How much does rock weigh?

[flagler_beach]

Re: How much does rock weigh?

I've got a '94 Nissan 4x4 truck which I think is pretty beefy. My neighbor wanted some landscape gravel and asked if I could pick it up in my truck. He had 5 polymer 55 gallon drums so we loaded them up and headed for the landscape co. Got an education. No. 1, they won't load 55 gal. drums, you buy it bulk via front end loader. No. 2, a 55 gal. drum of gravel weighs 900 lbs. Times 5, that's 2 1/4 tons in a half ton pickup. He had it delivered.

 

[jsfinn]

Re: How much does rock weigh?

Thanks again everyone.. I didn't get around to it this weekend because it was just too nice outside and had to go fishin' instead of doing yard work.. <br /><br />The plan is to rent a truck from Home Depot for $15 and beat up theirs instead of mine. The only catch is that they say I have to buy something large from them in order to rent their truck.<br /><br />BoatBuoy, my plan for the edge is to use some concrete landscape edge like this:<br /><br /> http://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/landscape_borders/images/front retaining wall.jpg <br /><br />...That'll be my "something large" that they require. <br /><br />As far as using my truck .. well.. it's not perfect, but it's pretty nice even for having 230,000 miles on it... I'd feel bad letting the wheel wells get all dinged up dropping rock into it.<br /><br />Some day I'll get a spray liner for it but right now it's got a cap on it so there isn't anything too harsh going in.. <br /><br />Thanks again everyone.

 

[Kenneth Brown]

Re: How much does rock weigh?

Kinda getting in late on this one. In front of my shop I had a depression area in the driveway. I figured I could just fil it myself. I went to the concrete plant and bought washout. It is the leftovers that is covered in water and run out of the truck. Most of the time the biggest piece you'll find is 6X6 or so. It costs $5 a scoop which is a 2 yd bucket. My 89 C1500 handled a scoop just fine. I went back again and told him I wanted 2 scoops this time. He looked at me very funny and told me to watch closely. He finished the first and started on the second. About halfway through I told him to stop, the truck was sitting REAL low. As he was backing up a shovel full fell in the bed. The truck dropped 2 more inches from that little bit. I asked could he take it out and he said to get a shovel and go to work. I ended up driving home like I was. I would have to hit the brakes to make the front end sit down enough to turn, the rest of the time it was kinda floating. <br /><br />The awnser is yes it can be done, the correct answer is no you don't want to do it. Good luck to Home Depots truck.

 

[Ken G]

Re: How much does rock weigh?

Have it delivered. At an average depth of 2 1/2" you will need exactly 2 cubic yards of gravel weighing 3 tons. I use either washed 1" gravel or washed 3/4" limestone (w/o dust). Around SW Ohio the gravel is a few dollars cheaper a ton and it is easier to shovel and spread. It will roll some when walked on though. The limestone will lock in place but will still allow drainage. I usually use a double layer of plastic underneath as long as the area slopes away from the house. How much is their delivery charge?<br /><br />I love watching people in pickups at the gravel pits. When they have to pay a minimum load charge they always ask for "just a little more" thinking they are getting screwed. I've seen bumpers almost dragging, blown tires, busted springs, bent tailgates, and dented roofs. I've also heard of the hydraulics failing on a loader and crushing the side of a brand new truck. Most yards will have signs warning that they are not responsible for damage while loading. I don't know who is responsible but you have to fight for money if it happens.<br /><br />If you are determined to haul it yourself check your local nurseries and landscape contractors. Some will sell gravel by the bobcat scoop which can be handled with your pickup. The advantage in using a pickup is, depending on the location, you might be able to shovel the material directly under the deck. It is also easier on your back to shovel out of a truck from the ground than shoveling from a pile on the ground.

 

[Booner]

Re: How much does rock weigh?

jsfinn did you haul the rock yet? This is how to figure the material weights L x W x lift equals cuft, divide by 27 for cuyd, x weight, divide by 2000 for tons.<br />Crushed Limestone 2,700 per loose cuyd. I would rent a trailer and pull it with your truck.