Removing River Rocks from a 1+ Acre Soccer Field Site

Disking and rototilling a 1-acre site keeps bringing up river rocks of all sizes. A hydraulic lawn rake pulls too much soil. Need a mechanical solution for rock removal before sodding.

Concept: Mesh-Bottom Box Blade

Modify a box blade (land-leveling implement) by replacing the solid bottom with heavy-gauge mesh sized to let soil pass but trap rocks. As you drag it, soil falls through; rocks collect in the box for dumping.

Practical Alternatives

• Rock picker/stone burier: Tractor-mounted implements designed for this (e.g., Degelman, Highline). Rent if purchase isn't feasible.
• Screening bucket on excavator: Load, screen, dump soil; pile rocks.
• Contract a land-clearing crew: They have rock windrowers and screeners.

For a soccer field, surface smoothness and player safety demand thorough rock removal. Invest in the right equipment or hire it done once.