Traction issues

[Indygunworks]

Waiting is not an option... The house will ship when the house ships, and the piles of gravel are where the house will need to go. It HAS to be spread within the next week. I think I am going to give the backhoe a try tomorrow.

This stuff is always going to be to thick for a FEL, or backbox. Its crushed gravel with the fines and the larger base gravel all mixed together and wet. It has the consistency of very heavy clay... It being wet actually helps it break apart easier than it did when the last pile I spread was dry. The bobcat then had no problem with it.

The gravel is also going onto virgin ground so it shouldn't sink in to much. I know ill get some major ruts when the heavy equipment gets here, but that's going to happen no matter what.

 

[DK35vince]

If the pile is hard,use the backhoe to loosen it up.
Then use the loader to shove the gravel around.
Don't get down in the mud, stay up on the gravel while you shove it around with the loader.

 

[Indygunworks]

This was broken up by a backhoe yesterday and loaded and dumped yesterday... I cannot possibly make it any looser than it is. The ability to shove it around with the loader is minimal when I can only get traction on existing compacted base.

 

[jimmysisson]

Sounds like to save your anxiety it's worth hiring a tracked skid steer. Don't expect too awful much, as that froze/thawed goop will be under it. #2 for staying away from the block foundation.
Cant tell if that's a frost wall or cellar. If cellar, I trust you have porous material around the wall, and dampproofing on it? If not I would dig around your wall and seal it right, then get some stone or gravel for backfill. If its a damp site you'll kick yourself forever otherwise. 40 year contractor advice. I know, last thing you want to hear.
Jim

 

[Indygunworks]

Its not a damp site normal conditions. When I had the gravel delivered I thought I had 3-5 weeks to get it spread. I got an email that said the house was finished and they would be delivering it (modular so two 15x68 halves) possibly next week. The piles of gravel are blocking access to where they need to place the two halves to allow the crane to set up right where the gravel is going to be spread.

That is the foundation for the house, its on a crawspace. Not sure what you guys mean by stay away from it.... the gravel will be going right up to it.

 

[s219]

Waiting is not an option... The house will ship when the house ships, and the piles of gravel are where the house will need to go. It HAS to be spread within the next week. I think I am going to give the backhoe a try tomorrow

Well, be careful you don't also put a tractor in the way of the house when it gets mired in the mud! But be sure to share some pictures of the mess either way.

We have had relentless rain for months here, and all the building sites around me are a mess. I barely made it in and out of one a couple weeks ago when moving a couple buckets of material.

 

[Indygunworks]

and I don't expect to much... just need to cover the mud. I am actually hoping all the construction traffic will press it down into the dirt, as this will be the base for another 3 inch's of crushed gravel to sit on for the top coat which I will level out after the construction is complete.

 

[Indygunworks]

I knew I should have ordered the Pirahna tooth bar a few months ago when I had the scratch and was thinking about it... Since then we have purchased all new furniture for the new house, bout the material to build a table, 8 chairs, a coffee table, and a murphy bed, and I still have to buy decking framework and fencing.

 

[Indygunworks]

Well, be careful you don't also put a tractor in the way of the house when it gets mired in the mud! But be sure to share some pictures of the mess either way.

We have had relentless rain for months here, and all the building sites around me are a mess. I barely made it in and out of one a couple weeks ago when moving a couple buckets of material.

At least if I have the backhoe attached I will be able to use that to get unstuck.

 

[2458n]

When you bring a 70 ton crane in you you are not going to worry about your gravel. They will set mats out and run their out riggers on top of these. They will set the crane first and bring the boxes in next. Semi and trailer will sink in the mud also. You might hope for freezing weather. If the ground is not frozen call the builders and have them check out the site. As a crane operator this was a easy day- drive out to the site and come back to the shop. You know who pays for the travel time and it is not cheap.

 

[PSEbowhunter]

Is there any way to nose up to the pile on the existing base and bucket over the top to rake/back blade material off the top towards you. Then get what you can of it in the bucket and start lying it in front of you as you go?

 

[Indygunworks]

No... in order to pull it off the top I would have to be in the wet area...


Its not of anymore concern. Apparently they are bringing the house Monday. That leaves me tomorrow, and sunday to get it done and it HAS to be cleared for the houses to have a place to go. So I am biting the bullet and paying someone 200 dollars to come and spread it tomorrow morning. I also ordered an extra 24 tons of gravel to make sure it was thick enough. Since he will have the track loader I might have him dress up the front of the drive a bit as well because I know the wheels of the house are going to go over the freshly laid gravel and I want to build it up a bit. I have him for 2.5 hours regardless.

I appreciate all the help though.... This has me thinking I need to add some liquid to the rear tires in case I run into a similar situation in the future.

 

[lostcreekranch]

No... in order to pull it off the top I would have to be in the wet area... Its not of anymore concern. Apparently they are bringing the house Monday. That leaves me tomorrow, and sunday to get it done and it HAS to be cleared for the houses to have a place to go. So I am biting the bullet and paying someone 200 dollars to come and spread it tomorrow morning. I also ordered an extra 24 tons of gravel to make sure it was thick enough. Since he will have the track loader I might have him dress up the front of the drive a bit as well because I know the wheels of the house are going to go over the freshly laid gravel and I want to build it up a bit. I have him for 2.5 hours regardless. I appreciate all the help though.... This has me thinking I need to add some liquid to the rear tires in case I run into a similar situation in the future.

Good choice! You will be happy but, load your tires!

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