How to level land with a tractor

3/26/2024

Kennadi Harris

Leveling land properly can ensure you have a nice, buildable foundation that is essential for many projects. This is a necessary step for starting a garden plot, building a structure, and several other ventures. Thankfully, this task doesn’t require heavy equipment to get the job done. All you need is a compact tractor and the right attachment. 

Implement Options

You can use a couple of different attachments to grade and level land to a smooth surface. The best option depends on the terrain you are working on and the particular job. A box blade or scraper is the most common attachment for the task. The box blade includes scarifer teeth in the front and a blade in the back that can cut through sod and dirt easily in both a forward or reverse direction. A landscape rake or land plane (also known as a land leveler) is sufficient for tougher jobs that require you to dig through gravel and other rough terrain. In some instances, a loader bucket is enough to get the job done. The bucket can be used to fill holes and trenches and then smooth over the surface with the tractor's weight.

How To Level

The process of leveling land might look a little different for each project and equipment used, but typically, following these general guidelines results in a smooth surface.

Remove any obstructions

Before you begin, you must clear out your land and remove any possible obstructions such as heavy rocks, branches, debris, or vegetation from the land.

Mark your perimeters

To avoid going outside of bounds when doing the job, set some type of reference points or perimeters of the land you want to be leveled. This can be done in a couple of such as digging trenches around the borders of the land or simply putting down markers.

Align Your Attachment

For the best outcome, you’ll want to adjust your attachment properly and align it in a straight line to make clean and accurate passes.

Begin Leveling

For whatever surface you’re working on, you should begin by taking some of the high points to low points to create an even level, using a back-and-forth motion. If you are using a loader bucket, use the bucket to transfer dirt into the trenches or holes. If you are using a box blade or land plane, distribute gravel or soil into holes or uncovered areas. Once you have successfully, evened the surface smooth it out with your attachment and the wheels of your tractor.

Check Your Progress and Repeat

As you are leveling the ground, make sure to keep a close eye on your progress and adjust as needed. This is especially important for your blade attachments, as you might find you will need to raise or lower your implement. You can also measure how even your surface is by using a string line. Keep repeating this process until you are satisfied with the result.

Clean Up

Once you have completed leveling the land, remove any excess dirt and debris around the area.

Just like any other skill, leveling land requires practice and patience to master. Nonetheless, if you follow these steps you can get the job done. If you need more advice on how to complete projects and what equipment is necessary, don’t hesitate to reach out to our many equipment experts here at Goldman Equipment.