What Is Material Slinging?

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Let’s say you’ve got a big yard project coming up. Maybe you're building a driveway, fixing up a muddy spot, or adding fresh soil to your garden. But moving heavy materials like stone, sand, or soil by hand?

Not so great.

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That’s where material slinging comes in.

We use a truck called a stone slinger. It lets us shoot materials like gravel, sand, or topsoil exactly where you want them with no hassle. That’s why we are such a big fan of our stone slinging trucks.  They are kind of like a leaf blower… but for heavy stuff.

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I’ve seen how much easier and better a project turns out when the right material goes in the right spot. That’s where this guide comes in to help you understand the difference between stone, sand, and soil, and which one’s best for your job.

Let’s get into it!

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Stone vs Sand vs Soil: Quick Comparison

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Not all materials act the same when you sling them. Some fly farther. Some land softer. Some are heavier than they look.

Here’s a simple breakdown to help you see the big picture:

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Each one has its own strengths. The real trick is knowing what your job needs and choosing the right material for it.

In the next few sections, I’ll walk through each one starting with stone.

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Slinging Stone: What You Need to Know

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Stone is the heavy hitter of the bunch. When you need something strong and solid that stays in place, stone gets the job done.

It’s perfect for:

• Driveways and walkways
  
  
• Drainage areas
  
  
• Erosion control
  
  
• Base layers under concrete or pavers
  
  

Because it’s heavy, stone shoots out of the slinger truck in a strong, straight line. It lands exactly where you want it even across a long distance.

But here’s the thing you’ve got to be careful with it.

If the stone hits soft ground too hard, it can leave dents or damage grass. That’s why we always carefully adjust the speed and angle to fit the job. We treat every yard like it’s our own. We also work with different types of stone like crusher run, pea gravel, or ¾ inch washed stone depending on what your project needs.

If your goal is something that lasts and locks in tight, stone might be the way to go.

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Slinging Sand: When It’s the Right Call

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Sand is smooth, soft, and easy to work with. It’s great when you need a material that spreads out evenly without making a mess.

We like to use sand for:

• Leveling out ground before laying pavers
  
  
• Backfilling around pipes or foundations
  
  
• Installing parking lot drainage filters
  
  

One of the best things about sand is how well it flows. When we sling it, it spreads like water filling in low spots and covering wide areas with ease.

But, like anything else, it has its quirks.

Dry sand can blow around if it’s windy, especially in open areas. That’s why we keep control over how fast and how far we sling it. And we make sure it goes exactly where it should no wasted material, no cleanup headaches.

If you’re prepping for a flat surface or need to backfill a tight space, sand is a solid choice.

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Slinging Soil: Pros and Pitfalls

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Soil is all about growth. When you’re planting, leveling a yard, or refreshing your lawn, slinging soil can make the job a whole lot easier.

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We use soil for:

• Garden beds and flower areas
  
  
• Topdressing lawns
  
  
• Filling in low or uneven spots
  
  
• Prepping areas for sod or seed
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Slinging soil works best when the soil is dry and fluffy. That way, it spreads out smoothly and doesn’t clump up in the hose. Wet or sticky soil can be tricky it can jam up the machine or worse make big chunks instead of spreading evenly.

So what’s the good news? We’ve done this plenty of times. We know how to choose the right type of soil and how to keep everything flowing smoothly from the truck to the ground.

We usually recommend a mix that holds nutrients, drains well, and helps plants grow strong. If your project calls for something different, we’ll talk through your options and make sure it’s a good fit.

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How to Choose the Right Material

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Now that I’ve told you the basics of stone, sand, and soil how do you decide which one to use?

Here’s a simple way to think about it:

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Choose stone 

If you need something strong and solid. It’s great for driveways, under concrete, or stopping erosion. If you want it to stay put and last a long time, stone is the way to go.
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Go with sand 

When you want something that spreads smooth and fills space. It’s perfect for leveling before laying pavers, backfilling tight spots, or setting up filters in parking lots.
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Pick soil 

When your goal is to grow things or fix up your yard. It’s soft, full of nutrients, and just right for gardens, grass, and landscaping.
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You’ll also want to think about:

• How far the material needs to be slung
  
  
• How wet or dry the material is
  
  
• What’s underneath (grass, concrete, or bare dirt)
  
  

Not sure what’s best? That’s what we’re here for. We’ll take a look at your site and help you figure out the right material and get it right where you need it.

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How Far Can a Slinger Truck Place Material?

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One of the coolest things about a stone slinger truck is how far it can shoot material. We’re not just dumping it in a pile we’re placing it exactly where you want it, even if it’s hard to reach.

On average, our slinger trucks can shoot materials up to 75 to 100 feet away. That means we can place stone behind a house, sand over a wall, or soil across a big yard—all without driving over your lawn or dragging heavy tools around.

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But a few things can affect how far we can sling:

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Material type 

Heavier stuff like stone shoots farther. Wet soil or clumpy dirt won’t go quite as far.

Wind and weather

A strong wind can move lighter materials like sand.

Obstacles

Trees, fences, or slopes might change our setup—but we always find a safe, smart way to get it done.

The bottom line?

If you’ve got a tricky spot, chances are we can reach it without tearing up your property. And that is why I love these trucks. 

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Cost Comparison: What Affects the Price?

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When you're planning a project, it’s always smart to think about the budget. The cost to sling stone, sand, or soil depends on a few key things but I’ll break it down.

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Here’s what affects the price:

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💡 Pro Tip: Most of customers say it’s worth every penny to have the job done quickly, cleanly, and without a sore back the next day.

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Want to know how much your project would cost? Just reach out we’re happy to give you a clear, honest quote.

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FAQs About Slinging Stone, Sand, and Soil

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Can you sling wet material?

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Not always. Wet or sticky soil can clog the machine and fall in clumps instead of spreading evenly. We recommend dry, loose material for the best results.

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Will slinging hurt my grass or yard?

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Nope not if it’s done right. We adjust our speed and aim to protect your lawn. Plus, we don’t drive heavy equipment all over your yard like a dump truck would.

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How do I know which material to use?

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That’s what we’re here for! We’ll look at your project and help you choose the best option based on your needs, site, and budget.

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Do I need to be home during the job?

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It helps, but it’s not required. If we’ve already walked the site or you’ve sent clear instructions, we can handle it while you’re at work or running errands.

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Can you sling material into tight spaces or behind buildings?

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Yes! Our slinger trucks can shoot up to 100 feet and reach behind houses, fences, or into tricky spots without a problem.