Clearing rocks off surface... recommendations?

[PatasColo]

Hi Team ,
I'm wanting to clear a lot of rocks off the surface of our field. I know there will be more surfacing each year, so I'm looking for a way to do this from time to time without getting a rockbox (too expensive, one use item).

One option that sounded neat come from this post: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/230045-72-inch-rachet-rake-sale-41.html#post2785224 Also, I'm thinking this tool could be useful for reseeding areas, smoothing clods and dirt, and even getting a smoother (and less rocky) driveway, used in combination with either the boxblade (as in the post) or the FEL (for clearing simple brush). I like a multi-purpose tool, and this one is quite inexpensive.

From what I've read, a landscape rake will not help me much with this kind of rock. Please chime in if your experience is otherwise. I'm looking for any advise, help, or suggestions, based on experience. You know my goal, and keep the budget low. :thumbsup:

See attached pictures for variation in the rock size on our property. If the tool can't handle the biggest ones seen in the middle picture, that's OK, as they are fewer and fairly easy to run around and collect in the FEL or wheelbarrow.
-Mitch
P.S. No one is under the hat... it's just there for size comparison! :laughing:

 

[greasemonkeyok]

In addition to the RR, looks like you might need a rock bucket. There are many different manufacturers, but the Haala Barracuda Utility Rock Bucket at Northern Tool is an example of one.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Sounds like that RR on the boxblade would do your rocks for you, at least get them in large piles that you could pick up with the FEL.
According to all the posters it does everything but churn butter.

 

[PatasColo]

In addition to the RR, looks like you might need a rock bucket. There are many different manufacturers, but the Haala Barracuda Utility Rock Bucket at Northern Tool is an example of one.

Sorry, but I should have said "rock bucket" rather than "rock box" in my original posting.... Sure, I'd like to have one , but the cost is something I'd like to avoid, and not sure that there's other uses for it that would justify that cost. Additionally, I don't have a Quick-attach bucket, so getting one to pin on, or adding QA to my FEL arms is either a lot of work (former) or more money (latter).

Keep those ideas coming! :thumbsup:
-Mitch

 

[PatasColo]

Sounds like that RR on the boxblade would do your rocks for you, at least get them in large piles that you could pick up with the FEL.
According to all the posters it does everything but churn butter.

The challenge has been laid down... Try to churn butter with your Ratchet Rake!

(Thanks for the laugh Gary! :laughing: :laughing: :laughing
-Mitch

 

[schmism]

If you dont want to get one of these tools built specifically for the task you want to do.

Then the only other item i know of that will make quick work of them and is not a single use item and comes free are these.

Id suggest a harley rake but if you dont like the idea of a rock bucket, then a harley rake is way out of the question.

 

[riptides]

How much land?

We did two acres by hand and bucket brigade. Our issue was quartz rocks. Very jagged, shard stuff all over. Ranging in size about the size of your hat, to "rock" sized pebbles. Took about a year. Just used the york "landscaping rake" to expose them.

 

[BarryinMN]

You need a rock rake to windrow the rocks & then find a way to pick them up without the dirt.

 

[PatasColo]

How much land?

We did two acres by hand and bucket brigade. Our issue was quartz rocks. Very jagged, shard stuff all over. Ranging in size about the size of your hat, to "rock" sized pebbles. Took about a year. Just used the york "landscaping rake" to expose them.

Ours is about an acre.
We did a lot last year by hand, and it really was a lot of fun with the family. They even took a lot of rock home to make an outdoor turtle enclosure. :laughing:

But given the nature of our land, we will have rock arising every year. I like the "idea" of a rock bucket or harley rake, but the idea is "free". Plus, I like the challenge of applying a bit of good ol' farmer ingenuity to solve an ongoing task... it feels so much more rewarding to me!
-Mitch

P.S. Along those lines, here's a brainstorm that just occurred to me: What would happen if I put the rippers down 1-inch in my boxblade, with the teeth facing backwards. Then, lower it to the ground (let it float on ground) and drive forward. Seems like if should float on top of the rippers (not digging in; about a half inch space or so between blade and ground). I wonder if this would manage to collect the rocks that are greater in size and loose on top of the soil (there are plenty of those)? If I needed more space, drop the rippers to 2 inches down...

 

[greasemonkeyok]

Wouldn't hurt to try, but reversed rippers will just roll over the rocks and not collect anything.

I know what you mean about the cost of a rock bucket, even for cleaning more than one acre.