering Schools, at the Land Grant Universities. They are a good resource for farm related designs, for everything from barns, sheds, houses, and chicken coops and implements.

 

[JRH02]

We have some HUGE boulders around. I have moved or worked with many, many of them. I use the large ones for decoration or erosion control and LOTS of stone up to 16" for erosion and understory fire protection around the house. They also make great places for rattle snakes to hide :-( So far there is only one that was too big for a 410j but at least I was able to get it off a dangerous place and over the other side of the trail. All I can say is that big rocks are big wear and tear on a tractor. Even if you can pick them up doesn't mean you should. And trying to push them is crazy esp if the land is not flat.

The best advise I've seen on this thread is to get it in the bucket if reasonable, tilt the bucket back and slide it over the ground. I like the rock sled idea too. But again, if the ground is not level that could be dangerous. So what's so wrong with just making a hole, burying the oversize and using smaller ones? Or rent a suitable wheel loader brought in on a lowboy.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

WoW!! That is one beautiful stone - SR. I hope you are moving it somewhere to display it.

IT, along with many others are along my driveway to my shop.

BIG rocks require big equipment, if you want to move them very far.

SR