Plywood to prevent rutting? FOLLOW UP

[bambam31]

I‘d like to use my L3800 on a drainage project in my yard. I don’t want to create more work for myself by creating ruts that I’ll have to repair. The ground is soft where the work is needed but not soupy. I have ag tires and it could get ugly quick. I had the idea to lay down 1/2” OSB sheets so I can scoop with the loader and back out to more solid ground to dump the load. I could double up where I’ll be digging if necessary. Am I foolish to think this can work? Do you think OSB can support my tractor without breaking on flat ground?

 

[Lil Foot]

I have used 1/2" OSB for this exact situation, but my B7100 is probably lighter (approx 2500lbs) than your L3800. even with AGs, FEL, BH, & wheel weights.
I guess that may not be much help.

 

[Roadworthy]

You'll probably be fine. Try going onto a lesser noticed area of the lawn then backing off. Since the OSB is directly supported by the ground I doubt you'll punch through it. Plywood would probably be a better choice. You could also try a double layer of your OSB but I doubt it will be necessary.

 

[NCL4701]

Have used plywood in the past when it wasn’t as costly as it is now. OSB will probably work. If it’s a one off job and you won’t have any use for the OSB afterward it might be worth checking with an equipment rental place to compare cost with renting a sufficient quantity of mud mat (click together sectional stuff designed for exactly what you’re doing). I know the Sunbelt Rental places around here rent it. No clue about availability elsewhere or current cost.

 

[Motion]

If it's a drainage project, I'd consider using a rubber tracked excavator with a clean out bucket and just move the over burden out the way, to allow for the drainage desired, then come back in drier weather to spread the excess dirt and slope the remaining area to the newly formed swale.

 

[mikester]

If you are buying the plywood or OSB it will be cheaper to re-sod your lawn.

If you go with OSB you will have a million broken chips to clean up.

Lawn bounces back pretty fast. If it isn't a golf green I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[SteveBX23]

I have used 3/4" plywood plenty of times when using mini-excavators (7k-9klb range) for drainage projects or for moving the machine across delicate turf. The plywood serves 2 purposes for drainage projects. For the stated obvious reason, it helps to protect the turf from extensive damage. But it also serves as a holding platform for the removed material as your working down the line, helping to keep the desired turf cleaner. Assuming you are laying perforated pipe, stone, etc; the plywood could also allow for easier cleanup when moving the dirt back into the trench using the backhoe bucket. Then you may be able to run your FEL bucket along the plywood to scoop up extra material that remains. Yes, it may be expensive, but having those Ag tires, I'm sure you will get future use out of the plywood for similar projects.

 

[orange crusher]

If you are buying the plywood or OSB it will be cheaper to re-sod your lawn.

If you go with OSB you will have a million broken chips to clean up.

Lawn bounces back pretty fast. If it isn't a golf green I wouldn't worry about it.

A BIG X 2

 

[mcfarmall]

3/4" plywood would be much better than OSB.

 

[BigG]

OSB will fall apart quickly if there is any moisture present. The cost of plywood or OSB vs. the cost of rental mats for a one time usage I would go with the rental of the mud mats. If you were in the business of digging repeatedly, where you could use the plywood again, then it might make sense. The plywood would be damaged to badly for any other use.

 

[bambam31]

Have used plywood in the past when it wasn’t as costly as it is now. OSB will probably work. If it’s a one off job and you won’t have any use for the OSB afterward it might be worth checking with an equipment rental place to compare cost with renting a sufficient quantity of mud mat (click together sectional stuff designed for exactly what you’re doing). I know the Sunbelt Rental places around here rent it. No clue about availability elsewhere or current cost.

Mud mats. I will check into that today. Thanks

 

[D2Cat]

If you know anyone who has a tree spade or other construction equipment they may have material they are not using at the time and rent it to you.

 

[bambam31]

3/4” plywood ripped is working great and is supporting my tractor
, box blade and a full loader with no problem. Thanks for all of the replies

 

[SteveBX23]

3/4” plywood ripped is working great and is supporting my tractor
, box blade and a full loader with no problem. Thanks for all of the replies

Get after it!

 

[Lencho]

Hi Bambam - thanks for reporting back!
Now add photos for extra points