Which implement do I need?

[jmt1271]

I have 10 acres and a Kubota L2501.

3 acres in pasture for 2 horses, ~2 wooded and the rest lawn.

I need to know what implement would be best for seeding and overseeding.

The pasture is "established" but definitely needs help. The lawn is good in about 80 percent of the yard but needs help in the rest. Some bare spots in the backyard. Especially on slopes.

I'm wondering what implement would be best to get me as close to a single or double pass operation to rough up the soil sufficiently for seed, and sow the seed.

If it's some type of seed drill that's super expensive, I will rent, assuming there's something that'll run off a 25hp tractor.

But I'd prefer to purchase something like a soil pulverizer if it'll do the trick. Or something along those lines.

Even if I need to go over everything a second pass with a Spreader to get down the seed.

I'm in Central eastern MO. And only implements on hand are 60 inch rotary cutter, LP grader scraper, and an 8 foot 3 point chain harrow. The harrow could rough up the ground I think, just not sure how much.


Any thoughts fellas?

 

[Industrial Toys]

A seeder and overseeder are within the domain of the turf care specialist. Very expensive stuff! I see the stuff at municipal auctions but have never seen them at rental yards.

It's the here and there problems that are the hardest. Often it would be easier just to do the whole thing. Till it up, smooth it out and plant seed.

I have a 3ph 8 foot Harley rake, which is great at making a seed bed but best over a big area. Then sow seed with a walk behind spreader, pull the smooth side of a chain harrow over it, or some chain link fence and roll it flat for best seed contact.

 

[jmt1271]

A seeder and overseeder are within the domain of the turf care specialist. Very expensive stuff! I see the stuff at municipal auctions but have never seen them at rental yards.

It's the here and there problems that are the hardest. Often it would be easier just to do the whole thing. Till it up, smooth it out and plant seed.

I have a 3ph 8 foot Harley rake, which is great at making a seed bed but best over a big area. Then sow seed with a walk behind spreader, pull the smooth side of a chain harrow over it, or some chain link fence and roll it flat for best seed contact.

Would love a Harley rake. But way out of budget and requires more tractor than I have.

 

[jeff9366]

Horses can pack down a pasture so hard grass gradually declines. Is your soil hard? Does it require aeration?
There are many forms of aerators. I use a Field Cultivator in moist soil. PHOTOS.
Field Cultivator preserves existing grass.

If you have irrigation pipes in your lawn, a plug aerator is less aggressive.

VENDER: 3-Point All Purpose Chisel Plows
IOWA FARM EQUIPMENT (GO TO TILLAGE) Iowa Farm Equipment


A Chain Harrows will loosen the surface, which may be all you need in the pasture. Pull the Chain Harrow set in its most aggressive orientation and see what a pass or two accomplishes.

For your turf, mow very short then pull the Chain Harrow set in its least aggressive orientation to dethatch and scuff the turf surface. Removing the thatch will increase seed germination and take.

Here is an overseeder. Pointless to seed unless the ground is prepared, pH correct and fertilized. I recommend a soil test.
FERGUSON "YARDMAKER": Aerator Products

 

[oosik]

I made a home made "drag" There are LARGE spikes on the leading and trailing 4x4 members. I hook a rope yolk and drag it behind my ATV. Hand spread seed - turn the "drag" over and pull to cover & compact.

It doesn't produce professional results but if you do it a couple times, over the summer - it works well, looks good.

View attachment 585046

 

[jmt1271]

Horses can pack down a pasture so hard grass gradually declines. Is your soil hard? Does it require aeration?
There are many forms of aerators. I use a Field Cultivator in moist soil. PHOTOS.
Field Cultivator preserves existing grass.

If you have irrigation pipes in your lawn, a plug aerator is less aggressive.

VENDER: 3-Point All Purpose Chisel Plows
IOWA FARM EQUIPMENT (GO TO TILLAGE) Iowa Farm Equipment


A Chain Harrows will loosen the surface, which may be all you need in the pasture. Pull the Chain Harrow set in its most aggressive orientation and see what a pass or two accomplishes.

Here is an overseeder. Pointless to seed unless the ground is prepared, pH correct and fertilized. I recommend a soil test.
FERGUSON "YARDMAKER": Aerator Products

Yes sir, definitely going to test the soil.

 

[mcfarmall]

Rented a Gill overseeder by Woods many years back. In my case it was a big waste of money as my yard still sucked. Your results may vary.

 

[Buxus]

Not sure if this is too slow a process for you, but this is the way I do it:

Starting in July I use a 25 gallon sprayer from TractorSupply to kill the area I plan to seed in the fall. I use dye in the spray to make sure I get it all. I go over any spots that don't die in August. Then I mow it super short with my zero turn. This is the only time I use the grass catcher when mowing (other than in the fall). It does a good job of leaving mostly bare dirt or close to it. Then in September I use an old Ryan slit seeder I bought used (you could rent one) with no seed in it to create a nice seed bed. Then I use a Scott's spreader to put seed down over the prepared area. I don't irrigate at all.

I am gradually replacing all the lawn on my 32 acres (lots wooded) to get rid of the wire grass. Looks fantastic by November.

If I could rent a seed drill I'd probably substitute that for my Ryan slit seeder in the open areas that I have not gotten to yet.

 

[Industrial Toys]

There is a current on-line auction and I will probably try and buy a 3PH offset disk, to deal with areas that are not even and have grass on them. We have a ton of stones, so it may not be as easy as I imagine. Then drag it. I may not even use the Harley.

 

[jeff9366]

Then I use a Scott's spreader to put seed down over the prepared area.

My neighbor uses a Scott's plastic, hand-held, broadcast seeder, which cost about $18.00. He can really sow grass seed evenly in his pasture with that little green plastic spinner.