Rotary Harrow in Action

Casimir · Mar 10, 2003

GrantMO:

Unfortunately, the base is my problem. I only used "stone dust" over the existing soil. At the time, I thought it would only be temporary, so I didn't invest the time and money into getting a good base between the soil and the dust. As long as things are dry, the dust (about 3 inches) works great, but when it gets wet, the soil under it gets slippery. Hope to fix this come summer.

Casimir · Mar 10, 2003

Bird:

I got this one from WikCo.com, based out of Casa Grande, AZ, but they told me it would probably be shipped from their Indiana warehouse. (At least I think it was Indiana.)

I looked at the 6-foot single wheel versions, but they were closer to $900 or $1000. I got this one for $495 including delivery. I believe Northern Tool offers it for the same price, but does not include delivery in the price. I like the fact that it doesn't stick as far out the back and swing sideways as far during turns as the single wheel variety would. I can back into square corners and get closer, also /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif.

It seems to be very sturdily built. The tines are at least 5/8 inch. Each wheel is mounted at a slight angle, causing one side to bite deeper than the other, which causes the wheel to turn. It does a good job, but requires several passes to break up clumps after wet spells.

Casimir · Mar 10, 2003

Riptides:

I think I answered your first couple of questions in the two replies above. The only tilt adjustment would be whatever you can do with the 3-pt adjustments. I adjust mine to as near level as I can get it, since my wife's round pen is supposed to be level. Other than that, the harrow will work on any slope you feel comfortable with on your tractor. If I rework the round pen this summer, I will probably try to do a better job building a base (probably compacted crusher run) and may add some drainage to carry away excess water, so the area won't get so muddy and slippery in wet weather.

Cowboydoc is correct. There are much better arena groomers available (one from Ram Fence, for instance), however, since I only have a VW budget, I couldn't go for the Rolls /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif. Also, since my wife and grandkids are probably the only ones that will use the arena and round pen, I couldn't justify a high-priced fancy arena groomer. If we were running a large equestrian facility and having regular horse shows on it, I probably would have gone for the gold-plated variety. For now, the Spyder Rotary Harrow looks like it will do us just fine /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Bird · Mar 10, 2003

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( He probably wishes they did Bird but that's pretty much a tall tale. )</font>

You know how those salesmen are, Richard. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif The ones he has are the only ones I've even seen and had to ask what it was for. The guy has a ranch out in the country, runs a pretty good herd of cattle, raises his own hay, sells hay, and has a tractor repair shop and Mahindra dealership. He also told me how great Mahindra tractors are, so I didn't ask why his own tractor's are John Deeres. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Maybe it's because he likes those air-conditioned cabs and he didn't have any Mahindras with cabs.

utahmule · Mar 10, 2003

Richard, and anyone else with horse/rodeo experience,

Which of the nicer groomers would you recommend, if any?

Parma, Reveal 4-in-1 , TR3 Rake ?

cowboydoc · Mar 10, 2003

Eric,

If I had my choice and money wasn't an issue it would be a kaiser. They are the best hands down. They don't even mass produce them because he builds each one for your soil type.

utahmule · Mar 11, 2003

Richard,

Thanks for the response. Do you have any info on the kaiser, or know where to get any?

Thx,

cowboydoc · Mar 11, 2003

Eric,

Go to www.kisermfg.com. Give him a call. He will ask you all kinds of questions and then if you want they will build one specifically for what you do.

Anonymous Poster · Mar 11, 2003

Here is a link to Country Manufacturing to view what I believe is the rotary harrow that Casimir has. I think Country Manufacturing is the actual builder of these implements.

www.countrymfg.com