Best tool for grading and yard prep???

caddison · Mar 15, 2005

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 · Mar 16, 2005

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

'Scape Rake

Egon · Mar 16, 2005

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 · Mar 16, 2005

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 · Mar 16, 2005

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 · Mar 16, 2005

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 · Mar 16, 2005

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 · Mar 16, 2005

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 · Mar 16, 2005

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

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