BX24 - re-trenching

[richardbro]

I've been digging a couple of trenches with Mighty-Mite (my bx24) and now these trenches are close to meeting. Unfortunately, one of the trenchs is not deep enough and I need to dig out another foot or so over about 30 feet. The trench is as wide as the BX BH bucket - is it safe to stradle this trench with the BX (back up over it and hopefully not put a wheel in)? Is this something commonly done (amongst newbies)?

 

[MOPAULY]

If the trench is the same width I would just do it. Soil compaction might be an issue if it's been an open trench for awhile, otherwise just use common sense and be careful.

 

[vic4news]

Keep your stabilizers and loader bucket low when backing over the trench.
That way if you do slip a wheel in, you will not tip the tractor.

Vic

 

[richardbro]

Keep your stabilizers and loader bucket low when backing over the trench.
That way if you do slip a wheel in, you will not tip the tractor.

Vic

Yes, good idea - thanks!

 

[tommu56]

richardbro

I suggest you drive over trench sliding front bucket as wheels go air borne.

Then take the hoe and swing the back end over the trench.

Take your time I found its harder to move forward and keep wheels centered so if you can work toward the rear.

tommu56

 

[richardbro]

Well, I backed in about 1 or 2 feet, getting off and examiniing the back wheel clearances a couple of times. Not good. Then my pucker-alarm went off and I said, "Naw, not worth it".

So I got out the good-old pick and shovel and went at it (the ditch at that point was just 2-3 feet) over 10 feet of packed clay for about 3/4 hour and then my heart-attack alarm went off and I said, "Naw, not worth it".

I went off and spread some earth (clay again) from the stables foundation excavation while I thought about it...

My next plan is to lay down a double layer of 5/8th plywood sheathing lengthwise and use that as shoring up/support for the wheels. I figure 3 lengths (leapfrogged if needed) will get me to where I want to start digging and the plywood will offer enough support as to not cave in the trench walls or let the wheels slide into the ditch. The ply can then be reused as sheathing for the stables and/or implement shed.

Another trip to the hardware/wood store...

 

[Skyco]

I was just gonna suggest laying out some lengths of 2x12 lumber as reinforcement but you came up with a similar idea

 

[Harry c]

Just fill the ditch back up and re-dig (With the backhoe not a shovel). No sweat, no danger of falling in or getting stuck.

 

[bx23barry]

I got pretty stuck once doing it when the side caved in but it was really wet. I'd do it and keep some lumber handy if ya fall in.

 

[rdsaustintx]

Just fill the ditch back up and re-dig (With the backhoe not a shovel). No sweat, no danger of falling in or getting stuck.

SOP. The loose fill comes back out easily.

"pick and shovel"???? :EEK:

 

[LBrown59]

I've been digging a couple of trenches with Mighty-Mite (my bx24) and now these trenches are close to meeting. Unfortunately, one of the trenchs is not deep enough and I need to dig out another foot or so over about 30 feet. The trench is as wide as the BX BH bucket - is it safe to stradle this trench with the BX (back up over it and hopefully not put a wheel in)? Is this something commonly done (amongst newbies)?

I had to do that once for about 35 feet.
The ditch was 12'' wide and about 10 inches deep.
Had to go back and take out about 4 more inches down.
When I got that done I made a new slogan.
Make sure it's deep enough the first time through - It's easier to put some back in than it is to take more out.

 

[LBrown59]

I've been digging a couple of trenches with Mighty-Mite (my bx24) and now these trenches are close to meeting. Unfortunately, one of the trenchs is not deep enough and I need to dig out another foot or so over about 30 feet. The trench is as wide as the BX BH bucket - is it safe to stradle this trench with the BX (back up over it and hopefully not put a wheel in)? Is this something commonly done (amongst newbies)?

I have done it from the side on small ditches.

 

[czechsonofagun]

What about using some 2x12s as a platform. It sure beats unstucking well stucked tractor.

On the other hand, you can score on YouTube

 

[Edstir]

Harry C knows what he's talking about. My trench caved in and snapped a shovel in half. I was sweating when I was glueing the pipe in my 5.5 deep trench. If I read his post previous I would have built protection for entering the hole because it can happen so fast. You hear it all the time on the news. Most of my trench had tree roots to lock the earth tgether. I had to turn around to dig back and use a solid core door to cover the existing trench. Saw that mentioned in the book. Safety first. I think digging is a very hazardous occupation.