"Making Little Ones of of Big Ones"

WALT · Oct 23, 2005

\"Making Little Ones of of Big Ones\"

I am in need of the TBN expert's assistance in the best & most efficent way to break up numerous large stones & boulders on my property. I have an L-39 TLB with an Anbo grapple. This has saved my back from premature damage, but some stones are too big to move.

I am in the process of making a lawn out of about an acre of forest that I have cleared. I have been able to bury many of the larger boulders by digging a hole next to them, then pushing them into the hole. However, I have underground utilities running right down the middle of the future lawn, which precludes digging in that area.

I rented a rock drill & compressor, drilling 36" deep holes in some of the boulders, but was not able to get them to split by freezing water in the drilled holes. The rental yard wants $60.00 for 10 lbs of expanding cement, but I have too many stones to break up for that to be cost effective.
I looked into "wedges & feathers" but have not found much info on that method.

If any of you have dealt with this task, I would appreciate any information on how you went about this.

Thanks:
Walt

Taylortractornut · Oct 23, 2005

Re: \"Making Little Ones of of Big Ones\"

Walt You can rent a hydraulic rock splitter. you have to drill holes in them but it has a 2 part expanding mandrell and a power pack. we used them alot working in a rock field. breaking up what didnt blast when we had hammer limitations with the excavators. They are very good for controlled breaks. I think RSC and Unitied handles them.

valleydweller1 · Oct 24, 2005

Re: \"Making Little Ones of of Big Ones\"

I've heard stories of building a fire around big rocks. After they get really hot you pour water on them, causing them to break. I'm not sure if it's true, if it works or what kind of effort is involved.

Egon · Oct 24, 2005

Re: \"Making Little Ones of of Big Ones\"

Consider incorporating the rocks into a landscape theme. It may be easier than trying to remove them.

If they must go get some proper equipment in. It will save a lot of headaches plus time.

Egon /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

WALT · Oct 25, 2005

Re: \"Making Little Ones of of Big Ones\"

Thanks for your suggestions.

The larger stones will probably remain in place,
as that was plan "B".

Walt

CTyler · Oct 25, 2005

Re: \"Making Little Ones of of Big Ones\"

Can you put a jack hammer on the hoe?

Farwell · Oct 25, 2005

Re: \"Making Little Ones of of Big Ones\"

Building a fire under rocks will work but it will take a couple of days worth of fire. My brother and I did it when we were kids, with my Fathers supervision.
Dig a pit under the rock for the fire and feed it wood 24 hours a day for a couple of days (depending on how big the rock is) until the rock is heated all the way through and then pour cold water on it.
This is not a very efficient method if you have many rocks.
Drilling holes in the rock and using expansion compound is much more feasible but costly.
Hiring someone with the proper equipment and experience is probably the best way to go and maybe even the cheapest in the long run.
The fire pit works great for large stumps as well.
Farwell

CTyler · Oct 25, 2005

Re: \"Making Little Ones of of Big Ones\"

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The fire pit works great for large stumps as well. )</font>

Theres the solution......put all the rocks on top of stumps and fire when ready. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Farwell · Oct 26, 2005

Re: \"Making Little Ones of of Big Ones\"

Hey, not a bad idea. Would never have thought about stacking the rocks on the stumps. Now all that needs to be done is find a sky hook to lift the rocks. Maybe you are on to something. Tee! Hee!
A little dynamite would get-er-done as well. Maybe we can bring some of those captured "Insurgent" bomb makers over here and put them to work in the rock fields.
Farwell