Overworked Bx2200

[cckjone]

I'm having a huge amount of fill delivered to level off a area behind the house for entertaining. I estimate it will take around 100+ cubic yards. The closest the dump trucks will be able to get is within 50 feet and the drivers will need to unload in one long pile. At first I was really looking forward to some seat time using the FEL and box scraper but now I wondering if I'll be overworking the 'bota. I don't care how long it takes, and I'm confident the BX will eventually get the job done, but am I stretching the limits here? I have only 38 hours on the BX2200 and it's still bright and shiny...am I overly concerned because I'll probably double run time hours over the next couple of weeks? Should I bite the bullet and pay for a skidsteer rental?

 

[RobS]

Do you need to relocate the dirt or just smooth/shape it? If relocation is in order I'd move to a different machine. For smoothing/shaping you'll get by if you have time available. I just did 100 tons of crushed concrete (about 50 yards?) with my 790/FEL/Box blade. All very enjoyable but those first few swipes can make the job seem daunting. You'll be able to tell pretty quickly whether or not your tractor is up to it /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[CTyler]

It will take a little while but won't be overworking it. Just don't try to scoop the dirt 4 foot high in the bucket.

 

[TresCrows]

How many truck loads of dirt will that be? I can move and spread a truck load of dirt in approximately 2 hours give or take with the BX and maybe a few minutes faster with the 2410. J

 

[CTyler]

Something you may want to do is have one or two drivers making repeat trips. This way you can get the pile gone before they back. Kinda depends on how far away they are. Otherwise have several loads delivered each day to keep your pile in the same spot. 50' is better than 60-70-80-90 etc... feet away as the pile gets longer. Just some things to think about and make it more manageable.

 

[RonR]

I moved one large dumptruck load (I'd guess 8-10 yd) last night. Took me almost 3 HRs, but a lot of that time was moving the dirt 75-100 feet. Plus the ground was very sloped and full of gulleys when I started so I couldn't move very fast.

My 2200 only has 30 HRs, so I'm holding it to half throttle, but that speed still seems to move the loader and tractor well.

If time is not an issue, sure you can move it. If you have to have it done in one day, a bobcat might be worth the money. More HP, more capacity, faster, etc.

Let us know (include pics).

Ron

 

[BigMike]

Sorry, but this seems like a strange question. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif It's a tractor, it is made to do work. Yes, you have lots of dirt to move, but it is loose dirt and you have lots of time to do it. The question here should be "Will I be overworked?" /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif Of course, if you are planning on doing this kind of work on a daily basis, I would consider trading in on a bigger model /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif.....Hey, I bet you get tired of sitting before the tractor gets tired of working...have fun and take a break every couple of hours. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Oh yeah, pictures...of you, before and after...the tractor will look the same.

 

[DannyD]

With the FEL, and FROM EXPERIENCE, I can tell you that a tiller or some form of weight on the back linkages will make this job less tipsy at least. I have been slowly moving a very large (20 tons) of dirt with mine and it is a lot better if I attach the tiller to offset the weight on the loader.

The tractor and loader will do this, NO PROBLEM, just the tractor is a lot lite in the butt end. I would suggest a tiller, but also you can get a carry all, make a box and fill it with rocks, that will do the offset

 

[RonR]

My box blade weighs more than the tiller, so I use it....

Ron

 

[SCB]

It's a matter of time. You will not overwork your BX. It will take longer than a larger machine though. Personally, I would use my BX. It means more seat time!!!