How do I use a cultipacker???

[TellGRBill]

I have a stretch of ground that I have shaped to be a watershed for a pond on our farm. I have planted grass on this stretch of ground and now, after the grass matures and is mowed, I am considering regularly running a cultipacker over the ground in the direction of the pond to keep the ground smooth and packed to better shed water. I have never used a cultipacker and need some experienced opinions about using a cultipacker for this use.

 

[Halftrack]

If your intention is to shed water towards the pond, I think you would be better served with just a smooth roller to keep the ground smooth and the soil firm. A cultipacker with V shaped wheels is going to disturb the soil and loosen it enough to start a washout after a heavy rain. I have used a cultipacker in the spring when the yard is soft to move just enough soil to settle it smoother. Even with extra ballast on the packer, unless its soft from spring thaw or 2+ inches of rain, it barely indents the sod. A secondary benefit of the packer is that it helps incorporate the mulch back into the soil. Last year I had 3 occasions (thaw, and 2 heavy rains) that the packer was effective. Most years its just once or twice.

 

[TellGRBill]

Thank you for your advice! I do not want to disturb the soil but want to make the soil smooth and firm. I am already amazed how quickly the pond collected nearly four feet of water after only three weeks and three rains!