DanR67
Silver Member
Northland said: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?
Northland & Co -
Have been deeply into my "Honey Do" list around the house - hadn't stopped by TBN in awhile - and surprise! surprise! - I see me and my rocks! Well that's why I put these pictures on my site - show off my B7610 and what it can do! Anyhow here's some "first hand" feedback :
First off - I'd guess the first three pictures show rocks in the 1000 - 1200 pound range - I remember I didn't have too much trouble picking up one end or the other - but also could not lift completely - so basically pushed / flipped them where I wanted them.
The last picture (me standing behind rock) - well that's another story. I'd guess it weighed in @ 1500 lbs - I was really amazed that I managed to dig it out of the ground! (and that was before my toothbar as well!). It took all of my B7610's power to even move that around once "topside" - and I didn't really move it all that far - on relatively flat ground....can't imagine trying to control that on a slope!
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In retrospect (all pictures were taken in 2004 - my first "Tractor Season") - I think the last rental of a larger TLB in Fall 2005 gave me a greater appreciation of "when to say when" - and simply rent a larger piece of equipment. As it was - one of the rocks I dug up with the rental unit was barely moveable with mid 40 hp unit! Here's the link / "stone wall" I piled up in a weekend:
Big Machine Work
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I'd imagine that the "rock sled" that folks are mentioning would be the way to go for the long term - if you have to rountinely move a "larger" rock a fair distance - and you don't want to get tippy with it in your bucket.
But if you just have the 15 or so big rocks to move for your immediate landscaping needs - then I'd say go for purchasing the CUT that will best fit your long-term needs - and rent a large piece of equipment to make short work (and spare your CUT from REALLY hard work) of it.
Last but not least - if you go for a B7610 - and you know you will be dealing with rocks from time to time: absolutely go for the LA352 FEL - as every little bit extra helps!
Hope that helps,
Dan