what implements are needed for finishing a new yard?

jt7157 · Mar 30, 2007

I would appreciate any advice on what implements I should consider purchasing for yard finishing and landscaping around a new house I'm building. Work will include manipulating dirt around the house foundation and grading and finishing the yard. I would assume a box blade would be helpful, but I really don't know too much about it as I've never used one. About all I've done on a tractor is bush hog, so I am pretty ignorant on the many uses of other implements. The machine I'm purchasing is a New Holland TC55DA with FEL. Thanks in advance for your help.

RoyJackson · Mar 30, 2007

Landscape rake with gage wheels would be my suggestion.
These are relatively cheap to rent. Depending on the size of your property, you could probably do most the work in one weekend

Farmwithjunk · Mar 30, 2007

jt7157 said:
I would appreciate any advice on what implements I should consider purchasing for yard finishing and landscaping around a new house I'm building. Work will include manipulating dirt around the house foundation and grading and finishing the yard. I would assume a box blade would be helpful, but I really don't know too much about it as I've never used one. About all I've done on a tractor is bush hog, so I am pretty ignorant on the many uses of other implements. The machine I'm purchasing is a New Holland TC55DA with FEL. Thanks in advance for your help.

You'll have the loader. That's #1 on the list. Next I'd suggest a box blade. For "finishing" any graded areas, a "pulverizer" works like magic. Nothing on the planet saves time and does as good of a job as a Harley Rake, but we're in to your bank account mighty deep with that one. Landscape rake is handy, but I much prefer the pulverizer. A pto powered spreader is handy for fertilizer or seeding. For some situations, a tiller comes in handy.

For years, before Harley rakes became fashionable, all you'd see most "professional landscapers" using to build a new lawn would be a box blade and a pulverizer. Sometimes getting back to basics is the best "new" method.

Z-Michigan · Mar 30, 2007

I think you would find an angling rear blade very useful in addition to the box blade. While they're both blades that mount on the rear, they do rather different things. The angle blade is good for creating angles (surprise!) on slopes and for smoothing out areas. A landscape rake is as good or better for smoothing but not for grading. I would recommend an 8' wide rear blade - I bought a 7' wide for my JD 5105 (which is 6' wide) and found that it barely covers the tires at a mild angle and won't cover them at a 45 degree angle setting. You will want medium duty implements rated for your 55hp tractor, otherwise you will be buying new ones before you know it!

Also, good thing you already have the FEL. I find that backdragging with the bucket edge tilted down and the lift set to float position is a very effective way of smoothing out soil - try it some and I think you will too.

More info about the size and shape (hilly, sloping or flat) of your yard would be helpful.

FULLPULL · Mar 30, 2007

I will agree with the post above and add the tc55 does handle a harley rake with power to spare . The cost on my rake was close to the 7000.00 range i dont know what they are going for this year .It all depend's on how much your going to use one and how rocky the soil is .I look at mine as a long term investment in time saving's.Box blade's and pulveriser's do great for the cost factor .Good luck on your purchase.

BBB · Mar 30, 2007

I think everyone already said it. BoxBlade and rake. Angle blade and finish mower. It all depends on your budget. I maintain 3 acres and I started like you. From construction. I only own a BB and a finish mower, I just rent the others as needed. I don't have a FEL, but I'd love to.

jmt1271 · Mar 30, 2007

Someone pleased explain the use of a landscape rake to me. I have never seen one used and dont see the value, although there obviously is plenty.

TractorDale · Mar 30, 2007

So far to work on my lawn I bought a TC29 with FEL and BH, then KK box blade and tiller. I also got a couple things from agrifab- plug aerator, drop spreader, and drum roller (900lbs when filled)- all pulled behind my JD rider.

Not the most cost-effective way to get a nice lawn but sure am having fun.

NH mmm, big broadcast spreader yet to buy.

Dale

Timber · Mar 31, 2007

Be sure to buy a tooth-bar for your loader too. I'll also throw down with Box-blade. Much depends on how deep your pockets are. I would go with the box-blade not just for soil prep but for ballast on your loader. These 2 pieces together has your tractor set up soil distribution. consider that changing attachments all the time is a nuisance. The reality is your going to set your tractor up with the pieces that you can just jump on and work. I personally like to do all my finish grading by hand with a 4 foot rake but thats just me.

mjarrels · Mar 31, 2007

I had better luck using a disc and spring tooth harrow than a landscape rake... but I did not have any rocks to deal with. Finally sold the seven foot landscape rack after it "hurt" me once. Hated that thing... heavy and bulky.

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