Custom built dethatcher - Won't see one like this!

[Shmudda]

I have a 1994 Honda 4514 Hydrostatic Drive tractor that is as reliable as the day is long! I have been wanting a dethatcher for the machine for quite some time now. I looked high and low at many different makes and models, but never found one to my liking....until now! I knew I wanted one that mounted to the front of my tractor so I could scratch, mow and bag all at the same time, saving valuable time and fuel...especally these days!

This past winter I took the time to design and build a unit that I think the general population here will appreaciate.

After designing the hitch and once I had the distance above the ground I set off to design the actual dethatcher unit itself. This thing went thru about 3 revisions on the CADD system before I finally settled on what you see in these pics. Once it was built and painted I proudly put the thing on the machine and used it. It worked far better then what I ever expected it to work! I was truly amazed at the amount of thatch and dead grass it extracted from the lawn.

The pictures show the unit either in the down (operational) position or the up (transport) position. To raise and lower is all manual, but I really didn't want anything real complex as the thing will only be used a few times a year.

Check the pics out, I know how all you guys like pictures!

[ditzel]

nice work. where did you get the tines? now you have me thinking that maybe I need to build one myself, possibly attached to the FEL QA.

[Wombat125]

That's really slick. I have absolutely no use for a dethatcher, but I can certainly appreciate the engineering.

[Shmudda]

Originally Posted by ditzel

nice work. where did you get the tines? now you have me thinking that maybe I need to build one myself, possibly attached to the FEL QA.

Tines were aquired at Shope Manufacturing Company.....here is the link:

Shoup Manufacturing Company

They have about 50 different designs........so good luck!

Craig

[Bill Barrett]

Shoup is 30 mi from me, good people.

[SkunkWerX]

Nice work.
You will be happy with the extra work it can do while you mow.
I use mine in combo with my lawn vac, really helps loosen up the debris, leaves and dead grass.

The hydraulic raise and lower has been nice on mine.

What keeps your spring tines in contact with the ground?

[Shmudda]

Skunk.....

If you look at one of the side views you will see that the whole tine assembly is adjustable in a vertical fashion as it is actually seperate from the main frame that is connected to the tractor and wheels. The weight of the whole unit is enough to keep the tines down in addition to the location of the pivot joint that connects the receiver to the dethatcher. If you notice I positioned that pivot joint with a 3/8" bolt just slightly above the frame that holds the tines, thus keeping a downward force on the tine assembly in the back. I never once had issues with the tines skipping and with the pivot where its at the whole unit will pivot at that location as the tractor and dethatcher goes over uneven ground keeping the tines in contact with the grass.

Craig

[3238dpw]

I am wondering what is different or better about your than this.
Jrco Inc. - Heavy-duty Attachments for Commercial Mowers

[Shmudda]

Scott,

From what I can tell from the pictures there are a number of things different.

1.) The JRCO needs a rather large mount for the front of the tractor, even when the unit is removed the mount seems to be large and cumbersome.
2.) JRCO can work both front and rear, mine only works on the front.
3.) JRCO is adjustable by raising and lowering the rear wheels, my wheels don't adjust, you do that with the whole tine assembly and a few pins.
4.) JRCO doesn't have one that will fit a Honda, so I was stuck.
5.) Mine is a true custom made unit that cost me less then 100 bucks.
6.) That JRCO unit with a mount is into the $500.00+ price range I bet based on the junk I see for 100 bucks out there. See, I saved $400.00+ dollars and had the joy of building something.
7.) JRCO is a much larger unit and will not fit in tight spaces or smaller yards. I don't care how big your yard is, theres always grass or lawn to mow in a tight space.
8.) Mine's RED....and it goes FASTER!

Those are just a few.......

Craig