How do I grade my gravel driveway with the DR Power Grader?

Grading a gravel driveway or dirt road with the DR Power Grader couldn't be easier! Simply attach the machine to your towing vehicle and position yourself at one end of the area to be graded. Then drive up and down the driveway/road until the entire surface is graded. We like to start with the lowest setting, such that the teeth are digging in as deeply as possible. This quickly loosens all the compacted gravel, providing plenty of material for the rear leveling blade to fill in potholes and ruts. Then, you may want to raise the teeth and go over the area again with the teeth penetrating less deeply to further spread the material and smooth the surface. The technique may vary based on your driveway's conditions, but the basic process is very simple, and you can't beat the results!

What towing vehicles can I use with the DR Power Grader?

You can tow either model of DR Power Grader with a utility tractor or ATV. If you prefer to use a lawn tractor as your towing vehicle, we recommend using one of at least 14 HP and/or 400 lbs. with the 48" DR Power Grader model (12 teeth), and of at least 19 HP and/or 500 lbs. with the 60" (16 teeth) DR Power Grader model.

How is grading different with the EZ-Dial model?

Rather than the powered actuator used on the other models, the EZ-Dial model features a manual adjustment which is designed to be within easy reach from your tow vehicle's driver seat. While the powered actuator can adjust grading depth while moving, the EZ-Dial model requires stopping your tow vehicle. Changes of grading depth are typically needed more frequently when restoring a driveway than when doing routine maintenance. You may also need to raise the teeth when traveling off the driveway onto grassy surfaces (for example when doing a u-turn). The choice between a powered model vs. the EZ-Dial model is one of convenience vs. price. They both do the job equally well, but it will progress with less stopping and starting with the powered actuator.

What else can I use the DR Power Grader for?

There are a number of projects besides driveway grading for which the DR Power Grader may be used. Maintain smooth gravel parking lots by grading them periodically. Use it for any projects that you would normally use a landscape rake for, such as breaking up the 'crust' that sometimes forms on the top of your garden soil before tilling, or leveling the ground before seeding a new lawn. Many DR Power Grader owners also maintain horse trails, equestrian arenas, or baseball fields with their machines. The DR leaves beautiful results on dirt surfaces such as these, especially when used with the optional Drag Screen.