Rake Landscape Rake

[pmk013]

I recently purchased a Mahindra 3510 and several implements, one of which was a landscape rake. I want to clear small limbs and leaves from the recent hurricane, but I am unsure how to use this implement. Should it be lowered just to the ground or should some pressure be put on the tines? I do not want to break them. Any suggestions?

 

[rdln]

I clean underneath my willow tree twice a year with mine and various other tasks for 10 years now and have yet to even bend a tine. I position the rake at 0deg (parallel with axles) and let it float while driving in an increasing diameter circle if area permits, avoid sharp turns and clean when needed with side of boot or whatever.

 

[Henro]

If you are just wanting to clean off the surface and are not worried about trying to level it, just drop the rake and go to work. The tines my bend a bit, but they seem to be pretty durable from my experience.

You may want to consider gage wheels for the rake. After I got mine I could see how great they are. Better than I expected when trying to level things out, or drag crushed stone on your driveway, things like that.

The gage wheels I got for my KK rake come off in about ten seconds for the pair, so I can use the rake without them if I want.

More than you asked for I guess...I suppose worst case you could break some tynes on the rake if you catch something, but with my 30hp tractor I have yet to do that. I do have a couple that are bent back a little though...

Just to be sure I am expressing myself clearly. If you lower the 3PH all the way, the weight of the rake will put some pressure on the tynes. The only way you could get more than that would be to put extra weight on top of the rake.

If you are just skimming off small branches, twigs and leaves, you will not have a problem... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I just realized I don't know for sure how to spell tynes. Or is it tines...I'm /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[pmk013]

OK thanks for the information. I'll go to it now!!!

 

[KiotiJohn]

One thing no one mentioned is that you can change the aggressiveness of the rake by lengthening or shortening the top link. If you want the tines to dig in more, shorten the top link. If it's tearing up your ground too much, lengthen the tope link. Most rakes can also be turned all the way around so the you're using only the backs of the tines and this is good when smoothing/leveling dirt or just skimming stuff off the top of the ground. I use mine both ways, a lot. John

 

[Theowegian]

Hi.
I have a 72" Landpride rake. I use it a lot to clear brush.

I've noticed that the rake is more aggressive when I reverse the rake around and drive my tractor in reverse, too, of course.
Maybe it is because of the length of the toplink, I dont know. But it digs in better when in reverse.
dwight

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I've noticed that the rake is more aggressive when I reverse the rake around and drive my tractor in reverse, too, of course.
Maybe it is because of the length of the toplink, I dont know. But it digs in better when in reverse.
dwight )</font>
Sounds like a good way to break the tines off to me! With it turned around I never back up with it down, I just let the tines graze the ground, dragging material along with it. You must have the top link adjusted just right to keep those tines from breaking going in that direction. John

 

[BarryinMN]

I have a 6' CAT 0 Landpride rake I pull behind a JD 455 lawnmower. I use it 10:1 more than a box blade. Have not bent the tines in 2 years of use. Lawn, road, drive, garden areas, etc. If I snag something big the tractor stops & wheels spin (2wd)