How to Move Dirt Uphill

You will need some kind of tool to move a lot of dirt uphill.

Transporting dirt up a hill doesn’t have to be a long, complicated process. The work might seem daunting at first, especially if you have a huge pile to move up a steep slope. Before deciding to simply use your trusty shovel and your own two feet, consider using a tool to aid your process. Depending on the amount of dirt you have to move, your budget and the hours of work you are willing to put in, any number of dirt-moving tools can be employed to help you transport the material. Does this Spark an idea?

Wheelbarrow

Most gardeners and landscapers utilize a wheelbarrow in their work, making the device a simple and convenient option. When loading dirt into the wheelbarrow, keep the load as balanced as possible. This means keeping the dirt level both in height and placement within the barrow. The more dirt you load, the quicker you can finish the job, but beware of possibly tipping over. Additionally, while the wheelbarrow might be the most accessible tool for the job, moving even a relatively small amount of dirt uphill with this tool can be strenuous.

Pickup

Make use of the spacious bed of your pickup to haul dirt. To move dirt uphill with a truck, just scoop the dirt into the bed and drive to your designated location. You’ll need at least a shovel to get the dirt in and out of the bed. Make sure you can access the current and future locations of the dirt with a vehicle before getting started. Additionally, while most trucks are sturdy enough to haul a bed full of dirt, check the load limits for your particular truck before using it to move dirt.

Rented Equipment

If you don’t have your own truck, rent a pickup from a moving company. Make sure the company you rent from allows the vehicle to haul materials such as dirt. Many of these same companies also rent larger equipment. If you have a lot of dirt to move, consider renting a dump truck or a flatbed. Renting equipment might add to your budget, but rented trucks enable you to finish the job quickly and easily.

Enlisting Help

Enlist the strong arms and backs of others to help you move dirt, regardless of which method you choose. For really large quantities of dirt that require professional equipment, hire a professional to operate the devices. If at any point in the dirt-moving process you feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable with your equipment, it might be best to contact a professional or even a friend who has experience.

References

• Louisiana State University Agricultural Center: Wheelbarrows and Garden Carts
• Pickups:
• Trucks and Trailers

Resources

• MB Organics Inc.: Truck Load Capacity