Lawn rolling

[Jeffreyb 0]

I have about an acre of grass to mow and some of it is pretty bumpy due to tunneling volls. I'd like to try and flatten it out. My property is relatively flat with just a slight uphill grade. I've looked at the box stores and Sears has a metal 400 max lb roller for under $100. I don't trust the PVC for long-term use. I've read the discussion of being able to pull up to a 900 lb roller (I'll be using a 3212v) and 400 lbs just seems too light given the tractor itself is over 800 and my soil seems pretty firm. Should I go for the heaviest one available up to 900 or should the 400lb one do the trick? Should I water the lawn before rolling? I recognize the downside of compaction, but I'll aerate afterwards. The 275lb Spiker Aerator Roller that Northern Tools has is tempting, but obviously is much lighter still and significantly pricier. Any thoughts? Thanks - Jeff

[Kent 436]

This is just my opinion, but I'd go for the 400 lb one. What you're really going after is pounds per square inch of contact area on the ground. The 900 lb one won't have 2-1/2 times the PSI. It must be longer, or greater diameter, or both -- which means it has quite a bit more surface area in contact with the ground. Last thing you want to do is spin trying to pull it... or have it run away with you going down hill. Also, don't be too harsh on the "plastic" ones -- they'll never rust like the metal ones will inevitably do... If you were going to use it commercially, the metal one would be the way to go, but for the average homeowner, the plastic ones work pretty danged well, and are much easier to handle, store, maintain, etc... My 2 cents!

[TomSchmit 56]

In order to minimize compaction, use the lightest weight that will do the job. Also, using a "lawn revitalizer" will eliminate vole tunnels without the compaction problem! This is the unit with blades that spin vertically, sometimes called a dethatcher. The cutting depth can be adjusted to just skim the surface or cut down about an inch into the soil. Tom

[Dutch 4]

Just posted this.........[A href='http://www.simpletractors.com/clubhouse/ShowMessage.asp?MsgID=7117&mode=long']http://www.simpletractors.com/clubhouse/ShowMessage.asp?MsgID=7117&mode=long[/a]

[MichaelL 0]

I agree with Kent after pulling a 200 LB plastic roller with my Regent after a rainy day. It made a noticeable improvement because I too suffer from moles (or voles)and it cost me $14 from Home Depot. I plan to do it again and the day after a more soaking rain. In fact, I'm thinking about purchasing one of these. Hope this helps! Mike L.