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1% should be fine for a 140' of 15" cmp. I wouldnt go any less.

140 x .01 = 1.4' (say 18")

What min Pitch for drive way culvert
Garden and Landscape
Replies 3 Post by MacDaddy

I recently wrestled with the same question as you. It really depends on what you want in the end. Personally, I wanted a barn/workshop that has the feel of a traditional barn... ie rough-cut lumber, and heavy beams. I did not want it to look or feel like a garage, which is what you normally get when you stick-build. Steel was also an option (less maintenance, tighter building) but, it wasn't what I wanted to look at every day. I dont live in a perfect climate for pole-construction. The soil can be damp at times. However, we decided to use marine-grade pressure treated posts which many have used in this area without any problems. Additionally, I set my gravel base about 1ft higher than existing grade in order to get positive drainage away from the structure. (You should do this which ever way you build.) I then poured a concrete slab floor.

All-in-all, Im real happy with my shop. I'll try to get some pics up here in the near future.

Pole Barn or stick built
Barns Pole Barns
Replies 11 Post by MacDaddy

Can I jump start my JD LT-160 lawn tractor (12v battery)with my car battery? Thanks

Jump start LT-160 Lawn tractor
John Deere Tractors
Replies 2 Post by MacDaddy

I have a 4310 with about 25 hours on it. I am having the same problem. The dealer told me before I bought it that the mechanism was junk... But its my only complaint. Otherwise, a great machine.

John Deere 4710 Tilt Wheel Release Problem
John Deere Tractors
Replies 12 Post by MacDaddy

Anyone have experience with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)? My architect has specked these on our house plans for the roof-construction in lieu of a conventional stick-built roof. The reason, is we have a ton of windows. In order to meet code we must over-compensate in the roof in order to get the overall R-value we need for the home. SIPs allow us to achieve this with a lot less lumber. We have rough winters around here, and I am wondering if anyone has any experience with these in a similar climate. Thanks.

Structural Insulated Panels SIPs
Home Improvement
Replies 2 Post by MacDaddy

I am wondering if anyone has had any experience building and/or owning clay-lined ponds. I would like to build a 1-acre recreational pond for swimming and fishing. Last week I had my excavator dig a few test-pits to determine soil content. Unfortunately, we hit shale at about 4 to 5 feet. In order to prevent the pond from leaking, I would have to line the bottom and banks with cohesive clay soil. This is a lot of extra work. My question is… is it worth it? Has anyone had a similar experience with building a pond in a shale area? I have ponds all around me, and no one seems to have a problem. Unfortunately none of these people built them themselves, so I cant ask them how they did it.

Pond Problem
Garden and Landscape
Replies 4 Post by MacDaddy

Understanding that no one has probably ever regretted building a barn that was too big, I must respectfully disagree (in theroy) with the conventional-wisdom of bigger is better. Bigger just encourages the accumulation of crap. I would give some serious thought to your intend use. Then I would make it slightly larger than needed. Build what you can afford. Why build an airport hanger?You'll just have to spend more money to fill it. And chances are, you wont really need half the stuff you fill it with. JMHO... Sorry, I probably sound like your wife;)

Building new pole barn
Barns Pole Barns
Replies 21 Post by MacDaddy

Yes.. mine was electric only. BTW... nice barn. It looks bigger than 24x40 in your pics.

Electric Insulation Job estimate
Barns Pole Barns
Replies 9 Post by MacDaddy

1.25% should be fine. Generally, you match the proposed grade of your pipe with the existing grade of the ditch bottom (assuming the bottom has at least .5% grade). If you create too much of a drop, you will wind up regrading the ditch from the downstream end of your pipe until it daylights (hopefully still on your property). I guess what I am saying is that (1.% grade is PLENTY of pitch for a 15” HDPE pipe). Don’t make more work for yourself b/c you think you need to have it steep to convey flow. Also, if you can shallow the pitch of your pipe and create a free-discharge (little waterfall) on the downstream side, this will prevent back-silting.

I mentioned medium stone rip-rap before. I don’t know your situation. It may be overkill for a driveway culvert. These stones are about 75+lbs each and should be fine in almost all situations.

Also, make sure you have (at least) 1’ cover over the pipe, and depending on the weight of the vehicles crossing it, you should probably use select-fill under the driveway crossing. Gravel s/b fine for light traffic.

In our area, this type of work would be the homeowner’s responsibility. However, all future maintenance of the ditch would be done by the Highway Dept.

DITCH PITCH
Garden and Landscape
Replies 7 Post by MacDaddy

It is finally here! Received the JD4310 ehydro, loader, and backhoe. This is a lot more machine than I have used in the past, so I consider myself kind of “green”. That said, I would appreciate some rookie advice. I am well aware of the safety issues, but would really appreciate some general do’s and don’ts. For example: “Don’t try to _______ with your new tractor or you’ll break it ya fool.”<br>
<br>
Also, thanks to all of you who helped me with this decision. Your experience, and knowledge were invaluable. Hopefully as I gain more experience I can give a little back. <br>
<br>
Someone on this board posted a great quote recently: “Good judgment comes from experience…. And experience comes from a lot of bad judgment” Please share yours with me so I wont go broke paying for repairs. All acts of stupidity and/or general lack of common sense are hereby forgiven. <br>

Rookie Advice
John Deere Tractors
Replies 7 Post by MacDaddy

I am just wondering if anyone has experience draining saturated clay soil. I have an area of about 1/2 –acre that I would like to make firmer. Its not swampy, its just mushy for several days after any rain. Its strong enough to support my tractor… but not without creating muddy tracks. My first inclination is to install a perf. drain tile about 10” deep in stone. However, I’m not sure how well this will work because clay doesn’t give water up very quickly. Anyone have any success in this area? I’d really like to dry this area out.

Draining Clay Soil
Garden and Landscape
Replies 2 Post by MacDaddy

I also got just about the same set-up. JD4310 4wd, 300cx loader (new version of the 430), ehydro, block heater, 3rd valve, power beyond kit etc. all for around $18K plus taxes. I did also get a 48 back hoe, box blade, and snowblower which was not included in the price I just mentioned. Those additional items might have helped reduce the cost of the tractor/loader. I would go back at your dealer. Sounds high to me.

4310 pricing
John Deere Tractors
Replies 15 Post by MacDaddy

I am trying to figure out how I want to approach bringing 1700 ft. of primary elec. cable from the road back to a transformer-box near my house. I have talked w/ a reputable electrician who has recommended direct-burial rather than encasing the wire in conduit. He says that as long as you do not have stoney soil, (which I dont) that this is the way to go. Much less money and easier to install. He also said that if there ever is a break in the wire, it is much easier to detect, and fix if it is not in conduit. Anyone have any thoughts/opinions on this?

Underground Elec - direct-burial vs in conduit
Home Improvement
Replies 11 Post by MacDaddy

brokenarrow, your point is well taken. You're right, but Im really at my financial limit with the barn at its current size plus the tractor i've bought to put inside. I do have a 12x18 covered-bay in addition to the barn itself. This is where I plan to store the implements. There really is not much room to manuver in the barn b/c of the middle posts... unfortunately, its not going to be clear-span (again.. too much $$). Thanks for the input.

Gravel Compaction under Conc Slab Floor
Barns Pole Barns
Replies 14 Post by MacDaddy

This backhoe will be mounted on a JD4310.

JD47 vs 48 backhoe question
Loaders Back Hoes
Replies 24 Post by MacDaddy

I have to agree with the others regarding the Landscape Architect. I work with them frequently b/c our local planning boards often require us (as civil engineers) to submit Landscape Plans prepared by a LA. It really doesn't guarantee that you'll get what you want. I would just go to a reputable nursery and have one of their guys come out and make some suggestions. They will have a much better grasp on what plants will do well with your specific conditions (soil and climate). And because they will most likley be selling you the plants, they have a vested interest in making sure they spec species that will thrive.

Also, regarding your investment... I think you'll do very well if real estate trends continue as they have in that area for years. My brother in law owned a similar plot in Cold Creek Canyon, outside of Denver/Boulder. He sold it 5 years after purchase and I believe almost doubled his $$. He now lives in Boulder at the base of the Flat Irons and has watched that property grow in value as well.

Best of luck.

Landscape Architect Utilization Question
Garden and Landscape
Replies 8 Post by MacDaddy

Thanks for the advice. I think I will go with the loaded tires. What options do I have other than CaCl? Here in western NY its below freezing almost all winter.

Also thanks for the suggestion about the rear-view mirror and light. I overlooked that, and I know they will be needed.

JD 4310 purchase - Loaded Tires or not
John Deere Tractors
Replies 21 Post by MacDaddy

Ill be using a dozer and excavator so that I can move material around. An island is also something I have considered. I may be able to loose more material than I thought in the dam area. Im just trying to keep the pond looking natural in its setting while minimizing the disturbance to my property.

Swimming Pond Design
Garden and Landscape
Replies 20 Post by MacDaddy

Im considering buying a front-mounted blower for a JD4310. I was wondering if the height is adjustable by hydraulics, or can the height only be adjusted by raising the skids. I have a long gravel/stone drive, and would like to keep the bottom of the blower-box a few inches off the ground if possible. It seems as though skids would tear up the drive if it was not completely frozen. Any advice? <br>
<br>
Secondly, I would like to get R4 tires but I have read a lot of mixed reviews about R4 Tires and snow. Do chains solve the problem?, or should I just avoid them altogether?<br>
<br>
Thanks!

Front Mounted Blower Adjustability
Snowblowers / Snow Plows
Replies 7 Post by MacDaddy

Could someone explain to me the main differences between the JD 90 Series vs the 4000 series tractors. I know this is a pretty basic question.... but my knowledge is pretty basic at this point. I apperciate all the help i've received so far. Anyway, I understand that the 90 Series has a manual tranny, while the 4000s have different options. I am familiar w/ the 4010 tranny options. However, it seems as though you can get a lot more HP for your dollar with the 90s, but what Im wondering what drawbacks will it have. My main question is with the performance. Thanks in advance.

90 Series -vs- 4010 Series
John Deere Tractors
Replies 7 Post by MacDaddy