Smoothing a Field of Grass

[TractorGuy]

Trying to smooth out a field I neglected to work while it was still dirt. I got half of it decent with the landscape rake before I allowed the grass to start growing but the other half had a lot of irregular areas and low spots. Now that the grass has grown up it is difficult to work out. I cut in in both directions with the disc harrows but then when I try to rake or smooth the grass bunches up and prevents in resemblance of smooth.

The grass is dying back and I want to smooth it out and plant a winter mix for the deer and critters.

Do I just need to let the grass I cut up die out and keep working it or is there a better way to level with the grass clumps in play?

Here is a photo of the better side with the grass on it.

These next two photos are of the field after I attempted to cut and smooth it.

 

[jeff9366]

I think a Three Point Hitch mounted, framed Chain Harrow would be the best tool.

The Chain Harrow will accumulate all those grass tufts in the mat, so you need a framed/lift model so the tractor can shake out the accumulated grass tufts from the chain mat off the field.

Once the tufts are removed you can select the most abrasive adjustment of the chain harrow and drag. Chain Harrow should have minimal effect on pasture grass roots if grass is well established. You will not need to drag in any pattern, just from high areas toward low areas, the chain harrow will fill low areas.

WINGFIELD HARROWS: Wingfield 3pt tractor harrows provide the operator full control of the chain harrow mat.

IMPROVISED LIFT CHAIN HARROW: TSC CountyLine / Tarter BOOM POLE as CHAIN HARROW LIFT

(or)

Once the tufts are off the field you can use a Land Plane Grading Scraper to even the ground rapidly.

VIDEO: land plane leveler - YouTube

(or) Once the tufts are removed, Disc lightly when soil is moist, then use Landscape Rake set at a minor angle to smooth the field. If you do not have gauge wheels on your Landscape Rake turn it backwards so the tines will not dig in.



Weight is your friend in ground contact implements.

 

[quicksandfarmer]

Do you want to keep the grass? If so, top-dressing and rolling are the options. Grass will level itself somewhat over time with regular mowing but it's a slow process.

 

[Oldoak]

Like you already discovered, raking doesn't provide good results. I have found chain harrows does a better job under dry conditions, but still lose sod balls up between the rows of teeth.

If it's not too stoney, go over it with a brush hog set as low as practical. That will break up and disperse almost all the clumps.

 

[TractorGuy]

I was thinking of a chain drag. Never used one. Not concerned about the grass growing back. This was just dirt a year ago. Mostly want to clear the grass so I can smooth out the dirt.

No stones here.

 

[mred2]

I agree with the mower or BH going over it. You can make it throw it in one direction. That way if it doesn't spread it out, it will push it to the edge. Not sure as to what equipment that you have to work with. If you don't have a harrow, you may look for an old set of bed springs. They have been used for years. I have seen people use chains, fence sections, gates, logs,etc. Some people also buy implements. I have an old 16 foot chain link fence gate that would work great. I have been trying to give it away for years.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I have areas of grass that need leveling. I also have a Harley Rake and chain harrow. First I would cut the grass very short. Then, I would either just bring in top soil and use the Harley rake to make everything level, or rip it all up with the S tines on the Harley and the serrated roller. I would then have to take away, the sod and stone piles, and plant new grass.

Even having the equipment, non of it appeals to me.

 

[TractorGuy]

I meant to mention what I have available. I don't really want to go buying new tools for this project if I don't have to.

I have a disc harrow, grader blade, finish mower, brush mower, and a landscape rake with tail wheels.

I have some old fence and posts I might try to make adrag with. My neighbor may have a chain drag I can use. They are always offering to loan equipment but I'm not going to borrow anything that might tear up.

We are getting some rain right now. I might try running over it with the brush mower and follow up with the disc harrow again. If I can get it to dirt I can smooth it out with my landscape rake.

 

[Joe Malovich]

I know you don't want to buy anything so the following is just friendly information i've found (but have no experience with) others may find useful:

Leveling without destroying the grass is possible with the use of a verticutter with either the use of a collection hopper or a secondary step of collecting the results with a landscape rake or bagger on a mower set low. A flail mower modified with straight blades could produce the same effect. The verticutter when set so the knives are just at the height of low-average so that it's digging into the ground along maybe 75% of it's width when flat will remove the high spots only while mildly re-distributing the dirt along low spots. Multiple applications through the year would likely be necessary. TRILO C15 flail/scarifier collector - YouTube

Another option is something that seems common in europe and specialty farming applications, something called a
Stone Burier, also having brand names of rotadarion and blecavator which is a fancy rototiller with sorting tines, dirt is flung against the tines, rock go to the bottom, fines on top, all levelled to some extend with an adjustable flap, then pressed into an even layer with a roller. The grass would grow up through in a short time. Sierra Stone Burier - YouTube

You can also wait for dry weather and use a tiller and your landscape rake with guide rollers or a harley rake.

 

[searcyfarms]

you are going to need a dust mask but from the looks of all that stuff a box blade with the teeth down about 2 inches would do a dandy job of all that stuff and the dirt will sift through the grasses/roots and make a nice smooth surface to plant - id rent one it would be very cheap if you don't have one or a neighbor/friend doesn't - your 855 should handle a 5 to 6 footer no problem at that depth - you don't need to dig much just scratch the surface and smooth it out - id be giving that a try I have had amazing luck with them - if that doesn't do it like you want just get your disk out, light disk it then go over it w/out the teeth on the box blade and you will be all set - most of all have fun !!!!