Sloping grade

[Michael Aos]

I want to create a an angled slope from the house (high) to the backyard (low).

I've been gravitating toward a box blade, but curious if that's the right tool or best tool?

Kubota BX2370-1, but I'd consider moving to a new B2601 with 3pt position control if it would make the task significantly easier.
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[bcp]

A photo would help a lot. Where is the dirt source?

Bruce

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

Like Bruce asks a pic would help.

Info on ground also, sandy, rocky, grass ext.

 

[Michael Aos]

Current soil is very sandy.

I would have fill delivered -- secondary question is what type?

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

Never mind, I remember a lot about your situation with your BX and 3 properties

I would say in your situation a box blade with ripper bars and a FEL should do you fine.

you could also go the route of a tooth bar for the bucket and a land plane, both of those set ups would work.

A box blade digs more than a land plane but a land plane is better on loosely packed material and is faster and easier smoothing out, it just won't cut as well.

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

Here is a thread that's not exactly grading but it's very similar work to what you will be doing.

Fired Road contractor. Build it myself?

Fired Road contractor. Build it myself?

 

[JRobyn]

I have watched guys on both Bobcats and dozers that were wizards at smoothing and prepping a yard. They could do in an hour what it would take me days to do, less well, with any tractor implement. JMHO.

 

[Michael Aos]

The main area I'm looking at is about 100' x 120' = 12K square feet. Plus maybe another ~4K square feet in front, and a couple thousand square feet on the 3rd property.

No hurry at all. Would also consider a 4-in-1 bucket if that's the best tool for the job.

 

[Michael Aos]

I have watched guys on both Bobcats and dozers that were wizards at smoothing and prepping a yard.

I might be able to borrow my dads Bobcat for a while.

I'd have to get a trailer for it, and about 17hrs drive each way.

 

[jeff9366]

I would consult with your tractor dealer for an opinion if a new tractor operator can move dirt on your slope SAFELY.

Box Blades take longer to learn to use well than almost any other Three Point Hitch implement; only a moldboard plow requires longer hours.

Revising a slope grade is pretty difficult.

With SANDY soil you may just be able to accomplish this work with a B. I would consult with the Kubota dealer to match your local condition to the heaviest Box Blade a little 'B' will pull.

You will find getting your slope at the angle you want a challenge. Have straw handy to ****** erosion in case of rain.

I recommended a Ratchet Rake in another of your threads. I maintain that recommendation. It is much easier to smooth and finish grade with a Ratchet Rake for an inexperienced operator.