Gravel maintenance

[Raincityrider]

Does anyone have a gravel grooming implement they really like and would recommend for maintaining gravel driveways and parking areas? There seem to be quite a few on the market.

I have a gravel area behind an outbuilding that’s too small to drag with my larger tractor and chain drag and too big to hand rake and the entire area has turned into a complete hash. I’m looking for something I could pull with a UTV or BX that would help keep the vegetation at bay. A solar powered gravel Roomba would be nice…

[Mosey_2003]

My dad built his own mini box grader to pull behind the lawn tractor, but I suppose that isn’t terribly helpful…

[clanter]

there was a thread here last September that suggested this

https://www.ratchetrake.com/video.shtml

back then the 66" FEL bucket kit was $350, my son got one to maintain his 1800 ft gravel drive and likes it

[awaywego]

I got a deal on a used DR Power Grader and I tried it to groom my ring. I think would be great for its intended use on gravel (does not loosen my ring footing as much as I hoped).

[Raincityrider]

Thanks all. I actually had thought about a looking for a box grader of some variety but the slope might make using one a bit of a challenge. Interesting to hear the ratchet rake could work. I looked at those a couple of years ago for helping clear blackberries. I wonder if that would actually be more maneuverable in my space than something tow behind like the DR. I’m starting to think I should abandon the upslope side of this patch and extend it into an area that will be easier to maintain. I might win the battle but I’m losing the war with this odd little area.

[endlessclimb]

If it’s a gravel area getting overcome by weeds, are you opposed to using chemical controls to stop the growth?

[candyappy]

Far easier just to spray to kill the growth popping up? That is what we do.

[clanter]

@endlessclimb

are you opposed to using chemical controls to stop the growth?

Clean fence lines, garden beds, and any other areas where a natural solution is desired use a 30% Vinegar. This will knock-out weeds and most vegetation within hours.

The vinegar mixes at a 1:1 ratio with water. Add a squirt of liquid dish soap to make it stick.

[Raincityrider]

I don’t have a problem spraying the area and usually do but the cool rainy spring weather this year had me at a disadvantage. When the weather did cooperate I focused on other areas like pastures and fence lines. I did manage to spray it last weekend but there will be a lot of organic material left behind in the gravel and I expect I’ll need to do something more drastic to put it right. I really wish I had made it a higher priority but hindsight and all.

[endlessclimb]

I’d just spray it for now. Let everything die.

In a couple weeks, Put on some thick jeans and weed whip the dead stuff. Blow it off. Reassess in a few months.