Harvesting Topsoil

[kubotal3130]

I have a field about an 1 to 2 acres in size. 6 years ago it was full of small sapling trees and growth about 6' high. Bushogged ever since and starting to look good. In some spots, I have at least a foot of good topsoil. Looking to redistribute that topsoil to other areas in order to level of this field and plant clover seed. I have lots of high and low spots. What is best way to do this? I am thinking of buying a rototiller for my Kubota L3130. I have a 7' woods rake with blade. Is it as simple as that? Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

[gabby]

Rollover blade. Use the rippers to loosen the soil, then roll the blade over to the forward scrape (box blade) position and pull the soil wherever you need it. Repeat as necessary.

 

[AJL]

I "harvested" probaby 100-120 yrds of topsoil at our place last summer using both a tiller and a box blade. The tiller is great for breaking down the soil and making it easier to spead out and level. In my case I was also screening it in a homemade screen, so tilling first made that much more productive.

However, if you are dealing with an area that was previously covered with small trees, the roots/stumps would likely make tilling a jolting experience and would be pretty hard on your equipment. Whereas a Box balde with rippers would work great, with less chance of damage, and at 1/4 the cost. I found that the Box Balde works great in both directions, scraping forward and pushing and leveling going backwards.

Additonally, do you have an ongoing use for the tiller? I love mine, and have used it a fair bit between our place and the neighbors, but it's big investment for one project.

Another low cost option is a Chain harrow. I performed a similar project as you have described in the field in front of our house. Leveling with the BB, grading with the Rake (with Gauge wheels) and then harrowing the heck out of it before and after seeding.

Good luck with your project.

 

[rtdiggr]

If you have or have access to a rototiller that would work great. rip it up move and spread. yes it is that simple.

Shane

 

[Happyman]

I have a back pasture that was once farmed. I'm not sure what was planted, but the thing looked like something from a motocross course with all the high and low spots. I tilled over the high spots (Woods 7' reverse rotation tiller)and used a combination of a 7' landscape rake and my FEL to redistribute the topsoil. Looks good! I plan on planting some pasture grass over the area this spring.

 

[kubotal3130]

Great advice! I could use a tiller for other projects. I think I could find a good deal on a used tiller, use it for a couple years and get most my money back. Any ideas on pasture seed. I am not looking for a manicured lawn but would like to keep it short and looking good. I was thinking about planting pure clover. Looks nice, grows think and not too long from what I've read. Any other ideas.

 

[kubotal3130]

also, I pulled all the small stumps with my backhoe. There weren't many.

 

[LBrown59]

Great advice! I could use a tiller for other projects. I think I could find a good deal on a used tiller, use it for a couple years and get most my money back. Any ideas on pasture seed. I am not looking for a manicured lawn but would like to keep it short and looking good. I was thinking about planting pure clover. Looks nice, grows think and not too long from what I've read. Any other ideas.

I use these implements for doing landscaping and yard work.



This is an example of how one project turned out after the tilling and dragging phase was completed,

 

[Happyman]

Great advice! I could use a tiller for other projects. I think I could find a good deal on a used tiller, use it for a couple years and get most my money back. Any ideas on pasture seed. I am not looking for a manicured lawn but would like to keep it short and looking good. I was thinking about planting pure clover. Looks nice, grows think and not too long from what I've read. Any other ideas.

I'm going to plant a "Pasture Mix" that is sold by Southern States. They are a Co-Op. Not sure where you are located, but if there is a local Southern States near you, check them out. They sell a wide variety of pasture grasses and lawn grasses. There are also a number of on-line sellers of seed. Just Google "Pasture Grass". Good Luck!