Remove grass layer with bucket for planting bed

[Bill R 4]

I'm looking to create long but thin planting beds for herbs (75' long by 4' wide) on unbroken ground. I have a 32 hp Kubota with a bucket, but no plow. Understanding it will take quite a bit of time, would it work if I scraped the sod off and then used a rototiller to create the bed? I don't have a plow or discs, and would rather not buy anything new at this time.

Thank you in advance.

Bill

 

[oosik]

I've tried scraping up grass sod with the bucket on my 64 hp Kubota. It was a dismal failure. The bucket simply is not the implement to do this type of work. Control is not tight enough - you are either digging too deep or skimming across the top of the grass.

However - since you have the implement and tool - give it a try. The worst that can happen - it won't work for you either.

BTW - welcome to TBN and this forum.

 

[CalG]

I'm looking to create long but thin planting beds for herbs (75' long by 4' wide) on unbroken ground. I have a 32 hp Kubota with a bucket, but no plow. Understanding it will take quite a bit of time, would it work if I scraped the sod off and then used a rototiller to create the bed? I don't have a plow or discs, and would rather not buy anything new at this time.

Thank you in advance.

Bill

Weld a couple of "lawn guides" much like "bucket tusks" to the outside of the bucket side plates .
Set for 2 inch depth of the bucket blade, the sod should roll right into the bucket for easy carrying.

drill and bolt would work as well. 1 1/2 inch heavy wall square tube perhaps.

 

[3Ts]

It can be done. As previously posted, the problem is controlling the bucket depth and angle of attack. Also, as you roll the grass into the bucket, the bucket will fill up faster than you expect. It will take a while to do the 75'. Don't plan on much more than 2 or 3 feet per bucket full.

 

[/pine]

you can rent a sod cutter for a clean removal...then till etc...
Good Luck...

 

[mapper]

Till the grass under and cover it with black plastic for a week or two to kill the grass. The dead sod will add nutrients to the soil. Avoid stripping off your top soil, it's valuable stuff!

 

[jeff9366]

Till the grass under and cover it with black plastic for a week or two to kill the grass. The dead sod will add nutrients to the soil. Avoid stripping off your top soil, it's valuable stuff!

Excellent suggestion.

If you have the ability to mow existing ground cover very short, you should be fine roto-tilling. Let the ground and ground cover dry out, then roto-till a second time.

If you are seeking an excuse to purchase a new attachment, a Ratchet Rake bucket attachment is excellent at removing sod and smoothing small gardens.

You can purchase a Ratchet Rake through the tractorbynet.com STORE, button at top of this page.

Kubota B3300SU tractor-loader package in photos is almost identical to your L3000.

 

[CalG]

Fertile soil is not always wanted for herb gardens.

Go figure,,,, ;-)

 

[Bill R 4]

Thank you all for a good range of suggestions and tips. I appreciate the help!

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

I might suggest a boxblade with rippers as my first choice for this task. Seems ideally suited. :2cents:

My second choice would be a bucket BUT only one with teeth (like a real cutting bar or possibly a piranha thingy). I have found that manipulating sod with an un-toothed bucket is a frustrating experience.