Getting Rocks Out

SouthernX · Mar 24, 2009

We have soil with lots of fist sized (and larger) rocks. I've been using my box blade to try and remove them from an area I'm trying to prepare for a garden area. The box blade does OK but it does fill up fairly quickly at which time it quits picking up additional rocks. My question is what implements / methods have some of you employed to get a lot of rocks out of you soil.

Gary Fowler · Mar 24, 2009

Try using a rock rake available for about $299 for a 6 foot rake. You will likely need to loosen the soil to pull them to the top with your box blade scarifier teeth, then the rock rake should consolidate them to windrows that can be scooped up with a FEL or by hand(heaven forbid that something has to be done manually) There is also a machine that will root them out and collect them in a hopper for dumping if you are flush with money and expense is no object

raykos · Mar 24, 2009

You may also want to do a search on this site for 'dirt sifter', some good ideas that you may find useful.

RWolf · Mar 24, 2009

If you can find one to rent (very $$$$) get a harley power rake. I'm using a 7ft leinbach rake to move small rock and brush and have only had fair results on rocks.

SouthernX · Mar 25, 2009

Gary Fowler said:
Try using a rock rake available for about $299 for a 6 foot rake. You will likely need to loosen the soil to pull them to the top with your box blade scarifier teeth, then the rock rake should consolidate them to windrows that can be scooped up with a FEL or by hand(heaven forbid that something has to be done manually) There is also a machine that will root them out and collect them in a hopper for dumping if you are flush with money and expense is no object

I haven't used a rock rake before. How sturdy are they? These rocks are around 4"-8" some even a little larger. Seems like that might be too large / heavy for a rake unless the rake is a lot stronger than I think it is.

J_J · Mar 25, 2009

Most of the rock rakes I have seen are used for small stones/rocks, maybe up to 3 in. If yo are trying to take out 8 in rocks, then you need a heavy duty root rake to get down and under, similar to this, or this. referencing the green rake , you could cut many holes for the ripper shanks, and use as many as you need to get out certain size rocks. 2,4,6,8 or 12 shanks. What ever spacing it takes to dig out those rocks. You could take a standard box blade with ripper shanks and add some more. Might be your best option.

spruce Deere · Mar 26, 2009

This is what I found works real good. This is a bradco rock bucket. Rip ground with your box blade rippers then gather rocks up with the rock bucket and carry them away. Has 3 in. spacing between tines. If I was closer, I'd help ya out

OlderToday · Mar 26, 2009

Has anyone seen or rented the 3pt tractor version of the rockhound rake in action? Their ads say 6" rocks (some say 8").

rockhound.com
YouTube video

wwalkersd · Mar 26, 2009

OlderToday said:
Has anyone seen or rented the 3pt tractor version of the rockhound rake in action? Their ads say 6" rocks (some say 8").

rockhound.com
YouTube video

I haven't used the 3-point version (no rear hydraulics on tractor), but I rented a skidsteer with one (I think it was $240/day). It'll definitely clear a lot of rocks and break up the dirt if it's not too hard packed.

Of course, I almost put the skid steer on its nose emptying the bucket one time. That rockhound (Cat calls their version a landscape rake. I guess Rockhound's patent has expired) is a very heavy implement to start with, and when you fill it up with rocks and soil and then lift it overhead, bad things can happen. Luckily I had the presence of mind/reflexes to slam that bucket down right quick.

pitt_md · Mar 26, 2009

I use a 7' landscape rake and drag them into piles then use the FEL to haul them away. You get a little dirt mixed in with the rocks but it's minimal.