Cheap Lawn Striping Attachment

[GeneD14]

Lately I've seen nicely striped lawns using a special attachment. At $250-300 a whack it seems a little much for a simple set of rollers to drag behind the mower. So last Saturday I decided to make a cheap version to see how it would work. I was able to make one for under $7 with a few purchased parts and some spare metal that I had.
Here is a picture.

 

[GeneD14]

Lately I've seen nicely striped lawns using a special attachment. At $250-300 a whack it seems a little much for a simple set of rollers to drag behind the mower. So last Saturday I decided to make a cheap version to see how it would work. I was able to make one for under $7 with a few purchased parts and some spare metal that I had.
Here is a picture.

 

[GeneD14]

For the framework I used some spare black pipe and bent it with my cheap hydraulic bender.
I bought small bronze bushings for the axle.
For the roller I bought a PT wooden fence post. (no kidding)
I thought about using 4" PVC pipe but then I would have to add weigh some how to get it to crush down the grass, so I used wood for the weight.
I rounded the roller ends over so when turning it wouldn't tear up the grass.

 

[GeneD14]

For the framework I used some spare black pipe and bent it with my cheap hydraulic bender.
I bought small bronze bushings for the axle.
For the roller I bought a PT wooden fence post. (no kidding)
I thought about using 4" PVC pipe but then I would have to add weigh some how to get it to crush down the grass, so I used wood for the weight.
I rounded the roller ends over so when turning it wouldn't tear up the grass.

 

[GeneD14]

I figured that if it worked I could start looking for a more permanent roller material.
Here is a picture of the yard after using the home made lawn striper.
The sun is directly over head so you don't get the full effect but you can definitly see the stripes. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[GeneD14]

I figured that if it worked I could start looking for a more permanent roller material.
Here is a picture of the yard after using the home made lawn striper.
The sun is directly over head so you don't get the full effect but you can definitly see the stripes. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[GeneD14]

Here is another view of the yard.

 

[GeneD14]

Here is another view of the yard.

 

[GeneD14]

This is my first attempt at striping so I have some learning to do. There are some variables that I want to experiment with like: length of grass, weight of roller, dry grass vs damp, etc...
Any ideas are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[GeneD14]

This is my first attempt at striping so I have some learning to do. There are some variables that I want to experiment with like: length of grass, weight of roller, dry grass vs damp, etc...
Any ideas are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[MrJimi]

What about some kind of a lever to raise it with when you go around a tree/shrub etc.?You have a good idea and with very little work I will see yours at the Home improvement stores
Jim /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[MrJimi]

What about some kind of a lever to raise it with when you go around a tree/shrub etc.?You have a good idea and with very little work I will see yours at the Home improvement stores
Jim /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[HarleyScooter]

Gene, I used a piece of 4" schedule 80 black pipe with a 1" solid axle and 1/2" plate end caps. A little overkill? but I think regular schedule 40 would work out just fine. Nice job on the framework, it looks good.

 

[HarleyScooter]

Gene, I used a piece of 4" schedule 80 black pipe with a 1" solid axle and 1/2" plate end caps. A little overkill? but I think regular schedule 40 would work out just fine. Nice job on the framework, it looks good.

 

[GeneD14]

MrJimi,
I like your idea of being able to raise and lower. I'm going to put my thinking cap on for that one.

Harleyscooter,
Wow! Your lawn striper is way cool! I like how you made it to fit the 3 point hitch. Great job!!

 

[GeneD14]

MrJimi,
I like your idea of being able to raise and lower. I'm going to put my thinking cap on for that one.

Harleyscooter,
Wow! Your lawn striper is way cool! I like how you made it to fit the 3 point hitch. Great job!!

 

[Donman]

Looking at your pics made me wonder if a light weight roller with a compression spring setup for down pressure to your rear hitch area with a pull release to raise it during turns might work.

 

[Donman]

Looking at your pics made me wonder if a light weight roller with a compression spring setup for down pressure to your rear hitch area with a pull release to raise it during turns might work.

 

[Nasty135]

Gene, That really looks like it does a great job! Too bad you had to invest so much to build it... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

You seem to really do some very good projects and improvements on alot of your equipment...
"always thinking" /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Nasty135]

Gene, That really looks like it does a great job! Too bad you had to invest so much to build it... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

You seem to really do some very good projects and improvements on alot of your equipment...
"always thinking" /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif