Chainlink fence drag

[schoolsout]

Ok, we have a section of chainlink fence and would like to make a drag out of it. Anybody have a good set up they are happy with? Looking to drag over seed that needs to only be planted 1/4" or so deep.

Another question is I have a tiller and have tilled the ground to a nice fluffy state (sandy soil). Wondering if I can do that just before broadcasting seed (turnip and whatnot) and let the rain do the rest. Thinking once it rained, the seed would find its way down to an appropriate level...am I thinking correctly?

 

[MarkV]

Don't make the ground too "fluffy" nor too deeply tilled. The seed wants good ground contact and real deeply fluffy soil doesn't do that too well. After you broadcast and drag for cover either use a roller or just drive over the area, if not too big, to establish good ground contact for the seed. The rest of it is hope for rain.

MarkV

 

[schoolsout]

We've got a small, steel lawn roller, but it may be only 3' wide. We aren't planting more than about an acre at this point in time, so that may work. Thanks for the tips

 

[Bartcephus]

Good Advice....

I got a new tiller for my tractor this year. Did a WONDERFUL job and I tilled real deep. Soil was like snow. Step in it and you were up to your ankles in fluffy soil. I failed to compact soil a little bit because I thought the whole idea of tilling was to "uncompact" the soil. Seeds never germinated. 1 1/2 punds of sweet corn WASTED.....

I've learned my lesson......

Bart

 

[schoolsout]

Good Advice....

I got a new tiller for my tractor this year. Did a WONDERFUL job and I tilled real deep. Soil was like snow. Step in it and you were up to your ankles in fluffy soil. I failed to compact soil a little bit because I thought the whole idea of tilling was to "uncompact" the soil. Seeds never germinated. 1 1/2 punds of sweet corn WASTED.....

I've learned my lesson......

Bart

About 30 mins ago, I was thinking the same thing

 

[sawduster98]

I've had varying degrees of success planting my new lawn this year. The best section was where I tilled to a depth of 2" and seeded. I used a 16' section of chain link fence for a drag. I attached 1 end to a 2x6 and clamped it to the back of my box blade. The other end I folded over on itself and used caribiners to hold it. I stuck a 6x6 inside the loop at the end for a little weight. A couple nails held it in place pretty well.
My 2 acre front yard didn't fare so well. I got a little lazy and used a york rake to 'scratch' the surface before seeding. I'll be tilling that all up soon.:mur:

 

[riptides]

I use to have a railroad tie on the front (close to draw bar) with rebar sticking out of it. I tied it to the chainlink. It added weight and smoothed out the rough spots quite nicely.

Really nice results with the grass that came up. I impressed myself.

 

[schoolsout]

We shall see what kind of creation I can come up with

 

[crash325]

Pictured is my small drag / fluffer. The RR spikes go down about 2.5" and loosen the soil. They also pick up rock if its not too large or deep.

If set down on some chain link fence the spikes hold it in place, it leaves a nice finish and holds the rocks. Best to tow with the FEL so you can dump the rocks every now and then.

Simple & cheap to build. All material out of my Treasure pile.

 

[schoolsout]

If only I could weld...

I guess I need to find a piece of steel pipe to go across the front of fence (closest to drawbar). Anything else further back to keep it down on dirt? Maybe a smaller pipe at the rear?
How long would y'all make the fence? I think we have a 10' long section, but I'm guessing 6' is the longest we'd need?

 

[MarkV]

Some have reported good results by using a log in the front and a lighter tail weight. Do a fence wrap on the front log and secure with fencing staples. A few eye bolts to secure a chain and you good to go.

MarkV

 

[schoolsout]

Some have reported good results by using a log in the front and a lighter tail weight. Do a fence wrap on the front log and secure with fencing staples. A few eye bolts to secure a chain and you good to go.

MarkV

That may work as we are supposedly getting some old power poles...may cut a 5' length and do as you describe.

 

[beppington]

The vacant property I bought last year had an old, but galvanized :thumbsup:, 16' long chainlink fence gate in fine shape. I just laid it on the ground, hooked my chain to it, threw the chain over the hitch ball, & drove ... Now, in hindsight I wish I had used some heavy wire to secure every chainlink wire to the galvanized frame. Only about every 3rd one was attached, as I think they do when chainlink fence, & those have peeled away. Had I done that I think it would still be in near-perfect shape. Since I didn't, some of the chainlink fence wires have pulled away & kind of bunched up from getting caught on roots.

Anyway, maybe you can find an old chainlink fence gate ...