Ratchet Rake - ever seen/used one?

[Ken45101]

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

Neat idea but that would not work for pulling out small trees and shrubs and briars like the RR and Piranha do. I see those functions as a primary advantage of those attachments.

But yes, it's another good idea, but we just end up with too many different attachments for limited use.

I would really love a RR but I haven't found any around this part of the country. Maybe I'll just have to order one from the company one of these days.

Ken

 

[beppington]

Neat idea but that would not work for pulling out small trees and shrubs and briars like the RR and Piranha do. I see those functions as a primary advantage of those attachments.

But yes, it's another good idea, but we just end up with too many different attachments for limited use.

I would really love a RR but I haven't found any around this part of the country. Maybe I'll just have to order one from the company one of these days.

Buy a Ratchet Rake, cut it down the middle lengthwise, have the lower rake part welded to the lower rear corner of your bucket (with bracket supports as needed), & strap the front cutting edge to the bucket's cutting edge like normal. This assumes there'd be no reason/ desire to ever remove the rake part from the rear of the bucket.

 

[xtn]

If you want to clear land as effectively as possible, the thing to mount on the front of your loader bucket is a D9.

 

[BXpanded]

Good morning guys,
The Piranha was not intended to be a direct competitor to the Ratchet Rake, York Rake, Jake Rake or any other specialized rake. Had someone not specifically asked about it, I would not have mentioned it in this thread. It is not a copy or knock-off of any of the above. It was originally prototyped in 2008, long before we had ever heard of the RR. We have never used the RR and intentionally, have never looked at one in person. (We try to avoid other products as we really don't want our designs to be influenced.)

As I said earlier, the intent was to produce a versatile, multi-function attachment that could do many things. No doubt, a well designed, specialized attachment can serve its intended use very well. Will the Piranha function as a rake? Sure! It does it pretty well. But, I'd never say the Piranha is a better rake than any of the above. I will say it's probably a whole lot better at digging though. I'd also guess that it's a lot better at getting out that 3" sapling or that half-buried rock. It'll also help you level that spot where you're planning to build that new tractor shed or cut down that high spot in the yard that you want to get rid of.

In summary: If you only need a rake, buy a rake. If you need to do other things, consider a Piranha.

Oh! and BEPPINGTON, we have 2 different prototypes of that right now.

Harry
BXpanded

 

[ddb123]

Could anyone advise me on whether a ratchet rake would work on my bucket? I don't know if you can tell from the photo, but the bottom is a little bent, so that the surface where the rake attaches is slightly bowed down in the middle.

 

[beppington]

Could anyone advise me on whether a ratchet rake would work on my bucket? I don't know if you can tell from the photo, but the bottom is a little bent, so that the surface where the rake attaches is slightly bowed down in the middle.

Looks like the 68" & 72" models, which have support brackets in toward the middle of the Ratchet Rake, would require your bucket's cutting edge to be pretty darn straight.

 

[ddb123]

Alternatively, anyone have any good ideas on how to straighten out my bucket? I've tried just lifting the tractor with that part; didn't work. Don't want to ram anything and jar the loader that bad.

 

[beppington]

Alternatively, anyone have any good ideas on how to straighten out my bucket? I've tried just lifting the tractor with that part; didn't work. Don't want to ram anything and jar the loader that bad.

Take the bucket off, roll it back onto its back, & pound the lip with a sledge hammer until mostly straight-ish. That's all I got.

 

[ddb123]

Take the bucket off, roll it back onto its back, & pound the lip with a sledge hammer until mostly straight-ish. That's all I got.

That's actually not a terrible idea, can't believe I didn't think of it. Just need to make sure I have the ear plugs in!

 

[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:

Good morning guys,
The Piranha was not intended to be a direct competitor to the Ratchet Rake, York Rake, Jake Rake or any other specialized rake. Had someone not specifically asked about it, I would not have mentioned it in this thread. It is not a copy or knock-off of any of the above. It was originally prototyped in 2008, long before we had ever heard of the RR. We have never used the RR and intentionally, have never looked at one in person. (We try to avoid other products as we really don't want our designs to be influenced.)

As I said earlier, the intent was to produce a versatile, multi-function attachment that could do many things. No doubt, a well designed, specialized attachment can serve its intended use very well. Will the Piranha function as a rake? Sure! It does it pretty well. But, I'd never say the Piranha is a better rake than any of the above. I will say it's probably a whole lot better at digging though. I'd also guess that it's a lot better at getting out that 3" sapling or that half-buried rock. It'll also help you level that spot where you're planning to build that new tractor shed or cut down that high spot in the yard that you want to get rid of.

In summary: If you only need a rake, buy a rake. If you need to do other things, consider a Piranha.

Oh! and BEPPINGTON, we have 2 different prototypes of that right now.

Harry
BXpanded

With this response and having not receiving any PMs or phone calls it looks like I'm not getting a Piranha to let me decide with the side by side test if they are competitors in my opinion and the strengths and weaknesses of them in comparison. I guess I'll just have to continue endorsing the one I have used and has worked great for me up to this point.
I really was looking forward to trying the Piranha to see if it was in the same class of construction quality, durability, ease of use, installing, removing and value for the money. Guess now I'll never know, it'll just be a story with pictures for me.