Moving Really Big Rocks

[streamin]

Hey guys, nice thread! Never new you could split rocks with a chemical.
Joel, how did you get the chain around the rock, just digging?
Just my 2 cents but I hate neighbors that are idiots! I always have to buy enough property so they are far enough away.Life is too short to be worried about the small stuff, keep the noise up...

 

[scuvnut]

I agree. I just sat here and read through this entire thread and took alot of notes. Great posts, great pics. Thank you.

 

[JoelD]

I did my inpersonation of a mole and dug. I pushed on it a couple of times with the dozer to make sure there was actually a bottom to the rock. Then dug underneath with a shsshsshovel (tough word to spit out). fished a wire and then pulled the chain through. Once hooked onto it with the dozer she came out, took a couple of tugs and two angles, but she came out. Then pushed with the dozer like a dog pushing a ball, it kept rolling as I pushed.

I just can not believe anyone would ever settle here with all these stinken rocks.

Glad that one is moved. One more and I'll be putting in the new retaining wall. I'll be sure to post pictures of the new wall when done.

Thanks for the interest.

I learned a lot on this post, more than one way to skin a rock.

Joel

 

[Gittyup]

So, what did you do with the rocks?

 

[JoelD]

I've got a rock grave yard, actually graveyards, I keep pushing them from one place to the other. I've used some for fill. I think I may bury the last one or two as I need loose fill. Problem is, I'll probably hit their brother and sister trying to dig the hole. There is just no winning.

 

[crabjoe]

To fit the CK-20 into my 16x12' shed, I had to install a garage door on the 12' side (so now my shed has 3 doors!).

Hows your shed floor built? I'm in the process of building a shed and was thinking about keeping my CK20 in there.

If needed I can beef up the floor now since the walls aren't up yet. The shed is 13 x 24'. It's sitting in 5 4x4 skids. The floor is 2x4s, 12 inches on center with 3/4" plywood. I've been told by some it should hold the CK20 without a problem.

Thanks!!

 

[Egon]

My back gets sore just thinking of you digging under those rocks.

 

[RexB]

Nice work Joel, stop having so much fun! Ain't our toys great, and if they don't pay for themselves within a few years then they sure payback with enjoyment.

Those are beauty rocks there - your 'graveyard' would sell for a pretty penny in some parts; ~$300 for that big'un you pulled, and mine too that was pictured. I can't move a really big one here, but it's in the woods so it is "scenic". The '66 JD350 could drag it but don't want to cut trail to get there . . .btw, my shop manual sez to leave just a 1"-1 1/2" track sag to keep it from jumping off track or wearing the sprocket teeth.

I gotta' get back to sidewalk digging, you're right the fun never ends

 

[malk315]

My shed is from Postwoodworking of New Hampshire.

It's 4x4's pressure treated skids like yours on pavers at 3/4" crush stone grade (stone under entire shed), and then 2x4's pressure treated floor joists like you but I believe they are 16" on center and 3/4" genuine plywood (not OSB) for decking.

Some areas feel a little soft w/ the tractor, but it's been OK. They gave me a weight rating and I can't remember what it was, but obviously it can handle the ~3000 lb tractor (mower deck and loaded tires get it up there).

I have turfs, so they distribute the load nicely especially the rear of the machine.

I would think w/ 12" apart 2x4 joists and R4's, ag, or turf you'd be fine.

I've been thinking about ripping up the area where the tractor drives over to beef things a bit or possibly even just add another layer of plywood for some insurance. I worry more about the front tires as they have the smallest foot print between two "joists". The rear tires are always supported by 3 or 4 joists across the two tires. So I keep the bucket down at floor level at all times just in case a front tire would hit a potential soft spot just right - I could "back blade" my way backwards and then fix any floor issues

I've had 2 seasons of no issues, so I think I'm set.

I support the center of my ramp w/ paver brick and the section that meets the edge of the shed w/ a 2x6 pressure treated acting as cleat w/ paver bricks in case the screws holding 2x6 to shed every fail -- pavers support the 2x6 "i-beam". So the ramp is on the ground, pavers in the middle, and paver supported 2x6 cleat to side of shed -- all made out of pressure treated. It's solid as a rock.

If I think of it I'll take some pictures of my CK-20's home inside and out -- very comfortable for it.

Winter time she lives in the garage w/ one car left outside (at least when a storm is approaching) so if we get a huge snow storm I don't have to dig my way down from the shed to the driveway -- just plow my way out of the garage.

Enjoy.

 

[crabjoe]

Thanks for the info Eric. I feel much better now, but I'm now thinking about adidng another layer of plywood. Just incase I get lazy and decide to leave the backhoe on.