Dethatcher

[MikeD]

Attached is a photo of a custom made dethatcher. I could not find a source to buy one of these. I was able to find a TBN poster with the tools,time,and talent to custom make one. I used it this past weekend and it did a great job of lifting the old dead grass and raking together debris on the lawn. After using the tool I ran a finish mower over the lawn to grind up the dead grass. The guy who made the tool posts under the name Mad Referee. He did say he might be interested in making more of them. He said the price would depend on the cost of steel.

 

[MikeD]

Another view. The stand posts are put into a raised position prior to using the unit.

 

[MikeD]

Over view of dethatcher on tractor.

 

[MadReferee]

That looks even better painted black!!

Gosh, I do such great work (as he pats himself on the back!!)

See the construction details Here .

Enjoy.

 

[MikeD]

Mad Thanks again for the tool. Three coats of Rustoleum gloss black! Matches any color of tractor. As stated above the tool worked great on the lawn. I also used it to rough up some loam prior to seeding. First I ran a york rake over the loam then the dethatcher. It produced a very nice surface for the grass seed. Mike

 

[RonR]

Mad, a great job on that implement.

My one comment if you make some more (or if someone like me builds something similar /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif), Instead of drilling and installing the cap screws to keep the tines from twisting, you could insert a metal tube the length of the tines. This would keep them aligned and prevent them from being lost if/WHEN they come loose. For me, that would be easier/faster than drilling 36 extra holes.

Or if you could find some tine-tube material, you could have that be your frame. Only issue then is you have to remove at least half of each row to replace any broken ones
Hope this helps!
Ron

 

[MadReferee]

Mike had given me a small Agri-fab dethatcher to use as a reference (you can see it in the background of one of my construction pics). It has little bumps in the metal that did the same thing as my hex sheet metal drive screws. It also had a rod about the diameter of a coat hanger thru the tines which I could not determine what it was for. I guess it was to keep the tines from twisting but it seemed way too flimsy for practical use. Hence the hex screws which I think work much better. The metal rod could then be used just like a safety chain would to keep from losing a tine.

 

[MadReferee]

Mike,

I presume that cement patio blocks were not necessary to make the dethatcher heavy enough to get the job done.

 

[MikeD]

Mad The unit is heavy enough by itself. Not to heavy but no more weight is needed. I think it works out to the right amount of weight. The tines took up the dead grass but left the good well rooted grass in place. The rake also did a nice job gathering sticks and pine needles. When I lifted the rake upwards with the 3 pt lift all of the debris feel to the ground in a nice pile. It made easy work of raking out my lawn. I used the rake pretty aggressively on lawn and raw loam. Thought I might break a tine or two but did not end up breaking any at all. I did do some rototilling and broke a tine off that unit but that is another story. Mike

 

[MadReferee]

Thanks, looks like I will have to build one for myself this fall/winter once I get my new lawn in. I'll bet it will do a good job raking leaves too.

 

[NJBill]

MikeD
I asked Mad what tines did he ask for, and where are they available. He said you supplied him with the tines, and thought you may have procured them from Agri-Fab.
I went to their web site all the way to getting a parts diagram to print out, but when I asked for the model number, or the part number, I got the usual ' this page is not available'. I thought before I call them, I would ask for your input, Thank you.
Bill

 

[MikeD]

Bill I will try to put in the site for the tines. http://www.speedepart.com/PartDetail.aspx?SearchType=part&PartNumber=43783 Here it is. This should bring you to the tine site at Agrifab. If it does not work let me know. Mike

 

[NJBill]

Thanks Mike. Tried it, and I got straight in there not a bit of fuss.
That looks like a good price for today's market. I did not log in or try to order yet, but I will be there soon.
I was looking to buy rake spines, and aerator spoons for the same reason, being frugal, I think is the term. Being able to say "I made that" is usually my explanation. TYhanks again.
Bill

 

[thcri]

Saw that de-thatcher and decided I had to have one. Putting an 80lb block on it made a world of difference. I have since painted it but it sure works good. Now I just have to get something to rake up the junk it pulled out.


murph

 

[KiotiJohn]

thcri are you saying you had to "make" one, or you got someone to make it for you? It looks pretty good. Tell us the story please. John

 

[thcri]

Well, I guess I could make one. I have the equipment and the know how to make one. But owning an HVAC business this time of year doesn't allow time so I have this friend who loves to weld and can weld anything and does things for me pretty cheap. I give him a lot of business through my business building stands and what not. He bought the material for the de-thatcher including the tines, pins etc. He did some welding on my loader and some other odds and ends and charged me $200.00. He is also the instigator of the buses. Follow the link and click on Dabuz's.

buses


Murph

 

[RonR]

Neat bus!

Some locals at Kansas State took an old large bus and modded the rear similar to yours--only they added a HOT TUB! They take it to all the football games--even when they go to the bowl games. I think it gets about the same gas as oil mileage!

Best wishes,
Ron

 

[MadReferee]

Plans are now available for free. Please see this link.

Free plans