Bucket Bar for Preparing Soil to Plant

[traderfjp]

Hi,
I have a 50ft x 50ft vegetable garden. I planted last year and used my bucket to over turn dirt. The ground is pretty soft and I wanted a less agreessive alternative. I'm looking at a piranha bar and a tiger bar. The plan is to use one of these to dig into the surface of the soil, back drag to break up the top 8". I didn't want to invest in a tiller - I really have no place for storage and the local guy wants 200.00 to till the garden. Which bucket Bar would work best. My tractor is an LS 240HE with backhoe.https://www.bxpanded.com/piranha-toothbar

https://www2.durattach.com/tractortoothbar/1?url=/tractor-implements-and-accessories/tractor-tooth-bars-and-teeth/59-inch-to-69-inch-tractor-bucket-bolt-on-tooth-bar-model-1tbcmp59-69.html

 

[Cycledude]

The link you posted doesn’t seem to work

 

[Jchonline]

The goal is to turn the soil over correct? Back dragging a tooth bar isn't going to turn it. That said, it would be better than nothing. Make sure the soil is very dry...or it will clump up between the teeth and just drag a bunch of dirt instead of allowing it to pass between the teeth. Honestly I would think you can find a cheap plow blade for the 3 point and get the proper tool. You can probably find something used for $100.

 

[traderfjp]

I have a huge backhoe attachment on my present tractor. I didn't want to deal with a tiller attachment. Is there anything that would attach to the bucket that might dona better job than a tooth bar?

 

[old and tired]

The teeth on your backhoe comes to mind.... you can control the depth of flipping over the soil.

 

[shooterdon]

You can rent a rototiller for about $75/day and doing a 50x50 ft area will not take long. Or buy one for $1000. Can't see a better/cheaper way to get the job done, unless you have a friend who has one they will lend you.

 

[bigtiller]

I think the local guy is to high on his price. He probably has it that high for a reason, maybe he simply doesn't want the job at this time. Find another guy.

 

[jyoutz]

I have a huge backhoe attachment on my present tractor. I didn't want to deal with a tiller attachment. Is there anything that would attach to the bucket that might dona better job than a tooth bar?

I’ve been gardening 30+ years. I have used many methods, but every effective soil prep tool is a 3ph attachment. The only gardening function that a FEL is very good for is moving mulch and manure and bringing in the harvest.

I’m going to buy this implement for my tractor to use the rip the soil this spring before soil prep with my walk behind tiller.

https://www.(Temporarily blocked du...vator-Ripper-p/fc-field-cultivator-cain-9.htm

 

[JDAOWNER]

I ALWAYS ADVISE FRIENDS LOOKING TO BUY A TRACTOR TO NOT GET THE BACKHOE UNLESS YOU HAVE A TON OF DITCHING TO DO. THEY ARE HANDY, BUT LEAVE THE TRACTOR NOT ABLE TO USE THE BACK FOR ANYTHING ELSE. RENT A HOE IF YOU NEED ONE. YOU WILL FIND A LOT OF WORK TO DO WITH THE REAR OF THE TRACTOR.

 

[jyoutz]

I ALWAYS ADVISE FRIENDS LOOKING TO BUY A TRACTOR TO NOT GET THE BACKHOE UNLESS YOU HAVE A TON OF DITCHING TO DO. THEY ARE HANDY, BUT LEAVE THE TRACTOR NOT ABLE TO USE THE BACK FOR ANYTHING ELSE. RENT A HOE IF YOU NEED ONE. YOU WILL FIND A LOT OF WORK TO DO WITH THE REAR OF THE TRACTOR.

That’s always been my thoughts as well, but if the backhoe is used frequently, it may be worthwhile. Just get used to attaching and detaching the backhoe, because the 3ph provides a great deal of tractor utility.