Ratchet Rake - ever seen/used one?

[J_J]

Only complaint I have, is that the straps are of little use, I have 14hrs on the tractor (between first 'venture' Monday-Wednesday), Used the Ratchet Rake for probably 8-10 of those hours, and the straps are already frayed and ready to rip, going to have to replace with a length of chain over this weekend, to keep the strap off the bottom of the bucket, where it is seeing tons of abuse. I would like to see this 'design improvement' from the makers, but I guess I'll have to do the design/modification myself.

Wonderful tool/implement aside from that.

Bassicfun,

From reading and seeing the data from Ratchet Rake I just assumed that the bottom had the chain as standard. However, they say that you can add the chain to replace 1/2 of the strap, to give added wear protection. I would make them send you new straps, and then add chain on the bottom as in the picture.

 

[Bassicfun]

Yeah, I just now saw that.. I emailed them to see if they can help out reasonably. I'll keep everyone posted, they have been great thus far.

I did another 20'+ x 12'+ amount of work last night with the ratchet rake, doing well, won't rip into ground as much as I'd hoped.. might on a skidsteer, perhaps the BX just can't get that weight/leverage into the ground the same (safely).

 

[Riptide23]

I did another 20'+ x 12'+ amount of work last night with the ratchet rake, doing well, won't rip into ground as much as I'd hoped.. might on a skidsteer, perhaps the BX just can't get that weight/leverage into the ground the same (safely).

Try watering the ground first with a sprinkler, or go out after a rain. That might loosen things up...

Just got mine yesterday...

 

[FN in MT]

Only complaint I have, is that the straps are of little use, I have 14hrs on the tractor (between first 'venture' Monday-Wednesday), Used the Ratchet Rake for probably 8-10 of those hours, and the straps are already frayed and ready to rip, going to have to replace with a length of chain over this weekend, to keep the strap off the bottom of the bucket, where it is seeing tons of abuse. I would like to see this 'design improvement' from the makers, but I guess I'll have to do the design/modification myself.

Wonderful tool/implement aside from that.

I'm going to buy one of these for my B2620 ... but I think I'm going to see if they will simply sell the metal rake without the USELESS straps. You'd think that minus the straps a guy would save a few bucks.

I wonder if they have any plans to UPGRADE the straps with some sort or guards, or whatever??

FN in MT

 

[J_J]

They had a bolt on version, but gave it up for the straps, for quick on and off.

 

[Donkey Shade Farm]

Bassicfun, when you are leveling out areas (new seeding, etc) what works better...ratchet rake or your landscape rake?

 

[HarleyScooter]

On my previous question about the size of the formed angle I was refering to the length of the legs on the angle, it looks like it might be 4" X 8". Would someone measure theirs and give us the information? As far as the straps wearing so quickly and chains being kind of bulky on the bottom I was thinking what if you used a piece of flat steel bar like 3/16" X 2" and connected it to the bottom of the rake and ran it back under the bucket and then bent it up the back about half way and then connected it to the strap? Kind of like a gas tank strap.

 

[Bassicfun]

Riptide- Actually, I did increase RPM (therefore hydraulic pressure) and it seemed to rip into the ground much better, I am guessing it was a combination of low RPM and my own inexperience with the attachment. Although I have OVER 20+ hrs on it in less than a week.

FN - They have been phenominal to deal with (Barbara @ Ratchet rake) and she is sending me new straps, along with a new protective sleeve they developed to solve this issue. I have chains now as well, but since they have been so great to me, I am going to put on the straps, with the protector and I guess in essense be a 'beta tester' for them on it. I will post pictures as well once I have it put on and some more 'workout'

Donkey - I have found that the Ratchet rake has proven (thus far) more effective for leveling then the landscape rake. Although I see merit for the Landscape rake for pulling out small amounts of left over sod, or rocks/clumps.

Harley- Approximately 7" out, and 4.5" down

 

[StrangeRanger]

I'm not an agent/thread starter... I simply have very little time for reading the boards. Plus I have no net connection at home and surfing is frowned upon at work
I'm still super interested in this gizmo. But I really wish the offered the bolt on version still. Maybe I'll ask them.
Those that have picked up a ratchet rake please keep posting your adventures and thoughts. Pics too if you got them.
Thanks,
j

 

[StrangeRanger]

Ok, so I watched the video again and have some questions. In the video they're using a small skid steer and I notice in most of the operations they driver is using a fair amount of down pressure. That is the skid steer's front wheels are off the ground a lot. Do you do that w/ your tractor? Are you worried about bending anything running like that?

And in the tooth bar vs. rake comparison it's pretty obvious they're using like float or zero down pressure w/ the tooth bar. Not exactly apples and apples but oh well.

Any chance of anyone posting the instructions/manual that came w/ the rake? I'd really like to see them.

Thanks,
j