How effective are lawn rollers?

megotatractor · Jun 17, 2007

Anyone used a lawn roller to smooth a lawn that is so bumpy it shakes your insides to death? As many have complained my 2210 is a rough rider. I often consider a roller but am not sure if it would help at all. I'd have to do any rolling in the early spring or after a heavy rain as the bumps are like concrete otherwise. My current solution is to let almost all the air out of my HDAP (utility ATV tires) and run at about 5 psi to "float" around the yard. though if I get going too fast it still starts to do a horseybounce thing. And I wonder if it might make my yard bumpier with such low tire pressures since hard tires would seem like they might roll the bumps out a little?? trouble is the hassle of reinflating the tires to use the FEL. It s either a roller or I get a UTV with a towable mower and that would use a LOT more gas than my economical diesel tractor. Maybe a low flying helicopter???

Yes, yes, I know all about X series seat conversions. Sounds easy but doing is another. Not sure how well that seat suspension would hold up on my hillside yard.

jdbower · Jun 17, 2007

I just got a 48" Agri-Fab lawn roller from Northern Tool and it works well for my purposes - smoothing out dirt after tilling. Unless you use it just after some heavy rains, I don't know that it will do much for established bumps and holes. It will push down mole tunnels or fix frost upheaval but unless you're willing to dig up the soil first I doubt it's a complete solution for you. Depending on the area you need to cover, filling the hole with fresh topsoil and topping with grass seed may be an option. I intend to till up (or box blade or both) bumpy sections of my lawn once my house is built and then roll them flat again, but it will take a year or two before the grass is re-established.

Loogie · Jun 17, 2007

I have two words for you "Harley Rake". Of course you'll have to re-seed too, but you'll have a smooth lawn. You'll also need to rent a bigger tractor to use it. That's what I'm doing this fall. Full lawn rehab.

bx24 · Jun 17, 2007

I am sure this is a dumb question ... but what is a Harley Rake?

jdbower · Jun 17, 2007

It's the quickest and easiest way to smooth out your yard in a short period of time:
Harley

I kind of like the long-term project method better, if I fix everything at once there's nothing left for me to tinker with

Z-Michigan · Jun 17, 2007

I would consider running a chain harrow with the tines down/forward. Each pass will smooth the dirt out slightly. I would think you could do anywhere from 3 to maybe 10 passes in a day without significantly harming the grass. Probably allow 1-2 weeks between the days on which you use the harrow. After 10 passes I think you would see an improvement, and after 20-30 I would think your problem would be solved. Not instant by any means, but should let you level things out without reseeding. Best soil conditions would probably be just slightly moist to just dry enough that soil can move and isn't concrete.

FWIW - without existing grass, a chain harrow will nicely smooth *loose* soil in one or two passes.

megotatractor · Jun 18, 2007

Z-michigan that might be worth a try, thanks. I forgot to mention I have 3.5 acres of former pasture. a chain harrow or drag just might help...

SuperDutyDave · Jun 19, 2007

anyone try rolling the lawn with anything larger?

meaning how about a small 4-8 ton vibratory roller (roller in front tires in rear) on wet lawn might that compress and eliminate some of the more abrupt areas?

Just a thought

Dave

RalphVa · Jun 20, 2007

Thought lawn rollers are only used to press new seed into place. Don't think they'd work to even out terrain.

Ralph

KennedyDiesel · Jun 20, 2007

If you get it when wet then a roller will do wonders. A Harley rake is also a good idea. The thing is, it will get lumpy every spring when the frost leaves so I'd invest in a nice heavy roller.