Best tool for grading and yard prep???

[caddison]

I am looking for the one tool that would be best suited for preparing a yard for seeding. I have been tilling a few yards for a local landscaper but was wondering if a pulverizer might be better for leveling and preping the soil for seeding. I have been looking at the Freedom line of soil prep tools. They have a wide variety of attachments that look good for yard prep. I am still leaning towards the pulverizer and would like a little imput from you all.

 

[jeffinsgf]

If I was going to be in the business, this is what I would have.

'Scape Rake

 

[Egon]

Assuming that many different soil types and surface irregularities will be encountered It may take more than one piece of equipment.

Rotatiller, box/rear blade and harrow would be my choices.

Egon

 

[creeper]

I use a pulverizer with good results.It will do anything that a box blade will and leaves a smooth trail. I dont think it will clean up a finish grade as nicely as a landscape rake with gauge wheels and isn't as efficient as a harley or scape rake.

 

[sweettractors]

For leveling gravel driveways or soil in a yard, this piece of equipment has really been doing a good job for our customers. The down side is, I can only get them in 5 or 7 ft widths and the 5 requires 35 HP to operate correctly. I am hoping the Mfgr. will add a 4 ft soon.--Ken Sweet

 

[caddison]

That Scape Rake looks like an awesome piece of equipment, I would have to do a lot of yards to pay for that bad boy! I am going to check on it though.

The majority of the yards I deal with are clay and on occasion some black dirt. I am getting more particular about grade and level.....more so than the customer....I did one this last weekend with the box blade and a section of harrow. I let the scarifiers down all the way and just barely ripped the ground and left the rear of the box blade about an inch of the ground and then had the harrow chain to the box blade. It actually did a decent job and the friend I was doing it for was thrilled. Thanks for the impute so far!!

 

[LoganWildman]

I put in several yards each year, and due to varying conditions, I have yet to find 1 tool that will do it all. For new lawns, where there is bare dirt that is not like concrete, I will use a pulverizer for final grade, sometimes I find it necessary to use a landscape rake also. If there is alot of vegatation, then I will most likely use a tiller. I haven't had an occasion to use a 'scape rake or a harley, but I have read comments from people that have used them, and most say the same thing I am saying, it depends on soil/vegatition conditions as to how good of a job it does.

 

[JLoaf]

Ken
What do you call that thing?
I looked for one on your web site - couldn't find one.
What's the price on the 7' model?
J

 

[sweettractors]

It is called a Soil Mover/Leveler and the 5 ft is priced at $895 and weighs 800 lbs, 7 ft at $995 and weighs 950 lbs. They have just started making the 10 ft priced at $1195 and weighs 1380 lbs--It is on the our website, I just added it this week--Click on the link below and it should be at the top of the page--Ken Sweet

Sweet Farm Equipment LLC Misc Page

 

[JLoaf]

Thanks for the info.

 

[KennedyDiesel]

If you haven't yet tried a power rake like a Harley rake, I'd strongly suggest trying one...

 

[aondre]

I use Harley Rakes, pulverizers, and occasionally a tiller. The tiller is only used if there is heavy vegitation. The Harley Rake is the workhorse and does almost all of my work. The pulverizers work good if the soil is not too heavy, or already loosened. I also like the pulverizer for the final pass after the Harley Rake and before seeding.

If you have rocky soil, a Harley Rake would be my suggestion.

 

[TORQUIN]

The Harley Rake/ Powered Rake is the DEAL! Not many can justify the cost, but you can probably rent one. It will be well worth it. I have seen the jobs it does and I want one so bad!! I just cannot justify the cost for what little I would use it. If I was a landscaper for a living, that would be the second thing I'd buy, after the tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Chris

 

[caddison]

Thanks all for all the responses. I am looking at a Harley rake. I wish I could find one locally to rent for a test run. I am looking at a T-6. Although the cost seems high I am figuring this will last me a long time and the time savings alone will help justify the cost (have to justify it in my own mind) Hopefully I can line up several jobs with this unit since no one in the area has one and there are none locally to rent.

I did have the opportunity to observe a Road Boss in action. This is one awesome attachment but I think would not be as handy as the power rake. As I understand it the power rake can also dress up gravel drives as well. Now it is just a matter of parting with the $5000.00!!!

What is a common rate for doing a yard with the Harley Rake? I was charging $35.00 an hour with the tiller but I gather the time spent will be greatly reduced with the Harley Rake. I have noticed that some guys are charging by the sq.ft.

 

[bluecarpenter]

I have both video's on the harley rake and then on the Absolute innovations TR3 rack. I like both of them but the TR3 rack does not seem to have much to break down. It is about 1/2 the price of the harley. I feal like they are both a good product.
When I get my tractor I'm wanting to get the TR3 rack for doing some land scaping for others too. What your charging seems about right. mark