Landscape rakes- are they all the same?

[Thomas]

Like the old saying.."You pay for what you get"
I really like my York w/drop down grader blade,over the years York rake handle some questionable project w/no problems.

 

[AKfish]

Just noted your last comment regarding "a lot of stumps" and wondering about a narrower rake. One word - excavator! Rent one.. You're gonna tear that landscape rake up - pretty much guaranteed - if you don't get that bigger stuff outta the ground!

As well, I noted you've got a HD box blade. That's a good tool to have for ripping the smaller roots out of the ground! You won't need the 3pt mount ripper I spoke about.... :thumbsup:

AKfish

 

[AKfish]

Like the old saying.."You pay for what you get"
I really like my York w/drop down grader blade,over the years York rake handle some questionable project w/no problems.

Thanks, Thomas. I could not remember what brand of landscape rake I have... (senioritis)! It's a York! 7' with rear wheels and angle adjustment.

AKfish

 

[Carl Bert]

Yeah I'm looking for one myself. Craigs list and Ebay have quite a few used ones to choose from if you want to save a few bucks. I noticed that on some of the used ones the tines are really bent out of shape, which would make them close to useless for grading. I was just wondering if this is more common with the cheaper rakes. Are the tines able to be straightened out, or do you have to replace them? Frontier has a very nice setup with gauge wheels, but as with all Frontier products it is very expensive. ETA seems to always be very good quality for your money.

I agree with AKFish, the gauge wheels are a must, if you plan on using it for grading as I am. Good luck

 

[bulldogshotgun]

Thanks for all the advice. i would love a grapple, but I have a JD 4020 ag tractor and the front axle just wouldn't be up to the job. That's why I'm looking at rakes.
......
My tractor is 7.5' wide at the rear wheels

based on this i assume you have full size 4020 "New Generation" tractor and not the Newer CUT.
but either one should be more than capable of handling a FEL and Grapple,

 

[DKCDKC]

For a defined job like that you described, consider looking around for a used rake. I bought a somewhat bent, heavy duty commercial typle landscape/rock rake from a rental house for $150 and it works just fine. I don't think my tractor could bend it if it tried. People sometimes don't look for the used, but it's sure a lot cheaper - albeit without the nice new paint.

 

[AKfish]

For a defined job like that you described, consider looking around for a used rake. I bought a somewhat bent, heavy duty commercial typle landscape/rock rake from a rental house for $150 and it works just fine. I don't think my tractor could bend it if it tried. People sometimes don't look for the used, but it's sure a lot cheaper - albeit without the nice new paint.

Except for my last 2 tractors - everything I've got - is used. So... I'm a real believer in CL and auctions and sale bulletins in the lobbies of restaurants, truck stops, etc. etc. Would never downplay the value of buying a good used piece of equipment. :thumbsup:

AKfish

 

[90cummins]

Landscape rakes will do the job but require quite a lot of cleaning because roots & branches get wedged between the tines and you need to get off the tractor to remove them. Tines or frame can also get bent when you snag a big root if the rake is not heavy enough.
I don't have a loader mounted grapple but would 2'nd that suggestion. The grapple allows you to gather then pickup and remove the trash to a hole or burn pit.
The rake would then be used to give the final finishing touches.
90cummins

 

[schoolsout]

ratchet rake would be much better for that, IMO. I was skeptical at first, but it works. We are cleaning up about 7 acres that was recently logged (1 year ago) and the ratchet rake has worked wonders so far on the slash. Tried using the landscape rake we have (although only 5') and it takes a lot of effort to accomplish little in the way of getting slash and whatnot up.

was lucky enough to grab a 72" RR from TSC for $99 when they had them.

 

[Piston]

ratchet rake would be much better for that, IMO. I was skeptical at first, but it works. We are cleaning up about 7 acres that was recently logged (1 year ago) and the ratchet rake has worked wonders so far on the slash. Tried using the landscape rake we have (although only 5') and it takes a lot of effort to accomplish little in the way of getting slash and whatnot up.

was lucky enough to grab a 72" RR from TSC for $99 when they had them.

He doesn't have a front end loader.