Drag Harrow (homemade)

[keegs]

I just ran a box scraper over my driveway and still have some divots and high spots that I want to smooth out. TS and some of the other retailers sell a drag harrow and they run between 100 - 300 dollars. That seems like a lot of moola for something form something so simple that I might use once a year. Has anyone made something like this that works as well or better? I was thinking of a chain link fence gate weighted down with some cement block or vehicle wheels. You comment and ideas please.



Thanks ..

 

[sweettractors]

I just ran a box scraper over my driveway and still have some divots and high spots that I want to smooth out. TS and some of the other retailers sell a drag harrow and they run between 100 - 300 dollars. That seems like a lot of moola for something form something so simple that I might use once a year. Has anyone made something like this that works as well or better? I was thinking of a chain link fence gate weighted down with some cement block or vehicle wheels. You comment and ideas please.

View attachment 561071

Thanks ..

The chain link fence would essentially do decent job of leveling loose dirt, however, spikes/teeth of some sort on the bottom would be best of there were still some high spots where you are using. Ken Sweet

 

[Redlands Okie]

The wider the area your weights cover the better it will work out for leveling. Vehicle wheels for instance are at best a couple feet across. A heavy beam or beams can be full width. Weight could be applied on top of the beams.

 

[kthompson]

Roofing shingles works better than blocks as they will flex and not leave hard pressure points.
Agree with Ken on his points. But since we have same name (Kenneth) hard to disagree..lol

 

[keegs]

The chain link fence would essentially do decent job of leveling loose dirt, however, spikes/teeth of some sort on the bottom would be best of there were still some high spots where you are using. Ken Sweet

Makes sense Ken... the teeth break up some of the material so it can fill in the low spots. I'll improvise something. Thanks.

 

[keegs]

The wider the area your weights cover the better it will work out for leveling. Vehicle wheels for instance are at best a couple feet across. A heavy beam or beams can be full width. Weight could be applied on top of the beams.

I saw one that used series of square tubing connected with heavy chain ... like a chain ladder if you will. Thanks...

 

[keegs]

Roofing shingles works better than blocks as they will flex and not leave hard pressure points.
Agree with Ken on his points. But since we have same name (Kenneth) hard to disagree..lol

Makes sense ... I remember a summer job way back when I was carrying 80lb bundles up a ladder...

 

[blackd]

If you look here for a dethatcher you will plans that allow you to make a multi-use tool, de-thatching and driveway leveling. I use mine a couple of times per year on both the yard and drive.

 

[oosik]

I made a "drag" out of wood 4" x 4" square posts. Made a reinforced four foot square - reinforcement is cross attached chunks of plywood across the top. On the leading 4" x 4" post I drilled small diameter holes clear thru the post and drove large spikes thru the holes. The spikes stick down about four inches below the leading post. Hooked a big rope to the front and drag this thing with my ATV. Breaks up the clods - smooths out the small riffles, etc. Does a good job - but it is a darn dusty operation.

It is a small time operation that can be accomplished with my ATV. If I have to do big and serious smoothing and leveling I will attach my LPGS to the tractor and go at it.

 

[keegs]

I made a "drag" out of wood 4" x 4" square posts. Made a reinforced four foot square - reinforcement is cross attached chunks of plywood across the top. On the leading 4" x 4" post I drilled small diameter holes clear thru the post and drove large spikes thru the holes. The spikes stick down about four inches below the leading post. Hooked a big rope to the front and drag this thing with my ATV. Breaks up the clods - smooths out the small riffles, etc. Does a good job - but it is a darn dusty operation.

It is a small time operation that can be accomplished with my ATV. If I have to do big and serious smoothing and leveling I will attach my LPGS to the tractor and go at it.

When I ran the box blade over the driveway some of the material gathered on both sides. I raked this material back into the main field of the drive filling in the divots and low spots. It took two days (temps were in the 90's)....the drive is about 1/4 mile.

I'm looking ahead now to maintenance and was thinking about using PT 4x4 and fastening a piece of 2" angle iron (leg down) to both member lengths. I think there's enough weight using the PT 4x4 material. I was thinking of running a chain between the 4x4 members using a shorter chain length to one side. I have a hitch on the tractor or I could drag it behing the pickup.. I think this design has less storage requirements which is something I'm always considering. Thanks for confirming use of the 4x4... it made sense but wasn't sure.

Chris K.