30" scoop for gravel?

cwarrix · Apr 25, 2005

30\" scoop for gravel?

I have a 30" scoop that I have not used before, on a Yanmar 2210. I'd like to have some gravel delivered (about 25 tons) to widen a driveway to my barn, and add some to the back of my barn where we cut firewood. It gets really muddy back there. Since the areas really don't get that much traffic, I won't be digging way down and adding a deep base of gravel, but instead cutting the top layer of sod and adding about 3 - 4 inches of gravel. I was thinking of using #4 gravel because it is a little bigger and adding some 57 later (next year maybe) as needed.

My question is, will the 30" scoop work for moving the bigger #4 gravel (1.5 inches) around, or should I go with the smaller stuff right from the start? The truck will not be able to get to most of where I want to spread the gravel so I will have to move it from a pile 60 - 80 ft away. I'd rather not have to rent something else if I can use the scoop.

Any ideas or suggestions?

Soundguy · Apr 25, 2005

Re: 30\" scoop for gravel?

I don't see why it wouldn't. Just get the top link adjusted so you can get a decent payload.. etc.

I moved many yards of dirt with my yanmar 1700 and a 30" rear scoop. I pulled from piles of dirt dumped via dumptruck as well.

At least you won't have to worry about water weight or compaction of the stockpile.. etc.

Also.. you may find you want more than a 3" layer over wet spots... I probably wouldn't remove the topsoil either.. sounds like a good couple inches of rock may just merge right into the mucky soil anyway...

Soundguy

cwarrix · Apr 25, 2005

Re: 30\" scoop for gravel?

Thanks Soundguy, I was thinking about how bigger stone is harder to shovel by hand than the smaller stuff. Wondering if the #4 would cause a problem for the scoop. I think you're right about the sod, I think I'll leave it and just add the gravel to the top, makes more sense.

Thanks!

steveinmo · Apr 25, 2005

Re: 30\" scoop for gravel?

The scoop will work fine if you've got the time. You'll save money in the long run if you put some geotextile fabric down before you lay the gravel. It will keep the gravel from just sinking into the ground. It's money well spent.

Good luck!

marks · Apr 25, 2005

Re: 30\" scoop for gravel?

You state that 'it really gets muddy' thus there may be a drainage issue that needs to be assessed. 2% fall, 1/4 inch per foot, is standard, yet if it is not feasible to direct the water away from the barn, then build a french drain and set you slope to that. NDS manufactures products and provides a tutorial for drainage management techniques. http://www.ndspro.com/Training.asp
A properly engineered drainage system my seem somewhat expensive, however it may reduce the annual maintenance, the amount of gravel required, and of course save labor.

That said I would also consider using the larger rock, #4. Larger rock, assuming you are using crushed rock and not river rock, will bind and lock together better than smaller rock.

Hope this helps, if you have questions PM me.

cwarrix · Apr 25, 2005

Re: 30\" scoop for gravel?

Thanks Steveinmo, I just wasn't sure if the scoop could handle the #4 gravel or not. Sounds like that might not be a problem. Where can I get the fabric you mentioned? Is it just like the stuff you use for flower beds, etc?

Thanks!
Chuck

cwarrix · Apr 26, 2005

Re: 30\" scoop for gravel?

Hi Marks, thanks for the info. Part of the reason it gets muddy in the back is because I spray it with roundup to keep the grass and weeds down in that area, so it's just dirt (or mud). I thought adding gravel would dry things up a bit. I'll probably go with the bigger #4 stuff. It's actually cheaper too, I just wasn't sure if my 3 point scoop could handle it, but it sounds like it can.

I bookmarked the site you sent, I will definately be checking it out a little coser. I want to do something with the water coming from my house downspouts and it looks like that site will have plenty of ideas.

Thanks again for the info!

spanky8N · Apr 26, 2005

Re: 30\" scoop for gravel?

I moved many yards of dirt with my yanmar 1700 and a 30" rear scoop. 

I will respectivly disagree with sound guy. I have also moved a lot of dirt with my 30 inch scoop and ford 8n with no problem. However, I had a dump truck load of number 4 gravel delevered last year and I found it next to impossible to get much in the scoop without ramming the scoop in with momentum, even then I could never even get it half full. I had no trouble with fine gravel or dirt...the larger gravel was a problem though.
I have to admit my expierence is limited to my 2wd 8n. I know Soundguy has more expierence with older iron and Yanmar's though. I am also unsure of the HP difference between a 8n and a 2210. Just my 2 cents worth.
Dan

steveinmo · Apr 26, 2005

Re: 30\" scoop for gravel?

Here's a link to manufacturer of geotextile fabric:

http://www.usfabricsinc.com/products.html

The stuff really works. I talked my builder into putting in under my 450' drive. He's really impressed and says he'll talk all of his customers into it in the future.

Hope this helps.
Steve

Henro · Apr 26, 2005

Re: 30\" scoop for gravel?

I had a dump truck load of number 4 gravel delevered last year and I found it next to impossible to get much in the scoop without ramming the scoop in with momentum, even then I could never even get it half full. I had no trouble with fine gravel or dirt... 

spanky8N,

With my dirt scoop sometimes I have been unable to load up heavy dirt...but if I raise the scoop when it starts to bite, while I am backing into the pile, it fills much better and frequently heaping full.

Just wondering if you tried lifting the 3PH when you were backing into that pile of #4 gravel? Doing so might help. I would imagine you may have, but thought I would ask anyway... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

djradz · Apr 26, 2005

Re: 30\" scoop for gravel?

I know what you are talking about. When using a hand shovel, it is near impossible to push it into a pile of such large stone. However, we moved about 15 yards with a rear scoop without problem. We had the scoop turned around, facing rearward, and just pushed it into the pile. No problem getting it to overflowing except toward the very end of the pile when it tended to move around a little.

I'm assuming the stone you are talking about is large crushed and not round. Round will not work nearly as well as it will not dig into the soil and serve to stabilize it.

cwarrix · Apr 26, 2005

Re: 30\" scoop for gravel?

Thanks spanky8N, that's the type of problem I didn't want to have, 25 tons of rock in a big pile and no way to move it /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

I think my 2210 is about 300 pounds lighter that the 8N, so not sure it would do any better. I'll have to give it more thought, maybe I'll go with the smaller stuff to be safe.

cwarrix · Apr 26, 2005

Re: 30\" scoop for gravel?

Thanks, did you use the woven or nonwoven type?

cwarrix · Apr 26, 2005

Re: 30\" scoop for gravel?

Also, can you give me a ballpark on price before I call them? I didn't see any prices listed. Just curious if it will be in the budget for this year /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

cwarrix · Apr 26, 2005

Re: 30\" scoop for gravel?

( No problem getting it to overflowing except toward the very end of the pile when it tended to move around a little.

I'm assuming the stone you are talking about is large crushed and not round. Round will not work nearly as well as it will not dig into the soil and serve to stabilize it. )

I'll be backing into the pile as well, and yes it is crushed, not river rock. How big was the tractor you were using? Just curious if you had a much bigger machine which made it easier?

cwarrix · Apr 26, 2005

Re: 30\" scoop for gravel?

( ...but if I raise the scoop when it starts to bite, while I am backing into the pile, it fills much better and frequently heaping full.)

Makes sense, kind of the same way you would use a FEL... I'll keep it in mind, I've never used the scoop before so it will be yet another learning experience. And lot's of seat time, while my wife (and probably neighbors) watch and laugh /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

steveinmo · Apr 26, 2005

Re: 30\" scoop for gravel?

Somewhere, probably from the link I sent, I got the name of a local company that sells it. I used the woven under the driveway. I bought a roll 12.5' wide x 500' (I think) long for $413 plus tax.

spanky8N · Apr 26, 2005

Re: 30\" scoop for gravel?

( Just wondering if you tried lifting the 3PH when you were backing into that pile of #4 gravel? )

Henro,
To be honest I do not remember. I did try a lot of different ways, I even walked away and came back two days later after some thinking time and tried again. I ended up pushing it around with my rear blade and it did a ok job (this rock was for the base layer of a driveway and was already in the middle of the driveway). My scoop has worked well for me in the past. I think the size of the rock (6-8 inches plus) made it difficult for me. This and many other reported (sometimes fabricated) problems has convenced my wife I need a bigger 4wd tractor /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif She has given me the ok to start looking /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif I am already drooling just thinking about a 4wd tractor with a loader! Late fall/early spring I am planning to buy! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Dan

cwarrix · Apr 26, 2005

Re: 30\" scoop for gravel?

( I think the size of the rock (6-8 inches plus) made it difficult for me.)

6-8" /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif no wonder you had problems scooping it! The stuff I was taking about is #4 crushed stone, I was told the #4 gravel is 1 to 1.5 inches... Think it would work ok with that?

spanky8N · Apr 27, 2005

Re: 30\" scoop for gravel?

Looking back I see you did state 1.5 inches for the gravel size! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif I am sorry but I was thinking 4inch instead of #4 /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif I think you would be fine with 1-1.5 inch gravel. I now offically agree with Soundguy and the others that said it would work!!! Have fun.

I think I need glasses /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
Dan