First Time CUT/sCUT Implement help? [For Landscaping]

djradz · Jun 1, 2009

I think I'd get the rough grading work done by a dozer as others have suggested. Then use a rear blade and or rake (with wheels) to finish. I think you'll find the rear blade is all you'll need in Ohio for snow removal, as that is all most of us here in southern Michigan use even though getting more snow.

Unless you really don't want anything in those tires, I'd check our Rim Guard for fill. It cost a little more than calcium-chloride, but much cheeper than weights. No corrosion or environmental concerns either! If your drive is as steep as it looks, you may find yourself looking for chains as well for winter traction.

Bassicfun · Jun 2, 2009

Thanks djradz.

The rough grading work is already done, when they finished the house, the remaining grading will simply be pushing a bit more dirt close to the house to increase the positive grade. Aside from that, I don't see needing to move more then a few inches worth of dirt here and there, which a box scraper w/ scarifiers and blade/rake can finish with.

Hoping to get into the tractor & implements sometime this month if all goes well!

TUG HILL ADDICT · Jun 2, 2009

Purchase only the box scraper first...if you are good with it you will not need the landscape rake.

Bassicfun · Jun 2, 2009

TUG HILL ADDICT said:
Purchase only the box scraper first...if you are good with it you will not need the landscape rake.

There are a MULTITUDE of rocks in the soil especially where the ground was disturbed for the house build. I also think the rake seems useful for the gravel driveway, spreading various bits of material... I am working with a local dealer for best pricing, and working on some discounted implements to sweeten the deal.

TUG HILL ADDICT · Jun 3, 2009

Bassicfun said:
There are a MULTITUDE of rocks in the soil especially where the ground was disturbed for the house build. I also think the rake seems useful for the gravel driveway, spreading various bits of material... I am working with a local dealer for best pricing, and working on some discounted implements to sweeten the deal.

I have 4 crushed stone driveways on my property. I've put them all in myself. The box scraper, not the rake, is the implement to use to install a gravel driveway. You will also find back blading with your FEL to work very well. Additionally you might want to rent a plate compactor for a day to set the stone it will be very worth it.

But if you can get a good deal and $$$ is no object then by all means get the landscape rake too you can never have too many toys errrrr tools.

Bassicfun · Jun 17, 2009

The rocks are in the soil though not the driveway.

so the landscape rake seems to be the choice to rake out the larger rocks from the whole property before putting in the yard.

markb74 · Jun 17, 2009

Bassicfun said:
The rocks are in the soil though not the driveway. so the landscape rake seems to be the choice to rake out the larger rocks from the whole property before putting in the yard.

I was wondering when we'd start to see the grass!

I'm also a central Ohio guy, and the wife and I drive by your place every once in a while (we bought our garden plants at the local greenhouse). Very nice house with a scenic location on the hill. Shouldn't have to worry about drainage/water issues. I hope your yard comes in well!

Mark

Bassicfun · Jul 9, 2009

Well the tractor was bought, and the process has begun, so far the landscape rake (bought used) hasn't been very useful.. I DO have a rotatiller now, and that works, but the grass/sod/weeds are just getting turned over with the tiller. I wonder if a box-blade to rip up the big parts of the ground, and the tiller to loosen up the clumps, and spread it some would be best?

jnjpream · Jul 9, 2009

I have used the box blade to strip vegetation off the ground. The only way I could do it was to use the scarifiers to help pull the box blade into the ground. With out the extra down pressure it would grab a few weeds but if it skipped over one it would skip over a few before digging in again (because of the large surface area of the blade).

Your best bet may be to till the area, then drag it with the rake to pull the vegetation off into a burn pile. If you have a box blade and it is virgin soil such that you don't know where the rocks are, you may want to drag the scarifiers through the area first to turn up any shallow boulders to help keep your tiller in one piece.

Jeff