Operation in sand

[Mym]

I'm thinking about buying a BX 1880 to grade my sloped driveway and road. Both are composed solely of sand. Will the BX1880 have enough traction to perform well?

 

[Runs With Scissors]

How sloped?

I have a friend who's driveway is so sloped that I have had to put my truck in 4WD to get up it sometimes.

But his neighbors only rises about 2 feet over the entire 200' length.

Big difference.

 

[William1]

Sand travel requires speed to stay on the surface and not sink or flotation tires. Better still, spread Portland cement on top....

 

[Flintknapper]

How sloped?

^^^^^

Yep. Makes a big difference.

I would ask also what kind of sand?

'Coarse' sand might be OK.

Where I live (Deep East Texas) we have areas of what the locals call 'Sugar Sand' (very fine, white, sand).

Unless it is wet.....you aren't going to go across it (let alone work it) without sinking your vehicle to the frame.

Presumably the OP has coarse sand....since it is a driveway.

 

[rc51stierhoff]

Good day. I am assuming your drive is packed at least to a point a passenger car can visit? so I think it should be fine.

That being said we visit the OBX annually where back in the neighborhoods off the beach highway there is soft sand. I’ve seen multiple Kubota L2501s out there grading the area around their neighborhood (not sure it is homeowner or contractor) and it does just fine. His dog rides with him in the operator station. It’s neat to see.

Anyway I think you will be fine . Tire selection might be important though pending your actual situation type of sand and moisture / level of pack.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Simple, just grade it going down hill.
I do it all the time.

 

[Flintknapper]

Simple, just grade it going down hill.
I do it all the time.

Good solution (generally).

I have a sloped drive leading to my shop... and from time to time gravel/dirt wash downhill. That requires I use a box blade or grader blade to drag some of it back uphill.

Probably be the same scenario for the OP from time to time.

Tire selection might be the only real concern.

 

[ajschnitzelbank]

Maybe you can rent a BX from Home Depot to do a test run before purchasing one?

 

[GeoHorn]

Moisture content will have affect also. A day after a moderate rain is much easier than before. The problem of sand-migration and loss of will remain when it dries. William1’s idea of spreading some Portland (screed) will have positive/long-term improvement.

 

[Bearcatrp]

I have sugar sand at my place. Driveway is packed so no issues there. When I get off the beaten path, my 1880 sinks a little. Have had a full load in the bucket that required me to put it in 4 wheel drive. The 1880 will do fine.