Question: Is there such a thing as a small walk behind tractor/bobcat

[Tidybuoy]

Originally Posted by 71T Targa

Looking great! What are you doing with the space that doesn't have grid down? It looks like a pathway...

Actually, the grid was not wide enough. But when I get to the end of the plot, I will have excess that I will cut and put into the empty space. Eventually, it will all have grid and gravel. BTW, the grid really stabilizes the gravel and I think it makes it easier for filling as I stay motivated...Just one more row, and then repeat..

[cabmandone]

Vern,
What's the purpose of the grid? Is it just to ensure a certain thickness?

[Tidybuoy]

Originally Posted by cabmando

Vern,
What's the purpose of the grid? Is it just to ensure a certain thickness?

Normally, a gravel driveway will move when you drive over it and leave ruts. Even when using crushed rock, it will still move over time. The grid is plastic and they use it for drives to stabilize the rock from moving as it cannot move within the individual cell. Supposedly it adds a lot of strength by keeping the rock all in one place. I saw it when doing internet searches on gravel driveways and stabilization.

This is the stuff I used.
https://standartpark-usa.com/pages/geogridmainlanding?cmp_id=825787164&adg_id=42586273615&kwd=%2Bgravel%20%2Bdriveway%20%2Bstabilizer&device=c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI967spbPw5wIVkONkCh0K1gyeEAMYAiAA EgJbB_D_BwE

[rusnak]

Originally Posted by Tidybuoy

It doesn't really show in my photos but there is definitely a slope. Both outer edges are about 3" higher than the center and then the entire area slopes towards the street. It's probably not ideal but for the past 20 years I've had an alley with crumbling asphalt and potholes that were always filled with mud and dirt tracks all the way to my garage. Also, when I bought the treated lumber, I found two that had curves and so I bought those and positioned so that they curve down into the center. I pounded 3/4" round steel stakes thru the lumber and 18" into the ground - they are not ever going to move.

I went with gravel because after paying for my large driveway....I'm running out of money

Even when this "pit" fills with water, it finds it's way out on the end that faces the street and should never reach the top of the gravel - we'll see. Time will tell if I develop potholes as I lined the area with mat that is supposed to keep the gravel from settling into the dirt below. On top of that is a grid that contains the gravel from moving when you drive on it. The manufacturer states that it can support 80,000 lbs which should be good enough for my much smaller vehicles.

Regarding renting equipment - I can only do that on the weekend and the rate it's going, I will be done by Friday. I've been working on it every night and making good progress. I'm at about 60% now. Believe it or not, I have no back ache but my arms are very sore. Been filling the grid using a bucket.

Well jeez, let me know if you need a hand next time. I'll come help you out.

And I found out that when you rent from Home Depot, you can squeeze an extra day if they're closed at the time you're supposed to have the equipment back. You do need to have a pickup truck or 1-ton. I have a 1-ton flatbed.