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Crawlers, Dozers, Loaders & Backhoes Discussion Forum

Digging in soft ground

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Ron (Tex)

11-03-2004 04:17:06




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I have a 9500 lb mini JD model 50 excavator that I need to use in a swamp area for excavating a pond and channeling the water to a nearby creek. The excavator has tracks that measure 6 ft wide and 7 ft long. The width of the tracks themselves is approx 1 ft. A friend mentioned that I could probably use cross ties laid under and in front of the path which the excavator will be working. I have read of making platforms from timber. These 8ft X 2ft platforms could then be hoisted moved by the machine similar to the cross ties. The swamp has only about 3 inches of water standing and was once a pasture before the beavers moved in. Got rid of the beaver but left with the mess.
What are your opinions about the best approach to improve walking and digging on soft ground.
Thanks

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Slofr8

11-05-2004 05:05:52




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 Re: Digging in soft ground in reply to Ron (Tex), 11-03-2004 04:17:06  
Ran a fellerbuncher for years and cut a lot of wood in and around cedar swamps and soft ground. Did I ever get stuck? You bet. But one thing I learned was, DO NOT try to turn while on the soft stuff. As soon as the tracks would cut through the top layer it was down hill from there. I would line my self up before going through questonable areas to keep turning to a minimum. I would also cordaroy with junk trees and stubs. (not possible in a pasture I guess!) Trick is to not wait untill your to deep. A couple times I was getting real stuck and chained a log to the tracks to act as a big paddle. Good luck. Dan.

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Leland

11-03-2004 21:36:07




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 Re: Digging in soft ground in reply to Ron (Tex), 11-03-2004 04:17:06  
Just depends how far the bottom is, I have seen all kinds of tracked equip go down in mud and stay there for a while. If I were you I would already have a long steel cable hooked to frame just incase it's no fun digging thru 3-4 feet of mud when they go down. And I saw a D8 stuck so bad they put TNT under tracks to blow the suction just to get it out of pond they were tring to clean out. But if you make platforms make sure there light enough that your mini hoe can pick them up easy and then you can build a road as you go.

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BPayne

11-03-2004 19:47:36




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 Re: Digging in soft ground in reply to Ron (Tex), 11-03-2004 04:17:06  
My limited experience with tracked vehicles is the suction you get on like the belly pan. Just something to think about.
Brad



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John R.-IL

11-03-2004 16:57:06




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 Re: Digging in soft ground in reply to Ron (Tex), 11-03-2004 04:17:06  
I have two Yamnar B50 excavators and have never gotten them stuck where they wouldn"t dig themselves out. They are a 10500lb machines. Your JD is made by Yanmar, close to the same machine as mine only smaller. You don"t need anything under the tracks. I have been in water with a soft bottom until water was over the operators platform without any problems. If you don"t start pushing mud with the blade raised, it should not get stuck. If you are pushing mud, then backup dig it out and go foward. You will be suprised at what these little machines will do. I have had mine in mud that you could"nt walk in, yet never got stuck

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Ron (Tex)

11-04-2004 05:56:51




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 Re: Digging in soft ground in reply to John R.-IL, 11-03-2004 16:57:06  
Thanks for all the advice. John R,
With your Yamnar B50, do you find that you have more power to propel the machine when moving in the direction where the dozer blade is in front?
It is my observation that I have better steering control and power when moving in that direction.
Sometimes, the machine will not turn when I attempt to do a hard right or left pivot. Or could it be a more serious problem with the hydraulics?

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possum

11-03-2004 16:05:09




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 Re: Digging in soft ground in reply to Ron (Tex), 11-03-2004 04:17:06  
I don't know what an excavator is, but if you have tracks with grousers (not semi-grouser or asphalt pads) you should be able to walk in the mud. Your ground pressure is less than 8psi. My little JD 40C with a three roller frame will practically walk on water, and easily works mud up to 12" deep.



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Bob/Ont

11-03-2004 07:08:48




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 Re: Digging in soft ground in reply to Ron (Tex), 11-03-2004 04:17:06  
The platforms like big skids would likely be the best Ron, they will stay together not roll out from under as cross ties could. You need to keep a close watch under foot too as you dig because the machine might work it's self down into the mud. When that happend it might be hard to get out and dammage something.
Later Bob



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IA-Don

11-04-2004 01:56:33




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 Re: Digging in soft ground in reply to Bob/Ont, 11-03-2004 07:08:48  
Start your project at the creek so it drains as you progress. Matts of ties would be handy but even chaining a log between the tracks will give ya a second chance to get stuck, provideing you don't dig it in by spinning the tracks.



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Jeffie

11-14-2004 09:10:05




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 Re: Digging in soft ground in reply to IA-Don, 11-04-2004 01:56:33  
No offense, but "Start your project at the creek so it drains as you progress." is very
bad advice, and any first year operator would know better.

All you wind up doing is pulling water along with you, or through you.

Start at the bottom end, and work back up,
especially if working in a wet area.

Been there, done that.



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