chain harrows...which sort?

[posie_honey]

Fixed Tyne or 3 way for general paddock maintenance?

Any thoughts greatly appreciated!

 

[PeterNatt]

We don't use chain harrows anymore as have found the Accro Spline Harrows work far better at stimulating the growth of grass. They have splines at the end of springs.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Am watching this thread with interest as am thinking of getting a chain-harrow...........

 

[posie_honey]

I need it to be towed by a quad bike so I don't think the accro ones would work as don't you need a tractor for that?

We did pay a local farmer last year to do the field with that type but it's so wet that the tractor ruined the ground... Then when it was dry enough to do it they were busy with their own farm work

 

[Dry Rot]

Chain harrows are the cheapest, spring tine are the best but most expensive. The chain harrows do wear out, then the links come apart. Do you need to lift them at gateways etc? If so, they need to be on a frame and you need three point linkage. Mine don't so any large stones I have to protect gateways get pulled out into the field. You'll find worn out chain harrows at farm sales going for scrap value and it is easy enough to cut them down to a size that can be pulled by a quad with an angle grinder. Get a few more years use out of them, then sell them for scrap so essentially free!

 

[perfect11s]

I need it to be towed by a quad bike so I don't think the accro ones would work as don't you need a tractor for that?

We did pay a local farmer last year to do the field with that type but it's so wet that the tractor ruined the ground... Then when it was dry enough to do it they were busy with their own farm work

you just need the lightweight drag type chain harrows quite small that are made for use behind a quad I have a set that is about 6 ft wide and they work well for small well grazed paddocks (2and a bit acres) if you have a huge area and a lot of thatch then its not going to work you will need a bigger machine ie tractor mounted chain or spring tine harrows....

 

[PeterNatt]

Your farmer probably did not change the tyres on his tractor to Grass tyres and this is why he damaged your fields. When having grassland maintained one is best off using a specialist grassland contractor as unfortunately most farmers do not have a clue!

I have over 60 acres of grassland and do not own a tractor etc as long term it is more viable getting a grassland contractor to do it plus they are frequently upgradeing their equipment. I gave up on farmers years ago as they are always busy with their own farms or contract work at the very time when one wants them to do work for oneself.

Grassland Contractors are the people that maintain sports fields, golf courses and of course fields used for equestrian purposes.

 

[FfionWinnie]

Your farmer probably did not change the tyres on his tractor to Grass tyres and this is why he damaged your fields. When having grassland maintained one is best off using a specialist grassland contractor as unfortunately most farmers do not have a clue!

Most farmers don't have a clue about grassland management???

Don't know any farmers with grass tyres on tractors, grass tyres being unsuitable for virtually all farming jobs and completely useless on mud.

 

[NeverSayNever]

also watching with interest as awaiting contractors getting back to me to do ours but worried the tractor will make even more of a mess

 

[jakkibag]

We have 6ft fixed tine, that we use on the back of the quad bike, We do just under 3 acres with them, easy to manoevre around, can get into tight corners with specialist driving lol (not me) they are neat enough that you can flip them over and flatten rutted gateways/fencelines too, instead of using roller, My hubby couldnt live without them Definatley made a difference to our paddocks, growth is much better, paddocks do look less rutted, I' have no idea what difference fixed or 3way would make, depends i suppose how much grass/thatch you were trying to clear

 

[SHCC]

We use the three way chain harrows on our yard. They are great for harrowing the paddocks once the horses have moved out.
They are supposed to be towed behind a quad bike, but with a bit of modification on the hitch they are pulled by our shire horse.

 

[angellauren]

Also interested in this as we need to buy one imminently! Where can you get them? We've got about 6 acres and a small tractor/mower type thing arriving this weekend apparantly.. My boyfriend is VERY excited about this