Just another landscaping rake

[czechsonofagun]

I have to admit, I got inspired on TBN. Here is my landscaping rake project half way through.

Got tines from agri supply - the medium size - and for the pivot I am using trailer axle from TSC and a piece of tubing.

More pictures to follow

 

[Willl]

Looking good czech, how wide is it ?

 

[czechsonofagun]

5 feet only to be able to take it in the woods.

 

[Nat]

Looks good to me. I went with 6' so it would rake out the tractor track if angled. The spindle/axle pivot is a good idea. I used what was here, didn't even think about that way. Later, Nat

 

[czechsonofagun]

My Kubota is 48 inches wide cross back wheels (turf tires) - I was thinking the same thing about covering tracks.

The spindle is a jeeper's idea. Jeep drivers/builders use it as a pivot for the swing tire carrier on the back of the truck

 

[czechsonofagun]

Progress made - finished the 3pt and the indexing plate.

Now question: I was going to use 3/8" grade 5 from TSC to attach tines. The engineer in me says to go washer, washer, spring washer, nut on the bolt. Do you think it is really necessary - or is just bolt and nut enough?

What is your experience with tines - do they go loose in use?

 

[MadReferee]

Progress made - finished the 3pt and the indexing plate.

Now question: I was going to use 3/8" grade 5 from TSC to attach tines. The engineer in me says to go washer, washer, spring washer, nut on the bolt. Do you think it is really necessary - or is just bolt and nut enough?

What is your experience with tines - do they go loose in use?

I used a 1.5" x 3/8" grade 5 bolt with a flat washer on top and a lock washer and nut on the bottom. They were tightened with an air wrench. After 3 seasons of abuse I have yet to either break or loosen a bolt.

 

[Nat]

I used grade 5 1 1/2" X 3/8" bolts that have the knurled washer built into them cause thats what I had. I used it several times and no problems yet. I would think a lock washer on the nut side would be fine.

 

[czechsonofagun]

Looks good to me. I went with 6' so it would rake out the tractor track if angled. The spindle/axle pivot is a good idea. I used what was here, didn't even think about that way. Later, Nat

Well, the spindle was not such a good idea after all. I sheared it right off while using the rake. There are two index bolts on the index plate and for a while I had them all tighted down, but for reverse tines I just tied one of them and after a minute or so it broke.


I believe it is because the spindle is hardened to hold the abuse from bearings - if I used 1" bolt or tubing or piece of construction seal it would hold fine.

Oh, well, live and learn

 

[Nat]

If I had a cold beer for each "do-over" then I'd look like Otis on the Andy Ghriffin Show. It looked like a good idea to me. The spindle is very hard, but I'd think it would be strong enough. Are there 2 plates that has the index holes ? and are they together or maybe a space between the plates. It would seem to me that if the 2 plates are rubbing together then the spindle would be in tension instead of a shear situation, and should be more that adaquate, but maybe I don't know either. Anyway good luck with the repairs. Have you decided how you will swivel it now? Later, Nat