Parking Area Advise/Tips/Suggestions

[GoodGuy]

I'm looking for your help with my construction of a parking area. I've attached a pic to help you to see what I'm doing. The area will be 40' deep & 50' wide. When you look at the pic, I'll be clearing the trees lying down as well as cutting down & removing another 6-8. I've already removed about 10 as well as digging up & removing the stumps. I'm struggling with getting the area "level/smooth". I've got high spots & low areas & with the tractor, I just can't seem to get things levelled out. What's the trick, your tips will be appreciated. Also, when I do get this smooth & level, what calculation do I use to put a proper "grade/slope" towards the ditch ?? Is there a calculation like 1" over 5' or something like that ?? Last question would be, once I've got it level/smooth with coarse fill, I'm thinking I should do a base of 1" rock & then Class A on top of that. Do you agree with my list of materials ?? We have heavy frost here in the winter so I realize that I'll probably have to add a load or 2 in the first couple years to make up for any soft spots that might appear but I'm thinking that more Class A material would look after that problem. Your tips/advise/information/ideas will be appreciated. Thanks !!

 

[ronjhall]

GoodGuy
Here is a post that should answer some of your questions. Click Here
Follow the thread for more information on putting in a road and parking area.

Using your tractor to level the area may be an excuse to use a Box Bade with Top & Tilt.
Here is a thread to help with using a box blade. Click Here

I use a Laser transit to get the proper level and grade.

 

[Nasty135]

Goodguy, For the grade 1" every 5' is more than enough, personally 1" for very 10-12' would be adequate.. For the base material in Md. and I'm sure lots of other places use recycled concrete(3" avg.) especially in virgin(undisturbed) soil because most of it will sink in, and it will compact for a good base covering for whatever you put on top..
Judging by your picture that soil is going to suck-up lots of base material.
Getting it smooth I assume your using a FEL, It will take some time to get it right w/practice,But a HEAVY duty rear blade will make it much easier or box scraper as previously suggested. Good Luck /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif