lifting/moving big rocks with a B7610/B7800?

[Northland]

I am deciding between a B7610 w302/352 or B7800 w/402 loader.

I live in Northern Ontario Canada with 20 acres of hilly maple woods with rocky soil and some big rocks in spots.

I was just outside checking out some of the rocks that I would like to move about.There are about 15 rocks a bit larger then the ones pictured on this link I found on TBN. This member has a B7610 w352

FEL Rock Moving

It occurred to me that that this guy's rocks may not be able to be lifted or a least moved easily by even a B7800 w/LA402 loader. I am not sure what rocks like this weigh but it may be better for me to get a real big backhoe into do that work and buy the 7610 w/302 or 352.

Any ideas on what rocks like this might weigh?

 

[WayneW]

Not sure on the weight of a rock that size, never had to pull one off my foot. <g>

I move rocks about that size with my 7610/352. In my experience:

1. The rocks are too large to fit IN the bucket, therefore have to be tied in with a strap of some sort. (I use a couple "rachet" 2" straps)

2. Because of this, the rock is far away from the pivit point of the loader, which is a place where the lift capacity if no where near the approx 1000 lbs lift at the pivit pins. You can lift a lot more by lifting the bucket slightly, then curling it back. Rocks too big to be lifted too high can be rolled or drug backwards slightly off the ground (inches)

3. Always thought I bend my bucket. And I did, just not where I thought I would. Bottom in actually pretty tough. The upper lip bent up and back slightly from large rocks slamming into the bucket.

4. I will not suggest doing this, BUT, with considerable rear ballast (loaded tires and 5' box blade and 4 cement blocks) the 7610/352 will pick up rocks (strapped onto the bucket) still heavy enough to lift the rear tires off the ground. With practice I was still able to move these rocks around on just the front tires. The ground must be pretty flat when attempting to do this!

5. Center your load or put it on the "uphill" side of the bucket. USE EXTREME caution on hills. Up, Down and esp traversing. Be certain the tractor is in 4wd and in low gear.

6. Map your route from beginning to end BEFORE you attempt to travel it with your loaded tractor.
It 7610 really is quite a machine. I'm sure the 7800 and 3030 would amaze me. Enjoy and play it safe.

 

[mike69440]

Rocks that size my L-39 can barely move. I doubt they could even be straped into a 4' 7610 bucket.

You might be able to a handle an 1100-1200 LB Rock, Those are close to a ton.

 

[The Gardener]

it may be better for me to get a real big backhoe to do that work

That would be my vote. We hire out many jobs to a local guy who owns a huge backhoe and a decent size bulldozer. The guy charges $120/hr these days. He's been here six different times for six different jobs. He started years back at $80/hr.

The rocks that you pictured are picked up and tossed around like pebbles with his backhoe and hydraulic thumb. Rocks considerably larger than those pictured are rolled with ease by his bulldozer.

By hiring out these huge efforts, you can purchase a tractor that will handle all of the routine chores and projects that you want to tackle on your own.

Good Luck!
The Gardener

 

[dirtworksequip]

Just for future reference: sandstone 145 lbs per cubic foot
concrete 150 lbs per cubic foot
granite 168 lbs per cubic foot

 

[Northland]

Thanks for the insight and advice guys. I know now that the B7610 will accomodate my needs.

When I had my trails put in a few years ago at various times I had a Linkbelt excavator, a big JBC & CAT backhoe and a JD mid sized dozer out here pushing the rocks and trees out of the way. At the time I never thought much about it as I wasn't even considering a piece of equipment.

Now I just need to find a deal on a new or slightly used B7610 in Ontario, Michigan or maybe even Ohio

 

[frank_f15]

I have a B2400 A FEW ROCKS SLIGHTLY SAMLLER THAN THOSE now bear in mind i said moved, not picked up as they won't fit in the bucket even if you could lift them! i just scooted them along the ground till i got them where i wanted them.

 

[dillo99]

I have moved lots of rocks like that with my b7500. One bit of advice, make a sled. I have an old car hood that I chain to the drawbar. Rocks can be easily rolled on the car hood and then dragged with the tractor. I can handle much larger rocks with this method than I would be able to handle with a loader (even a larger loader). I also think it is safer.

ps - get the largest tractor you can afford. You won't regret having more horsepower.

 

[IslandTractor]

I agree with Dillo99, get an old car hood from a junk yard and use it as a sled. You can pull way more than you can lift. Medium size (but still too heavy to lift) rocks can be pushed along with the FEL but the real monsters are better pulled on a sled.

 

[john_bud]

Not sure on the weight of a rock that size, never had to pull one off my foot. <g>

I move rocks about that size with my 7610/352. In my experience:

1. The rocks are too large to fit IN the bucket, therefore have to be tied in with a strap of some sort. (I use a couple "rachet" 2" straps)

2. Because of this, the rock is far away from the pivit point of the loader, which is a place where the lift capacity if no where near the approx 1000 lbs lift at the pivit pins. You can lift a lot more by lifting the bucket slightly, then curling it back. Rocks too big to be lifted too high can be rolled or drug backwards slightly off the ground (inches)

{SNIP}QUOTE]


Wayne,

Could be wrong, it's hard to tell from pictures, but....

The rocks in the picture look to be about 3'x'3' x3' of granite. If so,that would put them about 4500 pounds, which is about double the weight of the tractor. I don't think they are liftable without a MUCH larger tractor.

Rolled on a sheet of steel and towed, sure! But not lifted by a small SCUT or CUT.


jb