Pole building foundation question

4570Man · Dec 9, 2021

Rustyiron said:
Back to compaction,
I've never seen a roller on tracks.

You realize a tractor also has big wheels to reduce ground compaction. Anything short of a vibratory roller is a compromise. A tracked skid steer will compact equally as good if not better than a tractor rolling back and forth. Neither are a vibratory roller but both work fairly well when used properly.

ovrszd · Dec 10, 2021

4570Man said:
You realize a tractor also has big wheels to reduce ground compaction. Anything short of a vibratory roller is a compromise. A tracked skid steer will compact equally as good if not better than a tractor rolling back and forth. Neither are a vibratory roller but both work fairly well when used properly.

I think material type and thickness of lifts would be critical.

Also something often forgotten in these discussions here on TBN, our members are from around the Globe. The method I swear by might not work at all for another member. Based simply on material type.

I built a pad for my house and shop. Used my Kubota pulling a 5.5 cuyd scraper packed with a sheep's foot pulled by my Ford. I had complete faith. Partially because of the available material, Missouri Clay with optimal moisture content. Partially because my lifts were thin. Partially because I made a Gazillion trips across that pad area.

4570Man · Dec 10, 2021

ovrszd said:
I think material type and thickness of lifts would be critical.

Also something often forgotten in these discussions here on TBN, our members are from around the Globe. The method I swear by might not work at all for another member. Based simply on material type.

I built a pad for my house and shop. Used my Kubota pulling a 5.5 cuyd scraper packed with a sheep's foot pulled by my Ford. I had complete faith. Partially because of the available material, Missouri Clay with optimal moisture content. Partially because my lifts were thin. Partially because I made a Gazillion trips across that pad area.

You’re right on on all accounts but I’ve yet to hear from a single person that actually owns a tracked skid steer say it’s useless for compaction. It’s easy to bash something you’ve never tried.