FEL tooth bar

[Tachdriver]

Homemade - that's the way I went and never looked back !


http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...190044-made-my-own-tooth-bar.html#post2175829


later

 

[adjusterr]

Having read the many postings regarding a FEL toothbar, I researched the ones listed and decided on the Ratchet-Rake. I contacted the company and was advised they now sell only through Tractor Supply. I contacted my local store, they had none and didn't know when any would come in. I re-contacted Ratchet-Rake and they were very helpful, advising me they would be shipping units to all Tractor Supply stores starting in May. The lady at the company was able to locate one for me and today I made the 200 mile round trip and picked it up. I took a neighbor along and after watching the video on the Ratchet-Rake website and inspecting the tool, he also bought one. Obviously, I have not tried the tool but the video is rather straight forward and I'm sure it will perform as indicated. I can tell you this, the tool is well fabricated from heavy gauge steel and my Kubota L2250 will not be able to damage this tool. As soon as weather permits, I intend to try it out and will report on the results. Thanks to Johnthomas and thavil for making me aware of this tool.

 

[Country1]

Any owners of the Ratchet-Rake ever have a problem with the nylon straps that wrap around the bucket? Those look like they wouldn't stand up to much abuse. Other than that, it looks like a fine tool.

 

[thavil]

Any owners of the Ratchet-Rake ever have a problem with the nylon straps that wrap around the bucket? Those look like they wouldn't stand up to much abuse. Other than that, it looks like a fine tool.

Great question Country1. In the early days of Ratchet Rake starting their business, some of us had issues with the nylon strap being chewed up during use. The company then came out with a protective sleeve to help with the wear on the strap. They then improved their connection even further by using a cable and shackle system to be used with ratchet strap. Now, the only thing touching the ground is the wire cable. Check out their brochure that shows what you should receive when making a purchase http://www.ratchetrake.com/images/ratchet_rake_brochure.pdf.

Check out the below picture and it will show the cable in use.

 

[Country1]

I see, nice design change. That was my main concern, where the strap was attached under the bucket. Thanks for the post.

 

[Tom_H]

Any owners of the Ratchet-Rake ever have a problem with the nylon straps that wrap around the bucket? Those look like they wouldn't stand up to much abuse. Other than that, it looks like a fine tool.

Great question Country1. In the early days of Ratchet Rake starting their business, some of us had issues with the nylon strap being chewed up during use. The company then came out with a protective sleeve to help with the wear on the strap. They then improved their connection even further by using a cable and shackle system to be used with ratchet strap. Now, the only thing touching the ground is the wire cable. ...

I'll start by saying every person has a right to his own opinion and should purchase the implement that seems right for him or her.

That being said, however, those same issues with abrasion are why I would only use a bolt on tooth bar or landscape rake. If you use the thing enough, there will eventually be wear. The bolt on goes on and off quickly and is much more simple in design with far less hardware than all that wrap around stuff and without the need for ratchets. Just my own preference, YMMV.

....Thanks to Johnthomas and thavil for making me aware of this tool.

LOL, from now on, I will only suggest an implement if I know that's the one you are going to choose! Just kidding.

 

[montelatici]

I have a tooth bar on my L3700. It really does improve the usefulness of the FEL for clearing and digging. I don't have one on my BX24 because i thought it weighed too much for the limited lift of the BX fel.

I would recommend anyone with a bigger tractor with an FEL should have a toothbar.

 

[adjusterr]

Well, yesterday I drove to York, PA and picked up the only 52 inch Ratchet-Rake within 200 miles of me. This morning I installed it on my Kubota L2250, good instructions, took about 10 min. Now that I am familiar with it, it should go on and off in two minutes. All the parts appear to be very high quality and well engineered. I pushed out some small, 3' cedars, multi-flora rose and some things called spice bushes. I cleared some orchard grass and weeds, one swipe forward then one swipe back and I have bare ground. I scraped the high center in the lane, a small area but enough to determine this thing will really do the job. The straps remained very tight with no movement of the bar. I expect to get my moneys worth out of this tool. I would suggest anyone planning to buy one should do it now. You can no longer purchase from the Company as Tractor Supply is now the sole distributor and I bet the price goes up.

 

[Tachdriver]

Great question Country1. In the early days of Ratchet Rake starting their business, some of us had issues with the nylon strap being chewed up during use. The company then came out with a protective sleeve to help with the wear on the strap. They then improved their connection even further by using a cable and shackle system to be used with ratchet strap. Now, the only thing touching the ground is the wire cable. Check out their brochure that shows what you should receive when making a purchase http://www.ratchetrake.com/images/ratchet_rake_brochure.pdf.

Check out the below picture and it will show the cable in use.

I may buy one, and if that cable ever begins to wear I would improved that design by cutting off that attaching eye and welding on a 1/2" bar from the rake to the back of the bucket bottom and then re-installing the eye. All the abrasion would be on the bar and not the cable from that point on.


later

 

[MMH]

I made my own toothbar.
Was able to purchase the holders and teeth (some spares as well) from FABCO of Findly, Oh..
All told my oulay was a tad over $100, but then I have a welder.
It is an easy build!

Fabco Inc., 800-628-2715
I am not affiliated in any way with them.

Thanks for the link!