Moving concrete pipe

[MrWhippy]

I have 2 8 foot sections of concrete pipe coming. We're using it to prevent washout on a couple spots on the bridle path around the farm.

Each section weighs slightly more than 2500 lbs. I have a Workmaster 55 with FEL and BH attachment. I also have 3PH forks. I'm trying to decide the best/safest way to move these things.

Options:
1. Strap it to the FEL and put the mower on the back
2. Grab it with the BH and thumb (with wood for cushioning), lift and drag
3. Slip the forks under it, lift and carry

I've also thought about running a pole through it and using straps on the pole to lift and drag.

Anybody have experience with this? I'd hate to break these pipes due to poor transportation...

 

[High Compression]

I do have a lot of experience with the pipe, unfortunately it is with bigger equipment. I'm not familiar with the specs of your tractor. If your FEL will safely lift the 2500 lbs and your forks are rated for the weight, then I would use the forks under the pipe. Obviously moving them one at a time. If you can't safely lift and carry the pipe, I would look into renting, or hiring, a larger piece of equipment. How deep are you laying the pipe and how far do you have to move it?

 

[MrWhippy]

The pipe will go just below ground level (26 inches or so). We'll be moving it around 1/4 mile or so, but through a field, so the ground is a little rough.

The plan is to dig a "ramp" so the pipe can be rolled down into place rather than trying to lower it into a trench.

 

[jenkinsph]

Setting the pipe in place might be the next issue too. Most contractors use a C shaped hook with a long lower support that slides into the pipe. this enables them to position the pipe in place in the trench. Might need to borrow or rent this from the pipe supplier to install.

I would agree with moving to the location with forks if your tractor is capable.

 

[ad8 Prodigy]

I agree with the forks if your tractor can handle it. Be sure the pipe is cured fully also. My dad is a crane operator and i have heard countless storied on pipe like that shattering if not fully cured and/or secured right, physical size has alot to do with that too.

I would suggest a good pair of lifting straps wrapped around the pipe at lifting with the hooks on the bucket if your tractor can handle it.

Zac

 

[daveinnh]

Kinda off-topic, but why not install ADS plastic pipe with smooth interior?

With shoveled bedding and controlled backfill, it will provide good support.

 

[High Compression]

Kinda off-topic, but why not install ADS plastic pipe with smooth interior?

With shoveled bedding and controlled backfill, it will provide good support.

That's a good question. I was trying to help with the original questions, but you bring a good point. I personally would use ADS double wall if it was mine. Especially for longevity, price, and ease of installation.

 

[rd_macgregor]

In a similar situation on my place, I would also opt for the plastic culvert pipe.
If the FEL won't heft the concrete pipe, you might be able to either travois it or cobble together a stone boat to drag it to its final resting place.
BOB

 

[MrWhippy]

Will plastic pipe (double walled stuff) handle a tractor/mower driving over it regularly? I was worried about the strength of it.

 

[Deere Dude]

Will plastic pipe (double walled stuff) handle a tractor/mower driving over it regularly? I was worried about the strength of it.

If there is gravel over the top of it. At lest 6" or so packed and that will carry a lot of weight. I think done correctly a gravel truck could drive over it.

 

[Smallplot]

Will plastic pipe (double walled stuff) handle a tractor/mower driving over it regularly? I was worried about the strength of it.

Plastic culvert pipe is used in a lot of farm field drives around here. If you have to wonder about your tractor lifting this concrete pipe, i don't think your tractor will have enough weight to worry about this. Sorry I don't know anything about your tractor specs either.

 

[MrWhippy]

Plastic culvert pipe is used in a lot of farm field drives around here. If you have to wonder about your tractor lifting this concrete pipe, i don't think your tractor will have enough weight to worry about this. Sorry I don't know anything about your tractor specs either.

Different tractor. The Ford 5600 pulls a batwing, but is 2wd and has no FEL

The NH Workmaster 55 has the FEL, BH 4wd, etc.

 

[Smallplot]

Different tractor. The Ford 5600 pulls a batwing, but is 2wd and has no FEL

The NH Workmaster 55 has the FEL, BH 4wd, etc.

And that 5600 is a lot smaller than field tractors, combine, or loaded grain trucks. I have driven a Ford 8000 across many of them.

And I don't know what the concrete pipe costs but I am sure the plastic is cheaper. And you could prob carry the plastic one over your shoulder without worry of it crumbling.

 

[JoeL4330]

as others have said, consider HDPE plastic ...double-wall, smooth interior meets everyone's standards ...you might be interested in the two attached PDFs:

one is installation practice that shows how much cover for how much load (and other worthwhile advice);

the other is an extract from a product brochure and I have highlighted the information on weight per 20 foot section, which should illustrate what others have been saying.

 

[Whitnel]

If your pipe has a lifting hole in it a chain can be run through the pipe with a loop in it. then put a pry bar inside the loop inside the pipe. When you lift on the chain it will pick up the pipe. You could put it on a trailer and haul it to the install location. They make a device we call a tea cup for lifting as well. It is a metal cable with large end, that end goes through the hole in the pipe then a metal disk slips on the the metal cable that is bigger than the hole to pick it up. You might be able to borrow this from the pipe supplier to set the pipe.

Don't know the company but shows what I am talking about.
Low Profile "Tea Cup" — Caldwell Group Lifting Solutions

 

[MrWhippy]

Great information!

I'm going to take a look and see if the plastic culvert will work for us. Definitely easier to maneuver!

 

[Pete Judd]

I just put a plastic culvert 24 inch in one of my creeks a couple of weeks ago, and am driving my 4wd truck over it loaded with wet firewood. About 5 inches of pit run, and batter boards on both ends to keep the gravel from falling into the creek. Almost no flex at this time, and I think it will outlast my grandkids.