Spring tooth cultivator use

[v8only]

Hey all,

Im looking into starting to grow grass on my 4 acre yard that is currently hard packed and full of weeds and is reasonably level. My thoughts are to Round up the lot, run the spring tooth cultivator around to rough up the yard, till in the unlevel areas, run the cultivator around again with a rail road tie behind to level it all out then seed. The cultivator im looking at is shown in the attachment, will this break up tough hard ground or is this more for tilled ground?

Thanks

 

[Marveltone]

Spring tooth cutivators are typically used on previously tilled ground. Depending on how hard your ground is, the teeth may just bounce off the surface. But since you're only looking to scratch the surface, all I can say is, you don't really know until you try.

Joe

 

[Halftrack]

If the spring tooth is the only implement you have to break up the ground, I would suggest renting a 5 foot power rake to prepare the ground. If it is reasonably level, a pass with the power rake would suffice. If it is rougher, multiple passes may be needed. You do not have to work very deep (1" at most 2") to prepare the ground, which makes for fast travel. Be sure to read the Roundup label for times between application and seeding. Once the seed is spread, a light movement of dirt is all that is needed to cover the seed. A 2x6 or 2x8 drug behind a 4 wheeler would work. It may be a little late this fall to seed, check with your local garden supply store for their recommendations. Good Luck!!!!

 

[gwdixon]

I have a couple of attachments similar to your spring tooth cultivator. It works best on tilled ground without much straw, grass, or other debris. It tends to pick up trash.

If your ground is well-worked and clear then the idea of running the cultivator followed with a leveling device is a good one.

Cultivators are not designed to break soil but rather stir up loose soil. I use mine early in winter (or late in fall) when the weeds begin to sprout for over winter in California. It really sets them back and mowing in spring is sometimes is not necessary.