Best implements to grind sod clumps, remove rocks, and flatten a pasture

[DaveMueller]

We (my wife) has a bunch of small breed pigs (kunekunes, about 250-300 lbs full grown) that root up the pastures.
We're looking for a way to return the pastures to semi-nice flat ground that can be reseeded or crops planted.

We need something to grind or break up the sod clumps, rake out the rocks and then smooth the soil.
I don't suppose there's one implement that will do all this, so what are the options?

There's a ton of rocks in the topsoil, size from 3/4" up to hand size, with a few dinner plates thrown in.
We have a few acres broken up into maybe 3/4 to 1 acre plots with fencing in between.

At the moment, we have a Kubota L3800 TLB (I think about 30 HP at the PTO), 10" and 16" buckets for the backhoe and a post hole digger (which, I admit, won't help too much).

Thanks
Dave

 

[mike48130]

Look at a Harley Rake. Probably 60" for 30hp maybe the 72" if you don't have a lot of hills to bog the tractor down.

 

[jeff9366]

Consider a forward rotation, 60", PTO-powered Rototiller.

Rototillers can handle rocks up to about the size of an orange. With rocks worthwhile to spending a bit more money for a tiller with some weight.

Look for rototiller "C" shaped tines in preference to "L" shaped tines.


Backhoe and a wagon for rock removal. Polar brand poly wagons from Home Depot and Lowe's web site will take a pounding from rocks OK. PHOTO


I have visited "Falling Waters" in Ohiopyle several times. Beautiful country.

 

[rangerfredbob]

I bought a pasture harrow recently (I think I've seen them as chain harrows?), mine is small at about 5' wide but it is doing pretty good as long as the dirt and stuff isn't too hard, it does a good job at flattening piles of soft dirt out and separating the sod clumps out while removing their dirt.

 

[Snobdds]

A disk harrow is the best bet.

It's one implement that will do all you need in one...

 

[jeff9366]

We're looking for a way to return the pastures to semi-nice flat ground that can be reseeded or crops planted.

We need something to grind or break up the sod clumps, rake out the rocks and then smooth the soil.
I don't suppose there's one implement that will do all this, so what are the options?


At the moment, we have a Kubota L3800 TLB (I think about 30 HP at the PTO), 10" and 16" buckets for the backhoe and a post hole digger (which, I admit, won't help too much).

I bought a pasture harrow recently (I think I've seen them as chain harrows?), mine is small at about 5' wide but it is doing pretty good as long as the dirt and stuff isn't too hard, it does a good job at flattening piles of soft dirt out and separating the sod clumps out while removing their dirt.

Focusing just on raking out the grass clumps and smoothing a Chain Harrow is a good suggestion.

Chain Harrows have several abrasion variables, depending on how the mat is attached behind the tractor.

A simple Chain Harrow is a PITA to clean when loaded with grass and weeds. You have to manually lift trailing edge of the heavy mat, then shake out debris.

A "Lift" or "Frame" Chain Harrow can be lifted and shaken free of debris with the Three Point Hitch hydraulic control.

Wingfield makes the best Chain Harrows and Framed Chain Harrows.
Wingfield 7' 2" - 9' 6" 3pt Standard - Wingfield American Harrow - Made in USA

I improvised a lift for a TSC Drag Harrow using a TSC light duty CountyLine Boom Pole. This has worked very well behind a friend's BX several years. Boom Pole improvisation could be easily modified for a larger mat.
LINK TO THREAD: https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...c-countyline-tarter-boom-pole.html?highlight=

As harrow mat is flexible it will SLOWLY smooth ground better than any other implement. Rocks will not bother it if you do not have it oriented too aggressively raking over the larger rocks.

 

[Piston]

We need something to grind or break up the sod clumps, rake out the rocks and then smooth the soil.
I don't suppose there's one implement that will do all this, so what are the options?
Thanks
Dave

Dave,
There is one implement that will do all you ask, and do an incredible job at it quickly and efficiently. You are looking for a “power rake” in a 5’ width.

Various companies make them, Woods, Landpride, Harley (many people call them Harley Rakes).

Mine is a Woods, and there isn’t a better implement for the job.

Problem is they are $8k up for a new one. You can buy a used one for around $2500. However many dealerships rent them, try to find one to rent if you can. It’s truly amazing how well they work.

 

[DaveMueller]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I was afraid that a power rake would be the best solution. I'll look at the various harrows.
Not much available in the way of rentals around here, but it might be worth a drive if we can find one.

 

[leonz]

It depends on how much work you are willing to do/really want to do as far as soil preparation.
There are a number of ATV/CUT mechanical rock pickers and 12 volt hydraulic pump operated rock pickers that can be towed with a CUT or ATV.

I doubt you would want a BCS/ Grillo rototiller with a rotary plow to till the soil up completely.

 

[Industrial Toys]

My vote is for the Harley rake, but a smaller one. Woods makes similar unit. 3PH and SS versions.




One pass is like a hundred with an unpowered attachment.