Grading How to flatten a lot to work on it ???

   / How to flatten a lot to work on it ??? #1  

AxleHub

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Sep 29, 2011
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2,558
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Western Wisconsin
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Massey scut 2015 GC1715
Just today I had a trackdrive skidsteer equipped with a firelane cutter . . Clear an empty buildable lot I own. (1.3 acres).

It was part of a farmed area (its sloped considerably) and part of a development that is now 60% used.

Well its now cleared of any trees and brush . . but its still quit furrowed. What I mean is that with my sub compact tractor I can climb the slope and gingerly move around . . but its only at very slow speed and carefully chosen path. The furrows of tilling from years ago and cutting the field over the years etc.. make for very rough ground . . Pasture type grasses covers it but the furrows vary in height by 6 to 9 inches deep etc..

So a Cat could smooth it out . . But it would tear up all the grassing and expose the entire area to erosion . . Not good. The track drive skid steer makes its own set of furrows also . . So the ground does take impression.

So the question is . . What can be done to get a more even/smooth ground to be able to do brush hog activity in the future Without tearing away all its erosion protection (entire 1.3 acre lot is from 10 to 15 degree sloping areas). It does need to be "a lawn" but it is desired for it to be at least a rough lawn or pasture consistency.
 
   / How to flatten a lot to work on it ??? #2  
Cut down the high high spots, with grass growing on them, and fill in the low spots, with grass growing in them, without disturbing the grass.

A difficult problem. :)

I think something with lots of points instead of a blade, would leave the most grass. What comes to mind is a chain harrow, points down, and lots of passes.

Hackett Flexible Chain Harrow SG Pull type with Draw Bar

Chain harrow photos

Bruce
 
   / How to flatten a lot to work on it ??? #3  
With my sub compact tractor I can climb the slope and gingerly move around . . but its only at very slow speed and carefully chosen path. The furrows of tilling from years ago and cutting the field over the years etc.. make for very rough ground . . Pasture type grasses covers it but the furrows vary in height by 6 to 9 inches deep etc..

The track drive skid steer makes its own set of furrows also . . So the ground does take impression.

What can be done to get a more even/smooth ground to be able to do brush hog activity in the future Without tearing away all its erosion protection? Entire 1.3 acre lot is from 10 to 15 degree sloping areas. It does need to be "a lawn" but it is desired for it to be at least a rough lawn or pasture consistency.

First you need a Field Cultivator, one type of pasture aerator, then a HEAVY Landscape Rake with gauge wheels, angled, to finish. You may decide to remove every-other-tine on the HEAVY Landscape Rake. Alternately, the Field Cultivator, a rear/angle blade and then anti-erosion finish with a Cultipacker. If you have areas that still have erosion potential you can cover with straw then go over straw with a straw crimper. (City ordinances often REQUIRE straw.)

Photo#5: Note Disc Harrow furrows on left, decreased ripples on right, behind Field Cultivator.

Be very cautious about moving dirt on slopes. One judgement error can kill you. If in doubt find a landscape professional with lots of experience who will know how to do this work safely, in preference to mangling yourself.

LINK: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/339095-dirt-dog-all-purpose-plow.html?highlight=
 

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   / How to flatten a lot to work on it ??? #4  
Just today I had a trackdrive skidsteer equipped with a firelane cutter . . Clear an empty buildable lot I own. (1.3 acres).

It was part of a farmed area (its sloped considerably) and part of a development that is now 60% used.

Well its now cleared of any trees and brush . . but its still quit furrowed. What I mean is that with my sub compact tractor I can climb the slope and gingerly move around . . but its only at very slow speed and carefully chosen path. The furrows of tilling from years ago and cutting the field over the years etc.. make for very rough ground . . Pasture type grasses covers it but the furrows vary in height by 6 to 9 inches deep etc..

So a Cat could smooth it out . . But it would tear up all the grassing and expose the entire area to erosion . . Not good. The track drive skid steer makes its own set of furrows also . . So the ground does take impression.

So the question is . . What can be done to get a more even/smooth ground to be able to do brush hog activity in the future Without tearing away all its erosion protection (entire 1.3 acre lot is from 10 to 15 degree sloping areas). It does need to be "a lawn" but it is desired for it to be at least a rough lawn or pasture consistency.


I would try smoothing in strips following the contour of the land (if you have terrace rows I would follow them). Work these strips the width of your implements 5 to 8 feet wide to smooth and then skip a row leaving the grass in place. In other words do half now and after you have grass rooted well enough then repeat the process with the remainder maybe next year.
 
   / How to flatten a lot to work on it ??? #5  
I would try smoothing in strips. Work these strips the width of your implements 5 to 8 feet wide to smooth and then skip a row leaving the grass in place. In other words do half now and after you have grass rooted well enough then repeat the process.

OF COURSE! Why didn't I think of working in strips? :duh:

Forget the Cultipacker. Forget the straw and straw crimper.

Just need a Field Cultivator and a HEAVY Landscape Rake with gauge wheels. And some patience.
 
   / How to flatten a lot to work on it ??? #6  
do the work in the spring when the grass is dormant and it will bounce back just fine at green up.
 

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