Building an Access Track and Moving 3000 Tons of Material

[MikePhua]

The Nature of Small Jobs That Aren’t So Small
In earthmoving, the phrase “easy little job” often masks the complexity and scale of what’s actually involved. A recent task described as minor turned out to involve the relocation of approximately 3,000 metric tons of material—equivalent to over 120 full loads in a standard 25-ton articulated dump truck. The job centered around building an access track for a new project, a task that demands not just excavation but precision grading, compaction, and material logistics.
Access tracks serve as temporary or permanent routes for equipment, personnel, and materials. Their construction must account for load-bearing capacity, drainage, slope stability, and environmental impact. Even when the terrain appears straightforward, variables like subgrade composition, weather conditions, and equipment availability can turn a “little job” into a multi-day operation.
Equipment Selection and Material Handling
For a job involving thousands of tons of material, equipment selection is critical. Operators typically rely on a combination of:

• Hydraulic excavators for digging and loading
  
• Articulated dump trucks for hauling
  
• Motor graders for shaping the track
  
• Vibratory rollers for compaction
  

The excavator’s bucket capacity and cycle time determine how quickly material can be moved. For example, a 30-ton excavator with a 2.5-cubic-meter bucket can load a 25-ton truck in roughly 6 to 8 passes. Assuming a 10-minute cycle time per load, moving 3,000 tons would require over 20 hours of continuous operation.
Material type also affects productivity. Wet clay or loam slows loading and compaction, while dry gravel moves quickly but may require dust control. In this case, the operator noted steady progress and planned to return for two more days to finish the job—suggesting a well-paced operation with minimal delays.
Track Design and Grading Considerations
Access tracks must be designed to accommodate the heaviest equipment expected on site. This includes:

• Minimum width of 3.5 meters for single-lane access
  
• Subgrade preparation to prevent rutting
  
• Crown or cross-slope for water runoff
  
• Edge stabilization using berms or geotextile
  

Grading is typically done in layers, starting with rough shaping using a dozer or grader, followed by fine grading and compaction. Moisture content must be monitored to ensure proper density. Over-compacted surfaces can crack, while under-compacted ones deform under load.
In one anecdote, a contractor built a track through sandy terrain and underestimated the need for stabilization. After a week of traffic, the surface began to rut, requiring rework and additional base material. Lessons like these underscore the importance of soil testing and load forecasting.
Logistics and Scheduling Efficiency
Moving 3,000 tons of material requires not just muscle but coordination. Haul routes must be optimized to reduce cycle time. Fueling, maintenance, and operator shifts must be scheduled to avoid downtime. In this case, the operator took the weekend off after several days of work, indicating a break in the haul schedule—possibly due to weather, equipment rotation, or site access constraints.
Efficient scheduling can reduce costs by up to 20 percent on medium-scale jobs. Using GPS tracking and telematics, modern fleets monitor load counts, idle time, and fuel consumption in real time. While not every jobsite uses such technology, even manual logs and radio coordination can improve throughput.
Environmental and Safety Protocols
Even small access track jobs must comply with environmental and safety standards. Dust suppression, erosion control, and noise mitigation are common requirements. Safety protocols include:

• High-visibility clothing and signage
  
• Spotters for equipment movement
  
• Daily equipment inspections
  
• Emergency access planning
  

In Australia, where this job took place, regulations require sediment control barriers and vegetation protection near sensitive zones. Failing to implement these can result in fines or project delays.
The Human Side of Earthmoving
Behind every “easy job” is a team of operators, planners, and support staff. The operator in this case had been away for several days and was looking forward to a weekend off—a reminder that even routine tasks demand physical and mental endurance.
One story from a similar job involved an operator who worked 12-hour shifts for five days straight, only to discover that the access track had to be rerouted due to a buried utility line. The rework added two days and required coordination with local authorities. These moments highlight the unpredictability of field work and the resilience of those who perform it.
Conclusion
What begins as a simple access track can evolve into a multi-ton logistical challenge. With the right equipment, planning, and execution, even large volumes of material can be moved efficiently. But success depends on more than horsepower—it requires attention to grading, environmental impact, and human factors. In the end, the phrase “easy little job” becomes a badge of quiet accomplishment, earned through precision, patience, and grit.