New 424 doing some work!

[DieselMachine]

Hey all, had the 424 delivered yesterday and have around 5-6 hours on it moving some dirt. Does a great job (for a CUT) and feels WAY more stable than one of the other brand tractors when moving dirt. Have a J-Bar box blade (economy model - it was thrown in for free) and I'm sure it's helping stabilize the tractor but to add a little more weight and ensure the rear tires stay planted I added (6) 60 lb bags of sand. This made a huge difference when moving dirt and back dragging (wheels would spin some without it). Any issues with adding additional weight on the box blade? Below are a few photos of the work I'm doing, leveling up the area to the right of the garage to create a trailer parking area and an area for a dog run.

12 loads of dirt to push up towards the house to help level out:

2.5 loads spread so far, changing my technique and now using the loader to push the material towards the house. Much quicker than picking up each bucket full and dumping. Then wheel packing after a 6-8" lift with some moisture to get it compacted.

 

[blackhecilopters]

Great pics! You'll really come to wonder what you did without one of these. What a great machine.

 

[Tonyinohio]

Good way to counter balance the loader. Nice work!

 

[DieselMachine]

The result of a few more days of pushing and forming the raised patio area. I'll admit I used a neighbors skid steer to push 5 of the 12 loads then the 424 to shape and finish. Those skids make short work of dirt. That box blade however is great for smoothing and leveling. Then the additional reach of the loader to back drag was very helpful. Still need to bring more material to the right of the glass slider but it's getting there.

 

[Tonyinohio]

Looking great! Hey, before I forget.....on my first big project I tore the hydro cooling fan to shreds when plastic drain tile flipped up and into the under carriage. I recommend you added a piece of expanded metal (heavy screen available at Lowes) across the bottom of your frame to allow air flow but still protect the fan. I ended up buying a new fan and modifying it (cut it in half and weaved SS wire around it and the shaft to hold it in place since glue and screws alone didn't hold due to the rpm) so I wouldn't have to split the tractor to replace it. This is an Achilles heel for most HST tractors - no easy way to replace it.

 

[micman32]

Could you post some pics of the screen you put on the under carriage .

 

[DieselMachine]

Tony, thanks for the advice! I could see where a broke fan would really be a pain to replace! As micman32 has requested, do you have a photo of the installed expanded metal and what bolts you used to attach it?
Thanks!

 

[versysrider]

Nice, makes putting in a yard fun.

 

[DieselMachine]

^For sure, still a job but much more enjoyable having a piece of equipment like this to help with!
As an update with a few pics, been busy the past few weekends fine grading, forming and placing the driveway. While at it we tore the front steps out which initially when the house was built looked like an afterthought, with very little planning, thought or soil prep. Over the course of 7 months the steps had settled about 2". Formed them to wrap around the front landing, with the result being a much more usable, inviting front step.
The drive ended up being 3300 SF which was A LOT of fine grade in clay soil that is rock hard when dry and compact.
Super happy with the results:

 

[scoutcub]

Wow great looking place and nice work with the 424!
I would recommend loading the rear tires with rimgaurd, then you'll always have that extra ballast on the machine.