When preparing soil for turf, grass seed or wild flowers, what’s the best piece of equipment to use?
A rotavator will churn up the ground, bringing stones and debris to the top, leaving four of five inches of lumpy, soft soil that will need to be re-consolidated and top-raked in order to achieve a firm, stone-free surface. No matter what compaction method is used, the job will be time-consuming and the sub-soil will rarely be as firm as it was previously. Consequently, it is liable to slump when the first serious fall of rain comes along, and the client will expect the contractor to return to site to rectify the problem.
The profitable alternative is to use the Turf Teq Power Rake. It has twice the working width of a rotavator and is capable of a much faster working speed. The machine tills only the top layer, so doesn’t disturb the sub-soil.
First, angle the rake box left or right to work the stones into windrows for easy collection and disposal. Whilst doing this, the Rake is already starting to grade the site and produce a fine tilth. Next, pivot the head straight and drive it across the area in two or three directions in order to complete the job. Because the machine tills only the top layer (max 25mm), the soil is immediately ready for use. You don’t have to re-consolidate it as you would if you used a rotavator.
You now have a level, rough-raked site ready to accept turf. If you are seeding, you just need to touch in the wheel marks with a hand rake.
The Turf Teq Power Rake will also:
- facilitate repair of an existing lawn without lifting the turf
- spread topsoil evenly
- break up compacted gravel areas or paths, golf buggy paths and similar surfaces prior to re- levelling.
Manufactured in USA, the Turf Teq machine has hydrostatic drive; hardened steel rotor teeth with tungsten tips; diff lock; simple controls and a Honda GXV390 petrol engine.
