Hello there i just bought my first track loader/dozer and i have little experience with these machines so im going to ask a probably stupid question. Its a case 850b with a bucket and i would like to strip topsoil on 5 acres with this machine and i cant afford a blade for it ! Can i do it with the bucket ? If so is there any tips or techniques i should follow ? Thanks for any advice !!!
Its do-able, but will take some time. Machine may rust out before you get done with 5 acres.
It may take a little longer but you should do just fine with it.Track loaders are pretty handy machines.Ron G
6t9 C, The crawler loader is a very versatile machine.Stripping topsoil is one job this machine can do well.Usually ,an operator strips soil before excavating homesites,driveways,dams,etc. This is a perfect opportunity to get to know your machine.You'll learn about the "feel" of being level,& you'll learn about bucket control & digging angles. The steering on those Case machines takes some getting used to. Most Case I see have a 4-in-1 bucket & rippers...this makes your machine as versatile as your imagination allows.I hope your bucket has teeth on it. Good luck . Jim
stripping with a loader is easy. you can cut a slot and slot doze just like a dozer. after 5 acres, you will be a pretty decent stripper. er, dirt pusher.
never had any trouble stripping topsoil with track loader.... once you get used to the controls and things start going well you will develop a rythym and all things considered that machine will do well.
Thanks guys your giving me some hope !!!! But i dont have any teeth on my bucket is this something i should invest in ? Also qball you mentioned slot doze like a dozer im not exactly sure how you do that ? The 5 acre piece i want to strip ( to build up for my house ) is only 300 ft wide so is it best to be pushing dirt side to side or build up hills and bucket it out ?
camaro, depending on where the dirt has to end up, and how deep it is i would divide the lot in thirds and start a cut to the bottom of the black dirt right in the middle aimed toward the pile. get the slot established and use that to channel the dirt. start at the far end, away from the pile, and push dirt thru the slot. the slot will help you push an amazing amount of dirt. i am sure some of the other guys here can explain it better. i would have to be there to show you
piling up dirt and then carrying it is very inefficient. wears the heck out of undercarriage also. try to scrape dirt and then keep pushing and cutting as you go. it will be most efficient to make several piles if you can rather than 1 stockpile. no teeth can actually help you and keep you out of the fill dirt as it will not cut in as hard. just make sure the cutting edge is good and not worn on the bottom
good luck hope it goes well
I found the links and this thread helpful. http://www.buyerzone.com/industrial/bulldozers/rbic-doze-more-dirt.html http://www.komatsu.com/ce/support/v09202/index.html Nothinbetter found these, I'm just reposting them. hth
Hey thanks for all the tips guys !!! So far the machine is working great and ive been moving some dirt ! My next plan of attack is to dig a large pond ?!?!? I will try to get some pics up soon.
One of the best ways to move dirt with a highlift dozer is to load it in a dump truck if you are having to move it very far.Are you stripping the top dirt for the pond site 6t9?
As ScottAR posted, the front to back dozing is the best way with a track loader. I have done a fair bit of topsoil stripping with the 973 and they do an amazing job. You'll eat through the fuel doin it, butfront to back, grab a big bucket and let er go.