Need advice on excavating/site prep

[Verticaltrx]

Thanks for all the replies.

I went to the local bobcat dealer today and looked at some skid steers. I ended up looking at a new s590. Would this help me much in clearing this land over my CUT with FEL? I would be able to use this machine for a lot of things around the farm. I know a larger frame tracked machine would definitely be quicker than my current tractor but I think it would be too much for all of my other chores in and around the barn.

Yes, that unit would be a night and day difference in capability over your current tractor for what you are describing. In a digging application you should be able to boil dirt over the top of the bucket within several feet and carry much more per trip than a CUT as well.

As for around the farm, they are good for some things, less than ideal for others. I have found that often it isn't worth the hassle of crawling in and out of the skid steer for small jobs around the farm and it does tear up the ground a lot if you aren't careful. The things I use mine for around the farm are: cleaning out larger pens and sheds, stacking round bales, and heavy work with the forks. Most everything else loader related I use my little B3200 Kubota for as it is so much handier.

At the construction site it is just the opposite, I use the skid steer for almost all the work from grading, spreading rock, drilling holes, setting posts, using the forks, setting trusses, etc. The little Kubota is only used for finish grading and seeding.

 

[Army grunt]

I need to do some excavating for a pole building I am having put up. I was going to have an excavator do it but am getting frustrated finding one and I try to do most things myself anyways.
What I need to accomplish is a 130 foot drive to the site and the site is sloped about 6-8 feet from one end to the other. So I would need to remove the topsoil from the road and building site (48x 60 building).

What I have to do it: Kubota L3430 with FEL, Kubota KX 71 excavator.

I was thinking of buying an old bulldozer such as john deere 440 or maybe 350. The problem with the 350 is trying to transport it. I am not sure a small dozer would help me much more than what i have. I am not against buying another machine if it will make a big difference ( I can justify the cost against not paying an excavator). What about a skid steer, would they be big enough to just strip the topsoil without me loosening it with the excavator? I guess what I want to know is if a skid steer which I could transport on a 12-14k trailer would be better than a small dozer, or maybe I dont need either.

thanks

If it were Me,,I would get a good box blade with the ripper teeth an go for it..If you have the time.. your Kubota would do the job easy.
Just go easy an "Get -er-done"

 

[newbury]

I need to do some excavating for a pole building I am having put up. I was going to have an excavator do it but am getting frustrated finding one and I try to do most things myself anyways.
What I need to accomplish is a 130 foot drive to the site and the site is sloped about 6-8 feet from one end to the other. So I would need to remove the topsoil from the road and building site (48x 60 building).

What I have to do it: Kubota L3430 with FEL, Kubota KX 71 excavator.

I was thinking of buying an old bulldozer such as john deere 440 or maybe 350. The problem with the 350 is trying to transport it. I am not sure a small dozer would help me much more than what i have. I am not against buying another machine if it will make a big difference ( I can justify the cost against not paying an excavator). What about a skid steer, would they be big enough to just strip the topsoil without me loosening it with the excavator? I guess what I want to know is if a skid steer which I could transport on a 12-14k trailer would be better than a small dozer, or maybe I dont need either.

thanks

I may have missed it but what are your tradeoffs for time versus $$? What's the soil? The climate? What else can you do with the $$?

I'm retired, I plan weeks for a job that a hired outfit with proper equipment and personnel can do in a day. But then I might only work 2 hours a day on it.

The FIRST thing you should have done was buy a toothbar or Pirahna for that 3430 and try it out. Get an idea of how long it takes you to a little dirt work. So do it TODAY. It will always be worth it later.

It may be with a toothbar and/or a boxblade and your equipment you can get it done within your timeline.

 

[mooch]

Ok, I am going to start this excavation with what I have. Could anyone give me basic tips on excavation principles? I know I should strip the topsoil and then do my grading with the sub soil. I have about a 6-8 foot grade on the spot the building is going. Do I have to strip the topsoil on the lowland where I will be building it up or can I just add on top of it? I will try to post some pics.

 

[paulharvey]

I would at least strip the sod and any organics off where you are filling first. Nothing crazy, don't need to strip more than 3-4 inches. I would try to tire roll the fill as you bring it up, by running your machine over it all multiple times.

 

[Army grunt]

Ok, I am going to start this excavation with what I have. Could anyone give me basic tips on excavation principles? I know I should strip the topsoil and then do my grading with the sub soil. I have about a 6-8 foot grade on the spot the building is going. Do I have to strip the topsoil on the lowland where I will be building it up or can I just add on top of it? I will try to post some pics.

Do you have a box blade?

 

[Army grunt]

I would be happy to talk you through your project..

 

[Guidshir]

I have all the same questions, Mooch, so thanks. I'm watching the outcome!

 

[newbury]

I have all the same questions, Mooch, so thanks. I'm watching the outcome!

As we all are.

If you click on his name and look at his profile you'll see mooch's last activity was Dec of 2017 and his last post was in July 2013.

 

[Guidshir]

*facepalm* I was searching for advice on the same thing and did not look at the last post date. Thanks for pointing that out and my apologies.