Am I using my tractor properly? (Video)

[erkme73]

So I had a toy barn built and am in the finishing stages. I had a load of gravel dropped and used my 2555 to spread it out in the dirt between the concrete apron and the existing gravel loop.

It took me about an hour to get it reasonably level using the loader and box blade. But, as I'm doing it, going over most of the area several times, I kept thinking "There must be a more efficient way to do this".

The soil was still soft due to rain about 36 hours prior. We were slated to get another 2-3" of rain starting that evening, lasting a few more days, so I figured now or never. Maybe that's part of the problem, as the finished product is still pretty lumpy.

Can those of you with practical experience doing stuff like this comment on my technique? This is the first time I've ever done more than scrape my drive with the box blade.

[video=youtube;tHLUIU9VglI]Mahindra Cabbed HST 2555 Rock moving - YouTube[/video]

 

[/pine]

letting the truck spread it as much as possible prevents a lot of loader work...

 

[erkme73]

So you're saying to use the bucket and/or box blade to push/drag the rock rather than picking it up and placing it? I did that a bit more towards the end when the pile wasn't quite so tall. Hadn't considered doing so right out the gate.

 

[/pine]

So you're saying to use the bucket and/or box blade to push/drag the rock rather than picking it up and placing it? I did that a bit more towards the end when the pile wasn't quite so tall. Hadn't considered doing so right out the gate.

The delivery driver should be able to spread it quite evenly...they set chains on the tailgate for the depth...

 

[747driver]

Nice barn build ! I usually don't use my box blade to level things unless I have a level run to work off of. When you use use a box blade and you change grades such as a dip or up/down hill when the tractor goes up or down the box blade will either dig in or go up as it can't follow the tractors true path. I will use the scoop after dropping the load and level out as I go. You will figure it out as you learn the tricks...thats why we like being on our big boy toys !

 

[/pine]

Generally when I have a load spread...all that is required is a little back dragging with the bucket or reversing my rear blade and angling it back...

Good video BTW...and a good job for as little time as you spent...I'd say you have it dialed in...letting the truck spread it does save some time though...

 

[erkme73]

I did notice that the box blade was doing just that - coming off the ground, or digging in as the tractor changed angles. I tried to compensate with the hitch raise lever, but it was quite frustrating. Having the softer soil also didn't help as I was creating indentations with the tractor tires. I figured I'll let it dry out and harden up a bit before going at it again.

When the dump truck dropped his load, I wasn't sure I would spread on the soil before the next rain - so I had him put it out of the way. Then my will power gave way, and a couple hours later, I was playing in the mud

 

[/pine]

I know it can be an expense...but having a hydraulic top link makes a world of difference using a box blade..for smoothing the blade angle needs to be reversed every time the tractor changes direction...

 

[ovrszd]

I'm with Pine on this one.

Nothing wrong with what you were doing.

Need to fire the dump truck driver. He should have volunteered to spread that for you.

 

[erkme73]

He did offer. I declined because I thought the soil was too wet. Not his fault...

As for the hydraulic lift... so tempting. But I blew my wad on the barn!

 

[ovrszd]

Then he's off the hook.

 

[DK35vince]

Need to fire the dump truck driver. He should have volunteered to spread that for you.

Why would they volunteer ?

 

[4570Man]

Why would they volunteer ?

Do you have any idea of what they're discussing here?

 

[DK35vince]

Do you have any idea of what they're discussing here?

Years ago I drove triaxle dump.
I got paid % , not hourly.
Didn't get paid extra for the additional time/effort and higher chance of rollover or damage for spreading stone, so why would I have volunteered to do it?

 

[4570Man]

Every load I've asked to spread they were did it with no problems. Not doing it on soft ground or unlevel ground is understandable. Otherwise refusing to do it for "free" is a good way to get to haul rock 2 ways for free. After I've already paid over $100 for haul bill they can spend 5 minutes to tailgate the rock conditions permitting.

 

[DK35vince]

Never said I refused to spread stone.
I did it often if the conditions were OK, but I certainly didn't volunteer to do it.
Barely made enough money as it was without volunteering.

 

[LD1]

I'd say you are doing everything right. 2m54s to spread a whole truck load of stone:thumbsup: Lot faster than me:laughing:

 

[flingwing1969]

Back to your original question, nice build and really nice work spreading it. Only two comments, and they are to save your FEL only:
1. Try not to back drag with your bucket tilted down (rolled forward) more than 15 degrees from level
2. Try not to back drag with your tractor's tires off the ground as that can cause damage

Thanks for sharing the video - I liked watching.

 

[Gary Fowler]

It take a lot of practice to properly level dirt and stone with a box blade and FEL. You also need a good eye for locating the high and low spots. Many of the CUT 3 PH are not really suited for box blade use since they may lift more than you need with no in between settings so you then get lumps that you cant take out. The FEL is much more sensitive to selecting the right height and I find that I can back blade much easier with it that I can using the FEL. MY box blade is on loan to a neighbor because I hadn't used it in 6 years. I do all my moving and scraping with the FEL.

 

[Gary Fowler]

He did offer. I declined because I thought the soil was too wet. Not his fault...

As for the hydraulic lift... so tempting. But I blew my wad on the barn!

Being to wet may be your problem with leveling. It is hard to level dirt (and rock) when your base soil is muddy.