Rake Cheap alternative to Harley Rake?

[Larry_Van_Horn]

Folks,
I have read the post regarding the benefits of the harley rake. Is there any cheaper alternative? I just can't stomach the price tag. ANy suggestions on sources for used / cheaper alternatives would be appreciated.
Larry

 

[EquipmentJunkie]

Rent one when you need it. Only hundreds of dollars vs. thousands. Maybe you will find that you'd use one more often once you are familiar with it.

 

[Chipperman]

Larry_Van_Horn
You might consider a side delivery rake.
Chipperman

 

[Larry_Van_Horn]

I am not familiar with a side delivery rake. Do you mean an angled York rake? Do you have a picture?

 

[JerryG]

Larry,
I don't know if that was meant as a joke or not(no smiley faces),but a side delivery rake is to rake hay before baling hay. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[ronjhall]

Larry

I was in Janesville Wisconsin last November. The local <font color="green"> JD </font> dealer had a power rake that was made in Wisconsin. It looked good. But never having used on power rake I cannot verify how good it was. Price was $5000 for a new 60" with carbide.
I had a brochure from the company. But never found anything on the Internet.
Here is the dealer’s address, phone number and e-mail. I talked to a salesman named Ron.

MID-STATE EQ JANESVILLE, LLC
4323 OLD HUMES ROAD
JANESVILLE WI 53546
United States
608-758-7494

 

[Chipperman]

Larry_Van_Horn
No joke guys. Sitrex use to make one. I will see if I can find a picture for you. It worked much better than a york type rake.
Chipperman /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Chipperman]

Larry_Van_Horn
Here is a picture of what I am talking about. See attachment.
It appears to be called a belt rake not a side delivery rake. It works well for smaller rocks.
Chipperman /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[beenthere]

I agree, rent one, and then know for sure what the Harley rake will do. There is a reason that it works well, and in my opinion, you won't find a 'cheap' alternative (not considering alternatives such as a roto tiller along with other attachments to dig, level, pick out debris, and leave a soil ready for sowing grass seed). Harley rakes do this in one pass (sometimes two).

For sure, the "belt with teeth" will not do what a Harley rake will do, as anything bigger that straw or hay will likely tear it apart /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. It is a pretty frail looking attachment (although it might work well for wind-rowing leaves - Hmmm). Can't imagine it moving rocks very far with those tines and considering the weight of a rock.

 

[Chipperman]

beenthere
Just like your name I have "beenthere" and it does work well. Is it a replacement for a power rake? No, but if you are looking for an inexpensive alternative, this is one. It will not dig up new ground. If you spread and level top soil and then run the rake around it will do a very nice job of windrowing up to about 1.5-2.5" rocks in addition to most debris. I have used one myself and I knew a developer who did many, many house lots with one. This was about 15 years ago and the power rakes were just starting to get popular. All that said if you can rent a power rake and you only have one or two jobs then by all means renting is the best way. If I remember the belt rakes cost under $2000.
Chipperman /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif