Got my rake finally...Pequea HR10

[mark.r]

I finally got a chance to look at some rakes this past weekend and pick up some literature. I was able to go to both a Pequea (thanks Jimg!) and Kuhn dealer that are both with 20 miles of my place. I since have sat down and done some comparisons between two 11-13.5 ft single rotor rotory rakes and both would work for what I would, infact would far exceed what I need for years. I of course what to buy used, maybe a year or two old. Prices I have seen on the used 2008 Pequea 11 footer are excellent. They are a bit cheaper than I have seen for much older Kuhn models. One thing that I find peculiar is the minimum PTO horsepower ratings. Pequea states 40 pto hp min. for an 11 ft. rake while Kuhn states 30 pto min. for a 13.5 rake. Now I know these are estimates (?) so my question is would I have any issues running the 11ft. Pequea (rated at 40 pto hp) on a 36 pto hp tractor?

You could make the argument go with the 9ft. rake and be done with it. But I like the smaller transport size of the 11ft. do to it having removable tine arms.

 

[jimg]

Mark
What kind of prices were you being quoted for new machines and which Kuhn mdl(s) did you look at? Im not at all familiar w/ Kuhn rakes. I guess that Kuhn was more expensive?

As for the hp question Id be guessing but I bet youd be OK. What tractor are you planning to use w/ it?

Am I reading your last stmt correctly that the 9' Pequea rake doesnt have folding/removable arms?

 

[mark.r]

Mark
What kind of prices were you being quoted for new machines and which Kuhn mdl(s) did you look at? Im not at all familiar w/ Kuhn rakes. I guess that Kuhn was more expensive?

As for the hp question Id be guessing but I bet youd be OK. What tractor are you planning to use w/ it?

Am I reading your last stmt correctly that the 9' Pequea rake doesnt have folding/removable arms?

I didn't actually get any quotes for new Kuhn rakes or tedders since I'm still a ways out. I just like to do research while I have the time. I was just using used prices to gauge by and they were always higher so I assumed. I have been looking at two Kuhn models to use for comparison sakes. The are the GA3501 which is a 3pt. model similiar to this one here but it has a 11.9ft. working width: United States - Rotary Rakes, Wheel Rakes & Mergers
And the GA4521GTH which a trailed model: United States - Rotary Rakes, Wheel Rakes & Mergers

Keep in mind I am not buying these but I like these for what I have to work with i.e. tractor, transport, etc. so this would be my guide. That said, the Pequea models seem to stack up nicely and I have seen a couple lightly used 2008 models for around 5k.

I'd be running the rake and the tedder on my Kioti DK45 (45hp/36pto).

From what I have read the Pequea 9ft. rake does not fold/or have removable arms. The transport width is much greater than their 11ft. model. So you could see why in this case going with the larger model would be more attractive since the transport width is nearly half the size of the smaller models.

 

[jimg]

The trailed version looks a lot like some other brands. I bet many of the euro rakes are made by one or 2 places and rebranded. CCI or some one else better versed in implements could better speak to that. If true it would greatly increase your selection.

Never realized the Pequea 9' was non-folding until you pointed it out. I think that would make it a pain to store as well. I did look at other smaller rotary rakes of that size and it seems many dont fold. I agree that it makes the larger mdl much more attractive.

In case you wind up seriously considering an HR10 be aware there are 2 versions. The comparison of older vs newer mostly figured out by looking at my machine and pics of others:
1) one hydraulic hookup vs 2...one is used to set the working height but am not sure what the other is for exc perhaps setting the arm tilt.
2) arm to stub attachment has a single leverage point vs dbl
3) arms store across the machine vs down length
4) 'bent' tines vs curved
5) less guards vs more + a place to hang the hydraulic lines & a place to store the ends when not attached.

Not sure when the changes occurred or if this is a complete list. My rake has a replaced arm of the new type which fits on the stub OK but can only store in an end position b/c of the bigger flange. The flange could be cut down to the older profile though w/o a prob. Not sure how many of the older version parts are still available, how many are common to both or how many could be made to work w/ a little effort. I do know both types of tines are still available.

 

[mark.r]

The trailed version looks a lot like some other brands. I bet many of the euro rakes are made by one or 2 places and rebranded. CCI or some one else better versed in implements could better speak to that. If true it would greatly increase your selection.

Never realized the Pequea 9' was non-folding until you pointed it out. I think that would make it a pain to store as well. I did look at other smaller rotary rakes of that size and it seems many dont fold. I agree that it makes the larger mdl much more attractive.

In case you wind up seriously considering an HR10 be aware there are 2 versions. The comparison of older vs newer mostly figured out by looking at my machine and pics of others:
1) one hydraulic hookup vs 2...one is used to set the working height but am not sure what the other is for exc perhaps setting the arm tilt.
2) arm to stub attachment has a single leverage point vs dbl
3) arms store across the machine vs down length
4) 'bent' tines vs curved
5) less guards vs more + a place to hang the hydraulic lines & a place to store the ends when not attached.

Not sure when the changes occurred or if this is a complete list. My rake has a replaced arm of the new type which fits on the stub OK but can only store in an end position b/c of the bigger flange. The flange could be cut down to the older profile though w/o a prob. Not sure how many of the older version parts are still available, how many are common to both or how many could be made to work w/ a little effort. I do know both types of tines are still available.

Agreed, the larger folding version is where I will end up I think regardless of brand. I really like the prices I am seeing of some of the Pequea. I think a lot of that has to do with the ones I have found are price well but are also newer than other brands.

Is this HR10 like yours or of the other variant. I assume the HR1140 replaced the HR for 2008?

http://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/detail.aspx?OHID=5282883&guid=897477BF20EF4BD0878C690B5CBA91BA

 

[jimg]

Not like mine...its the new version. If you zoom on the pic youll see the stub flanges have 2 leverage points also the arms are stored lengthwise. BTW there was also an HR15 which will rake about 14'. Cant recall seeing one for sale though.

The machine in the ad looks practically new exc for the hole in the shaft guard.

Yes, the HR1140 replaced the HR10.

BTW I remembered I have a new HR10 op manual, got when I was thinking about buying and wanted to see what the machine was about. It turns out the 2 hydraulic hoses feed a dbl acting cylinder that adjusts working height. Rotor tilt is still done w/ a crank.

ETA: Heres an ad for an HR15...and the price seems very right if its in good condition. Not sure though how it would be for parts, think Id check w/ Pequea about that before I spent any $$. Pequea HR15 Hay Equipment - Handling and Transport 129 - John Deere MachineFinder.com

 

[jimg]

An update...finally had a chance to use the rake this week and it does a great job! Got the field nice and clean + easy to maneuver + tracks beautifully + makes nice fluffy windrows. I used it in rake a single windrow and merge modes and even w/ the curtain down in the later mode it worked pretty slick. The only thing I didnt like was theres no good way to keep the head from lowering too fast when going from transport to rake height. Its either in the air or coming down at warp speed. Guess thats why they added a dbl acting cylinder in newer mdls. In all though Im really pleased w/ it....very versatile!

ETA: I didnt get any pics of it working but still have my front field to do. Ill make some snaps and post them at that time.

 

[mark.r]

ETA: I didnt get any pics of it working but still have my front field to do. Ill make some snaps and post them at that time.

You beat me to it. I was getting ready to let you have it and say now what's wrong with this post? NO PICS!!!

Your time is perfect. I was going to make a post to see if anyone was cutting hay yet. I passed a gooseneck on my way home day before yesterday with 5 of 6 rounds on it. They were pretty green but looked pretty darn good.

 

[jimg]

Ill certainly post a couple. This last week was a mega-hairball w/ work and hay! I just didnt think of making pics b/c I was trying to get the back field finished. It was the first time I cut this ground + all the 'new to me' machinery that I made repairs/updates to. To top it off my baler didnt get off the pad. I must say though all my other equipment performed really well!! I think though I have all the problems shaken out and can do the bulk of my hay w/o any further 'problem' events....at least not majot ones.

Really I should have had my hay done 3 weeks ago. Startup up from nothing really takes a lot of hard work and time. So many details to run down etc etc. Now that the back field is done Im going to burn it down right away and replant w/ Teff. Im really hoping the Teff does well and brings in some $$$.

 

[flusher]

Mark, it is just a rake.

Educate me. I thought the HR10 is basically a tedder that becomes a rake when the hay curtain is moved into position.