Rock removal on septic tank field

[rwinter]

I want to remove the many rocks on top of a septic field. I think a rake would do the job, but am worried about the tractor weight on top. Any ideas how to do the job without damaging the septic field? Thanks.

 

[MadReferee]

How deep are the distribution lines on the septic field? What type of field do you have?

Whether or not you can run heavy equipment over you field will depend on the design and construction of your septic field. Without knowing how your system is designed, one cannot give a definitive answer to your question.

If you want everyone's opinion, I suggest you do a search for septic field or leach field here on TBN. This topic comes up periodically and has been discussed many times in the past.

 

[Dusty]

Why bother to remove them? Just hand rake and pick out the big ones and then you are done. I can't see a septic field being that big that you couldn't work it by hand.
Dusty

 

[Ifixcars]

The installer backfilled our septic with a large backhoe, and did drive over the field. After the field was backfilled, the finish crew used a fairly large tractor with a power rake to smooth the ground over the field. I'm not a septic expert, and I agree with Mad Ref's statement about each field being different. After seeing what they drove over our field, I wouldn't be afraid to finish rake ours with a reasonably sized tractor. I wouldn't want a heavy dumptruck on it though.

 

[johnnylight]

I used a york rake on mine the key here is not to dig or rip with the rake.
let it float- take your time make small piles with the rake do not try to do it all in one pass.

nice and slow-- wheels on the rake would be a plus
pictures were taken a couple of years ago.

 

[Doc_Bob]

I will be getting a NH 40DA and want to remove the many rocks on top of a septic field. I think a rake would do the job, but am worried about the tractor weight on top. Any ideas how to do the job without damaging the septic field? Thanks.

Cost of new septic =$$$$$$. My septic field is mature and the soil is very compact. I would still not drive my 3 ton New Holland TN70A over the field.
Bob

 

[johnnylight]

Cost of new septic =$$$$$$. My septic field is mature and the soil is very compact. I would still not drive my 3 ton New Holland TN70A over the field.
Bob

I agree that's why I went with a smaller boomer for cutting grass on the septic