Turf Renovator

[TractorLady]

This is my first post, although I have visited this forum several times. Thanks to all for sharing the wealth of information I have found here, you are all wonderful. I purchased a new BX2200 a year ago and have 3.5 acres with home to care for. The BX has been a life saver for me, I have a box scraper, core aerator, 55 gal. ag sprayer w/booms and now would like to add a Gill Super Turf Renovator. Does the BX struggle with such a heavy load, almost 700 pounds + drag? I would appreciate your sharing your expertise on this implement.

 

[hickmo]

The Bx handles the Str 48 pretty well. It weighs 690 empty. The only problem you will have is if you are loading it on a truck or trailer. The rear roller contacts the ground, but,the roller springs give. If you are not going up a ramp you are ok I have pulled it in low and high gear. The renovator works very good. I have had very good results doing yards for people. Fescue, and Bermuda. But the thing is built like a tank. Sturdy and tough. Thick steel every where. The seed box works flawlessly. But be sure to clean it out when done, or the seed will stick in the seed cups and will not drop seeds. Good luck. I don't think you will be sorry for the purchase.

 

[hazmat]

I think you will struggle with the 700lb renovator. More from the being able to lift it than pull it. What kind of project are you planning to use it for?

If for seeding, how about aerating & then get a three point spreader for the seed.

PS. Welcome to the forum. Good to see more ladies joining the group.

 

[hazmat]

Hickmo,

Can you lift it when full of seed? The published (probably conservative) 3 point capacity on the BX is 662lbs.

Tractorlady, Do you have a front end loader (FEL)? If not you may want to add front weight when lifting such a heavy implement.

My TC18 (just a little bigger than your BX) will pop a wheelie with the aerator (850#) if I don't use the FEL as a counterweight.

If you are doing a one time install, you may want to rent an overseeder (walk behind). If you are overseeding an existing lawn, the gill will do a better job that the aerator / spreader method, but it is more $$$$$

 

[TractorLady]

Thank you Hickmo and Hazemat, I will probably not be loading onto a trailer. I thought I would buy some front counter weight. Yes, I do use my Core aerator but need to scarify (rough) all the yard surface for good ground contact.
I'm really courious about the three point spreader, could you tell me more about it?

TractorLady

 

[hickmo]

Yes I have a loader on my Bx2200. It lifts Ok. I have had a full 50# bag of seed in it. The loader definitly keeps the front wheels on the ground.Again, the only problem I have is loading it in my landscape truck. The rear roller contacts the ground. If on dirt that's no problem, but on pavement, it bounces around a bit.

 

[hickmo]

Tractor lady,the 3pt hitch spreader seem to work ok, they will spread seed in a wide path. If you are doing a small area, I would scarify the area with a landscape rake, areate ,then seed,fertilize with starter fert. rake the seeds in slightly, and maybe wheat straw th area. One bale of straw shouls go about 1000sq ft. The straw prevents drying out and help keep the seeds warm for germination.

 

[TractorLady]

Hickmo,

The spreader is a hopper, broadcast type?

If I purchased a Woods heavy duty landscrape rake and a spreader do you feel that this would accomplish the same thing without the weight and cost of a STR48. You do know that I am overseeding exsisting turf that has suffered some neglect. Thanks hickmo

TractorLady

 

[hazmat]

Tractorlady,

Here are some threads on TBN regarding spreaders. <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=implement&Number=199328&page=1&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1&vc=1> Walk Behind vs. Three point spreader</A>

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=implement&Number=141465&page=&view=&sb=&o=&vc=1> Spreader Recommendations </A>

The Herd Seeder Company makes a model that is a good fit for smaller compacts <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.herdseeder.com/>Herdseeder.com</A> I'm eying the M-96 model myself.

Sounds like Hickmo is uses his renovator proffesionally. The rake, aerate, spread method will take longer, but should yield good results for the homeowner. Be sure to get your soil tested at the local ext college. They will help you get the chemsitry right: Ie advise how much fert & lime you need.

Hope this helps.

 

[TractorLady]

Thanks Hazmat,

I'm fine with it taking a little longer as long as the results are the same. I'm only doing the overseeding starting around the first of October for the next few years until I get a good turf established. From what I've read Tall Fescue spring plantings don't work very well since the young grass can't establish a root in time to withstand the Tennessee summers.

thanks to Hickmo also for his advice. You both enhance this Tractor Forum.

TractorLady