Ratchet Rake - ever seen/used one?

[creekbend]

Go to the Ratchet Rake page and look at the product brochure. The specifications for the 72" rake say it fits 66-78 inch buckets.

www.ratchetrake.com/images/ratchet_rake_brochure.pdf

The 72" rake fits my 66" QA bucket just like the center unit with the 68" rake attached. There is one tooth beyond the outside bucket wall on my unit. It does not appear that part of the rake extending beyond the bucket width is a bad thing. I know it has not shown any indication of flexing or bending when pushing the caliche or digging down in the hard packed pad on the corner of the rake. It seems really solid and secure.

Thank you.

 

[ajmbonaire]

Will a 72 inch RR fit on a 66 inch bucket?

I mounted the 72" RR on my 66" bucket with no problems. The cleats align just inside the bucket on both sides. I belive the cleats are 60" apart.

 

[BXpanded]

I've never used the Pirhana so I can only reiterate what JohnThomas said. I would say, based on the photos, that the Pirhana looks like it would cut through small saplings and brush as it seems to have an angled blade. The RR will uproot instead. I'm sure the Pirhana would uproot bigger brush and trees too but it might act more like a scythe on smaller stuff. It is better to uproot generally to minimize regrowth although regular mowing will also work. The Pirhana seems more unidimensional in that it isn't designed to level dirt etc which the RR does. Again I haven't even seen the Pirhana except in the photos BX posted but it seems to be kind of in between a true toothbar (aimed at digging ) and the more versatile RR. If I had a Pirhana I would use it to clear land but I'd personally lean towards the RR if I had to choose especially if i needed to prepare land for grass seeding.

The ratchet rake is obviously a fine implement with lots of happy users. We have no desire to disparage the RR or to minimize its effectiveness. The RR is not designed for digging nor for scooping or loading. It is a different implement than the Piranha with different characteristics so a direct comparison would not be possible.

Based on the above concerns, It's probably appropriate to explain what we intended to accomplish with the Piranha. Our intent was to build the most versatile and useful attachment possible to enhance the utility of the front loader. We felt it important that the loader be able to maintain its normal functions of scooping, carrying, digging and smoothing. We intended to enhance the ability to dig in hard ground, clear weeds and brush and finish surfaces for landscaping. All that, and make it easily affordable. We built prototypes, tested and refined until we felt we had met those goals.

We experimented with lots of different tooth designs and angles. The angles on the teeth and between the teeth are such that they help "grab" (for lack of a better term) the brush. weeds, etc. They won't simply cut through a sapling (think of trying to push an axe through a sapling.) The smaller, very sharp pointed teeth will dig into the wood of a sapling and help it to be pushed/ lifted rather than just being flattened and run over like a traditional tooth bar. The larger teeth allow scooping under the root ball and lifting it out. The tooth design dramatically increases hard ground digging ability similar to the effect of a traditional tooth bar. To remove loose roots, sticks, rocks or uprooted sod, or to prepare a seed bed, we simply tilt the bucket downward and back drag. The flat back allows complete smoothing of the surface and allows picking up material without digging into the surface below.

We find the Piranha to be extremely versatile as it allows full use of the bucket for digging, loading, and flat, smooth back dragging as normal. Meanwhile, it also functions as a very effective tooth bar allowing digging in hard soil, clearing brush, removing sod and prepping ground.

Removing or installing the Piranha is really quite easy and quick. Two adjustable wrenches and about a minute gets it on or off, although since the bucket remains fully functional, and in the case of the BX version, still allows the use of our Quick-On Forks, we find few reasons to remove it at all.

 

[Barnone]

Thanks to all for all the information on the Ratchet Rake and the Piranha Tooth Bar. I'll have to think about it at length to make a decision on which to buy.

 

[IslandTractor]

Based on BXpanded's explanation, I'd revise my virtual comparison. If the Piranha works more by grabbing than cutting it would certainly be more effective than a traditional toothbar at clearing smaller brush just like the RR. It has a clear advantage in allowing the bucket to load normally too. However, I'd still think the RR would be easier/faster as the design allows you to use the scraping rake function without careful attention to bucket angle. The RR manufacturer demo video shows how quickly the RR can work with essentially the same imprecise movements we use with a hand rake. Just drop the bucket in float and move. Maybe a video of the Piranha would show the same speed but it seems more attention to bucket angle and down pressure would be required. For someone clearing a smaller area or wanting the benefit of full bucket use with the attachment mounted that would be an easy compromise to accept and the Piranha certainly would be better than a standard tiothbar. Still, for a landscaper using the device as a cheap alternative to a power rake though I'd imagine the RR might have advantages over the Piranha. I'd also point out that adding a bucket grapple with a Piranha would be a very handy combo when clearing brush and has the clear advantage of not needing to be removed when you've finished scraping and proceed to the next task of moving the spoils etc. A Piranha equipped bucket grapple should be a very useful implement combo for general purpose land reclamation.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

The ratchet rake is obviously a fine implement with lots of happy users. We have no desire to disparage the RR or to minimize its effectiveness. The RR is not designed for digging nor for scooping or loading. It is a different implement than the Piranha with different characteristics so a direct comparison would not be possible.

Based on the above concerns, It's probably appropriate to explain what we intended to accomplish with the Piranha. Our intent was to build the most versatile and useful attachment possible to enhance the utility of the front loader. We felt it important that the loader be able to maintain its normal functions of scooping, carrying, digging and smoothing. We intended to enhance the ability to dig in hard ground, clear weeds and brush and finish surfaces for landscaping. All that, and make it easily affordable. We built prototypes, tested and refined until we felt we had met those goals.

We experimented with lots of different tooth designs and angles. The angles on the teeth and between the teeth are such that they help "grab" (for lack of a better term) the brush. weeds, etc. They won't simply cut through a sapling (think of trying to push an axe through a sapling.) The smaller, very sharp pointed teeth will dig into the wood of a sapling and help it to be pushed/ lifted rather than just being flattened and run over like a traditional tooth bar. The larger teeth allow scooping under the root ball and lifting it out. The tooth design dramatically increases hard ground digging ability similar to the effect of a traditional tooth bar. To remove loose roots, sticks, rocks or uprooted sod, or to prepare a seed bed, we simply tilt the bucket downward and back drag. The flat back allows complete smoothing of the surface and allows picking up material without digging into the surface below.

We find the Piranha to be extremely versatile as it allows full use of the bucket for digging, loading, and flat, smooth back dragging as normal. Meanwhile, it also functions as a very effective tooth bar allowing digging in hard soil, clearing brush, removing sod and prepping ground.

Removing or installing the Piranha is really quite easy and quick. Two adjustable wrenches and about a minute gets it on or off, although since the bucket remains fully functional, and in the case of the BX version, still allows the use of our Quick-On Forks, we find few reasons to remove it at all.

I've been using the RatchetRake for several years. I usually work alone so attaching/removing something easily and quickly is really important to me. The RR can be off and on by one person in a minute or two with no tools. RR does have to come off to use the bucket for scooping (off and on quick and easy) but does have to come off.
I know there are lots of people giving the big no-no to tilting the bucket and back dragging because of damaging the FEL arms but I've being doing it from my first tractor with a FEL till now and have been "lucky" and haven't broken anything yet. Your saying to do this with the Piranha to get it to work like the RR. The RR doesn't require as much extension to the FEL arms to use it for finishing up by turning the bucket down all the way.
Again, I've used the RR for several years on different tractors and I'm "willing" to do a "product review" on the Piranha since I've never used one or actually even seen one in "person". I can give an unbiased opinion between both products after having actually using both of them. I can do some side by side tests with photos, I promise. The problem is I have a RR but I don't have a Piranha!
It seems to me the best solution is for you to send me a Piranha (just like what a customer would receive, not a special manuf model) and let me test them for you and the TBN members. I'm willing to do this at no charge but you ain't getting the Piranha back unless it's useless.
Now, I'll be looking for the test Piranha soon. PM me if you need my address or phone number.:thumbsup: I'll do a fair test, I promise.:licking:

 

[Barnone]

JOHNTHOMAS,
I have learned a lot from your posts on the RR and it would be nice if you were given the opportunity to test and compare the RR and the PTB.

I'm leaning towards the PTB since it allows the bucket to be used when it is installed.


I just received the Quick On Pallet/Brush Forks from BXpanded yesterday for my BX2660 and will try them out today.

EDIT: They worked just fine.

 

[adjusterr]

I have used a Ratchet Rake for two years on a Kubota L2250 and couldn't be more pleased. I use it to grade 2/10 mile driveway, clear brush including small trees and bushes. If required, it can be removed/installed in minutes and I have never had it loosen during use. I noticed some posters said it had to be removed to scoop with the bucket, I have never had to remove it, I carefully tip the bucket until the row of teeth extending below the bucket, clears the ground, has always worked for me. You will have a small amount of product residue left in the bucket but only a small amount. Obviously, if you are using the bottom of the bucket to smooth a surface you must tip the bucket edge up until the lower teeth clear the ground. The RR is made in Carlisle, PA, and sold through Tractor Supply outlets. Check out the video at Ratchet Rake, LLC - Tractor attachment, Bucket attachment, Loader, Skid loader, Kubota, Skid steer, Landscape rake, Brush remover, York Rake, Harley Rake, Rock Rake, Tractor rake attachment, Construction attachment, New Holland, Bobcat, Fire safety, . This is a real good product.

 

[beppington]

Maybe somebody needs to make (yet) another, 2-part version:

1) Get a typical toothbar for the bucket's front, cutting edge ... and 2) a separate fine-tooth rake that would attach to the bottom rear corner of the bucket. Back dragging from that location would be done without the bucket being un-curled.

I'm sure this rake wouldn't be as universal fitment-wise, especially since some buckets are square-ish & some are round-ish ... but the designer can work out those details

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I've been using the RatchetRake for several years. I usually work alone so attaching/removing something easily and quickly is really important to me. The RR can be off and on by one person in a minute or two with no tools. RR does have to come off to use the bucket for scooping (off and on quick and easy) but does have to come off.
I know there are lots of people giving the big no-no to tilting the bucket and back dragging because of damaging the FEL arms but I've being doing it from my first tractor with a FEL till now and have been "lucky" and haven't broken anything yet. Your saying to do this with the Piranha to get it to work like the RR. The RR doesn't require as much extension to the FEL arms to use it for finishing up by turning the bucket down all the way.
Again, I've used the RR for several years on different tractors and I'm "willing" to do a "product review" on the Piranha since I've never used one or actually even seen one in "person". I can give an unbiased opinion between both products after having actually using both of them. I can do some side by side tests with photos, I promise. The problem is I have a RR but I don't have a Piranha!
It seems to me the best solution is for you to send me a Piranha (just like what a customer would receive, not a special manuf model) and let me test them for you and the TBN members. I'm willing to do this at no charge but you ain't getting the Piranha back unless it's useless.
Now, I'll be looking for the test Piranha soon. PM me if you need my address or phone number.:thumbsup: I'll do a fair test, I promise.:licking:

JOHNTHOMAS,
I have learned a lot from your posts on the RR and it would be nice if you were given the opportunity to test and compare the RR and the PTB.

I'm leaning towards the PTB since it allows the bucket to be used when it is installed.

(Not my tractor in the photo.)
I just received the Quick On Pallet/Brush Forks from BXpanded yesterday for my BX2660 and will try them out today.

First, Thanks.:thumbsup:
OK!!!!! Support for my "cause".:thumbsup::thumbsup::licking::licking::licking: