Trenching driveway while staying on driveway

[tlj87]

I’m going to put a pipe under a gravel drive to alleviate some ponding that occurs for a friend, followed by grading and spreading new limestone on the top of the entire driveway and parking area. I’m trying to figure the best way to dig with my JD 4700 with backhoe while staying on the driveway.
Normally I’d get in line with trench but I don’t want to completely wreck the soft yard. So, I think I have to work perpendicular to the trench. Feedback welcome.

 

[LittleBittyBigJohn]

I'm curious to see if that is doable. I've only had experience with excavators. With those you don't have the option to dig perpendicular unless you want a HUGE trench. I would say point the front of your machine to the right of this picture and dig across. Anything you loose by having to fix some minor damage in the yard, you would save 10 fold in less driveway damage due to a more accurate trench.

 

[Jrasband]

Dig in line with the driveway and keep your trench as small as you can.

 

[alexpops]

Is running a longer pipe at a diagonal to the drive an option? Can't tell what the slope looks like on the "dry side", but I'm assuming you were going to try to drain the wet side over to the brambles by the road?

 

[old and tired]

I use my FEL with a tooth bar to dig down while digging deeper than I need. Then back fill a little bit to level things out. Drop the pipe and fill with the FEL. No need for a backhoe, IMHO!! BTDT with 8" pipe...

 

[tlj87]

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I use my FEL with a tooth bar to dig down while digging deeper than I need. Then back fill a little bit to level things out. Drop the pipe and fill with the FEL. No need for a backhoe, IMHO!! BTDT with [emoji[emoji6]]" pipe...

I don’t have a tooth bar for bucket. But I did think about trying to just use bucket. It would save a trip of having to take tractor home, put pt and grading scraper on, and bring back.