How ATV Harrows Can Help Maintain Paddocks and Small Farms

You don't need a tractor for every paddock maintenance job. An ATV, quad or side-by-side can tow a harrow for routine work on lifestyle blocks and small grazing properties.

Harrowing can help spread manure, break up thatch and level areas of hoof damage. These jobs are easy to overlook, but dealing with them regularly can help keep the paddock in better condition.

What Harrowing Actually Does to a Paddock

A harrow is towed behind the ATV, quad or side-by-side, and the sections work across the surface as you move. The spikes break up clumps, pull through the pasture and help aerate the soil surface. On Triangle and Chain models, a centre levelling bar helps level the surface, while the rear section spreads the material and leaves a smoother finish.

Different harrow designs provide different levels of surface action. Spiked harrows are suited to jobs such as aerating pasture, breaking up manure and levelling minor surface damage. Plain chain harrows provide a lighter action for spreading material and covering seed.

Triangle and Chain ATV Harrows use a lug link that attaches to the tow ball, with adjustable tow chains to make hitching easier. They are designed to be used behind ATVs, utility vehicles and small tractors.

Spreading Dung Across the Paddock

Cattle and horses often leave manure in the same areas of a paddock. The grass under these patches can get smothered, while stock tends to avoid grazing around them.

Harrowing breaks the manure into smaller pieces and spreads it across the paddock. This puts the nutrients back onto the pasture instead of leaving them in one concentrated patch.

Breaking up manure can also expose parasite larvae to sunlight and dry conditions, which can reduce their survival. However, the result depends on the weather and ground conditions when you harrow.

Wait until the ground is dry enough for the ATV to travel without causing more damage. You can then use the harrow to break up the manure and spread it across the paddock.

Pulling Dead Thatch Out of the Sward

Dead grass can build up at the base of the pasture and form a thick layer. This can stop new grass from growing properly through the pasture.

The spikes pull the dead material out of the pasture and spread it across the surface. This clears the base of the pasture and gives new growth more room to come through.

Repairing Pugging and Hoof Damage

Stock can leave hoof marks and uneven areas when they are working on wet ground. Once the ground dries, these areas can make the paddock rough and uneven.

Wait until the ground is dry enough for the ATV to travel without causing more pugging. You can then harrow the paddock to break up the raised areas and level the surface. The spikes help loosen the surface while the levelling bar helps spread the soil and smooth out the uneven areas.

Levelling Tracks, Yards and Arenas

An ATV harrow can also be used to level and maintain areas around a property. It can help smooth out uneven surfaces in areas such as tracks, yards and arenas.

Plain chain harrows provide a lighter action than spiked models, making them useful where you want to spread material without digging into the surface.

When to Harrow Through the Year

The best time to harrow depends on the paddock’s condition and the job you need to do.

• Spring: Wait until the ground is dry enough to carry the ATV without causing further damage. You can then use the harrow to break up manure and level minor surface damage from winter grazing.
• Summer: Dry conditions can help when you are breaking up manure, as spreading it out exposes more of it to sunlight and drying.
• Autumn: Harrowing can help break up thatch and clear dead material from the base of the pasture before new growth develops.
• After grazing: If the paddock has suitable ground conditions, harrowing after grazing can help spread manure and level minor surface damage before the next grazing period.
  
  

Getting a Better Result From Each Pass

A few simple checks before you start can help the harrow work properly.

• Check the paddock first: Look for rocks, wire, posts and other objects that could catch on the harrow or damage the equipment. Remove or mark anything you find.
• Choose a suitable speed: Travel at a steady speed so the harrow stays in contact with the ground and does not bounce across the surface.
• Change direction: If you need a second pass, change the direction of travel to help work material that was missed on the first pass.
• Use weights when needed: Additional weight can increase pressure on the spikes and help the harrow maintain contact with the ground.
  
  

Choosing an ATV Harrow to Suit the Job

Different harrows are designed for different jobs. Think about what you want to use the harrow for and choose the type that suits the work.

• Triangle and Chain: This is a good all-round option for paddock work. It has two rows of 16mm triangle spikes, a centre bar for levelling and a 12mm chain at the rear for spreading material. It is available in sizes from 1.1m to 2.45m, including 1.5m and 1.75m options.
• Plain Chain: This harrow has no spikes, so it gives the pasture a lighter treatment. It can be used to spread manure and level the surface. It is available in 1.5m and 2.0m widths.
• Spike Tail and Chain: This harrow has 12mm spikes and 12mm chain. It can break up the surface and spread material in the same pass. Sizes range from 1.5m to 2.5m.
• Budget Chain: This harrow has four rows of 10mm open chain and is designed for ride-on mowers and smaller ATVs. It is available in 1.5m and 2.0m widths.

Choose a width that your vehicle can tow comfortably and that will fit through your gates and other narrow areas.

Keeping on Top of Paddock Maintenance

An ATV harrow can handle many of the regular jobs needed to keep a small paddock in good condition. Choose the right type of harrow for the job and make sure the ground is suitable before you start.

Regular maintenance can help keep the paddock level and in better condition throughout the year.