I just got a compact tractor with a loader and backhoe. I've got some compacted dirt (compacted by being trampled upon by horses for years)I need to move. The dirt has a high clay content. With the relatively low horsepower on my tractor (26), even the four wheel drive has a tough time pushing the bucket's cutting edge into the soil.

It seems like a detachable tooth bar would solve that problem until I can find a deal on a tiller or box blade with scarifiers. Ideally, I'd like to use something like that then a back blade or plow to do this job. Unfortunately, I don't own any of these implements so I'm going to try to make do with what I have. Have any of you used a removeable tooth bar on a loader bucket like this? Is there a better way to go given the economics involved (a polite way of saying I spent all my money on the tractor)? Any other ideas?

-- Gary in Indiana (gk6854@aol.com), January 08, 2002

Answers

Traditional way of doing this would be to use a ripper (BIG tyne, possible two or three on bigger tractors but probably single on yours). Mount on three-point linkage, crawl across hard surface gradually pushing ripper lower and lower. Be careful not to tip over backwards if you hit a rock. Go back and forth ripping, then criss- cross the other way. Ought to be able to do any reasonable area in a day - hire the ripper, if not from a hire place then maybe from a neighbour. Virtually impossible to break a ripper with the power you have - that's a LOT of high-quality solid steel.

Ok, now you've got it loosened, do as you will with what you've got. If all you wanted to do was loosen it, then plant some deep-rooted plant to break it up and add organic material. Alfalfa (which I would call lucerne) is good if it works in your climate. Comfrey would do the job, but can be terribly invasive and difficult to control later.

-- Don Armstrong (darmst@yahoo.com.au), January 08, 2002.

You can't use the back hoe to loosen the soil first? Yes there are tooth bars made, sure they would help; geez are they pricey! Probably more than a used plow or cultivator.

-- Ross (amulet@istar.ca), January 08, 2002.

A typical Front end loader on a compact tractor is not designed to DIG. Its designed to scoop. You could turn the tractor around and bust up the soil with the backhoe then use the FEL to scoop up the broken up soil.

-- Gary (gws@columbus.rr.com), January 08, 2002.

The previous posters are right. That loader was never designed for digging. Even with teeth, I don't think you're going to be happy with it.

You might look for a used plow. Winter is a good time to find and buy used implements. Quality Farm and Family is going out of business. If you're near one of their stores, implements are at 10% off. Might be discounted more later.

-- Darren (df1@infi.net), January 08, 2002.

Thanks for all the help and advice. I'm more than a little embarrassed to admit I never even thought about using the backhoe ro break this up. The single scarifier/ripper/tyne idea has some appeal, too, if I can find one to rent or borrow. I don't know if I'd even want to own a used plow as I have no plans to use one beyond this project, whereas a box blade I could use more regularly. I wouldn't think a used one would be all that much money, either.

-- Gary in Indiana (gk6854@aol.com), January 08, 2002.

Thanks for all the help and advice. I'm more than a little embarrassed to admit I never even thought about using the backhoe ro break this up. The single scarifier/ripper/tyne idea has some appeal, too, if I can find one to rent or borrow. I don't know if I'd even want to own a used plow as I have no plans to use one beyond this project, whereas a box blade I could use more regularly. I wouldn't think a used one would be all that much money than the tooth bar ($200-$300) if that much, either. I'm going to investigate that avenue first, I believe.

-- Gary in Indiana (gk6854@aol.com), January 08, 2002.

Gary,

Get the Box blade with adjustible scarifier blades. It was new, fit a kubota l2650 4 wd and it cost near 6 bills new. i opted for the industrial model. It backfilled several buildng foundations for me, pushed snow, made over 2 miles of homemade road, brought in soil and leveled quarter acre areas for green house construction and pole barn/shop. it was worth it and 'Isold it at auction for $525. It was a land pride 5 foot industrial grade. Land pride was an offshoot of Great Plains out of Kansas whomade huge tillage and planting equipment in the day.

You will use the box way more than the backhoe and with the loader, you will be set for most grading projects.

Have fun.

Oscar

-- Oscar H Will III (owill@whittier.edu), January 09, 2002.