Have to ask this question

Laminarman · Jul 2, 2004

I have to ask it, as I can't find the answer and the searched threads are very, very, very long.

SITUATION: I need to be able to rake grass and debris, pick up or rake some flat shale stones and break up clods for planting food plots after the ground is plowed

ON HAND: 6' chain harrow from Loyal Roth

PREDICAMENT: Using that harrow, and picking it up and cleaning it of dead grass every 100 feet is too tiring and time consuming (weighs 200+ pounds).

QUESTION: Do I spend another 300 bucks on the harrow lift kit so I can just lift it, or do I spend that much on a landscape rake?

Will a landscape rake gather rocks and stones for me to scoop up? The harrow will not do this.

Is the landscape rake better at raking grass up. The harrow does a great job at this.

I want to spend on one more item this year and don't know whether to improve the harrow, or get a rake and fight with the harrow (which is a pain to use without a lift!).

Thanks.

beenthere · Jul 2, 2004

Do you think you could hook the chain harrow to the FEL bucket with chains, such that it will stay ahead of the front tires, and when filled with grass you could just lift it with the FEL to 'empty' it? May have to have a boom to get it forward enough. Hope this makes sense.

Laminarman · Jul 3, 2004

I actually pulled the harrow backwards from the bucket and it worked like a charm. Lifted the bucket, cleaned the grass...no problem except I look like an idiot, get a sore back from looking backwards and trying to keep straight, and it's counterproductive. I'll be "raking, dethatching, grooming" over 6 acres between what is to be lawn, food plots and general maintenance. Thanks.

greg_g · Jul 3, 2004

What is the length and width of your harrow?

//greg//

KiotiJohn · Jul 3, 2004

( I actually pulled the harrow backwards from the bucket and it worked like a charm. )
Put an inexpensive boom pole on your 3pt and run a chain down to the rear of the harrow to lift it. Boom poles don't usually cost very much and this will help. A landscape rake will gather stones pretty well, and will also help in leveling, pulling out grasses and weeds. I use mine all the time. John

chim · Jul 3, 2004

That's the way I drag the home made levelling thingie I made..................chim

Laminarman · Jul 3, 2004

Greg

Harrow is 6', so I assume 6 by 6? Made by Loyal Roth.

greg_g · Jul 3, 2004

( Harrow is 6', so I assume 6 by 6? )
Mine is 8'x9' so I first needed a boom pole extension. Yours being a 6x6 will make it easier to lift with a standard boom pole. Before devising a steel lift frame for mine, I made a wood template to work from. Two by fours proved not strong enough till I doubled them up. But eventually I was able to lift and actually use it in the field with the wood frame, while the steel one was being fabricated.

Shouldn't be as difficult with the lighter 6x6, if you lift your two by fours narrow side up. Use 4" eyebolts as your pickup points. Lift with a boom pole and chain. Nice to be able to raise the harrow and back into corners, not to mention transporting it over a surface you don't want "scratched".

//greg//

Laminarman · Jul 4, 2004

Greg

Do you have a photo of your rig?

greg_g · Jul 4, 2004

Nope. But I'm anticipating UPS to drop off my new digital camera Tuesday. Gotta drop the rotary cutter and mount the harrow to make any photos worthwhile. Hopefully I can come up with something for you before the weekend

//greg//