Track prep?

[larryanderson]

I have helped make the track for a few pulls.We usually disc it deep then start watering and packing and level it with box scrapers .Is there a better way.In the past the pulls are in the evening so moisture tends to come up some.This pull is a 1oclock and it is really dry here .I want it hard and dust free.Thanks!

 

[Bouncer]

Deep rip it a couple weeks before the pull. The day before the pull chisel plow it, and lay the water to it if no rain is in the forecast. Roll it shut and leave it alone until about two hours before the pull. Chisel plow it all back up, put on enough water to make it sticky, but not muddy. Roll it back shut. Whoever is running the grader boxes, do not ever go in a straight line more than you have to, go in a zig zag motion. If you have misters on at least one grade box, that will be the difference between hand watering or not during the pull. You will never have a moist dust free track at a 1pm pull, unless you keep adding water tot he surface. Moisture will not come up through a track while the sun is out, after the sun goes down is when you get that hard track with a sheen on it.

 

[LCB]

I agree with every thing said but why do you want a hard track.I hate seting on top an burning my tires.

 

[Bouncer]

I have helped build a lot of tracks over the years for Lucas PPL, ORVTPA, KTPA, ITPA, and various other organizations. When you are pulling anything besides antiques, you want that track as hard and glassy as possible. With antiques it is a six of one and half dozen of the other how pullers like it. Myself, I would rather take my chance on a hard biting track, then to pull on a soft track and fall into everyone's ruts. From a track builders perspective, you always want a hard track. Last thing you want is people to complain about a soft track, lack of traction, and pullers out there digging to China when they won't get on the clutch as soon as they are flagged.

 

[bock]

just disk it 2 in. deep the day before pull ,and water it down to keep down dust .mother nature waters it all year you dont have to chisel plow it all you will do is make it loose and sponge and work your but off to get it back in shape ,some tracks are over worked way to much by people that dont have a clue on how to build a power track,a vibrating asphalt packer will make a power track that is real good and will wean out all the week tractors