Testing statement: Firebusters has not personally tested this drag harrow. Specifications and observations are based on current supplier information. Follow the current PLANTCRAFT instructions and the towing vehicle manufacturer’s requirements.
PLANTCRAFT D55 Drag Harrow Overview
The PLANTCRAFT D55 is a tow-behind chain drag harrow designed for paddocks, pastures, larger lawns and other open property-maintenance areas.
It has a published operating width of approximately 1.41 metres and uses high-carbon-steel tines to work the upper surface of soil.
Verified Specifications
| Brand | PLANTCRAFT |
| Model | D55 |
| SKU | GDTDRGPCD45A |
| Operating width | 1410mm |
| Operating length | 1620mm |
| Published maximum operating depth | Up to 95mm |
| Tines | 95 × 11mm |
| Material | High-carbon steel |
| Finish | Black powder coating |
| Tow connection | Triangular tow bar with 2-inch metal loop |
| Overall dimensions | Approximately 1410 × 2510mm assembled |
| Product weight | 49kg |
| Standard warranty | 12 months at time of review |
PLANTCRAFT D55 Product Card
1.4m Tow-Behind Drag Harrow
High-carbon-steel construction, 49kg product weight, 1410mm operating width and 2-inch metal-loop tow connection.
Sponsored affiliate link — Firebusters may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
What Can a Drag Harrow Do?
The D55 is designed to drag a flexible steel mat and tines across the ground behind a suitable tow vehicle.
The supplier identifies uses including:
- breaking up surface soil clumps
- spreading manure
- spreading mulch and organic matter
- light soil aeration
- covering newly spread seed with a thin soil layer
- smoothing minor bumps and depressions
- general pasture and paddock conditioning
Actual results will depend heavily on soil moisture, compaction, vegetation, speed, tine orientation and the number of passes.
Published 95mm Maximum Depth
The supplier states that the heavy-duty tines can penetrate up to 95mm.
Firebusters would treat this as a published maximum operating depth, not a guarantee that the harrow will consistently penetrate 95mm into every type of soil.
Hard dry clay, compacted ground, dense grass and rocky soil can substantially reduce penetration.
It Is Not a Rotary Cultivator
A drag harrow works mainly by dragging its tines through the upper surface.
It does not have powered rotating blades.
If you need to deeply cultivate compacted soil, establish a new garden bed or aggressively mix soil, a rotary hoe or cultivator may be more appropriate.
Drag Harrow vs Other Property Implements
| Implement | Typical role | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Drag harrow | Surface conditioning, manure spreading, seed covering and light levelling | Limited ability to reshape heavily compacted or badly uneven ground |
| Grader blade | Moving and reshaping gravel or soil | Requires suitable tractor or machinery and can disturb ground substantially |
| Rotary cultivator | Powered soil cultivation and seedbed preparation | Much greater soil disturbance and more complex machinery |
| Lawn roller | Firming or flattening suitable surfaces | Does not rake, aerate or spread material |
Tow Connection
The D55 uses a triangular tow bar ending in a 2-inch metal loop.
The supplier states that this arrangement is intended to connect to many tractors and ATVs. The product is also marketed for use behind suitable ride-on mowers and lawn tractors.
49kg Implement Weight
The assembled harrow weighs approximately 49kg.
That mass helps keep the tines in contact with the ground, but it also affects:
- manual handling
- storage
- transport
- turning effort
- tow-vehicle suitability
Plan how the harrow will be moved and stored before purchase rather than assuming one person can easily lift the assembled unit.
Working Width and Access
The operating width is approximately 1410mm.
The overall assembled length is approximately 2510mm including the tow frame.
Before purchase, measure:
- gate openings
- shed doors
- storage space
- paths between fences or buildings
- available turning room
Ground Conditions Matter
Drag harrows generally work best where the ground allows the tines to move through the surface without repeatedly striking large fixed obstacles.
Inspect the area for:
- large rocks
- stumps
- wire
- irrigation equipment
- large branches
- deep holes
- hidden debris
Wet, boggy or extremely hard ground can also change performance and towing effort.
No Published Towing Speed
The current retailer specification does not publish a specific operating speed for the D55.
Firebusters therefore would not invent a maximum towing speed.
Operate according to the current PLANTCRAFT instructions and the towing vehicle manufacturer’s requirements. Avoid using normal ATV or vehicle travel speeds simply because the harrow is attached.
Turning and Manoeuvring
A 1.4m-wide implement needs room to turn.
Sharp turns can cause the harrow to move differently from the tow vehicle and may place additional forces on the connection.
Plan broad, controlled passes and keep clear of fences, buildings, people and animals.
Ride-On Mower Considerations
If a ride-on mower is used as the tow vehicle, confirm that its rear hitch is approved for attachments of this type.
The mower deck is not required for harrowing. Follow the mower manufacturer’s attachment and operating instructions and avoid unnecessary blade operation while carrying out a separate towing task.
Spreading Manure
One useful paddock application is breaking up and spreading manure piles across a wider area.
This may help reduce concentrated material in grazing areas.
Performance will depend on how dry or compact the manure is and the number of passes required.
Seedbed and Overseeding Use
The manufacturer also promotes the D55 for lightly incorporating seed by covering it with a thin layer of soil.
This is quite different from deep cultivation.
For seeding work, follow the seed supplier’s recommendations for planting depth and soil preparation rather than assuming deeper tine penetration is better.
Maintenance
After use:
- remove grass, soil and manure buildup
- inspect tines for bending or damage
- inspect tow bars and connections
- check fasteners
- look for damaged powder coating
- allow wet components to dry before long-term storage
High-carbon steel is durable, but damaged coatings and prolonged moisture exposure can still contribute to corrosion.
Who Should Consider the D55?
It may suit:
- smallholders
- acreage owners
- horse-property owners
- hobby farmers
- larger lawn and paddock maintenance
- owners already operating a compatible tractor, ATV or ride-on mower
When Another Tool May Be Better
Consider another implement if:
- you need deep soil cultivation
- you need to move substantial amounts of soil or gravel
- the area is extremely rocky
- major drainage or grading work is required
- your tow vehicle is not approved for a suitable attachment
- access points are narrower than the implement
Buyer Checklist
- Confirm model D55 / SKU GDTDRGPCD45A.
- Allow for the 1410mm operating width.
- Allow for approximately 2510mm overall assembled length.
- Remember the product weighs approximately 49kg.
- Check your tow vehicle’s permitted attachment and towing requirements.
- Confirm the 2-inch metal-loop tow connection suits your vehicle.
- Inspect paddocks for rocks, stumps and hidden hazards.
- Do not rely on the 95mm published maximum depth for every soil type.
- Do not invent or assume a towing speed.
- Read the current manufacturer instructions before operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How wide is the PLANTCRAFT D55?
The published operating width is approximately 1410mm.
How much does it weigh?
Approximately 49kg assembled.
How deep can the tines work?
The supplier publishes a maximum operating depth of up to 95mm. Actual penetration depends on soil and operating conditions.
What are the tines made from?
The harrow is constructed from high-carbon steel with a black powder-coated finish. The published tine size is 95 × 11mm.
Can I tow it behind a ride-on mower?
The product is marketed for suitable ride-on mowers and lawn tractors, but you still need to confirm your mower’s approved hitch and towing limits.
Can it be used with an ATV?
The supplier describes the tow arrangement as suitable for many tractors and ATVs. Compatibility should be checked before use.
Will it grade my driveway?
It may lightly redistribute loose surface material, but it is not a grader blade or earthmoving implement. Significant driveway reshaping requires different equipment.
Final Assessment
The PLANTCRAFT D55 is a relatively simple 49kg tow-behind implement that can perform several useful surface-conditioning jobs around larger properties.
Its 1.41m working width, high-carbon-steel construction and heavy tines make it more substantial than a lightweight lawn rake.
The biggest limitation is understanding what a drag harrow cannot do. It can rake, spread and lightly work the surface, but it does not replace a powered cultivator or grader.
Firebusters recommendation: consider the D55 if you have open paddock or acreage areas and a suitable tow vehicle. Confirm your hitch and towing limits first, and match the implement to surface-conditioning tasks rather than major earthmoving.
Research Source
Specifications, price, availability and warranty terms can change. Check the latest supplier listing and manufacturer instructions before purchase or use.
About the author and safety review
Ken Walker
Former Station Officer and fire service educator
Fire and emergency service educator with 40 years of career and volunteer experience.
Qualifications: Associate Diploma of Applied Science in Fire Technology; Institute of Fire Engineers studies.
Author profileGeneral information only. Follow official warnings, local procedures and manufacturer instructions.
