New Asphalt Driveway - How Soon to Drive Tractor over it?

[HKUSPnut]

Just had a new asphalt driveway installed yesterday. 3" base with 3" blacktop over existing gravel driveway which was pretty well packed. My contract says 9 days before I can operate a passenger vehicle over it.

Tractor is an L3560 with loaded rear tires, larger LA805 loader, 500 lb ballast box, R4 Industrial tires. This is ROPS model (no cab).

If I had turf tires I wouldn't be quite as concerned, but those lugs on the R4 tires look intimidating to a new asphalt driveway during hot summer months. Location is Maine, which may not be considered a hot climate to some of you! Figure 85-90 degrees max ambient at peak of summer. Driveway does see a lot of sun during the day.

Question - Has anyone run a tractor with R4 tires in the 7,000 lb range over a new asphalt driveway? How long did you wait before doing so?

Appreciate input from anyone that can offer advice. Thank you.

 

[Diggin It]

This time of year? Personally, I wait for November.

 

[EddieWalker]

That's just a dream to have asphalt. How long did you go? how wide? Love to see pictures!!!

 

[4570Man]

Don’t drive over the edges especially if they’re higher than the dirt but asphalt doesn’t really cure like concrete. It’s pretty much done after it’s cooled.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I would wait. Around here they usually let them sit a few day to cure out before anything (car) can be driven on them.

 

[Roadworthy]

I'll definitely agree with the edges part. My garbage man backed off the side of a several month old driveway and broke it. Yes, it's been fixed. If you have specific points where you access the driveway have a good amount of gravel at those points to lend support. Of course a concrete access of a few inches would be even better. Oh, and don't stay in one place while turning the wheels on your car or tractor. That action will break down the asphalt.

 

[HKUSPnut]

Thanks everyone. The installer said it takes 6 months to a year for asphalt to fully cure. That's backed up by info I've found online. I did notice that he over graded and compacted the base a few inches past where the asphalt stops so as to make sure the asphalt is supported. I did ask him to make me a gravel apron to use as a ramp for the tractor and dump trucks so that the edge doesn't get destroyed.

Everything I've read says 3 to 10 days for vehicle traffic. I think I'll wait a month minimum for the tractor and hose the asphalt down pretty good to keep cool when I plan on driving on it.

 

[Industrial Toys]

It would matter what kind of tires you have too.

 

[WranglerX]

Contractor say's 9 days for passenger vehicle, and you tractor may weigh in at double.... Think about it....

Dale

 

[HKUSPnut]

It would matter what kind of tires you have too.

R4 Industrial tires