Mounted or Trailed Chain Harrows: Which Should You Choose?

A mounted chain harrow is usually the more convenient choice if you have a suitable compact tractor and regularly move between paddocks, gateways and hard surfaces. A basic trailed chain harrow offers a simpler, generally lower-cost option that can work behind a suitable tractor, ATV or UTV.

Both can carry out useful grassland maintenance. The biggest difference is how you attach, lift and move them around your property.

Choosing the right chain harrow therefore starts with two practical questions: what vehicle will pull it, and how will you get it between the areas you want to maintain?

What Does a Chain Harrow Actually Do?

A chain harrow is a flexible mat of linked metal sections and tines that works across the ground as it is pulled. On suitable grassland, it can help lift out dead material, loosen thatch and spread loose soil from molehills.

Thatch is the layer of dead grass and other organic material that collects around the base of growing grass. Removing some of this material can be useful where it has built up excessively.

However, a chain harrow works mainly at the surface. It will not resolve deep soil compaction or drainage problems, and it cannot turn badly rutted ground into a level paddock by itself.

Conventional mounted and trailed chain harrows work through the pulling action of the vehicle. They do not need a PTO, the rotating drive used to power attachments such as mowers.

When Is a Trailed Chain Harrow a Good Choice?

A basic trailed chain harrow connects to a suitable towing point and drags behind the vehicle. It has relatively few components and is often an economical way to carry out occasional maintenance.

It is particularly useful if you already own an ATV or UTV and have no need for a tractor-mounted attachment. It can also suit compact tractor owners whose working areas are open, accessible and close together.

The main consideration is moving the mat when you are not harrowing. A simple trailed mat cannot be lifted clear of the ground from the driving position. Crossing a yard, negotiating an awkward entrance or transferring it to another field may therefore require a separate handling or transport arrangement.

Check the mat’s weight before assuming it will be easy to move by hand. Even a relatively narrow chain harrow can be heavy and awkward to handle.

Beckside’s range includes Fleming trailed chain harrows and Logic trailed chain harrows, with 1.2m and 1.8m options listed. The appropriate size depends on the towing vehicle, ground conditions and layout of the property.

Why Choose a Mounted Chain Harrow?

A mounted chain harrow carries its mat on a frame attached to the tractor’s three-point linkage. These are the rear mounting arms and top link used to connect and lift compatible implements.

This allows the tractor to raise the harrow clear of the ground when moving between working areas. It makes a noticeable difference where paddocks are separated by tracks, yards or several gateways.

You can also lift the mat when turning or repositioning, following the manufacturer’s instructions. That can make a mounted harrow easier to manage on properties with smaller fields or awkward corners.

The extra purchase cost therefore buys handling convenience as well as a frame. If you regularly stop to move a trailed mat, that convenience may be worth more than a modest saving on the initial price.

The FarmMaster mounted chain harrow range includes 6ft and 8ft models. Built in the UK, these use a three-point linkage frame and come with a two-year warranty.

However, the tractor must be able to carry the complete attachment safely. Check linkage compatibility, rear lift capacity and any ballast requirements before choosing a size.

Choosing the Right Chain Harrow Size

A wider harrow can cover an open field in fewer passes, but width should suit the vehicle and the property.

Before buying, consider:

• The manufacturer’s requirements for the towing vehicle or tractor.
• The width of gateways and the space available for turning.
• The complete attachment weight and how it will be handled.
• Storage space and the route between working areas.

For a mounted model, distinguish working width from overall frame width. If a machine folds, check its transport dimensions and how the folding mechanism is operated.

For a trailed model, allow room for the mat to follow the vehicle around corners. Passing an ATV through a narrow entrance does not necessarily mean the harrow behind it will clear the gateposts.

Also look beyond the mounted or trailed description. Mat weight, tine design, wear and setup affect the working result. A mounted frame does not automatically mean more aggressive harrowing or better grassland improvement.

When Should You Harrow Paddocks?

Ground conditions matter more than a fixed date in the calendar.

The soil needs to be firm enough to carry the vehicle without creating ruts or smearing the surface. Travelling over wet ground can cause compaction and damage the grass, even when the attachment itself is relatively light.

An ATV may provide a lighter towing option than a tractor, but it does not make saturated ground suitable for working. If the vehicle is leaving damage, wait for conditions to improve.

There is also a separate consideration for horse paddocks. Harrowing manure can spread worm larvae across the grazing area, so it should not replace regular removal of droppings or form the basis of a parasite-control programme.

Remove droppings before harrowing and discuss any concerns about contaminated pasture with your vet or qualified worm-control adviser. The purpose of the harrow should be appropriate surface maintenance, with the timing fitted around the needs of the land and the horses.

Which Chain Harrow Would We Recommend?

For a three-acre property with one open paddock, straightforward access and a suitable ATV, we would consider a trailed chain harrow. It provides a simple way to carry out occasional surface maintenance without buying a tractor solely to operate the attachment.

For a five-acre equestrian property divided into several paddocks, a mounted chain harrow may be more convenient if a suitable compact tractor is already available. Being able to lift the mat across the yard and between fields can make the whole job easier.

The same reasoning applies to larger properties. A trailed model can remain a sensible choice where access is straightforward, while a mounted model can be worthwhile on a small site with frequent interruptions and awkward entrances.

Think about how your work may change, too. If you expect to maintain more paddocks, consider the handling and capacity you will need. However, an oversized harrow that is difficult to pull, lift or store may create more work than it saves.

Our chain harrows for sale include options for compact tractors, ATVs and UTVs. The best choice is the one that suits both the maintenance task and the practicalities of using it around your property.

If you would like advice on choosing the right chain harrow, contact Beckside Machinery or call 01673 828965. Tell us which vehicle you use and how your paddocks are laid out, and our team will be happy to help.