Rake 3 PT Power Rake

[Stormtruck2]

I planned on trying to remove as much thatch as possible,then areate, and overseed. The ground is as hard a concrete. For 22 years the previous owner would roll it to get rid of the gopher mounds and trails. Being a heavy clay, and a hog yard in a prior life, the ground is rich, and hard. Sounds like I may end up just aerating it and overseeding it twice a year for the next few years. Can't afford verticutter. Have also thought about just tilling the dang thing up and starting it all over. Well, plow it, disc and then till. Would like to till down 8-11 inches to be sure and really bury the old grass and weeds along with loosing the soil up well too. Having a hard time finding the implements I want at a good price. I'm used to buying used and saving money, but I may have to go with new for the tiller. I would like to get a 72" that my JD 4600 could run. Its a 36 hp PTO and 43 hp engine.

 

[teg]

It might help to run a subsoiler over that area...

 

[JohninCT]

It might help to run a subsoiler over that area...

Ya beat me to it...

A good video from Ted at Everything Attachments on use of one.

YouTube - How to Use a Subsoiler

 

[myyaz33]

I'd till it instead of subsoiler. Will save you much work later when breaking up the soil and getting ready for seed. Till it drag and and you'd be ready for seed in no time.

Edit: after checking out that video, a subsoiler would certainly help with the deeper compaction and allow for quicker deeper root penetration.

 

[Reg]

The Harley rake isn't really what I was looking for. They are expensive though. What I was looking for has rotating vertical blades the slice the soil and pull up the thatch. The Harley rake looks like it just peels the turf right off. I have used Power Rakes before on my little lawns and they do a great job of pulling the thatch up. Lots of raking when your done. I would think that golf courses would use them to prevent thatch build up.

I think a rototiller with "KNIVES" would do that.
Some time ago I read an article on doing just that conversion.
As I recall it was just a matter of replacing the tines with flat stock, about 3/16 thick and maybe 2 inches wide, two holes drilled near one end of each piece to match the removed tine mounting holes.
(I think that would mean 56 pieces for mine)

I do NOT recall if there was anything to separate the pulled up thatch to prevent it from wrapping around and clogging the rotor.
Some sort of separating "comb" would seem like a good idea.

 

[dwost]

I run one of these (60") with my Z. They work great but if you are looking for more of a renovator, as stated this thread be prepared to drop some jack! http://www.jrcoinc.com/product.asp?id=3

 

[Reg]

PS
Where are you located ?

I just read about the verticutter thing.
NICE, but it barely goes an inch deep and since it is golf course equipment it probably depends for it's success on working on level and well maintained surfaces.
i.e. it is a GROOMING tool.

 

[Stormtruck2]

I live in Eastern Iowa. We have very rich black soil, also called black clay. Grows great lawns as long as its not compacted. It creates big cracks in the yard during bad dry spells. I think I'm going to end up just tearing out the yard, using a subsoiler, plow, disc, harrow, box blade, and replanting. Sounds like a lot of work, sounds like even more fun. I have a well so I'm researching if I can put in a sprinkler system. 3 acres takes a wee bit of planning, piping, and pumping.:laughing:

 

[Reg]

I live in Eastern Iowa. We have very rich black soil, also called black clay. Grows great lawns as long as its not compacted. It creates big cracks in the yard during bad dry spells. I think I'm going to end up just tearing out the yard, using a subsoiler, plow, disc, harrow, box blade, and replanting. Sounds like a lot of work, sounds like even more fun. I have a well so I'm researching if I can put in a sprinkler system. 3 acres takes a wee bit of planning, piping, and pumping.:laughing:

How about "opening it up" while you are at it ?
I am thinking LARGE amounts of hay, horse manure, wood shavings, etc.
Should be cheap at any horse barn, just have to haul it away.

 

[Stormtruck2]

You convince SWMBO that I can spread manure all over my yard and I'll do it. You assume all medical cost after you tell her that.:laughing: Actually after I turn the soil the first time, I was thinking off adding some modifiers and working it in. I like the idea of working the stuff you mentioned. Thinking about running the subsoiler at 24" deep, then plow it up, disc it, spread the manure etc then till it in 11". Spread the seed, about 300 pounds for 3 acres sound right? Then lightly roll the seed in with a roller or a cultipacker. Sound like a workable strategy?:confused2: I am open to suggestions.:thumbsup: "I'm guessing here!" Kelsy Grammer Down Periscope