Chain harrows remain one of the most popular pasture and field-maintenance tools because they are simple, affordable, low-maintenance, and useful across many farm types. They are commonly used for breaking up manure, leveling molehills, spreading residue, smoothing worked ground, lightly scratching seed into the soil, and improving pasture growth without aggressive tillage. 

The most common types are drawn chain harrows, which pull directly behind an ATV, UTV, tractor, or truck; mounted 3-point chain harrows, which are easier to lift and transport; and folding or caddy-style chain harrows, which are popular for wider working widths on larger farms. For smaller acreages, 5-foot to 8-foot units are common, while commercial farms often use wider 16-foot to 26-foot models or larger folding units. Heavy-duty harrows with thicker tines are preferred for rough pasture and manure spreading, while lighter harrows are better suited for arenas, lawns, seedbed finishing, and general smoothing.