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How do I best proficiently use tractor to best lower grade and move dirt?

oksteven

New Member
Joined
Jun 27, 2016
Messages
1
Location
Oklahoma
I have been loaned an 8N Ford tractor to do some work on a piece of property I bought last year. I'll have constant access to it over the next 3 weeks or so. I know a little 8N tractor isn't considered heavy equipment, but thought this may be the best place to ask.

I have a clearing about 190 deep by probably 65 feet wide. Looking south to north there is a hump on the West side of the clearing. It's like two rectangles side by side but one is taller. So the West hald of the clearing is 2ft higher in the highest point. The back of the hump is sloped down perfectly. So I really just need to work from the mid section forward and shave dirt off and move that dirt to the lower half of the clearing.

I have a 5ft disc and a straight blade. The clearing is full of small debri and rocks. Just half buried trash and stuff. So my plan is to disc a little to loosen up the dirt, then use the blade to drag that loose dirt and separate the debris and then move that dirt onto my low side. I do no have a rock rake sadly.

I'm a total beginner at this and I noticed how I'm not very effecient. There has to be little tricks to make sure I work smarter and do more in less steps. (It is just a straight blade no a box.) I was hoping some kind people could point out these tricks.

Thanks for reading.
 

Welder Dave

Senior Member
Joined
Oct 11, 2014
Messages
12,545
Location
Canada
Disc the high part 2 or 3 times in different directions to break up the dirt as much as possible and then drag it off with the blade. You could angle the blade so it keeps pushing to one side instead of leaving a spoil pile on each side. Once you get it close to level you could turn the blade around and drag it on the back of the cutting edge so it smooths without digging in at all. A harrow or drag would also work for final levelling. The rocks and debris won't help. See if you can scrape the debris to the side to get it out of your way.
 

lumberjack

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 24, 2011
Messages
1,044
Location
Columbus, MS
Add wings to box in the blade to increase your blade's capacity on the cheap, assuming you have access to a welder/weldor.
 

maddog

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 20, 2009
Messages
730
Location
middle TN
If you know someone or have a little extra $$ that has a middlebuster (TSC has them) you can really tear up some ground quick. I bought one years ago and it has come in handy more then once, especially for the price. You could set it for the depth you want make a few passes then use your back blade to move the spoils where needed. Disc might work but if the ground is tough you'll be there for a long time.
 
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