Lawn roller...

[mrcaptainbob]

Didn't want to hijack the other thread about the ringed lawn roller. I do have some questions...: Certainly weight is important, but what about the diameter? Is it better to have a large diameter rather than smaller? Is the larger diameter more desirable only because of more weight? I like the idea of separate rings. I have access to MANY cast weight lifting weights. A four foot row of those would be like pulling a cast iron rod ten inches in diameter! Over a thousand pounds, ten inches diameter. A great roller?

 

[doall]

sounds like a good idea. if you use 45's I will be more than 10 inches in diameter though. I bet it will leave an impression in moist ground though. may want to go with 25's or 35's.

 

[galaxie428]

I borrowed several yard rollers from friends all the way up to one that was 1000lb. I was not impressed with how they worked. My yard was pretty wet and I could not smash down a mole run.

I decided to build one myself out of a 300 gal tank. I cut both ends out and welded a couple of 55 gal drums together and then welded the ends back in the tank. I filled the outside with concrete and I can also add water to the inside of the 55 gal drums with water. The weight of the roller should be around 4k and I can add about another 1k of water if needed.

It may be a little overkill but I would suggest something heavier than 1k. That is just my opinion though.

 

[Willl]

Would love to see pics Galaxie.

 

[hoddykubody]

I have built 2. I felt there was more compaction created witha shorter not so high roller . My 2 were made from 30" pipeline pipe leftovers . In short they are 3/4" wall x 5feet and a 6 foot . 1/4 inch plate welded solid on each end with a center bored opening for a shaft. Pillow block bearing on each end and a tongue with ball hitch . 2 tank bungs welded and countersunk on each end and filled with water each spring . 3100 pounds if I remember right for the 6 foot one.

 

[galaxie428]

Would love to see pics Galaxie.

This pic was taken kind of far away but I can provide more pics if needed, I just have to take them.

 

[sweettractors]

This pic was taken kind of far away but I can provide more pics if needed, I just have to take them.

Now, That is a "yard roller" :thumbsup: Ken Sweet

 

[sweettractors]

Something like this works well also. Ken Sweet

 

[beenthere]

That is quite a roller.
As long as you can control it when on a slight hill, and not get caught with it pushing/jack-knifing you.
I've a 1k lb roller that is about 14" diameter 36" long, and I can roll mole runs and in early spring, smooth the lawn. I'm not needing anything heavier or bigger in diameter. Need to consider what will happen when going over rocks that may dent or puncture the steel drum. Mine is concrete filled, and has been no problem.

 

[BruceWard]

Something like this works well also. Ken Sweet

I assume those leave lines in the soil. Does it average out after rainfall?