Who makes the best power rake / soil conditioner?

[Thomabear]

Thanks C, really appreciate the reply and sharing your experience. Your video highlights exactly what I like about power rakes doing the job of several implements at once. Chopping, holding dirt until its fine then dropping it in low spots and seed prep all in a pass or two. I've also seen videos of them being used to dethatch and free rolling the rotor to create divots for seed then another free roller pass to cover. In my attempts of using a tiller I always had to come back with a box blade in a days long attempt to level and seed prep again with the tiller skimming then going over it with a drag. The result was a ton of time spent, broken equipment and a lot of bodily wear and tear to finish with a semi quality job that is still somewhat rough. I think smaller properties wouldn't justify the cost but if someone has enough work and property to keep that unit busy you are well ahead of the game and it will pay for itself over the years.

 

[dirttoys]

I have a M6 Harley for my skid steer.

It is expensive.
It is the attachment I work on most by a factor of 5.
It is indispensable, and does what nothing else can.

Couple of observations, and certainly ask me anything, as I use it a lot (almost as much as I work on it).

It works better on abd (already been dug) ground. If you have an x or dozer or loader to loosen stuff up, you can work miracles.

If you are on hard clay with rocks hand to head size, un-worked, you can do it, but man it is slow and loud and rough on equipment.

Best,

ed

 

[Thomabear]

dirttoys, my research has shown that the Harley brand in equal widths of other mfgs is roughly 2-400 pounds lighter in weight. Can you share what is breaking down on your rake? Is it structural cracks requiring welding or replaceable wear parts? Ted over at Everything Attachments stopped selling Harley due to issues with both their rake quality and support since being bought out by Briggs. I've heard the same from another dealer but I spoke with so many people I can't remember who. Other manufactures that Harley builds rakes for is Frontier (Deere), Mahindra and Woods, although there may be a few others that I'm not aware of. I'd be curious to know if these other brands spec their machines the same as Harley. The heavy duty tractor models I've been looking at (other brands) are actually built heavier (weight wise) than skid steer units of equal width. Harley may be the exception.

 

[cstamm81]

Very good info being shared here guys, and I appreciate it greatly. I agree on the cost, it's crazy to think about spending this much money unless used commercially. I'd prefer to find a used one for half the price, but everything I have seen the past 12 months has been beat to death.
Thomabear, thanks for calling MTW and unearthing this info. I found out about MTW from a Facebook tractor group, guy bought one and said he liked it, but didn't seem to have experience with other brands. It seems to me the current contenders are MTW or Erskine, as I believe the 84" Erskine is around $10k as well. I have a 60hp Kubota, and 84" wide seems to be the sweet spot, wide enough to cover the tire track at full angle, yet not too wide to fit on a deckover trailer (96 incher). It looks like Erskine has a 10" rotor vs. 8", and about 200 extra pounds. I'm assuming the Erskine is chain driven like the MTW. I am comparing the Erskine SC84 vs the MTW PR284P just to make sure we're on the same page.

 

[Thomabear]

cstamm81, I just completed ordering the PR284P with the carbide teeth, depth shoes and hydraulic angle. I finally got tired of looking for a decent used rake at a fair price and decided to move on. My tractor has 3 remotes so I will be able to angle and tilt while covering tire tracks which is 72" wide on my tractor. I thought long and hard about this purchase and I feel it's justified based on the large amount of annual work I will be putting it through, not to mention saving the additional work, time and wear and tear on my back and neck. Once the ~10 acres I keep up is smooth this unit will see annual maintenance of dirt and washrock roads, food plots and anywhere else needed. Not having to mess with 3 implements for less quality results will allow more time to do the things I like (Family, hunting, fishing and beer). This rake has a 3 week lead time but I will follow up once I've had a chance to put it through the paces.

 

[cstamm81]

Congrats! Please report back when you receive it and let us know what you think. Mind if I ask what you wound up paying?

cstamm81, I just completed ordering the PR284P with the carbide teeth, depth shoes and hydraulic angle. I finally got tired of looking for a decent used rake at a fair price and decided to move on. My tractor has 3 remotes so I will be able to angle and tilt while covering tire tracks which is 72" wide on my tractor. I thought long and hard about this purchase and I feel it's justified based on the large amount of annual work I will be putting it through, not to mention saving the additional work, time and wear and tear on my back and neck. Once the ~10 acres I keep up is smooth this unit will see annual maintenance of dirt and washrock roads, food plots and anywhere else needed. Not having to mess with 3 implements for less quality results will allow more time to do the things I like (Family, hunting, fishing and beer). This rake has a 3 week lead time but I will follow up once I've had a chance to put it through the paces

 

[Cataclysm]

I'm interested in your impressions as well! You are going to enjoy that rake!

Here is a clean up job I did a couple days ago.

Hauled off the big rocks with the grapple.

Raked out and windrowed the rocks that were left.

Ran the rake over and smoothed everything out.

 

[Thomabear]

Nice work Cataclysm. I haven’t forgotten about this thread and will definitely share my experience once I get to use the rake. Unfortunately it will be a while due to hurricane Ida demanding my free time. It may be spring before I can try the rake. Thanks all for the information and advice so far.

 

[Otgaugres]

I’ve got a Bobcat brand for my CTL. I’ve never operated a PTO powered one on a tractor. Sounds like another sore neck to me. Mine has the power angle and the hydraulic bolster wheels that are easily lifted out the way for working next to walls or other obstacles. This was my first summer with it and still perfecting my technique. Overall, I’m pleased with mine. Seems to be built good. No troubles yet except for a broken hydraulic fitting (my fault!). Mine is 72” and was about $9k out the door. My only fault with it is that I wish there was some way to adjust the tilt of the roller from side to side. It would nice to be able to fine tune that to level it out side-to-side. I think the Ventrac offers has that ability with theirs. I’d be interested to know if other brands offer that as well.

 

[dirttoys]

dirttoys, my research has shown that the Harley brand in equal widths of other mfgs is roughly 2-400 pounds lighter in weight. Can you share what is breaking down on your rake? Is it structural cracks requiring welding or replaceable wear parts? Ted over at Everything Attachments stopped selling Harley due to issues with both their rake quality and support since being bought out by Briggs. I've heard the same from another dealer but I spoke with so many people I can't remember who. Other manufactures that Harley builds rakes for is Frontier (Deere), Mahindra and Woods, although there may be a few others that I'm not aware of. I'd be curious to know if these other brands spec their machines the same as Harley. The heavy duty tractor models I've been looking at (other brands) are actually built heavier (weight wise) than skid steer units of equal width. Harley may be the exception.

yea sure, and sorry for the delay.

I can't compare well, as I have only used the m6 and a rented rock hound.

I bought mine (well) used, and have put a ton of hours on it in what has to be the worst environment for it.

I have broken one drum (roller with carbine teeth. Broke at end, appeared to be worn thin.

U-bolts on the gates, probably four or five, replace with all thread now.

Rhino hide gates, four, I think, damn things are $200 a piece.

wore through the bottom of the chain housing, which let the housing fill with dirt and kill the double 60 chain. Welded plate on the bottom, oddly the sprockets and both end bearings are still surviving.

Plastic rollers and tensioners have all passed away.

tail (or in this case lead) wheels always have tire problems.

If you are going to use it like I have;
get solid tires,
make sure to weld wear beads on the bottom of the chain case,
keep the chain case full of cotton picker grease
keep the main bearings greased like your life depends on it
take 2 hours a month to go through and tighten every bolt

as bad as all that sounds, nothing will do the work of one that I am aware of.

Best,

ed