Ditch digging 101

That ditch has nice curves

I dig ditches.  Or, really, trenches.  Now, I don't randomly run out to the Kubota, hook on the backhoe and just start making trenches in the back yard...  although it might be funny to watch Kelli's reaction if I did...  no - I dig with a purpose.

Sometimes the purpose is vertical (putting in a post, tree or foundation footer) and sometimes the purpose is horizontal (drain tile, ditching or waterline).  I'd also like to brag - I can dig a combination of these things as well.  Yup - I'm a ditch trencher!

When starting a deep digging project with machinery - always make sure you know what's buried there...  and if you have the SLIGHTEST question call before you dig the first scoop - 811 - HERE.  Since this project in the the back yard away from all utilities except the propane tank and I know where that line runs - I was cleared by the tower to commence.

This shot here shows me ditching my way along towards the barn in the background...  purpose here...  water line installation.  I think I'm about 70 feet of the 200 I need to go.  Slow and steady progress of a 4 foot deep trench that the water pipe sits at the bottom of.

When this project is done I will have 3 yard hydrants in place - one at the front corner of the barn near the driveway for watering plants in the spring and washing off cars and tools.  I'll have another in the back corner of the barn for providing water for the pastured chickens and rinsing off messy tractors and implements (as well as providing pasture water down the road for goats, hogs and cattle - maybe).  the third hydrant will be INSIDE the barn - it will provide me with a freeze-proof solution (with the addition of a small on-demand electric water heater) for running water in the barn.  Water in the barn will make watering the brooder of chicks as well as washing my hands, glue clean up from wood working, really anything - EASY!

So - yeah - I dig ditches and trenches with a purpose.  now - if only I could find faster progress!

Comments

[John wagner]

When I grow up I want to be just like you. You are so cool nowinder when I mentioned your name at that resturant they just looked at me like I knew God

[Andy]

I think that brought a tear to my eye - OR - it was the sarcasm...