Muddy or dry?

Bob_Trevithick · Feb 25, 2002

I've posted around here before about my little project of pushing down a big hill of dirt that was bulldozed up to where it is now by a former owner so her horses could run.

I went out the other day, and found myself stuck up to my axles in mud. I could have gotten out, except for the fact that by some diabolical chance the wheels were also surrounded by rocks which were hidden in the mud. /w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif 10 minutes with a shovel, and then a little monkeying around with the front blade (lift front wheels, rotate blade, lower, repeat) got me out.

Now I'm hoping the experts can tell me.. is this kind of work easier when the ground is dry, or should I keep plugging away at it now since the ground is soft? Or will there come some magic moment when the ground is "just right"? I'm using a front blade and a dirt scoop on a 4300 MFWD with R4s and no chains. Of course traction is the problem, not power. It's supposed to be in the upper 50s today (which is really weird!) and I might think about another run at it.. or I might just make a drink and say let's wait for Spring. There is no rush.. this will be our second garden, using one each year, so I have all summer to get it whipped into shape.

Thanks for any thoughts...

MDNick · Feb 25, 2002

Ever hear the story of Goldilocks? Yep, you want it 'just right'. At that point, it will be soft enough that you can still move it, but yet firm enough to get traction. My experience in the mud is that it usually comes out being worse than when I started. Not to mention the mud sticks in the bucket/scoop. And I hate walking in it, and washing the tractor after it, and . . . At some point, it'll be just right. Then you'll be able to work faster and get more done, and maybe not get stuck repeatedly in the process. But if you like playing in the mud, now's the time!

Nick

Thomas · Feb 25, 2002

I would wait until it dry up a tad,for it would make a lot less work and a better job.
Sounds like you are looking for some tractor time. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Bird · Feb 25, 2002

will there come some magic moment when the ground is "just right"? 

Yep, the trick is knowing when that moment is./w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif Unlike some of the other guys, I just about won't work in mud if I don't have to (and I usually don't have to). But of course, there are times when the surface appears dry, and then you find mud under it./w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif Since my ground is mostly clay, if it's too dry it can be hard to break up, but I'd usually prefer a little too dry to being too wet, because when wet, this stuff not only sticks to your tires but sticks in a loader bucket, on a box blade, etc.

supposed to be in the upper 50s today

I've been having lows around 40 and highs around 70, but this morning it was 51 at 4 a.m./w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif with a freeze expected tonight and the teens tomorrow night./w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif

Bob_Trevithick · Feb 25, 2002

Sounds like you are looking for some tractor time./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Don't be silly, Thomas.. who would drive a tractor if he didn't have to?? /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

... but I'd usually prefer a little too dry to being too wet, because when wet, this stuff not only sticks to your tires but sticks in a loader bucket, on a box blade, etc.

Yeah, what a mess! /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif I think my project for the next time I have that magical combination of nice weather and free time will be to wash all the mud off from my last adventure. Maybe a good wax, while I'm at it. But Thomas is right, of course.. I dying for some seat time. But with no snow, and a daily switch from solid ice to mud, it isn't looking good. /w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif

Thanks, Folks!

Youare · Feb 25, 2002

I find I make more of a mess when the ground is to the point of being muddy. There is a time that is perfect. The way to find that time is to go ut ther every day and test it out.

Good excuse to use the tractor regularly until the jobs done.

Randy

Egon · Feb 25, 2002

Bob:
Just keep chipping away when the mood strikes. Get a good level/even base to start from and work on and end with a level area and all will turn out well.
Nothing beats playing in the mud but it can be innovating or aggrivating depending on the mood.
It helps not to grin when spinning the wheels in mud.

Egon

Bob_Trevithick · Feb 25, 2002

...It helps not to grin when spinning the wheels in mud.

I've discovered that too, Egon. It's best to maintain an air of dignity while the neighbors look out their windows and laugh. Besides, less chance of getting a mouthful of mud. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Thomas · Feb 25, 2002

Looks like the jet stream doing a loop de da do,for our night times lows you folks down there are getting,and were getting your night time lows /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif

Thomas · Feb 25, 2002

Friends of mine return from mid NY this last weekend and told me..hard to find snow,birds are singing,grass starting to show green,flowers are starting to pop up /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif
I would say you folks are about month ahead in warm weather than us./w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif
Hang in there before you know it your diesel bill will be going up w/all of the seat time. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif