Ratchet Rake - ever seen/used one?

[IslandTractor]

OK, I may have to jump on this bandwagon myself for some lawn reno I have planned for next Spring. I have saved enough $$$ to buy one modestly priced implement and the RR is in the running right now along with The Thumb grapple attachment, but that one seems that it might be impractical for a BX. Decisions, decisions - like a kid in a candy store and only enough money for one piece.

(OK SB, you keep trying to kill this thread and someone will just have to keep saving it)

The RR would be easy to use with your BX. To use a grapple arm you'd also need to put in either a rear remote or a diverter valve which would be pretty pricy.

 

[CHDinCT]

The RR would be easy to use with your BX. To use a grapple arm you'd also need to put in either a rear remote or a diverter valve which would be pretty pricy.

I have rear remotes already, but I would have to reinforce the bucket top edge, and buy hoses and quick connects, etc. Would definately cost more than the RR. My main concern is how effective it would be given the limited power of my BX FEL. The cool factor would be high, however

 

[Just2quickz28]

I have rear remotes already, but I would have to reinforce the bucket top edge, and buy hoses and quick connects, etc. Would definately cost more than the RR. My main concern is how effective it would be given the limited power of my BX FEL. The cool factor would be high, however

Chris American solutions posted that they are back making a grapple for the BX its pricey but its a complete unit. I am wondering how hard it would be to make a Ratchet Rake.....

 

[Ken45101]

I am wondering how hard it would be to make a Ratchet Rake.....

Probably not all that hard if you have experience and equipment to handle 3/8" (small one) or 1/2" steel.

Ken

 

[CHDinCT]

Chris American solutions posted that they are back making a grapple for the BX its pricey but its a complete unit. I am wondering how hard it would be to make a Ratchet Rake.....

I saw that post, but it's pricey at $1,200+ and comes with the valve I believe, which I don't need given I have rear remotes. Also, I have chain hooks welded at the top corners of my bucket which would interfere with their mounting set up.

As far as making a RR, it would be real hard for me as I have no metal working tools nor welding skills. I have looked for somewhere to take a welding class in CT, but have had no luck. Manufacturing in this state is a forgotten industry it seems. If you didn't take welding in high school shop, you're out of luck learning it latter it seems.

 

[Just2quickz28]

I saw that post, but it's pricey at $1,200+ and comes with the valve I believe, which I don't need given I have rear remotes. Also, I have chain hooks welded at the top corners of my bucket which would interfere with their mounting set up.

As far as making a RR, it would be real hard for me as I have no metal working tools nor welding skills. I have looked for somewhere to take a welding class in CT, but have had no luck. Manufacturing in this state is a forgotten industry it seems. If you didn't take welding in high school shop, you're out of luck learning it latter it seems.

The bucket hooks shouldn't be an issue as the 2 side parts are what bolts on and the entire bar unit is removable.

As far as welding classes... I bought a small Hobart welder and dug a Miller Stick out of my uncles garage(still haven't tried that) pretty much been teaching my self from books and the old beat it with a hammer see if it breaks mentality.

 

[amigauser]

I have looked for somewhere to take a welding class in CT, but have had no luck. Manufacturing in this state is a forgotten industry it seems. If you didn't take welding in high school shop, you're out of luck learning it latter it seems.

Off topic but -
Bristol TEC Welding and Metal Fabrication

http://www.cttech.org/BRISTOL/adulted/schedule.htm

I have also been thinking about taking a class and it is very inexpensive.

 

[CHDinCT]

Off topic but -
Bristol TEC Welding and Metal Fabrication

Bristol TEC Apprentice and Extension Classes

I have also been thinking about taking a class and it is very inexpensive.

Wow - why couldn't I find that in all my searching. Will check it out. Bristol is not too close to me but it's doable if I can get there by 5:00 PM. Thanks

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

My brother in law teachs machine shop at Voc now College and has his own machine shop. I showed him info on RR and thickness of metal that's bent. He said to order it. He said no press big enough in our community to bend the steel on the thickest one plus the cost of steel. He could probably do one cheaper for himself especially if he doesn't count his time as of no value course he does count his time and can work all he chooses to. He'd probably order one instead of build one if he wanted one. Those that have the skill, the steel and time of no value might want to make their own.

 

[badbowtie]

Okay guys I have been through all 22 pages and never saw anybody that had feedback or before and after pictures of fixing a ruted out gravel driveway. I have about 1600' gravel drive that has two hills on it. That I need to try to keep from being so ruff all the time. I made my own tooth bar but made it for digging. I am very interested in the ratchet rake but would like to here more about the results on gravel. Also can some one please tell me the measurements from the 90 out to were the teeth start and end and the measurements rom the 90 down to were the teeth start and were they end. I will be using chains and binders to hold mine on. Mine will be right around the 52" length. Also a couple more pictures of the 52 inch one would be great. Thanks In advance.