So, I think I screwed this up... I have a depression that runs through my pasture that stays wet pretty much all of the time. I need to be able to cross over to bush hog, mow around my pond, etc. I placed 2 12" drainage pipes (corrugated HDPE) and backfilled with gravel. Problem is the gravel ended up being much thicker than I anticipated on the approach to the pipes. My tractor gets almost to the pipes then just starts spinning the tires and digging into the gravel. I need suggestions on how to fix this? Do I need to remove the gravel and build up with dirt first? Can I pour bagged concrete on top of it and wet it down to try and keep the gravel from spreading under the weight of the tractor? Any help if greatly appreciated.
Gravel approach fix?
- Thread starter wicrules
- Start date
Mrlunchbox
Active member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
2023 BX2380 loader/mower. Land Pride snow pusher, Kapteyn pallet forks
Crusher run is probably the best. Its stone and stone dust and will pack like concrete. Just my opinion but doesn't seem like you did anything "wrong" in the first place. But there a some very knowledgeable folks on here who are sure to chime in. Good luck in your project!
You could probably get away with adding a load of gravel fines to it. Maybe scoop a layer of the gravel up, add a thin layer of fines, them mix the gravel you took up with the remaining fines and top it off. The fines will aid in compaction as they fill in the voids.
fried1765
Well-known member
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Kubota L48 TLB, Ford 1920 FEL, Ford 8N, SCAG Liberty Z, Gravely Pro.
3/4 minus, is what you should have used.
Apparently you used 3/4 washed.
Adding some "stone dust" should solve your problem, as what you will have what has become 3/4 minus.... mixed in place.
If you choose to use bagged cement, there is no need to wet it.
Let mother nature do the wetting job for you.
Stone dust is the better idea though.
You will be able to grade that at a later date if need be.
Grading will not be possible if using cement!
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Sounds like the gravel may not have been compacted? If it’s 3/4” clean, that wouldn’t matter since it wouldn’t have compacted anyhow. Ideally compact the gravel in 6” thick lifts and use 3/4” - 0 (aka 3/4 minus).
Thanks for all of the info! I spread some bagged concrete over it and wet it down some with my electric sprayer. Not predicting rain in the next week or so and I want to work on it some more Monday. If that doesn't do it, I'll go get a load of crusher run to put on it.... nowhere to have it dumped (gravel pile is only place I have to have stuff dumped), so I will have to shovel it from the trailer... fun!