Of topsoil or clay, which is typically harder to excavate, push, and spread?

Clay is typically harder to excavate, push, and spread compared to topsoil and other soil types like sandy soil and gravel. This difficulty arises from several factors associated with clay's physical properties. Clay has a higher density and cohesion, which means it sticks together more tightly than other soil types. When wet, clay becomes very heavy and can form a compact mass, making it challenging for machinery to move.

Furthermore, clay often requires more effort to break apart, which can strain the equipment being used. In contrast, topsoil is generally looser and more manageable due to its organic content and structure, allowing for easier excavation and spreading. While sandy soil and gravel also present their own challenges, they do not exhibit the same degree of compactness and cohesive characteristics that make clay difficult to work with. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective excavation planning and execution.