Farmall Cub

I know this is probably foolish to do but just how foolish? I have risk it several times now with out disaster by straddling the tank wall with the heavy side of the tractor on solid ground. How much weight, if any at all, are modern county approved septic tank lids designed to withstand?

A lot of that depends on type of tank and construction. My septic tank has a tapered concrete lid that is so heavy it is difficult to lift with out a backhoe, so it would handle a lot more than the weight of a cub, in addition it is 4 feet down to the top so I do not worry. If it is a metal one and pretty shallow I would NOT drive over it with either side. Most concrete ones can withstand a lot more than the weight of a cub, even if they are right at the surface.

Thanks John, it is concrete and I'm guessing it has rebar in it or at least heavy gauge wire? It is only a few inches below the surface though but maybe I don't need to worry about it so much? The Cadet is what I would like to use there the most often so maybe no worries there either, huh?

My concrete septic is just a few inches deep, and I've driven my pick up truck over it many times. Probably not a good idea though, and I don't recommend it.

I do know that a Caterpillar 977 track loader will break through one. Don't ask how I know this.

I have cut the grass over my tank and over the drain field since 1979 with a Cub with no problems.

Just to be a Smart A--: If the tank gives way, looks like you have some bushes handy

Shouldn't cause as much of a problem as six sticks of dynamite, did on another septic tank
Bernard,
Donegal Cub.

Amen Brother Barnyard testify... btw so will a 555 john deere

JD 310 with hoe and bucket didn't break ours.

About 3 years ago part of the top of an old septic tank in folks back yard gave way. Reinforcing metal in concrete had rusted away. Top of septic tank was about a foot below ground surface.

My septic tank has approximately 12"-16" of dirt on top. Had to uncover last summer to access the two ports for cleaning. The septic guy warned me that one end of the tank lid was only about 2"-3" thick, due to sewer gases that erode the concrete. The tank was new in 1994, so is 20 years old later this year. He said be careful driving anything over it; one day you will and it'll just give way. Nice thought.

So, yours would depend on the age, depth, and construction of tank. Think if I could avoid it, I wouldn't drive on it at all.

I need to chime in here because I've actually studied the same situation and found it's not the setpic tank you should really be worried about but the leaching field. God forbid you crush that then you're in for quite a wallet-draining experience. Now I have to note I drive over both my tank and leaching field all day long when the ground is frozen. I agree with the other guys, the tank is pretty strong.

I have a pretty big leaching field. There is no way to get from one side of my yard to the other, or to mow it without driving on it.

Barnyard wrote:I have a pretty big leaching field. There is no way to get from one side of my yard to the other, or to mow it without driving on it.

I hope it's deep!