Anyone have a simple plan for a roller? The airstrip is getting bumpy from the freeze/thaw cycles and truck traffic.
Anyone have a simple plan for a roller? The airstrip is getting bumpy from the freeze/thaw cycles and truck traffic.
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work." -- Thomas Edison
We just took a piece of 4' dia pipe. Welded a 2" pipe axle in it, tipped it up on its end in the ditch, filled the bottom with sand so it was level with the start of the pipe and poured it full of concrete. Then put two larger pieces of pipe over the axle with grease zerks in it and welded a tongue onto those pieces of pipe. That is what most of the grass farmers down here use. If you can find a large dia propane tank, you can cut out a 5' section of that and use for the roller. Just some old pieces of scrap iron or bed frame is enough to hold the axle in place, because after the concrete is poured , they have no value.
Roger
Based at O8XS. Sweeny Texas (Winter)
Finlayson Lake, Ontario (Summer)
I plan on living forever.......so far, so good !!!
If there's a paper mill near you, maybe you can find one of the drums they use for the felt belt to go around. A big mill will have some somewhere around there that they've discarded. They are heavy, heavy, maybe 3 or 4 ton but make a great roller
Last edited by Tim; 07-12-2012 at 08:04 PM.
Get a run out steel wheeled paving roller, sans the vibratory, I See them at equipment auctions serviceable for 1200-2000. Or rent one for a weekend....
"Illegitimis non carborundum"
I made mine by sticking a piece of drill rod through a 55 gallon drum that was open on one end, filled with concrete, made a tongue with pillow blocks and a 2" ball hitch. I pull it behind my 14 hp IH Cub Cadet. Do have to be a little careful as there is potential for terrible jackknifing. You're welcome to borrow it if you like, might be a nasty bugger to haul though. I can load it on this end.
Mark J
Practicing open cockpit extremism
A roller only gets rid of the frost bumps for the lawn mower, your bushwheels should get rid of the rest for the airplane.
Glenn
Here's one that you could probably have. I took this picture up at Fish Lake, Idaho earlier this week. For those that have been there this is back in the trees behind the cabin.
IMG_0189.jpg
"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." Benjamin Franklin
I could arrange for you to borrow one if you want to come to Hibbing. Let me know.
Dave
Glenn - a good answer.
Eric - I use to mow my runway with a pull type 7.5 foot mower with three spindles (short mower). The rear tires were about 32 inches tall. I had a shop roll me a 31 inch id roll, but had the end plates recessed 8-9 inches (the width of the tires). Deflated the tires and assembled with the tires for my bearing. Filled the roller with used motor oil. About 3000 lbs of roller. It worked great. I rolled everytime I mowed. Then I went to an 18 ft mower so that sits.
The current rolled is an old 5ft tall x 6ft wide (5000 lb) pull type vib roller I picked up for $500, but takes a separate trip. That gets done once a year. It was smoother when I rolled and mowed. ... but like Glenn says.
Those who pound their guns into plows, will plow for those who do not.
Even with BW equipped a/c the strip is not acceptable. I know what it was like for the first few years after I completed it. The Cub bunny hops on certain stretches, even at low speeds. My man boobs jiggle when running the mowing tractor up and down. If I was landing to kill Dall sheep I would have no concern. Swings from -40F to +100F must be taking a toll. I also burried some field debris with the TD25 which probably will haunt me for ever. Will attempt to roll it and see. Good replys and thanks for the offers.
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work." -- Thomas Edison
Grader or fill in the low spots. Eric I did the same thing and it's decaying and I have a sinkhole starting.Originally Posted by scout88305
Glenn
PS. too much info on the man boob thing
Last edited by cubdriver2; 07-13-2012 at 02:35 PM.
I like Kirby's suggestion to rent.
Speedo
Eric - if you are getting sink holes, etc, a roller will not do much. In case anyone one else wants to build a roller, I have some pictures of mine. I am proud of my wheel-tire bearing system in the mower. And looking at the construction roller, it is more like 4 feet tall, but it does weigh 5,000lbs.
Rollers_(1).jpgRollers_(3).jpgRollers_(4).jpgRollers_(6).jpg
Those who pound their guns into plows, will plow for those who do not.
I'm having the same issue as Eric....could be since we live not far from each other. Also, I have a had a critter come in during late night hours tearing the crap out of it getting at grubs. When I first built my strip a guy loaned me a HEAVY roller. That sucker was 5' in diameter and filled with concrete. I do remember my Ford 3000 tractor would barely pull it on a slight incline. My strip at the time was as smooth as a paved strip but the winters and critters have made it rougher. Maybe need to go borrow it again. Eric, if you want to haul it that far I am sure the guy will loan it to you. Also, think I told you about the 10' long one for sale south of Park Rapids. Guy wants <$1,000.
Best time I have found to 'roll' is just after the spring thaw or a decent rain. Seems the soil has expanded during the winter freeze and it is loose soil.
Patrol guy....I like the idea of the tires in the pipe...I am going to try and construct a roller this fall and that sure looks a lot quicker to make than welding a big plate on the end.
5074612_1.jpg
How big did you say your runway was
We have hired a paving company to stop by with a large vib roller a couple times. Wasn't very expensive, said were not in a hurry & to stop when they were in the area.
When is the best time to roll the field??
Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention to arrive safely in a well preserved body but rather to slide in sideways, well used up proclaiming "WOW What a Ride"
About a week after the frost come out or as soon as you can get on it after the frost comes out without marking it up. You need to keep watching it, one day it's too wet and a day or two later it's as hard as a rock.
Glenn
Easier said then done. May I ask why some folks do it a few times a year and does this help?
Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention to arrive safely in a well preserved body but rather to slide in sideways, well used up proclaiming "WOW What a Ride"
John you should only roll it in the spring after the frost comes out. If you roll it during the growing season the roller will compress the soil and break the grass roots.
There's a local grass field around here and the owner rolls it all the time and wonders why the grass won't grow.
Tim
Got rid of the big hole out between the strip and the hangar. Need to go seed her this weekend Timmy! Too hot and too much sun last weekend.
Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention to arrive safely in a well preserved body but rather to slide in sideways, well used up proclaiming "WOW What a Ride"
Make sure you put some hay on the new seed, I want a good stand of grass this fall
You got it Tim. Rent a Grader and level the strip out this fall make it Smooth as Silk.
John
Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention to arrive safely in a well preserved body but rather to slide in sideways, well used up proclaiming "WOW What a Ride"
I have wondered why hay is always falling out of your pants
Glenn
And a real operator Tim.
That was the best part, especially if you weren't expecting it.
P.S. john we are leaving Sat am from Bennington, you still have time to meet us.....
Tom Ford
helps if i read before i comment, you mean you still have the bump in the runway?
Tom Ford
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