Clearing paddock of rocks and other debris

3 posts

Member for

8 years 6 months
Last seen: 03/08/2018 - 21:05
Joined: 05/15/2016 - 15:08

Clearing paddock of rocks and other debris

I have a BX2670 Kubota to help me with some of the heavy jobs around the property. The sales person recommended that I buy a stick rake to help aerate the soil and clean the surface of rocky debris plus sticks and leaves.

 

The problem I have is that on about 3 acres of the property there was an old drive way that was filled with rocks, bricks, old bitumen pieces, tin, beer cans and other unclean fill laid across the paddock. It was never completed and is really just a pile of rubble that has spread across the paddock. All the rake is doing is either moving the rocky debris around or damaging the rake as it seems it is not the right tool, despite the sales person insisting it would be ok for the work.

 

The soil is sandy and in poor condition after a long drought. Using the stick rake is disturbing the top layer of the soil, which is probably not good for the soil itself.

 

I’m not in a position to purchase a rock bucket, which would probably be ideal, however out of current financial reach.

 

Does anyone have any tips, tricks or ideas for clearing the paddock of the debris, with the least damage to the soil?.

Allan 

Last seen: 09/17/2019 - 18:07
Joined: 11/23/2011 - 09:38

hi Allan,

My tractor has died so I hire a contractor to do most of the work I need done. He charges me $125.00 an hour (it's a Terex, like a big Catterpillar D8), but worth every cent, because I don't have to own the equipment or pay for its upkeep. This is just a suggestion, others may have a different solution.

 

Cheers,

Barb

Last seen: 03/08/2018 - 21:05
Joined: 05/31/2015 - 10:27
Hi Allan, Unfortunately life on the farm is a series of trial and error, sometimes that means large purchases that seemed like a good idea at the time. The stick rake will be hugely valuable around the farm for many years to come, so don't think of it as a waste of money. So are you ready for the bad news? A good pair of gloves and a wheelbarrow. It seems daunting, but grid the paddock, an hour here a couple of hours there, you do get through it eventually. I don't have a tractor, so I am speaking from experience, i have cleaned up about 80 acres so far. If you only have a small area (you mentioned 3 acres) perhaps put a bbq on and get some friends over (friends with children, kids love picking stuff up), a working bee of sorts. A contractor is a good idea if you can afford it, but will probably not be as particular as you would be personally picking out all of the rubbish. You may be able to hire a bucket and other implements as you have a tractor already. Good luck. Angie

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