10 August 2025 DAN KERR MAINTAINS THE LANE ARTICLE BY DAN KERR There are three common gravels for the base, middle, and top layers of a laneway. Pit run gravel is the cheapest to purchase. It is all natural and usually has a smooth texture which prevents it from packing but allows for good drainage. Drainage is an important base layer function. “A” gravel can be used for both the mid and top layer. As a top layer, a bit of washout is to be expected using “A” gravel but generally it will settle down and create a good drivable surface. If you can afford it, a top layer of “crusher run” gravel with its crushed stone and sand mix will finish the job to a well compacted surface. NOT SO LUCKY If you’re like me and got stuck with a mess that you just want to fix to a tolerable level so the Boss will stop mentioning it every time she looks out the window...then “A” gravel is the choice. “A” gravel is the main ingredient for making concrete, is easy to source and relatively cheap. “A” gravel is also nice to work with. It is easy to move and compacts well after grading. It also keeps its shape for the most part. MAINTAIN THE LANE My Kubota B7200 came with a float position on the loader controls which has been a godsend for leveling. While in reverse, I hold the control in the float position. The loader weight holds the bucket on the surface while the pitch of the bucket will determine the amount of material to be dragged. I have tried to grade going forward with a less-than-desirable result resembling a wicked washboard or steps. EQUIPMENT I use a grader blade with a three-point hitch that can be adjusted to different angles of grade including a full 180-degree reverse push position. Driving ahead in this position with the three-point control in neutral will allow the blade to float. The blade can also be adjusted to pitch left or right to crown the surface. I also use a box blade three-point attachment that is a ‘U’ shape allowing an accumulation of material in the ‘U’ so it can be evenly distributed. They come with scarfers that can be dropped down to rough the surface for top dressing. Either of these would do the trick for lane maintenance and are fairly close in price. If your tractor does not have three-point down pressure like mine, then you may be looking to place some weights on the attachment to make it effective. Before investing in one I recommend having a close look at how this can be accomplished. I made a roller once upon a time and equipped it with a rack to hold concrete blocks which worked nicely. Easy to acquire and load and inexpensive. The main problem with using concrete blocks as weights, is that after you finish rolling, the blocks tend to get used for other tasks around the farm and you’re shortly left with an empty rack! PRACTICAL THE CHOICE If you are just starting out and have a tractor with no loader, then the grader blade may be your best choice. It offers the most versatility for snow plowing, leveling earth and grading your lane. If you have a loader, then the grader box may be a better choice as it offers more of a single pass to get the job done, especially if you have a long laneway. TOP: SERGEY- ADOBE STOCK | BOTTOM: SCOTTCHAN - ADOBE STOCK
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