3pt Power Rakes (ie Harley): operational difference between chain & gear driven?

TSO · Mar 12, 2015

Posted this in the "attachments" sub forum but it's not getting much attention...

I'm in the market for a 3pt power rake / Harley rake / soil conditioner...

I've seen there are two basic drive styles, chain reduction drives the drum, or, gear connections drive the drum. The PTO shaft drives the gearbox of course, but then the power is transferred to the drum by those two methods. Seems like Harley brand uses chain, while FFC uses gear.

I've watched pretty much every video online regarding general operation of the power rakes, but I haven't found anything that explains the advantages or disadvantages one drive system has over the other. does anyone have the experience or knowledge to comment on that? The pricing is similar enough to not come into play.

I'm looking at a 6 or 7 foot model. With 36.5 PTO HP (in your experience) can I handle a 7 footer? I would worry that 6 foot wouldn't cover my tracks well enough, but would worry that 7 foot might lead to maneuverability issues on smaller turf jobs.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance

blackdog2086 · Mar 12, 2015

Re: 3pt Power Rakes (ie Harley): operational difference between chain & gear driven?

I've got a 6' Land Pride powered rake, which is nearly identical to the Harley brand with the chain drive. Your tractor should have plenty of power to operate a unit of that size without any strain at all on the engine. I can't give any advice on the gear driven units, and don't think I've actually ever seen one.

I was hesitant to spend the amount of money for one, but after actually using it I can say it was worth every penny. Mine was a very slightly used unit that the dealer used as a demo. No nicks in the teeth and the roller still had the factory paint on it. I took me awhile to find, but I saved about 3K over new.

Stonehaller · Mar 12, 2015

Re: 3pt Power Rakes (ie Harley): operational difference between chain & gear driven?

I bought a used 6' Harley rake. The chain was stretched to where the tensioning roller would not maintain proper tension anymore allowing the chain to slap against the side of housing. I took a link out of the chain as recommended in the manual, but that was too much. I bought a half link but that was still too much. The tensioning mechanism is a roller mounted on a pivoting arm with a spring to apply the tensioning force to the outside of the chain. I ended up relocating the chain tension arm pivot point (lowering it) so it could travel a little further and it has been working great since. I would not worry about the chain. With proper maintenance I expect it will last a long time.

I mainly use it with my Kubota L39 which has 30.5 PTO HP. I do not feel I am taxing the tractor very much, so I expect you would be fine with a 7 foot rake.