How to Level a Driveway With a Skid Steer

Skid steer loaders are nimble machines that execute much of the site work on a residential property. They're used extensively for site preparation for driveway paving, and for regrading gravel driveways. Driveways need to be sloped for drainage, with a uniform surface free of potholes or bumps, and close to the grade of the street or sidewalk where they intersect. Check local codes for specific direction. Grading requires a skilled operator.

Skid steer loader
Gravel, well-drained, crush or road mix quality

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the high point and the low point where water will drain. Remove organic matter and soft soil. Stockpile topsoil on site and out of the way.
- 2
  Proceed to grade the surface. Use cut and fill methods, filling low spots with gravel as necessary. sloping down from the high point at a consistent grade.
- 3
  Crown the grade with the center of the driveway higher than the sides. Slope so that surface water discharges to an acceptable point. Maintain a uniform surface.
- 4
  Blend the grade with the surface of the street. Smooth the surface of the driveway, eliminating small defects and variations with the bottom of the bucket.
- 5
  Compact the surface with the wheels of the loader. Drive straight forward and back, minimizing turns. Clean the street of scattered gravel.

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Driveways