Best implements to grind sod clumps, remove rocks, and flatten a pasture

[Egon]

As per Leonz, a small rock picker followed by diamond harrows.

 

[Cataclysm]

That's the perfect job for a pto driven power rake. I scored a pto driven 6' off CL for about 1/2 price. I run it on a 55hp tractor. Would't take full price for it now. I'd stick with the 5' rake with 30 hp.

 

[3Ts]

For 3 point hitch equipment, how does a power rake differ from a rototiller? Can a rototiller be used in place of a power rake?

 

[oosik]

I'm never in a big hurry. I drag a chunk of chain link fence behind my ATP. It's not the fastest way but it's dirt cheap and will eventually do a great job.

 

[mike48130]

For 3 point hitch equipment, how does a power rake differ from a rototiller? Can a rototiller be used in place of a power rake?

I have both, and the answer is yes and no. The rake leaves a finer finish, and also can angle so it pushes the rocks and debris to the side. A tiller just mulches it all up and lays it back down and is usually meant for deaper work.

I used my tiller and the York rake many times before I bought the Harley Rake. It can be done, but the HR makes it quicker. Even after the HR, I still go over it with the York rake just to smooth it out. After I plant the seed, I run the York rake backwards, and it covers up the seed pretty well.

 

[mike48130]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I was afraid that a power rake would be the best solution. I'll look at the various harrows.
Not much available in the way of rentals around here, but it might be worth a drive if we can find one.

There is a nice Woods power rake in the PA area on Facebook Marketplace right now. Asking just over $4k. I was going to go look at it, but didn't want to make the 8hr round trip.

 

[the old grind]

What Jeff and Oosik said. you don't need a pricey power tool that will choke or break on 'dinnerplate'-sized rocks. I carve sod from the edge of the driveway, curbs 'built' by POs plowing snow with a blade best left to o'pavement use. Sod lumps result. I too use a chain fence drag, going over the clumps pulled by the golf cart.

Oosik found what I did to do such a 'smoothing' job, and sweeping u-turns leave no trace on adjacent mowed areas, actually blending the edges. 'Sod clumps' become fluffy 'hair-balls' as after a few passes the dirt crumbles from them.

For big scale jobs, I salute Jeff9366's suggestion of a chain harrow. I also agree that a disc harrow is good for this kind of work. Where I have more roots than rocks, I start with a chisel plow or subsoiler, then I disc, then remove rocks. I always like to vet what tools I have vs look for a place to store another PTO implement that should be kept outdoors the 90% of time it sits. :2cents:

 

[Industrial Toys]

A rock rake will windrow rocks and seperate material.

A rototiller won't help you get from this:



To This:



The Harley Rake certainly will

 

[mike48130]

Did this yesterday with a harley take.