How do you negotiate with a builder?

[8mpg]

Welp, The dirt is available...I have no means to move it (cheap).

How far are they trucking it? Might be worth hiring someone.

[GeorgeG.]

How far are they trucking it? Might be worth hiring someone.

I called a few people but those plans quickly changed by the minute, literally. I had one guy lined up with a similar truck that I offered to pay $75 per load, he agreed but then stopped returning my texts. Called a few other people that can do it, one guy's truck was in the shop, another was 3 weeks behind, etc. Marc above was willing to help but he needs more notice....understandable.

We ended up getting our own bobcat and truck. Dirt moving is no joke... hauling it 8 yards at a time barely puts a dent in it. Tomorrow is our last day with the truck and bobcat so we expect to get 10 loads. Each load takes about 50 minutes, round trip.

[Denny]

Loading it with that small bucket will take forever! As short as those walls are in that bed, I bet it's only 6.5 yards a load.

[GeorgeG.]

You're right... 6.5 yards. I measured the bed this morning

[8mpg]

Good job man... what did it end up costing you to rent the bobcat and truck? Looks like fun to me.

[Denny]

Let us have a GTG with the Bobcat before you return it!!!

[GeorgeG.]

Haha!! If that gtg involves trucks and shovels to unload it...c'mon over.

The bobcat was $500. We borrowed the truck but I plan to give him $500 as a rental fee.

[Denny]

I'm just wanting to do wheelies.

[8mpg]

thats some cheap dirt

[GeorgeG.]

Yeah, only problem is we were only able to move about 85 yards over the weekend. That was a small truck, not to mention older so it was slow. At best it took 50 minutes per trip. I'm still hustling but I think the GC has trucks lined up to move it to several locations within 3 miles....I'm 10 miles.

If I had a 10 yard truck or truck + pup lined up I'd rent the bob cat again.

[GeorgeG.]

random question about dump trailers...

Anyone have any knowledge of how many yards of dirt this trailer can carry? And then, when fully loaded, could a 07 Sierra half ton pull it? Long story short, I need more dirt. I can find the dirt. I even found a cheap skid loader to rent, I just cant find anyone to move it at a price I want to pay. I could by this, get my use out of it, then sell it.

http://13840.valuetrailer.net/vslp/2.../2/11807624/10


Dual 8,000 lb easy lube electric brake axles

Heavy duty slipper spring suspension

New 235/85 16” 14ply tires on 8 hole silver wheels

3’ Tall Side walls

Twin 3.5” x 36” hydraulic cylinders (rated at 10,000lbs each max)

Upgraded 3/16” flooring with cross members on 16” centers

All LED lighting – rear lights encased in steel for protection

14 gauge diamond plate fenders

Two way barn door spreader gate (opens like barn doors and like dump truck)

Four interior D-Rings for tying down equipment

Pump and battery in lockable box.

12,000lb spring loaded jack.

16” 14ply spare tire mounted on trailer included

Pair of 5’ loading ramps for equipment included

[GeorgeG.]

whoops, I meant to start a new thread...

[8mpg]

Like Denny said...thats going to be way heavy.

How much dirt do you need? I got premium topsoil from a company in FtWorth (with their EMS/police/medical discount) and paid $17/yd. Fill dirt should be cheaper. Each truck was $90 to haul though.

If you can find some construction site that is excavating lots of dirt, they may haul it to you for free

[svauto-erotic855]

Where are you building? I have a couple of bids out for new pools and will have PLENTY of fill once the dirt work gets going.

[GeorgeG.]

12x7x3=294 divided by 27=10.8 cubic yards. A cubic yard of soil can run anywhere from 1600-2000 pounds, depending on the composition and moisture.

That'll be a heavy load.

Like Denny said...thats going to be way heavy.

How much dirt do you need? I got premium topsoil from a company in FtWorth (with their EMS/police/medical discount) and paid $17/yd. Fill dirt should be cheaper. Each truck was $90 to haul though.

If you can find some construction site that is excavating lots of dirt, they may haul it to you for free

Too heavy for my truck or the trailer?

According to the guy building up the pad, I need another 40 loads. That's not including a lot of additional dirt to improve the grading beyond the pad. Looking at the rate of compaction, I'd guess another 20 loads just to spread out.

I found a couple of sites in the past. That first dirt pile, the GC picked up on it quick and wanted to charge me to move it when I know he already included moving it in his bid. I have another lead in Frisco that I need to check out this afternoon.

I have a guy that can haul 2 loads at a time for $250. Which doesn't sound bad except that would be $5,000!! And that's just for the pad.

Where are you building? I have a couple of bids out for new pools and will have PLENTY of fill once the dirt work gets going.

I'm in Van Alstyne and need it about 3 miles West of FM121. Which I think has been my main hurdle with getting dirt out there cheap or free.