Land Cleaning (not Clearing) Question

FloridaCracker · May 3, 2011

Hi All,

This is my first post, although I've been reading the TBN site for some time. I have 1.25 acres I need to clear. The site is bush-hogged and herbicided and now I need to remove all of the dead brushy junk on top. I am looking for some advice from the community here to understand what method or implement would be most efficient to remove the yard trash. Here is a picture of about half the site today. Thanks.

-FC

Wolfy · May 3, 2011

A landscape rake would clean up that mess nicely. They can be adjusted easily to rake, yet not move any dirt. Super handy.

RoMad · May 3, 2011

We had a similar looking pasture not long ago. It was filled with dog fennel weeds and palmetto fronds etc. My wife bush hogged it and then we borrowed a 6' landscape rake from a friend. She raked it all up in piles and burned it. Then she mowed it with the finish mower and it looked great.
I was at a Taylor Rental in Inverness Fl. last week and noticed that they had a 4'landscape rake with wheels on it for rent. You could rake up your lot with a half day rental even pulling it with a lawn tractor.

firemanpat2910 · May 4, 2011

its not too late in the year to burn it off. if thats not an option you like then I would second a heavy duty rake and then burn the piles.

FloridaCracker · May 4, 2011

Guys,

Thanks for the quick feedback. A landscape rake should be sufficient. I guess I need to start saving my allowance. For some reason used landscape rakes for sale are a rarity. I need to check on a burn permit. If you notice I will also need to remove about 8 stumps of medium-size oak and pine trees...and I don't have a backhoe.

-FC

tawilson · May 4, 2011

I've had my fire department burn off my field. And a small donation after they are done doesn't hurt either.

beeforty · May 4, 2011

2nd the "practice wild land fire drill idea". I just read that my burning has been shut down for the summer already

. What I did with some similar stuff was piled it up and put a ring of old 3' fence wire around it and started a compost pile:thumbsup: Pull away the wire occasionally and turn it with the FEL, add a little dirt now and then

Toddao · May 4, 2011

Burn it

adjusterr · May 4, 2011

Google "Ratchet Rake" and watch the videos. I bought one, $300., it works great and is easy to install and remove on the bucket. I think Tractor Supply Co. now carries them in stock. It is a very sturdy, well made product and certainly pays for itself very quickly. Good luck.

FloridaCracker · May 5, 2011

Hi All,

Unfortunately, I cannot burn right now - too late in the season. We are very dry so I would be extremely worried even if I could obtain a permit.

Reading other posts about a landscape rake, I would want to get the wheels as well. This would put the total purchase around $700 which I think is unreasonable, especially since I may not use it that often after the initial land clearing/cleaning is done.

This new Ratchet Rake product sounds clever, but I haven't heard much about it. I've watched the video and see your post (adjusterr) but not completely sold on the idea. Since the RR straps around the bucket, what happens when the cables under the bucket get frayed and break? Also, I don't like how the straps cover the front opening as I wouldn't be able to carry anything in the bucket while the RR is connected. Why this product over a tooth bar? The price would be about the same if I go with someone like Markham Welding.

Thank you everyone.