Moving/Installing Landscaping Stone

[tegguy]

Alright so I've called around 10 different landscaping companies and have gotten maybe 1 quote back (at $10,000) so I've determined I'm going to have to do this myself, although I didn't want to. The scope of the job is

1) Remove sod around 88 feet wide x 10 feet deep. I was planning to rent a sod cutter and backing my truck up and just throwing the sod into the back of the truck (or possibly moving it with the item I use on number 3 if I do)
2) Lay landscape fabric and move sprinklers (self explanatory)
3) The big one.... Install Rock (around 10 cubic yards) 1-3" river rock.... Does anyone have any input on the best way to move this without killing myself?
I was thinking something like this: https://www.sunbeltrentals.com/equipment/detail/1352/0480020/500lb-gas-track-mini-skidsteer/ ($215 a day)
or this: https://www.sunbeltrentals.com/equipment/detail/1360/0480110/0-1000lb-skidsteer-cab/ ($200 a day)

I like option 2 but I'm worried about destroying the sod I wish to keep and also the space. I also might have to pay to get option 2 delivered as I'm not sure if the trailer I have access to can support that driving up the gate.

I have included a photo you can't see if very well but there is bamboo behind the trees 3 feet off the fence.

Thoughts/input?

 

[crewchief888]

both options have very small buckets.

1st option will be approx a wheelbarrow full.
2nd option will be slightly more than a wheelbarrow.

the 463 they have shown has a small, cramped cab, even for me (6' 200 lbs) it's a tight fit.

i'd opt for a slightly larger machine..

you'll do damage to the surrounding area with either machine....depending on how you drive.

 

[tegguy]

both options have very small buckets.

1st option will be approx a wheelbarrow full.
2nd option will be slightly more than a wheelbarrow.

the 463 they have shown has a small, cramped cab, even for me (6' 200 lbs) it's a tight fit.

i'd opt for a slightly larger machine..

you'll do damage to the surrounding area with either machine....depending on how you drive.

Could go up to something like this https://www.sunbeltrentals.com/equipment/detail/1356/0480400/1500-2000lb-skidsteer/

I was thinking the smaller the better to be able to get back in there and limit the shoveling but I'd have to measure the width I have to see if I could get back there.

I could go to something like this https://www.sunbeltrentals.com/equipment/detail/1354/0480210/1100-1500lb-track-skidsteer/ but it's $100 per day more.

I do have experience driving these (with the exception of the mini) and I think I could limit the damage

 

[Fixed]

I've done the exact same thing you're doing (just a different shape) by hand.

If you can get a couple buddies together, rent a mini excavator and use it to strip the sod and have them wheelbarrow it out, and then use the mini to load the barrows and haul the rock in.

I used to work in landscaping and that's always how we would move material, with a couple guys it's often about the same speed as a bobcat running back and forth, and it's zero damage if you lay down plywood.

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[tegguy]

I've done the exact same thing you're doing (just a different shape) by hand.

If you can get a couple buddies together, rent a mini excavator and use it to strip the sod and have them wheelbarrow it out, and then use the mini to load the barrows and haul the rock in.

I used to work in landscaping and that's always how we would move material, with a couple guys it's often about the same speed as a bobcat running back and forth, and it's zero damage if you lay down plywood.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Thanks for the reply I wasn't really focused on speed I was more focused on exerting as little as possible (I do have back and knee issues) I will take your suggestion into consideration though. Mini excavator is around $270 a day. I have used one of these to move rock before but I also rented a power wheel barrow. The reason I rented this last time was becuase we were putting a french drain in so it made it easy to move rock and dig the trench.

 

[Fixed]

Thanks for the reply I wasn't really focused on speed I was more focused on exerting as little as possible (I do have back and knee issues) I will take your suggestion into consideration though. Mini excavator is around $270 a day. I have used one of these to move rock before but I also rented a power wheel barrow. The reason I rented this last time was becuase we were putting a french drain in so it made it easy to move rock and dig the trench.

Ah, yeah then my suggestion is definitely not the best route, it's very heavy work. I have seen local guys use the power buggies, but only in relatively unfinished areas. Maybe using one with some heavy plywood could save your existing sod though.

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[shoot summ]

Alright so I've called around 10 different landscaping companies and have gotten maybe 1 quote back (at $10,000) so I've determined I'm going to have to do this myself, although I didn't want to. The scope of the job is

1) Remove sod around 88 feet wide x 10 feet deep. I was planning to rent a sod cutter and backing my truck up and just throwing the sod into the back of the truck (or possibly moving it with the item I use on number 3 if I do)
2) Lay landscape fabric and move sprinklers (self explanatory)
3) The big one.... Install Rock (around 10 cubic yards) 1-3" river rock.... Does anyone have any input on the best way to move this without killing myself?
I was thinking something like this: https://www.sunbeltrentals.com/equipment/detail/1352/0480020/500lb-gas-track-mini-skidsteer/ ($215 a day)
or this: https://www.sunbeltrentals.com/equipment/detail/1360/0480110/0-1000lb-skidsteer-cab/ ($200 a day)

I like option 2 but I'm worried about destroying the sod I wish to keep and also the space. I also might have to pay to get option 2 delivered as I'm not sure if the trailer I have access to can support that driving up the gate.

I have included a photo you can't see if very well but there is bamboo behind the trees 3 feet off the fence.

Thoughts/input?

Assuming you meant 88longx10wide, 10 "deep" is a lot of material to remove...

Rent a tracked skid steer, you will get so much done, so quickly. Tracked is easier on existing grass.

 

[todd_fuller]

I did something similar recently just with 12 yards of decomposed granite. Cut the sod with a sod cutter and laid it out to dry some so the soil shook off easily when loading. Rented a mini skid steer (Boxer 320) to move the granite. Much easier than loading or moving manually but probably a similar speed; albeit, I could run the same speed all day with the machine.

I laid down some plywood but would put down A LOT more if I did it again. Full 4x8 for anywhere you want to turn. Also, expect to have to aerate afterwards because the machine may not rip the grass but it will be packed down good.

 

[CJM8515]

If you canget a couple buddies to run wheel barrows while someone uses the bobcat you will be good. It can be done totally with wheel barrows and shovels but Id want at least 4-6 guys doing it (thats why they want 10k besides probably using a bobcat).

As others have said-rent the tracked one if you can, the wheeled one will tear up the lawn. And put 2 layers of plywood down!

 

[matt_i]

A tractor with front bucket is also typically less damaging than a skid-steer since the wheels all roll and turn. Do this during the winter when the ground is frozen or in the heat of summer when its baked hard and dry to avoid damage to the topsoil surface. The grass will recover just fine when warmer weather or more water returns.

 

[rburke65]

That was my thought....10' is a lot of digging.....

 

[tegguy]

That was my thought....10' is a lot of digging.....

Yeah sorry 88 ft x 10 ft x 3" deep

 

[tegguy]

Not sure the extra 100 a day is worth it for the tracked I'll have to think about it.

 

[tegguy]

Sounds like the mini skidsteer is out and the bobcat is the best option. Might step up to this one https://www.sunbeltrentals.com/equipment/detail/1356/0480400/1500-2000lb-skidsteer/

 

[brycez28]

What are you going to do with the soil you remove? There will be somewhere around 8 yards.
What are you intending to do with the sod you cut?
Can you get a full size skidsteer or compact tractor back there? If so, I would go that route.

This is how I would charge this out:
-Remove and dispose of 88'x10'x3" area of lawn: $1,000-$1,500
-Cut sod: $400-$600
-Move sprinklers: Actual scope of work not clear: $300-1,000
-Install landscape fabric: $220
-10 yards river rock (material only, varies by location): $180 per yard= $1,890; plus contractor markup ($2,500 total)
-River rock delivery (varies by location): $60 * 5 trips= $750; plus markup ($850 total)
-River rock install: $800-$1,000
-Equipment Costs: $800-$1000
-Other materials: $400


So without more details, for my area I would charge in the $7,500-10,000 range for this type of project. Depending on the accessibility of the area, I could see that price going up some if it is restricted. I would budget 3 days to complete the project.

 

[Tony_G]

I completed a similar project this summer (except removing sod). The skid steer is a great idea, we used one and it definitely made the job WAY easier.
Some places include the trailer with the rental, ask around and you should be able to find one.

 

[tegguy]

I completed a similar project this summer (except removing sod). The skid steer is a great idea, we used one and it definitely made the job WAY easier.
Some places include the trailer with the rental, ask around and you should be able to find one.

Did you use the wheeled version or the tracked?

 

[brycez28]

I completed a similar project this summer (except removing sod). The skid steer is a great idea, we used one and it definitely made the job WAY easier.
Some places include the trailer with the rental, ask around and you should be able to find one.

I don't know about other rental places, but around me they will require a minimum of a 3/4 ton truck to rent a skidsteer out to you.

 

[homebuilt burner]

Maybe I don't understand, but why not skip the first step and just hit the sod with
Round-up then lay down your fabric.

 

[Tony_G]

Did you use the wheeled version or the tracked?

The tracked version, I just had to take it easy when making turns in a few spots.

I don't know about other rental places, but around me they will require a minimum of a 3/4 ton truck to rent a skidsteer out to you.

Yeah, I ended up getting the mini skid steer, sorry for the confusion. We spread about 7 tons in less than 12 hours. 10 tons should be doable if you get it for a full day (we did but we didn't pick it up until after noon and had to stop working when it got dark).

Maybe I don't understand, but why not skip the first step and just hit the sod with
Round-up then lay down your fabric.

Because he wants to sell it/put it somewhere else? It looks really nice, using round-up sounds cruel

 

[jhelrey]

Too bad you are not local... ( I see palms) Anyways, I'd have a load dumped, load barrows with the skid, and run them back and forth.

If you're going to back your truck up to haul sod out, you could always use it to bring rock in. Just shovel it where it needs to go. Once it's on the ground, it's easy to spread and move. We wouldn't bring equipment in the yard other than a sod cutter. Truck may take a few trips but it will get it to the area with minimal work.

I used to be a landscape foreman.

 

[padroo]

Is there no way to get a dump truck in the yard?

 

[tegguy]

Maybe I don't understand, but why not skip the first step and just hit the sod with
Round-up then lay down your fabric.

I have thought about going this route but if I do my rock will be 3" above the sod. Sod cutter makes is cleaner and isn't a terrible amount of work.

The tracked version, I just had to take it easy when making turns in a few spots.


Yeah, I ended up getting the mini skid steer, sorry for the confusion. We spread about 7 tons in less than 12 hours. 10 tons should be doable if you get it for a full day (we did but we didn't pick it up until after noon and had to stop working when it got dark).

Ok so you rented the mini one like I posted in post #1? What size rock did you move? I'm concerned 1-3" stone might be too heavy for a full bucket load (maybe I shouldn't be concerned)

 

[tegguy]

Is there no way to get a dump truck in the yard?

No there is not enough room to get a dump truck back there

 

[tegguy]

Too bad you are not local... ( I see palms) Anyways, I'd have a load dumped, load barrows with the skid, and run them back and forth.

If you're going to back your truck up to haul sod out, you could always use it to bring rock in. Just shovel it where it needs to go. Once it's on the ground, it's easy to spread and move. We wouldn't bring equipment in the yard other than a sod cutter. Truck may take a few trips but it will get it to the area with minimal work.

I used to be a landscape foreman.

I could do this but it'd be a lot of truck trips back and fourth and a lot of shoveling.

 

[Kaizen]

Is this just for looks or serve some purpose?
My grass is mowed four inches high. So if I killed it and covered with two inches of rock it would still be lower then grass


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[tegguy]

I decided to rent a mini ride on unit. This saved me from renting a trailer or paying for delivery (100-200 extra). This will take more trips but I will be able to get closer to where I need the rock

 

[Firebrick43]

Are you sure you want to do this? The previous owner of my place did what you are doing in 2001. We bought in 04. This year I had enough and ripped it all out. The fabric breaks down and weeds come up. The back side was grass and it was just so much easier to mow and weedeat than deal with that rock bed. What a pain to take out but it's done.

I have moved more gravel than that (22 tons) over a weekend with just a two wheeled smart cart. But I would personally wait for really dry weather and wait for a one ton dump to bring the Rock and dump in place. Yes a few more loads but you can dump right where needed.

Local decorative rock place here has a one ton for rent by customers and fee is waived if buying stone for an hour. The cost per ton is higher than a tri or quad axle load but might be less than renting a machine.

 

[tegguy]

Are you sure you want to do this? The previous owner of my place did what you are doing in 2001. We bought in 04. This year I had enough and ripped it all out. The fabric breaks down and weeds come up. The back side was grass and it was just so much easier to mow and weedeat than deal with that rock bed. What a pain to take out but it's done.

I have moved more gravel than that (22 tons) over a weekend with just a two wheeled smart cart. But I would personally wait for really dry weather and wait for a one ton dump to bring the Rock and dump in place. Yes a few more loads but you can dump right where needed.

Local decorative rock place here has a one ton for rent by customers and fee is waived if buying stone for an hour. The cost per ton is higher than a tri or quad axle load but might be less than renting a machine.

Oh trust me yes I am sure I want to do this..... We have a lot of runoff that runs near our back fence and even with a french drain system our dogs come in black (Dalmation) becuase they've worn the sod down. I'm going to use a high quality landscape fabric so it'll hopefully last a long time and we also plan to have colorful plants back there as well. We also have Bamboo along the fence so in a couple years you won't be able to get back there to mow or anything.

In Florida right now is the perfect time of the year to do this it's cool and little rain. The local rock place doesn't have anything for rent they will just deliver (for a fee)

 

[rburke65]

Hey....it's his property and he can do what he wants.

 

[jhelrey]

Use heavy plastic.

 

[kbs2244]

What you are talking about is just plain grunt work.
And if you are older with bad knees it is the last thing you should do.

Find the local 7/11 where the day workers hang out and get two or three guys.
Get one of them with good English skills.

You may have to supply the wheel barrows, but I have had guys supply their own.
It will be cash at the end of the day, but it will well under $10K and maybe the same guys.

 

[Todd.Brock]

I would think about cutting two tracks with the sod cutter for a bobcat from the driveway to the back yard. Do that one weekend. Have the gravel delivered . Get a skid steer and drive in those tracks to spread the gravel. Re sod the tracks with the sod you pulled up from the back yard. Could break it up into two weekends- big weekend would be pulling up sod and then spreading the rock and re-sodding.
Have and Home Depot's that have day laborers hanging around? They could run rakes and rolling / unrolling sod. Save your back

 

[tegguy]

I would think about cutting two tracks with the sod cutter for a bobcat from the driveway to the back yard. Do that one weekend. Have the gravel delivered . Get a skid steer and drive in those tracks to spread the gravel. Re sod the tracks with the sod you pulled up from the back yard. Could break it up into two weekends- big weekend would be pulling up sod and then spreading the rock and re-sodding.
Have and Home Depot's that have day laborers hanging around? They could run rakes and rolling / unrolling sod. Save your back

Going to do this in 2 weekends but I'm just going to chance it on the driving on the sod part I think. I'll lay plywood where I plan to make tight turns and I'll do my best to vary my driving path. I'm going to rip up sod and lay landscape fabric one weekend and spread the rock the following weekend. I'll rent from Sunbelt on Friday at Noon and it'll be due back Monday at 9 for a 1 day rental. The bucket on the equipment I rented was a decent size for being a small ride on so I think I'll be able to dump the rock right where I need it where as with the full size I would have had to shovel some probably.

 

[tegguy]

What is everyone's thoughts is the sod removal necessary or just kill it? I will be doing an aluminum edging to keep the rocks out of the grass

 

[jhelrey]

Remove it.

You don't have to plunge it deep. Also, don't forget some edging.

 

[Todd.Brock]

How did the project turn out??

 

[tegguy]

How did the project turn out??

Sod removal starts Saturday morning. I'm going to cut 1.5" deep I think.

Rock gets delivered a week from Thursday I'll post up pictures as I make progress.

Thanks everyone

 

[txvwnut]

I know I'm late to the party on this but you are going to right route with the sod cutter. When I did my yard I used a sod cutter to remove all the grass and roots, I think I had it on the lowest setting. Rolled the sod up tossed it in the back of the truck and took it to the dump. I think what I did was about the same footage as yours but in a horse shoe design. I'll tell you now the easiest parts of your whole preoject will be the sod cutter and rest breaks. I ordered my river rock in super sacks since I have a forklift and could move the bags to where I needed to put the rock. I used landscape fabric under the rock and I still spray round on the rocks as I still get grass growing through the fabric.

I enclosed a couple of pics, just cause I wanted to show off.

 

[tegguy]

Day one is in the book myself and 1 other person removed all the sod. I decided to hire someone to come haul it away. Tomorrow sprinklers and landscape fabric