Rock and Soil Separator - leave rocks/take soil away

[rgsparber]

A big problem here in the Southwest is our ground cover around houses. It is common to have down a 2 to 3 inch layer of 1" rock. Over time, this rock sinks down and/or is covered with fine clay. Given the large expanse plus weight of this rock cover, it is not practical to shovel it into a sifter, remove the soil, and spread the rock. People usually just buy a few tons of new rock and have it spread out. Wait 5 to 10 years and repeat.

I have experimented with a small heavy steel rake. It is possible to tease up the rock layer and leave the dry fine clay behind. A lot of work and very slow going. Yet this might be the genesis of an idea for a new machine.

If you think about the problem, the goal is to move the small amount of light soil, not disturb the rock.

I have tried using a leaf blower on dry soil. It is kind of slow but not as slow as using a common sifter and a shovel. However, the find clay goes airborne and makes a mess as it settles on rock around the work area. I thought about using two leaf blowers. One to blow the soil away from the rocks and the other to suck up the resulting dust. I recently was given a second leaf blower so will try this but it will certainly be an ungainly machine.

I am confident that a respectful and spirited discussion of this problem by creative people will turn up a few promising leads. So if you are out there, please speak up!

Thanks,

Rick

[mklotz]

What about a low-power version of a power washer? Something with too little force to move a rock but enough water motion to liquefy and flood clay away?

I've always envied Arizona's rock "lawns". Nothing to fertilize, nothing to water, nothing to mow. During our recent drought here in SoCal, we had our front lawn redone. Had wood chips laid everywhere with a dozen or so lantanas irrigated by a dribbler system. Looks very nice and significantly reduced the water usage.

Of course, now the El Niño has arrived and we've been having enough rain to cause flooding and landslides. Why, there's even water in the Los Angeles river! (Yes, in LA even the rivers are paved.)

[rgsparber]

Marv,

The rock is mostly maintenance free but does require applications of weed killer during the rainy season and periodic attention as the dirt shows through. I do own about 600 square feet of grass and it is a PITA. I killed off 400 square feet of it and will convert to Xeriscape. When I have figured that out, I'll do the rest.

Your rain has been our rain, although not as much. Sure would love to see Lake Mead rise.

One thing I failed to mention is that the dry, powdery clay turns to glue when it is wet. However, if I used compressed air instead of water, that might do the trick :-). I would need to use the leaf blower in suction mode to gather the cloud.

Thanks!

Rick

[mklotz]

One thing I failed to mention is that the dry, powdery clay turns to glue when it is wet. However, if I used compressed air instead of water, that might do the trick :-). I would need to use the leaf blower in suction mode to gather the cloud.
Rick

Blow the dirt off the rocks on a really windy day?

How about a shop vac fitted with a screen to prevent rocks being ingested?

[C-Bag]

I had the same problem but I had to dig it up to put in a fence, so I made a cement mixer with sifting holes:

http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/d...0221#post28977

[ulav8r]

If you incorporate a vacuum, be sure to use a cyclone or two to keep the clay out of the filter and motor.

[rgsparber]

Will do.

Thanks, Rick