How to Smooth Gravel With a Tractor

A tractor can be used to level gravel.

Gravel is a popular paving material as a cheap alternative to asphalt. Gravel is used mainly for paving rural roads, driveways and walkways. Unlike asphalt, gravel is prone to developing deep potholes and trenches caused by both weather and continued use. When this occurs, it is necessary to smooth your gravel road or pathway. One way to accomplish this is by using a grader pulled behind a tractor.

Things You'll Need

• Tractor
• Grader (sometimes called a "Leveler") trailer attachment for tractors

Instructions

1. 

   Gravel roads need occasional leveling.

   Attach your grader to tractor. Make sure your hitch is the correct one to use for your grader, and that your grader is hitched correctly to your tractor. Ensure that your tractor is powerful enough to pull your grader.

2. Adjust the grader's blades. Generally, graders will have two blades which will work together to eliminate the high spots while filling in pot holes. If your gravel contains several layers of especially hard-packed gravel, then consider steepening the angle of your blades to allow the use of the lower layers of gravel in the leveling process.

3. Drive your tractor pulling the grader over the gravel. Keep your passes straight and be sure to use your grader on all the gravel. Make numerous passes. It often takes multiple passes to properly level gravel.

4. Add more gravel to your pathway if necessary. Often gravel is washed away and becomes hard-packed with use. When this occurs, it may be necessary to add gravel to your road or pathway to properly level it. Adding gravel is often done for purely cosmetic reasons, as a layer of fresh gravel can improve the appearance of a gravel pathway. Drive your tractor and grader over the fresh gravel in straight lines until level.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that the more passes you make with your tractor and grader, the more level your gravel will be.

References

• Everything Attachments: Tractor Land Plane Tractor Land Leveler
• Farm Industry News: Dirt Movers