How do you guys remove smaller rocks from your land?

[gogo]

Hey everyone,
So I've been really getting a lot of use out of my L3200. I love it. I have done a lot of work on my 5 acres. I used my RCR1860 and mowed all my land. Now I want to get all those smaller rocks sifted out. Does anyone have a tool they have built or bought to gather up the loose rocks on your property? I would love to see what you TBNers have come up with.
Thanks

 

[nybirdman]

Around here they use a "rock bucket".Just tines on the back and bottom;use to sift the dirt our.Kind of a lost cause around here.The frost just pushes up more in the spring.

 

[Xfaxman]

If I was buying one, it would be this one with round tines: Bradco 66" Skid Steer, Skidsteer, Rock Bucket, 3" Tine Spacing Universal Skid Steer Quick Attach

It would be even better with the grapple: Bradco Grapple Attachment for Bradco Skid Steer, Skidsteer, Rock Buckets

 

[oosik]

Most of my rocks are basket ball sized or bigger. I go around with the tractor & my manual, hand operated shovel and dig them out & fling them into the bucket.

I plowed/disked a small area - about an acre - where the larger mature rocks breed and I get a new crop of smaller ones each spring. I hand pick this area each year with the hope that some day there will be no mo' small rocks and I can plant there. I could probably use something like what xfaxman is showing in his post above.

But, its so darn much fun hand picking that new crop each spring. The fact is - the rocks will never quit, I will get too old to do this each spring or I will just eventually give up, ha ha. The valley where these are being dumped is filling up also.

 

[gogo]

Thanks guys. I was hoping someone uses something that is pulled from behind the tractor or PTO attached. Any input is appreciated. Thanks

 

[JerryK]

Usually, if you make the item worth something... then there will be none of them just laying around... Law of Nature #523

 

[Gary Fowler]

I have seen items shown on TBN that are towed behind, dig into the ground and separate the rocks from the dirt. It looks like it would require a lot of HP to pull it though. From photos it appears that the machine is pulled 6-12" deep and the rocks are separated from the dirt on a moving chain link system that deposits the rocks in a back bucket that is then hydraulically dumped.
I have no personal experience with one, although if it was available in my area, I would certainly rent one if it was reasonably priced.

I don't see this as an item to buy, but maybe rent one if locally available.

 

[Xfaxman]

Thanks guys. I was hoping someone uses something that is pulled from behind the tractor or PTO attached. Any input is appreciated. Thanks

You might get some ideas here: https://www.google.com/search?q=3+p...=CrHoVKn2AY2xogSN7IKIDw&ved=0CFgQsAQ#imgdii=_

 

[gogo]

You might get some ideas here: https://www.google.com/search?q=3+p...=CrHoVKn2AY2xogSN7IKIDw&ved=0CFgQsAQ#imgdii=_

XFaxman, Thanks for the link. I see a lot of landscape rakes. Im thinking I might put the rippers down on my box blade, rip everything. then use a landscape rake? It isn't a lot of rocks but I'm sure when I rip it that will change. I'm not going to rip too deep. I just want the bumpy areas to be smoother like most of the land. Anything that keeps me on the tractor all day will be good.

 

[Xfaxman]

One of the best Landscape Rakes: Everything Attachments Brand Tractor 3 Point Hitch, Category 1, Landscape rake, Root Rake, Rock Rake, York Rake, available in 60", 72", 84", and 96 inch sizes, Free Shipping within 1.000 miles!

 

[JerryK]

" Certified Historic Alluvial Rock Field - Please DO NOT take soveniers " [ won't have a rock left in a three county area...]

 

[gwdixon]

My disabled and divorced neighbor goes to town and hires an "alien", or two, from a group of guys that stand on the street corner and do day work for $12/hour cash. Most towns have such a source.

They pick up rocks in 5 gallon buckets or water pails and dump them into his tractor bucket. When it is filled he dumps the rocks in a pile and goes back for more. It is amazing how many rocks can be gathered in a four hour shift.

Me...well, I'm married so just send the wife out to do the job on our place. The corners of the pasture have nice big rock piles in them. I end up paying more for the labor since I usually end up taking her out to dinner. Plus, she doesn't work nearly as hard as a couple of day workers.

Oh, well. She is good looking for her age and a good cook. I guess one can't have it all.

 

[erda]

Not sure how many or how large the rocks are; or how large a tractor you have, but:
Signature
Signature is the model name

 

[Xfaxman]

Not sure how many or how large the rocks are; or how large a tractor you have, but:
Signature
Signature is the model name

That is a real Git-R-Done machine! :thumbsup:

 

[hunt4570]

I agree with the rock rake that was posted a few posts ago, have used one for years, great for raking up rocks in fields, dragging a gravel driveway etc. Available new from about $300 and up depending how good you want.

 

[gogo]

Not sure how many or how large the rocks are; or how large a tractor you have, but:
Signature
Signature is the model name

Holy Moly! I may follow the advice of GWDixon and ask my wife if she'll do the 5 gallon bucket thing and walk along side my tractor. Although getting her to exchange the high heels for work boots might be tough. I actually found a 3 pt Chain harrow that I like. Just don't know the price.

 

[troutsqueezer]

I bend over and pick'em up. Throw them into the bucket. Dump them in a long line along the North Slope (the line goes on much longer than what is shown in the pic).




Then, when I have nothing better to do, I stack'em up, like this.



These "walls" run all over the property.

 

[bcp]

Mending Wall

SOMETHING there is that doesn't love a wall,
That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it,
And spills the upper boulders in the sun;
And makes gaps even two can pass abreast.

Robert Frost

The rest of it:
64. Mending Wall. Robert Frost. Modern American Poetry

Bruce

 

[gogo]

I bend over and pick'em up. Throw them into the bucket. Dump them in a long line along the North Slope (the line goes on much longer than what is shown in the pic).
Then, when I have nothing better to do, I stack'em up, like this.
These "walls" run all over the property.

Beautiful property Dennis! I like recycling Idea also. Thanks

 

[leveled]

I have a huge pile of rocks that someday I will build something with. Friends and relatives are always asking if they can pick through the pile and take some for landscaping.

I always say no, why would I give away my hard earned rocks?

I too let the wife and kids pick them up and throw them in the bucket. Except the big ones that my I use my forks for.

I have seen some of those older rock style pickers at the auction that probably had a Dozer pull it.