Breaking Up and Removing an Old Concrete Driveway
- Staff Desk
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
When an old concrete driveway starts to crack, shift, or show spider-web damage, replacement is usually the best option. In this project, a full concrete removal was completed to prepare the area for a new paver driveway and patio installation. This article breaks down the process of demolishing, hauling, and prepping the site efficiently and safely.
The existing concrete driveway had widespread surface cracks and structural damage. Rather than patching, the decision was made to completely remove it and rebuild with pavers.
The crew used a Bobcat T66 compact track loader with a breaker attachment to handle the demolition. Once the concrete was broken up, it was loaded into tri-axle dump trucks for disposal.
Step 1: Equipment Setup
For a project like this, proper equipment makes all the difference. Tools and Equipment
Used:
Bobcat T66 compact track loader
Hydraulic breaker attachment
Tri-axle dump truck for debris removal
Shovels and rakes for cleanup
Safety gear: gloves, glasses, and hearing protection
Before work began, the breaker attachment was inspected and securely fastened to the loader. Minor adjustments were needed to fit around welded D-rings on the trailer, but setup was quick.
Step 2: Concrete Demolition
Once on site, the concrete was broken into manageable sections.The breaker attachment delivers heavy impact force, allowing the operator to fracture even thick slabs quickly.
Tips for efficient demolition:
Start at cracks or edges to allow the slab to separate naturally.
Break into sections no larger than 2x2 feet for easier removal.
Avoid striking rebar directly to prevent wear on the breaker bit.
While part of the process was handled by the crew, even the homeowner’s kids got a chance to help — a fun but brief introduction to heavy machinery operation under close supervision.
Step 3: Loading and Hauling
After the concrete was fractured, the Bobcat’s bucket was swapped in to load the debris into the dump truck.Each tri-axle truck can typically carry up to 22 tons of material.
It took roughly one full truckload to remove the majority of the driveway, with a second partial load for the remaining pieces and sub-grade dirt.
Pro Tip: Estimating disposal loads ahead of time helps schedule dump runs efficiently and avoid idle time on site.
Step 4: Site Cleanup and Excavation
Once all the concrete was cleared, attention shifted to preparing the sub-base.
The rear area will become a patio.
The driveway width will increase by about one foot on one side.
A walkway will extend from the front to the house entrance.
A garden bed with PA edgers will border the new surface.
The existing concrete apron near the street was left temporarily to protect the asphalt during equipment movement. It will be removed once base stone is in place to prevent edge damage.
Step 5: Preparing for the Next Phase
With demolition complete, the site is ready for:
Base stone placement and compaction.
Final excavation and grading for proper drainage.
Laying pavers for the driveway, patio, and walkway.
Those steps will be detailed in the next phase of the project, focusing on base preparation and paver installation.
Key Takeaways
Safety Reminders
Always wear safety glasses and ear protection when using a breaker.
Keep bystanders, especially children, well back from active work zones.
Inspect equipment daily and secure all attachments before use.
Final Results
After a full day of work, the entire concrete driveway was removed, debris was hauled away, and the area was leveled for the new build. The process was efficient, safe, and set the foundation for a long-lasting paver driveway.
The next stage will include base preparation, paver installation, and edge detailing — transforming the space into a cleaner, more durable surface.