Cultipackers?

[BufordBoone]

Past advice on creating foodplots has been that I need a cultipacker.

I'm looking for advice on particular models.

For example, I can purchase one that flips over for transport from Northern Tool for $689.99. It is 6' and weighs 418 lbs. It would be towed by my ATV.

Alternately, I can purchase a 6' cultipacker from Everything Attachments. It is $1,562.00 and weighs 856 lbs. It would mount on my Tractor. I may not be able to get it in time as they are very backed up (my fault for not handling this in June).

I understand the benefit of weight with implements like a box blade or LPGS. Does the same hold true with a cultipacker?

The ability to pull it with an ATV seems to me to be a real time saver, both in getting to the field and in going over the field. I suspect I could make 4 passes with the ATV for every 1 pass with the tractor.

What do the experienced here have to say?

Thanks!

 

[M5farms]

Unless your planting grass and looking for a smooth surface you don't need a cultipacker for food plots . You need a disk , spreader and a good drag .

 

[MickeyDBC]

A cultipacker or cultimulcher actually helps a lot with planting. A cultipacker generally has a single row of packer wheels where a mulcher version has two rows with some spring tines between the rows. They are also good for smoothing out ground that has been disced and the ripple effect left on the ground can help with erosion. I have an old 12 foot hydraulic lift John Deere that is used quite a bit.

 

[rbtjr]

We have the EA cultipacker. As I recall, we have the 7' version. We bought it last year, prior to planting season, to use in our two small food plots. It works very well. I think that the weight is an important factor--the more the better.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I would rather have a used higher quality "crow foot" packer, than the cheaper models made today...

The crow foots are superior in how they work...and around here, they sell for about $100.00 per foot...

SR

 

[treedawg]

LMC/Lowery Manufacturing makes a pretty good cultipacker.

I have found my food plots do much better if I use a cultipacker compared to a chain drag.

td

 

[BufordBoone]

I would rather have a used higher quality "crow foot" packer, than the cheaper models made today...

The crow foots are superior in how they work...and around here, they sell for about $100.00 per foot...

SR

I'd buy one of those in a minute...if I could find one. Never seen one in Alabama.

 

[BufordBoone]

Thanks, Treedawg. I'll take a look at teh LMC version.

 

[treedawg]

Thanks, Treedawg. I'll take a look at teh LMC version.

I see you are in AL and I'm pretty sure LMC is in AL but not sure what part of the state.

I purchased my cultipacker from them at The Sunbelt Farm Expo in Moultrie GA a few years ago.

td

 

[bigdeer2000]

I saw cultipackers on Craigslist while I was in search of a cultimulcher.

 

[morrisL]

I've been looking for a used one for years, scarce as hen's teeth. In the meantime I use a 3' plastic lawn roller filled with water, weighs over 700 lbs, pulled by my Kubota with turf tires makes about a 5' swath. Really makes a difference if you plant small seed blends.

 

[skipperbrown]

We used to use a cultipacker for food plots but stopped using it years ago. We only plant wheat and oats and maybe overseed with some special mix of kale/radishes/clover and try to plant before a rain. We broadcast the bigger seed and fertilizer and then set the disks straight and make a final run over the field. If tiny seed is used, it is then broadcast after the final disk run. The culipacker works fine as long as the soil is well worked and fairly level. Otherwise, the wheels won't do anything to push the seeds into the soil if one side of the packer lifts up or only the edge of the wheels touch the ground. We can't tell the culipacker makes the crop any better. Wheat and oaks will germinate and grow under the most dismal conditions. It's best to cover it up, but it will grow if left on the surface (less the seeds picked off by crows and turkeys). I joke that I can grow wheat in the bed of my pickup. It sprouts up there the first rain after planting.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

The "crow foot" moves a little dirt over the seed and keeps itself cleaner, like I said above, they are superior.

SR

 

[3Lfarms]

I have the 96” EA cultipacker. What is the best way to get the best use out of it for planting pasture grass? Should the ground be a little damp to just press the seeds in a little, or is it better to use the packer to put the ridges in the soil then broadcast over and let the seeds settle in the bottom of the little furrows?
I am restoring an old single disk opener grain drill. I am thinking of just letting the drill drop in a very shallow or no existent furrow and tow the packer behind the drill. Any opinions on the best use of what I have to work with?

 

[ebbkubota]

Check with Bo Edwards at Edwards Implement. I've got an 8' model but he makes ATV sized equipment also. great folks to do business with.

 

[jeff9366]

I use a 3' plastic lawn roller filled with water, weighs over 700 lbs, pulled by my Kubota with turf tires makes about a 5' swath. Really makes a difference if you plant small seed blends.

I have both an ETA Cultipacker and a plastic lawn roller. I smooth my ground every cultivation, usually with a TR3 rake. The heavy Cultipacker smooths as it rolls in the seeds and I believe it keeps the young seedlings better supplied with water.

The poly roller is satisfactory and much cheaper.

Really small seeds, like some radishes and clover, require light to germinate. Small seeds should be rolled. If you drag over small seeds so they are covered germination is reduced. Larger seeds are probably OK dragged but I have no personal experience dragging over seeds, only rolling-in experience.

 

[Xfaxman]

Here is another model to check out: Cultipackers - OMNI Mfg LLC

 

[bambam31]

I see you are in Tuscaloosa. I'm in SW Alabama. I always wanted a cultipacker and but came to the realization that I don't need it for food plotting. In 25 years, we have never had a problem getting our plots to come up without one. We've actually stopped turning our plots over completely. After spraying, we just scratch the surface with the disk, broadcast seed and fertilizer and run over it lightly with the disk. We leave the thatch on top. It always comes up and we have saved a ton of time and money. Good luck this year.

 

[BufordBoone]

Thanks, to all.

Special thanks to bambam31. Your recommendation may just save me both time and money!

 

[kneedeep]

Get a piece of Chainlink fence, tie some old tires on it, add a tow chain and GO! Works great and cheap.
Leave near field in the bushes (flag it so bush hog wont meet it, makes a mess)