Driveway

[maddmatt16052]

Hello,

I’m thinking about getting the power rake for my PT422 for maintaining my gravel driveway. Right now I use the ratchet rake that attaches to my bucket ($300.00) when I bought it three years ago. I Was wondering if any of you guys have the power rake and would recommend it for a gravel driveway? It has a hefty price ($3500.00) any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[old and tired]

Only my opinion, you have the wrong gravel. You don't have fines to lock the rocks together.

I rarely touch my driveway once I fixed any pothole that was from the previous owner.

You definitely don't want to break up the driveway base.

What problems do you have where you need a power rake?

 

[ponytug]

I don't have the power rake, but my impression from talking with folks that have one is that it is intended more for soil preparation for seeding lawns and the like, as the power part of the rake tends to fling gravel. Once the camber is set, I think for driveway maintenance a land plane or a box blade is more useful.

@maddmatt16052 this is definitely armchair quarterbacking, but from a zillion miles away, I think that @old and tired is on the money for your driveway needing fines to hold it together.

All the best,

Peter

 

[m5040]

If you insist on getting one, wouldn't a garden rototiller set at minimal pentation do the same thing?(and you could use in garden too) Then you could grade the driveway with box blade.

 

[ponytug]

If you insist on getting one, wouldn't a garden rototiller set at minimal pentation do the same thing?(and you could use in garden too) Then you could grade the driveway with box blade.

I guess you could. I've tried to use the tiller to skim surfaces, and absent wheels on it, I have found precise depth control to be elusive. I would also be the first to admit that my coordination skills aren't the best. The tiller that I have came with bolt holes that could readily support wheels, but I haven't gone there.

It may just be my experience, but a few passes with a vibratory compactor over a well mixed and graded gravel road bed seems to stand up to a great deal of use without much further attention.

All the best,

Peter

 

[maddmatt16052]

Thanks for all your guys input, I was watching people on you tube using power rakes on their driveway with good results but the price is to much for now. Thanks!

 

[Mtsoxfan]

+1 on the wrong gravel IF you are looking for an asphalt style gravel driveway. Different areas have different t
erms. Where I am it's called Staymat, same size gravel as yours looks like, but with fines that compact it and it stays in place for the most part. Once I did mine, 4 years ago, I have yet to do anything but fill in minor depressions. OCD...
Our weather and 5 seasons are tough on driveways, and roads...

 

[dj1701]

My neighbor has a Harley rake, or power rake. Two passes on my driveway and all the potholes were gone. I was very impressed with it. Thought I might get one, but they are over $10,000.
I bought a land plane instead. It does a good job, but I should have bought a bigger one for the JD.

Dave

 

[scotts562]

I have a power rake. Use it more for soil prep but I think it would work well for your driveway. The caster wheels make it level easier and faster, plus driving forward instead of back dragging.

Also have a tiller. It is a poor choice for grading.

 

[marrt]

As to the gravel type, in VA, it's called "21A." It's 3/4" minus with fines (often including some clay as a binder). Great stuff. You could probably just add a couple loads of fines since it appears you may already have the 3/4" minus, but washed and no fines. The gravel pit or delivery guy should be able to make a recommendation.

Instead, you might consider one of those Harbor Freight plate compactors before buying gravel or a power rake. I have one and they do a pretty good job. You could also rent something, such as a rolling compactor, and try it. Depending on your gravel base, and what exactly you're wanting to accomplish, a compactor can yield some good results.