Rake hay rake

[nomad]

Phred,
Your this rake (in your picture) looks very good, with a simple but very good design from engineering point of view. The best rake I have ever seen.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forumfiles/323397-rake.jpg
Where is it made or what brand name is it?

 

[nomad]

If it's not a copy, it's a Vermeer rake, isn't it?
What if we compare it to Sitrex's RP models?
Sitrex's original models too look good.

Also, which? tedder-rake or hay-rake to rake the hay?
Tedder-rake seems to be better.

 

[Phred]

Nomad,

Its a vermeer
http://www.vermeerag.com/equip/vrake.html

I think its actually the smallest wheel rake they make.
I have been quite happy with it so far.

The one negative about this type of rake is that it does not distrub the center area only brings in the grass from the outside in. Therefore, the grass that was in the inner 52" prior to raking does not stick up as well and the baler may miss some of it depending on the conditions of the field and hay.

The good part of this rake is that it makes creating nice square bales quite easy since you are sure that the final windrow is the right width for the baler.
With a side discharge rake it takes more skill to get the windrow the right width. If the windrow is to narrow your baler will not be feed in a unfiorm way and the final bale will be barrel shaped and not shed water as well.

Fred

 

[Phred]

Nomad,

I don't know much about the stirex...
http://www.sitrex.com/menu_hay_rakes.htm

But they are clearly three point mount rather than towed like the vermeer.
The towed is much easier to connect up but requires a hydraulic outlet. You can tow these rakes with very little hp. My tractor is just idiling along with this rake in tow.

The wheel arms of the towed vermeer lift up for transport so the entire width is only about 7-8' when transported. Its quite tall when folded up which is how you store it. Forget trying to get this in a garage even with a 9' door.

Think about support. I went with vermeer because the local dealer is very good. Lots of support and part avilability.

Fred

 

[nomad]

Ok, I will speak like a child (because of my less use of English in my daily life.) But I guess you will understand what I mean.

I am still thinking about this;
What I see there is that their main difference of Sitrex and Vermeer rakes is in their connection type; 3-pt connection and 1-pt connection (or towed connection you name), respectively.

If they are doing exactly the same work, i.e. raking the hay, then why is there that difference? One of these connections has any superiority to the other? Lets say I am about to decide on purchasing a rake and this connection type will make me give my final decision. Any comment from you or from other people on this?

 

[nomad]

I am still thinking about advantages&disadvantages of 3-pt and 1-pt (tow) mounted rakes. Slow thinker;]

The difference in the balance? Balance in 3-pt is better than that in 1-pt?

But, technically, all I can see is 2-pt connections in both types of 3-pt and 1-pt. Maybe, I need to sleep a little to clean my eyes lol.

 

[Phred]

Nomad,

As far as how they function I don't think you will find a big difference.
The towed version will require you to avoid sharp turns or lift up the rake wheels when you trun sharply.

Biggest difference is connection time. The three point requires three pins and clips that all must be lined up. Not a big deal, but the towed one is just a single pin and the hydraulic connectors. Much easier.

Cost may be the big issue for you. I don't know for a fact but I suspect that the 3-point is cheaper.

Fred

 

[rambler]

Nomad is trying to figure out which model to copy & manufature in Turkey. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

The 3-point model requires a tractor with a 3-point.

The towed model requires a tractor with a hyd port.

That may seem obvious, but if you have an older tractor, it could sway your choice. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Also if you have a tractor you can dedicate to leave the rake on for much of haying season, a 3-point might be better.

If you need to take it off & on a tractor a lot, or would like to transport the rake some distance behind a pickup frequently (different farms miles apart, each with a utility tractor there) the towed one might be better.

I've not used either style, but am looking for a 4-5 wheel Sitrix style one of these days when i can afford it - it seems they have a bit of spring in the upper mounting, and are supported by the 3-point all the time. Do the big 2-wing models work the same way? And is it better to have wheels under a towed version to carry it over contured ground, or do the 3-point models flow over the ground just fine?

--->Paul

 

[Phred]

Guys,

I have limited experince with the 3-point model but they look like they would be a pain to hook up. That is why I have the towed version. Its like any towed ag implement, just drop the pin in place. Its also light enough that I can move the tongue around and do not have to align the tractor up perfectly.

Here is a shot of the whole rake in storage mode.
It will not fit in my shop/garage and its a 9-10' door. If you adjust the arms you can make it just under 10' feet but then you will need to adjust it everytime you use it for the proper width.

Fred

 

[Phred]

Here is a shot of the lift cylinder.
Note the red metal part. This holds the arms up when the hydraulics are not connected up to the tractor. You pull this off when you want to use it. Then just hit the hydrualic tractor controls to raise and lower as needed.

Fred