An earlier thread ("alt/sand box for the driveway")describes a system where the FEL is partially blocked off to control sand distribution. It is not discussed if it is a good idea to use the FEL as a giant salt shaker. I like this idea but I have about 150ft that needs to be sanded and I don't want to abuse my equipment (Kubota L3200).
FEL for sand spreading
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k0ua
Epic Contributor
I have spread salt and sand with a FEL. It requires skill and lots of practice. It also depends on how "flowable" the material is.
I isn't easy, BUT you can do it. Think of getting the dump angle of the bucket to just the point where materiel starts to flow as you creep forward (HST transmission much preferred) as the material starts to flow, you must curl up slightly or you will get a "wad" of material on the roadway. Then continue shaking the joystick like a man with severe palsy. You will continue as you start to lower the dump angle again to keep the flow rate even as you match the creep rate forward. I told you this wasn't easy didn't I?
Anyway this is an advanced bucket manipulation technique, and it might take some practice to get it down. Keep adjusting/shaking/creeping until you get the desired results. It would be much easier to show you than tell you.
I isn't easy, BUT you can do it. Think of getting the dump angle of the bucket to just the point where materiel starts to flow as you creep forward (HST transmission much preferred) as the material starts to flow, you must curl up slightly or you will get a "wad" of material on the roadway. Then continue shaking the joystick like a man with severe palsy. You will continue as you start to lower the dump angle again to keep the flow rate even as you match the creep rate forward. I told you this wasn't easy didn't I?
Anyway this is an advanced bucket manipulation technique, and it might take some practice to get it down. Keep adjusting/shaking/creeping until you get the desired results. It would be much easier to show you than tell you.
Wolfy
Veteran Member
A little different than how my dad did it. He drove the pickup while I was in the back and "flung" the sand with a shovel.
RDrancher
Veteran Member
I have spread salt and sand with a FEL. It requires skill and lots of practice. It also depends on how "flowable" the material is.
I isn't easy, BUT you can do it. Think of getting the dump angle of the bucket to just the point where materiel starts to flow as you creep forward (HST transmission much preferred) as the material starts to flow, you must curl up slightly or you will get a "wad" of material on the roadway. Then continue shaking the joystick like a man with severe palsy. You will continue as you start to lower the dump angle again to keep the flow rate even as you match the creep rate forward. I told you this wasn't easy didn't I?
James has it. Slow or fast, this is an excellent bucket skill to master. I have no need to spread salt (Thank God), but this is the method I use to place gravel toppings on driveways. Here's a pretty good video showing the shake and bake method. Skid Steer Spreading Driveway Gravel - YouTube
k0ua
Epic Contributor
Yep, that's it. He made it look pretty easy.. I suspect he does it nearly every day. I don't do it that often, and I have to get into the groove again each time.
dave1949
Super Star Member
I sprinkle bone dry sand from the FEL bucket sometimes too. If it comes out too quick you can always back drag later and spread it around. It doesn't take much sand to get traction so I would err on the side of too little rather than pile it on. You can always add more but extra doesn't scoop up very easy.
skyhook
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It all depends on "who's" payin for it....that will determine the amount that's spread.
I usually fill the bucket and spread with a shovel.
I usually fill the bucket and spread with a shovel.
dave1949
Super Star Member
It all depends on "who's" payin for it....that will determine the amount that's spread.
I usually fill the bucket and spread with a shovel.
I never have enough sand to be generous with it. That's something I want to fix.
Anyone have a guess or know if I stored sand in an enclosed, unheated shed, would it freeze up? I could pick summer days when it's fairly dry to put sand in the shed.
I know salted road sand the town spreads doesn't usually freeze very hard in an open pile. This would be plain sand unless I added salt to it. I would prefer to not have salt in it though.
skyhook
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I don't use sand because it does freeze, instead I use what is called "stone dust",
I do mix a couple of bags of salt in with it, just to draw the moisture out.
I'll even throw some wood stove ashes in the mix, works great on ice,
right now it's in a 4X8 box with lid but this summer I'll be making some type of shelter just for this.
Can also use it to fill in the ruts on our gravel road, it's about $200 for a 5 ton load.
I do mix a couple of bags of salt in with it, just to draw the moisture out.
I'll even throw some wood stove ashes in the mix, works great on ice,
right now it's in a 4X8 box with lid but this summer I'll be making some type of shelter just for this.
Can also use it to fill in the ruts on our gravel road, it's about $200 for a 5 ton load.
The OP didn't ask how to do it, but asked if it was a good idea to do it (they don't want to abuse the their equipment). I think going through the shake process could be abusive with a full bucket, but with a partial bucket, and for only 150' of drive, it would be fine.
