Need Trail Advice

[Egon]

The more excavator you rent the easier the work.:thumbsup:

It may not hurt to have several swamp pads on hand for just in case.

 

[Ken45101]

The more excavator you rent the easier the work.:thumbsup:

It may not hurt to have several swamp pads on hand for just in case.

For moving the stumps, a thumb on the excavator will be a big help (and pretty essential for moving the pads.)

As for the swamp pads, agree they would be useful but I also suggest that you search youtube for "stuck excavator" to get an idea of what can go wrong even with experienced operators. There are some really interesting videos to watch

 

[NormL]

I agree that this is the best solution. However, I'm not sure that equipment you will need to do it. A big excavator may be able to work it's way in, digging up clay from the side and creating a side drainage ditch as it goes.

I would think a problem with building a corduroy road would be how long would the wood last before rotting and failing?

Assuming the clay remains mostly moist a few inches from the surface, any corduroy structure buried in it is cut off from oxygen and will take a long time rotting. Also, if your problem sink-holes do not occur the full length of the trail you're putting in, why not just corduroy the problem areas?

 

[Kyle241]

My problem is in the Spring, there is a lot of sitting water and it doesn't dry up until late June/July sometime so to get to the back of my property that is high and dry, I need to be able to get through this low area (approx. 10-12 acres). So I need to raise the whole trail and build some drainage ditches to keep the water away from the trail.

I'll be calling around this week for an excavator to rent.

 

[Egon]

Now I'll suggest a completly different method. I've never done it but a member "Down Under" has a post on it from years back. Probably will not meet disposal codes though.

He bolted used tires together for the base pad and then hauled dirt on top.

The tires may also work for swamp pads.

 

[beppington]

Now I'll suggest a completly different method. I've never done it but a member "Down Under" has a post on it from years back. Probably will not meet disposal codes though.

He bolted used tires together for the base pad and then hauled dirt on top.

The tires may also work for swamp pads.

Have you seen the price of bolts lately??!

 

[Kyle241]

Now I'll suggest a completly different method. I've never done it but a member "Down Under" has a post on it from years back. Probably will not meet disposal codes though.

He bolted used tires together for the base pad and then hauled dirt on top.

The tires may also work for swamp pads.

Yes I have read his posts but I would not put tires into the ground on my property. And as you say, highly unlikely to meet disposal codes.

Tks for the idea though. I looked at some mats and they are not cheap!

 

[Egon]

Only reason I mentioned mats is that if you get a "By The Hour" machine stuck it may cost before you get it unstuck.