implement to put gravel back on driveway?

[The Deerslayer]

I use a landscape rake for my 800 ft gravel driveway and it works great. As already noted, you want it wide enough to cover the rear tracks when at an angle. Not sure if you really need a heavy duty rake for what you are looking to do. Mine came from TSC and is plenty sturdy for the job. Having a wheel kit would be good add on.

 

[2ndhalf]

While a box blade is a GREAT implement and everyone should have one, the op asked about an easy way to retrieve his gravel and spread it. A box blade is not the implement that would serve him best for this task. I would say a landscape rake, as was previously mentioned. Great tool for this as well as general maintenance of the road.

I guess that's why we put IMO. The box blade will get everything including fines and anything that is causing a ledge where the rake may not. A box blade will easily do what he is describing because the grave is still on the drive as he explains. I'm sure a landscape rake is good to have too though.

 

[PILOON]

Seems to me that the box blade would also gather up the sod grass etc.
My guess is that a sweeper broom or rotating brush would be more appropriate.

Think this is a prevention rather than cure situation, like letting a base form B4 plowing or blowing snow.

 

[/pine]

IMO...this job (site unseen) to do it right requires two implements...otherwise the gravel will end up back where it is in a short time depending on traffic...
Again...IMO, if the track lanes are hard packed I would use some type of scarifiers to break up the existing strata...as well as knocking down the center ridge and get the pitch or crown right...then come back with a landscape rake etc. and recover the migrated gravel and spread it...then re-top with some crusher run etc...

 

[anthonyv]

I use a ratchet rake on the FEL & a landscape rake on the rear 3PH set at an angle. Ratchet rake loosens & landscape rake moves it to the center & makes a crown.
Works very well on our 1/2 mile gravel road. Recommend ear protection, sure makes a lot of racket as well.

 

[2ndhalf]

Seems to me that the box blade would also gather up the sod grass etc.
My guess is that a sweeper broom or rotating brush would be more appropriate.

Think this is a prevention rather than cure situation, like letting a base form B4 plowing or blowing snow.

If you couldn't stay in the drive it would do that, in which case that person deserves to use a rake. $20 dollars at sears.

 

[s219]

I own a box blade and a rear blade. For what the OP describes, I would use the rear blade and then follow up with the box.

 

[AchingBack]

You need to train yourself and others using the road to stop driving down the middle. If you drive on the edge of a properly sized crowned road, one of your tires is going to be riding on the crown while the other is as I said on the outside edge. This simple adjustment in the way you use your road will keep it in better shape for longer periods. Also, driving slower is a big plus.

If you follow my suggestions you will begin to see how your tires will begin to direct the gravel back toward the center of the road. The farther to the edge you can get the better job your tires will be doing of moving the rock away from the ditch.

Like others, I use an angle blade and, or a landscape rake with gauge wheels with a floating top link when I need to bring the road back into proper shape.

 

[Egon]

check with your local County and see how they maintain the roads. Should give some solid advice.

 

[The Deerslayer]

You need to train yourself and others using the road to stop driving down the middle. If you drive on the edge of a properly sized crowned road, one of your tires is going to be riding on the crown while the other is as I said on the outside edge. This simple adjustment in the way you use your road will keep it in better shape for longer periods. Also, driving slower is a big plus.

:thumbsup: Could not agree more with this more. Our driveway was well worn from the prior owners driving down the middle and we followed suit (never had a gravel driveway before).

Added new gravel and tampered it about six years ago.Told everyone to drive slow and alternate driving down the sides. It has made a huge difference. In fact, I have not had to use the rake on it this whole time and that includes every winter using the rear blade and/or snow blower for snow removal.