is a chain harrow the right tool

[3RRL]

Yup,
That's exactly how I did my food plot plowing.





Notice how the rear blade is a couple inches off the dirt and only the scarifiers are in the Earth.
A poor man's plow for me. The boxblade is multi-versatile.
One thing though, don't make a "sharp" turn when the scarifiers are down deep like that. Raise up the implement or you might bend them. The are better and most strong in straight line pulling. They are thinner sideways and can bend easier in that direction.
Don't ask how I know.

 

[bx23barry]

While a chain harrow would do a good job of breaking up clods, smoothing and covering seed some old logs and/or tires will do about the same thing for alot less. I made a drag out of some old fence posts and and a length of 1/2"chain looped back and forth. Works pretty darn good.

 

[Z-Michigan]

While a chain harrow would do a good job of breaking up clods, smoothing and covering seed some old logs and/or tires will do about the same thing for alot less. I made a drag out of some old fence posts and and a length of 1/2"chain looped back and forth. Works pretty darn good.

Since it sounds like a one-time use I would agree with this as good enough and by far the cheapest option. Some people have posted pics in the projects and build it yourself forums. If you were going to be using a drag regularly, like for busting manure piles in a pasture, I would recommend a chain harrow as more durable and effective for that purpose.

 

[Soundguy]

You can get the regular chain harrow. when done with it, lay a 2x4 at the end, roll the chain harrow back on itself up to the tractor.. back lift arms over it. chain up, lift and take it where you want it.

soundguy

Thank you for the info

I only have a box blade and brush cutter right now. On a tight budget due to the new house and land. I am not looking at farming at all. and will have small areas of "Lawn" near the house. This is basic ground cover that will be cut once a month at the most. My lawn will be my nice area.

So far the box blade has done a gteat job. I just do not want to be using a rake in my hand for 2 acres!!! With the chain / Blanket harrow it looks like I should get a boom pole also to pick it up? The one with a full fram is over my budget.


BOB

 

[Grrrr]

You can get the regular chain harrow. when done with it, lay a 2x4 at the end, roll the chain harrow back on itself up to the tractor.. back lift arms over it. chain up, lift and take it where you want it.

soundguy

That is a great idea

I curently pile the whole thing in a loader bucket but that would be easier.

 

[SkunkWerX]

Here is how I did Little League field with a Chain Harrow:

-Hooked up my home-made Rear-Forks (Carry-all)
-Rolled up the Chain Harrow and hauled it around using the forks.
-Unrolled it, hooked the drag chain to base of carry-all, and harrowed away.

When done, rolled up the harrow, and rolled onto the Rear Forks, then right into my trailer to go to the next set of fields.

In this case, the budget word comes up, so, after doing to BB trick of rasing the rear, then I'd get some scrap chain link and try that. If needed, attach a log or landscape timber up front, and let the chain trail behind.

 

[Soundguy]

That is a great idea

I curently pile the whole thing in a loader bucket but that would be easier.

That's still how i move mine... just roll it back on itself with a stiff board or bar inthe middle, then loop a chain around each end lift and go.. i usually store it up against a fence with a box blade setting in front of it to keep the animals feet out of it.. I now have a couple loaders.. but never used them to move the drag.. though i did move it a couple times with a gin pole, and similar method rolled on a 2x4.. etc..

soundguy

 

[flusher]

i have about 1.5 acres i am trying to get some grass planted. it was bare land that we clearer underbrush and blackberries to get our house in. we still hace alot of fir trees. i have spent some time with my box blade getting the roots and clumps out. i do not want to tell the whole place so i was looking at a chain harrow to drag around. and get the dirt to look a bit better. i am not looking for perfect lawn just grass. also what is a good all around type of grass. it is a shady area with the fir trees and I am in the pacific northwest (near Portland Oregon)

thank you alll!!!!!!


BOB

Use the BB and scarifiers to break up the soil as best you can.

Then get a couple of auto or truck tires (with rims if possible for added weight) and some chain to lash them together and attach to your drawbar. Drive around a while and eventually your planting area will be smoothed out.

If the ground is really dry, you can grind it to dust this way, but that's going too far.

 

[Rara Avis]

If you haven't bought any equipment yet...then this is your solution...
The Absolute Innovations Line of Ground-Prep Tools

 

[n8wrl]

If you haven't bought any equipment yet...then this is your solution...
The Absolute Innovations Line of Ground-Prep Tools

I've got one of those - awesome, but not cheap.

-Brian