72 inch Rachet Rake on sale at TSC $199

[gtrippleb]

Just wanted to point out, that if you are dumb, and mount the 72" RR as-is on your 60" bucket, like me, and then go hog-wild in the woods, this is the result:

Not dangerous.. yet... but clearly not sustainable. The straps should really be contained within the bucket where you aren't gonna drag them on trees and dirt.

Otherwise, this thing rocks.

Unless there is a reason you're not able to connect to the two inner brackets, I don't see why you wouldn't use those? On my 48" bucket, I use the two inner brackets and they work great.

 

[txdon]

The inner brackets, on the 72", do not have a underneath bracket to attach the other side of the strap to.

 

[deezler]

Correct, there are only bottom side connection brackets on the outer locations.

I experimented with moving the top side strap over to the next inside location, but I didn't really like the severe diagonal angle that left the one strap with. And it greatly obscures the buckets usefulness, though obviously that is inherently compromised just by having any straps present in the first place. Ultimately it might be nice to use chains and chain binders (like the ebay pallet forks) vs. the ratchet straps, for a little more durability.

J_J, obviously it would be nice to simply cut off the bracket and re-weld it on the next tooth over.... I don't have a plasma cutter, welder, grinder, or skills. Nor do I have friends with such (though admittedly I may have to start reaching out a bit further and begging a bit).

I just looked at the other side's strap, that is mounted cleanly within the bucket edge (as intended by RR). It also is suffering some noticeable abrasion. I suppose I should stop trying to dig and move stumps around with the RR installed. On the other hand, it would be worth it to have to buy a new set of ratchet straps every now and then, for the peace of mind of not worrying about babying anything and just tearing into the bush without restraint.

 

[deezler]

Edit: I am getting single-click double posts almost ALL the time on this site. Using Chrome on an updated macbook pro. What gives, tractorbynet?

 

[pennwalk]

You can buy nylon fabric sleeve that is used to protect strap at a trailer place.

Chris

 

[GPintheMitten]

Correct, there are only bottom side connection brackets on the outer locations.

I experimented with moving the top side strap over to the next inside location, but I didn't really like the severe diagonal angle that left the one strap with. And it greatly obscures the buckets usefulness, though obviously that is inherently compromised just by having any straps present in the first place. Ultimately it might be nice to use chains and chain binders (like the ebay pallet forks) vs. the ratchet straps, for a little more durability.

J_J, obviously it would be nice to simply cut off the bracket and re-weld it on the next tooth over.... I don't have a plasma cutter, welder, grinder, or skills. Nor do I have friends with such (though admittedly I may have to start reaching out a bit further and begging a bit).

I just looked at the other side's strap, that is mounted cleanly within the bucket edge (as intended by RR). It also is suffering some noticeable abrasion. I suppose I should stop trying to dig and move stumps around with the RR installed. On the other hand, it would be worth it to have to buy a new set of ratchet straps every now and then, for the peace of mind of not worrying about babying anything and just tearing into the bush without restraint.

These were the reasons that I paid $100 more and got the model that fit my tractor.

 

[Zebrafive]

Have you considered hooking the hook in the "V" between two teeth?

 

[deezler]

You can buy nylon fabric sleeve that is used to protect strap at a trailer place.

Chris

Actually, the RR does come with some nylon sleeve protectors. I chose not to use them as where the ratchet straps go around my bucket is totally smooth, with no sharp edges (the intended protection for the sleeves). But I think I will put them on over this area, provided they fit.

These were the reasons that I paid $100 more and got the model that fit my tractor.

Touche. But I do like how the 72" model is 5/8" steel (vs. 1/2" for the smaller ones). And I also really like having the RR protrude past the bucket edges, very handy for gently pulling back against loose trees that I am working to uproot.

Have you considered hooking the hook in the "V" between two teeth?

No, I haven't, but maybe I will examine that later today. I do a lot of back-dragging with my RR, so having potential for the ratchet to be pulled off sounds like bad news to me. It's much more reassuring to have the ratchet hook through a full loop where it is well protected.

 

[GPintheMitten]

The 5/8" is a plus for sure. You might want to check with a local welder as to the cost to cut and reweld the brackets inboard.

 

[gtrippleb]

I have no problem with the straps on my 48" bucket. The straps go straight over the top of the bucket and I used the long cables to attach to the bottom bracket. The severe diagonal angle is handled by the cables which SHOULD be way stronger than the straps. I was worried about rubbing the straps also so I went with the cable underneath.