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crushing the septic field


pbrenner70

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Does anyone know approximately how much weight can be driven over a septic field? I am thinking of purchasing a tractor that weighs approximately 1500 lbs. with the mower deck. Would that be too much weight to consistantly use over the septic field? Thanks
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I would think that it would be fine. There are alot of people around here that have commercial mowers and some of them weigh around 1300 pounds and I have never heard of any problems.
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I drive my loaded truck and trailer across mine several times a year and have never had a problem. (knock on wood)
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Paul I agree with Ray and Dan that you'll be ok with the tractor on the lateral fields. We travel over ours with farm tractors and pickups and have seen no problems in 15 years. Make sure you stay off the septic tank though! I've seen what happens when a truck or tractor breaks through the concrete slab tops[:0] and you know a fiberglass tank would crush even quicker!
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Knock on Wood? Grab a rope and hope you don't fall in.
quote:
Originally posted by rokon2813
I drive my loaded truck and trailer across mine several times a year and have never had a problem. (knock on wood)
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The threat of "falling through" is a result of compactability. You can put as much weight on the feild as you want since the lines are surrouded by all solid material. If the tank is more than 2-3 feet deep, your probably not going to fall through since the deeper you go the farther the wieght per cubic inch spreds out. More than the weight problem is yje moister content in the soil. Whatch out for soggy ground, that puts the load straight down.[:0]
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I agree w/ D-17. 1500/4 wheels= 375lbs per wheel. Around here leach fields must have minumum 12" of cover. The 375 will have some dispersion over the soil in 12" of depth and the width of the tire. Actual point load over a 4" or 6" leach pipe probably pretty small. I would not worry about it.
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375lbs per wheel. Heck, I have a buddy that weighs more than that and I bet his shoes leave a smaller footprint than your mower.
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