Rake Gauge wheels for a landscape rake

[RichZ]

Here's a question for you experts. How important is it to have gauge wheels on a landscape rake? I've used my friend's rake to rake my garden, maintain my driveway and rake manure from my horse paddock. The rack had no wheels and worked great. I could control the height with my three point hitch. All the dealers I talk to, tell me that wheels are essential. Of course they add several hundred dollars to the cost. I don't think I need them, what do you guys think? Are the dealers just trying to jack up the cost?
Thanks!!
Rich

[Von]

Rich,
I'm no expert, but I'll answer anyway. Once you use a rake with gauge wheels, you will wonder how you did without before! They are worth the money IMHO.

[Caretaker]

Rich,

I think your experience shows that Gage Wheels are not absolutely essential. They make it easier, that's all. I used my rake for a while before I got the gage wheels for it, and got reasonably good at adjusting the rockshaft control "on the fly" to keep the raking level. But, after putting them on, I consider it reasonable to have purchased them, even though they cost a couple of hundred. Now, I can set the gage wheels for the depth I want, and all I have to do is drop the rake when I want to start raking and then raise it when I'm done. It all comes down to where you want to expend your resources . . .

Same thing holds true for a hydraulic Top Link. I don't have one, but I think I'll get one because it makes it so much easier to set the tilt on 3PT implements.