One of the projects that I undertook this Summer was a lawn roller. Our yard became infested with moles, and as a result the yard became extremely difficult to mow. I looked at the hardware store for a solution, but for what they wanted for a big heavy wheel, I could not see spending that much. I decided to build my own.

I gathered up some steel angles, some pipe, a few U-bolts, and some concrete. The plan was to build a basic frame out of the steel angles, and pour the concrete into a round form to act as the heavy wheel.

I welded the steel frame together, and it came out pretty well. Pouring the concrete was not so successful. I had to pour the concrete in the form, and getting a 80 pound bag of concrete up to the top was a little bit of a struggle. I also had not thought of pouring the concrete into a bucket, mixing it there, and then pouring it into the form. So, I poured the concrete directly into the form, sprayed it with the hose, and mixed it in the form. It was a mess. Hopefully, all of the concrete is cured enough that it doesn't completely fall apart.

Then, the first time I get to use it, it works. Until I go in reverse. The main cross member that holds the whole frame together buckled as soon as I went in reverse. Of course, the frame got caught on the roller, and got all boogered up.

In retrospect, I should have built the thing much stronger then I did. I am going to try to replace the main beam with a square tube of steel, as opposed to the angle iron that I originally used. This should be strong enough, and not be as easily twisted. I will also be able to use the original angle iron as an extension arm from the new beam to give the whole thing a little more clearance from the mower.