Soil Pulverisor

prosperity · Jul 6, 2007

I've been getting into more lawn installations lately, plus a bit of finish work for some local excavating contractors.

I know the Harley rake is the way to go for what i want to do, but just can't afford one right now.

Most of the work I do is right after an excavator/dozer is done. The guy is very good at getting the final grade correct. Basically what I do is come in, do the prep for seed, then lime/fertilize/seed and mulch.

I am thinking of going with a Landpride soil pulverizor as shown in the photo:

I have a box blade, and rake with gauge wheels.
My theory is to use the box blade first if neccessary to get the final grade perfect. Then, run the pulverisor over as many times as necessary to loosen everything up. Then a final pass with the rake at an angle with wheels set to windrow any rocks pulled up by the pulverisor.

Again, I know a Harley rake could do all this in one pass, but I have to do with what I can afford right now.

Can anyone who has used a pulverizor comment on my plan of attack?

Thanks

deereguy · Jul 6, 2007

I am in the same boat, getting started with a few lawn installs. I have used the box blade to finish, then seeded with a Brillion Turfmaker Jr. I have looked into Harly Rakes and Rockhounds and will probably go with a Rockhound so I can carry off debris and hopefully leave it on-site or pile it and load into the dump truck. Harley Power Rakes can be rented at some of the larger rental yards if you get enough work lined up for a few days or one larger job.

To answer your question- I think your on the right track, it takes $ to build up the inventory of attachments to make yourself efficient, if you are doing a good job at a reasonable price, you will have those attachments in no time.

Good Luck!

Farmwithjunk · Jul 6, 2007

I've got a Leinbach (sp) version of the same. I bought it about 10 years ago when I was re-doing grass waterways and filter strips on my farm. After the 'dozer, I'd hit everything with a box blade to get things cleaned up and level. Then I'd go over everything with the pulverizer. It did a fantastic job. They'll collect some rocks and sticks as you go along. Just drag that to one central spot for clean-up when done. They leave soil in great shape for seeding. Maybe 2" to 3" deep is loosened and relatively clod free. If you're broadcasting seed, the pulverizer leaves a slightly ridged surface that is less proned to washing.

"Harley Rakes" are relatively new on the scene. Until they came around, most landscapers used pulverizers to "finish" after a box blade. They're old technology that works.

MarkV · Jul 7, 2007

Just curious why you would not go with a tiller. That seems to be the tool of choice for lawn prep around here.

MarkV

Farmwithjunk · Jul 7, 2007

MarkV said:
Just curious why you would not go with a tiller. That seems to be the tool of choice for lawn prep around here.

MarkV

A tiller doesn't do as much to LEVEL ground for one thing. Grass seeded into soil loosened deeply doesn't do as well. Deep worked soil tends to wash and also to settle unevenly. Grass grows better initially in a firm seed bed. A tiller would do a better job of incorperating soil ammendments, ect, but as far as prepping a seedbed, not much beats a pulverizer or Harley Rake.

deereguy · Jul 7, 2007

There is also a product called a Reveal 4 n 1, I have made something similar to it, with out the roller on back, I have a roller just not attached it yet. It is basically rippers and a box blade concept in the front and pulverizer in the back, all as 1 unit. Mine does a great job but it get a little long in tighter places on the back of the tractor.

I don't have Reveals website handy.

prosperity · Jul 8, 2007

Thanks for all the replies folks!

As I just can't afford a power rake right now, and don't have enough business to help pay for it - that is my reasoning for the soil pulverisor. I may have a lead on a used 72" Landpride - if I can get it cheap enough, I think I am going to try it.

I have a friend who used to do a lot of seeding work. He pretty much used a tiller for his prep work. Plus, his argurment is that you can find other uses for a tiller. But, if I can make a deal on this pulverisor, it will be 1/3 the cost of a King Kutter tiller.

Thanks for the input so for - it's kind of hard to think about buying an implement that you have never seen actually work.

Beavis · Oct 9, 2007

Did you ever purchase the pulverizer? How much did you give for it?

THANKS

Rara Avis · Oct 9, 2007

Farmwithjunk said:
A tiller doesn't do as much to LEVEL ground for one thing. Grass seeded into soil loosened deeply doesn't do as well. Deep worked soil tends to wash and also to settle unevenly. Grass grows better initially in a firm seed bed. A tiller would do a better job of incorperating soil ammendments, ect, but as far as prepping a seedbed, not much beats a pulverizer or Harley Rake.

Actually this does a pretty good job in preping a seed bed...

The Absolute Innovations Line of Ground-Prep Tools

ustobefarmer · Oct 10, 2007

I've used both a tiller and soil pulverisor in my lawn service for 3yrs. I use the tiller to lossen the soil and then run the pulverisor over the area a couple of time at different angles You need the soil to be firm for good seed to soil contact. After seeding I run the pulverisor over the seeded area with just the rollers contacting the ground. If you buy a pulverisot I would recommend buying one with 2 rollers. I built my own 3 years ago and still works good.