Author Topic: How to keep Cambridge roller free from mud (Read 3690 times)

jbthecamel · « **on:** April 28, 2016, 07:47:38 pm »

Hi all. I have a Cambridge roller and it tends to pick up and hold onto clumps of mud. Before long my roller has doubled in size and weight !!

I was thinking of mounting some metal spikes on the frame to scrape any clumps off or even use brushes ?

Anybody come up against this problem before ?

Jb

henchard · « **Reply #1 on:** April 28, 2016, 08:08:54 pm »

If it's collecting mud it's too wet for rolling. Cambridge rolls are for breaking down clods in cultivation or compreesing a seed bed and should be used when the land is dryish. If it is too wet you'll just make a big mess.

jbthecamel · « **Reply #2 on:** April 29, 2016, 10:03:04 am »

Thanks, i suppose the best solution is not to roll it on sticky stuff

HOWEVER, i'm currently on a push in an attempt to improve the drainage in some areas of my field. i am using a subsoiler which so far is doing a good job but does require rolling afterwards. I have tried different conditions and if i leave it to be completely dry, the ground is so hard the roller has no effect. If like at the moment there is only just enough moisture in the ground for the roller to do anything the mud sticks. Perhaps i have particularly sticky mud.

Anyway, as i said above i have to do it in those conditions so i need a solution ??

stufe35 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 29, 2016, 02:17:08 pm »

In which case Cambridge roll isn't really the right tool for your job.
You need a flat roller , the heavier the better. These usually have a scraper bar on them to remove build up of mud so that issue will be resolved. (if you get an old one which hasn't a scraper on it , its not that difficult to fabricate and fit one)

jbthecamel · « **Reply #4 on:** April 29, 2016, 02:32:53 pm »

Yeah that's what I'm starting think, wrong tool for the job.

Irrespectively I think I'm going to try and put some sort of scraping device on it. Will post some photos

stufe35 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 29, 2016, 06:19:23 pm »

You should be able to rig up a scraper easy enough, you could fabricate a box over the top to add weights, as your Cambridge rolls will be on the light side still.

I have seen it where someone has turned them on end and filled with concrete ! I'm not necessarily recommending that.

I have a very effective roller I made using an old barrel. Bar through the middle and filled with concrete. Then built towing frame (with scraper!) around it. Works well for small areas.