I have a construction project that is almost complete. We have to repair the ground around the building and re-seed the site. The lawn company said they will not do the job because of the time constrant. They will do the seeding if i do the prep work. The question is can i till this with a skid? The site has had equipment running over it and is very compacted. Can anyone let me know the steps to take to do this most efficently? Thanks
What kind of site is it? How big of an area do you need to prep? A shovel can move mountains, it's only a function of time.
A little over an acre..... dont think a shovel will work! Its all pretty flat, we backfilled everything low/ sidewalks, and graded everything out pretty decent. Its just really hard easy to compact soil.
Rent a Harley Rake for what ever you have (tractor, skidsteer). If you're graded up nice, that or some other soil conditioner will be all you need except for some hand work around the bldg. and obstacles. (I prefer a tractor for this)
Will that bust up that packed soil?
I use a scarifier attachment for such ground conditions. You might call around to see if someone has one to rent. Saves a lot of time
A Harley Rake will bust it up , they are an amazing attachment
That depends on your skill level doing that sort of job with a ss. Sure, it can be done, but if you have to ask the question, maybe you can't? YMMV Ken
It will bust up the top inch or so. Grass will grow, but it will grow poorly. Its like throwing an inch of dirt on a pool table and planting grass. The ground needs to be worked so the grass can generate a good root structure. It will also help the soil drain. Do as you wish but a Harley or any rock rake is not the tool for hard packed soil. Once it loosened up it works great, but not when the ground is heavily compacted.
What will work that will fit on a skid loader? I have used the harley rake before and that is why i asked the question. Will a tiller for a skid do the job?
A tiller may work. What I dont like about the tiller is it makes the soil to light and it settles. I like the scarifier because it loosens up the soil but does not turn it into "dry cake mix". If you have an acre to do you might be best to get a near by farmer or rent yourself a tractor with a heavy disc to break up the soil. Then hit it with a Harley or Preparator. I have rented tractors from the CASE Ag store on large jobs that were hard packed.
i agree completely with ksss, but going around a job site with a ripper can be a bees nest if there are utilities not buried as deep as they should be.
Very good point Igammon, especially if the sprinkler system has been installed. However, we know that all the utility companies install their lines at the required depth...
That is true and it did happen once with the scarifier. It only goes 7" deep but some knuckle head pulled the cable in at like three inches. They came out and fixed it but did not charge me for the hit.
go rent an excavator with a toothed bucket and scatch away. Good learning experience if you don't have much expeince with them.