Rake Differences in Rake Tines?

[reasley]

Hello, Tractor by Net members --

I have been reading the past threads about landscape rake quality and have a question about rake tines. In these threads, I have read some that say the tines are all made in Italy and they are all the same. I have heard others say that some manufacturers have better tines than others. And -- when I have looked at specs at the various manufacturer sites, it seems that they *all* have the same tine dimensions -- 5/16 X 1". Finally, when I go to Agri-Supply and look at their replacement tines, they have *two* sizes -- the more common 5/16 X 1, but they also have a heavier 3/8 X 1-1/4 (which is almost twice the price). Both are listed as "High strength 5160 steel heat treated to 38-42 Rockwell."

So, I have the following questions, given the above:

1. Is there *really* a difference in the standard size tines in quality? Meaning they are all basically the same manufacturer in Italy? If there is a difference, can anyone *objectively* say who has the better tine?

2. Why do none of the "heavy duty" rakes *not* have the heavier tines?

3. Is there a manufacturer of landscape rakes that I have missed that uses the heavier tines?

4. Does anyone have experience comparing the two sizes of tines?

Thanks in advance!

Richard Easley

 

[sweettractors]

I know this sounds strange, however, I have never seen a Landscape rake with a broken tine. I have been looking at them for 33 years. I think it may be a non-issue for most consumers. If we start seeing Chinese tines enter the market, things may change for the worse. Ken Sweet

 

[pitt_md]

When I built my new house I had a lot of landscapping to do and borrowed my friends York rake to make rows of the rocks laying around. I bent a couple of tines and was able to bend them back. Not wanting to trash my friends rake I bought one myself and did the majority of work with it. My was a Leinbach brand and i used it the same way with good results. one tine was bent back a little but nothing serious. I could not see any difference in tine strength or function between what many call the top of the line (York) and the low end Leinbach. The frames are different but not the tines.