Problem with Howse Landscape Gage Wheels.....

[Junkman]

I purchased a set of gage wheels for the Howse 6' landscape rake and when they arrived, one wheel was bent. Closer examination of it, it seems that it was also mis manufactured. Northern, sent me a second set of wheels and when they arrived, there was a problem with them also. One wheel had a shorter "stem" on it than the other. I called Howse and they said to swap it with the one good wheel in the original set. I am posting this, because if I had bad luck with 2 sets of wheels, I believe that there is a possibility that others might also be defective and some others here have expressed an interest in ordering wheels for their rakes. I also found that they didn't give me enough spacer washers to properly adjust the wheels. I "robbed" spares to make up the difference from the original defective set. This first picture is of the two different stem lengths.... I will say that they were quick to try to help resolve the problem and I give Howse a A+ for this... Good company, questionable quality control.... You will also note in the picture that the cross brace isn't welded in squarely. This also presents a problem when it hits the tire.... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[Junkman]

in this picture, you will see the 3 wheels..... the one that my toe is pointed to is a good one. The other two have defects.

 

[Junkman]

I have posted about other problems with the rake in the Kubota Owning Operating forum, since those problems are unique to the use of the rake with the Kubota BX22. If you have a full sized tractor, you will not experience any of the problems that I am having due to the lower stance of the BX. Overall, I give the Howse Landscape Rake good marks for overall quality. I believe that the problems with the wheels is a result of the high demand for them and production trying to get them out quickly. The tires are manufactured in China, and one of them came "flat" and won't hold air for more than an hour. I don't know if it is a defective tube or some other defect. I am just glad that the UPS pick up slip hasn't come yet. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[OkieG]

Just out of curiosity, how much did the wheel kit cost? I'm not very familiar with Howse, but they seem to get good feedback from TBN users, don't they?

KingKutter is a brand that gets variable reviews in this forum. I bought a KK rake a couple months ago and ordered a wheel set a few days later. It arrived in 3 or 4 days. Overall, the wheel kit quality is similar to most KK stuff I see...kind of iffy paint job (like their implements), but reasonable duty construction. I was relieved to find that everything matched and fit OK. Maybe just luck.

<font color="blue"> I believe that the problems with the wheels is a result of the high demand for them and production trying to get them out quickly. </font>

With the poor quality control, it makes me wonder if Howse even makes the wheel kit at all? Maybe contracted out. They probably won't tolerate the quality issue long, once they find out what's going on. Makes you wonder though, how a company with a reputation at stake, would allow 2 mess-ups out of 2 kits. Not very confidence inspiring.

OKieG

 

[Junkman]

The wheel kit is $119 from Northern Hydraulics and $140 on the Howse website. Both prices don't include shipping. They don't have any information as to use or mounting. Guess that they think that if they eliminate any and all instructions, they will limit the amount of liability exposure that they might have. The only thing about it that I don't like is that it is a bear of a job to rotate the rake from right to left when you get to the end of the row that you are working. I kept working the stones to one side for final pick up. I am considering installing a grease fitting where the two metal plates come together so I can at least put some lubrication in and possibly make it a little easier.

 

[Von]

Junkman,
I have the same rake. Another problem is now you can't rotate the rake 180` and use it to push backwards, without taking one guide wheel frame off. I have to do this to fit the rake on the trailer when transporting mine. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif I got my rake from Central Tractor for only $100.00, missing the top part of the 3pt. hitch and only one guide wheel frame. I just made the rest and repainted the thing to get rid of all the rust. Mine spins fine, but when I put it back together after painting I did grease it. That was 4 years ago and still moves freely. Howse is one of those products that your "get what you pay for" Spend more money and the quality control issues go away. Of course thats just my 2¢ worth! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[DAP]

Sorry Junk ... cant let this slide ...

I usually buy slip ons or velcro strapped workshoes because I can't deal with snapping/breaking shoe laces.

Um ... why, you could even secure that strap with your other foot!

Seems to get farther and farther away (our toes) don't it?
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[Junkman]

I am just too old and cranky to even care about those Velcro fasteners being secured. Besides, it makes for a quick get away if the sneakers ever sneak up on me.... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif