Mowing is the standard, but just by roling herbs and grasses flat once a while the result is like a path created in a forest just by walking. Much more variety in flowers and herbs (and a chance for survival for bees and butterfies). As mowing creates grasses, rolling creates herbs.
I tested a pretty simple version pulled by my Yarbo and it works great. Goal is to create natural looking small paths in an meadow like area with lots of trees. I am working on a version connected to the lifting system to be able to give extra pressure by the weight of the Yarbo. It’s a relative unknow technique, but used in Vineyards and to flatten cover crops. As there is a new Kickstarter running for Yarbo, I think it could be an awsome opportunity to create new module which would make a lot of butterflies and bees happy. It’s also a great tool for owners who like a more natural look of their garden.
Thank you for sharing this. I learned something new today. What an interesting concept.
And you said you already tested a simple version pulled by your Yarbo? I would think that once Tow Mode is released, pulling such a device would become even easier and more reliable for automated use.
Hi there, thanks for sharing this idea—it’s a really interesting concept!
While this isn’t something we’re likely to consider in the short term, we truly appreciate you bringing it forward. Insights like this are valuable as we continue exploring new possibilities for future modules.
A normal rolofaca needs a lot of weight to function, but that’s something you don’t want because that uses a lot of power. We are mounting a (light) module connected to the lifting unit in the front and try to use the weight of the yarbo to press the weeds down. The unit can be pressed further down than track-level.
We use them every time we mow - and we even complain about it.
The tracks do exactly what is being described, lol.
But more to the point, even the action of walking a path is often enough to keep weeds down. A roller for that purpose would be fantastic. With bonus points if we can fill it with water to make it heavier, perhaps for crushing mole hills after winter melt.