Landscape rake for 2305?

FortClatsop · Apr 1, 2006

My ineptness with tree branches and a FEL on an uneven sloping pasture have me contemplating a landscape rake. Is a 5' the way to go with a 2305? Is there some benefit to sticking to the width of the tractor (4') or is much larger better (6')?

I just had three big hemlocks taken down. Now might be a good time to figure this out. There is so much to do, so little time to enjoy it, and so little skills to operate with. But implements....I can make excuses for.....

JDFANATIC · Apr 1, 2006

FortClatsop (I'd hate to try to figure what those letters stand for),

I have a 48" York rake for my 2210. Though it does an OK job while square to the land needing work, when it is angled, it is much narrower than the wheelbase (certainly a disadvantage). /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif If it were me, I would be looking for something in the 60" width.

JohnnyTractor · Apr 12, 2006

Yeah, I could use some advice here as well. I'm looking for a rake for high cut field grass, and dragging my gravel drive.

JD recommends a smaller Frontier for the 2305 - it's a low profile rake (I think it's 5 foot). I notice they do NOT recommend the 'standard' rake for this machine, and don't know why.

jeepinator · Apr 13, 2006

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( FortClatsop (I'd hate to try to figure what those letters stand for)...)</font>
Fort Clatsop was built by the Lewis and Clark expeditiion in 1805. They named it after the local Clatsop Indians.

JDFANATIC · Apr 13, 2006

Thanks for the history lesson! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

JohnnyTractor · Apr 13, 2006

Isn't that 'Klatsup'? Sorry, couldn't resist /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

wisconsinguy · Apr 13, 2006

I'll throw my 2 cents in. I have a 2210 and bought the 6 foot frontier rake, I have never been happy with it. Its just too big for the tractor. The only reason I got it was I wanted the guide wheels and it was the only one the dealer could find wheels for. This was a couple years ago so I'm sure things have changed by now. First off it is too wide I can hardly pull it if I get too much dirt in it, it really puts a load on the tractor. Second the lift points are way too high you can't pick it up, I had to buy a second quick hitch and modify it so I could pick it up high enough to use it. I would take the dealers advise and get a 5 foot low profile one made for sub compacts with limited 3 point lift.

Phil

JohnnyTractor · May 6, 2006

Today I found a great deal on a LR1172 for $250 almost like new. I was a little apprehensive about the size, but figured I couldn't go wrong at that price - it was a steal.

First thing I noticed was how little lift clearance I could get on the 2305. The tines raised ~3 inches off the ground at full lift. I dragged my 400ft driveway, and found that the rake did a nice job as long as I did not lower it too far. once lowered all the way, the tines would bite 2-3 inches deep in the driveway, and cause the tractor to loose traction and stall.

I tried turning up a hill to rake some cut field grass - no way. I could not get up the hill as the rake bit into the ground on the incline.

This is way too much rake for a 2305 if you're on anything other than level ground. I was very disapointed in the 2305's power with this rake at only 2-3 inches down. However, it's easier to downsize the rake than upsize the tractor! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I'll take the rake back and ask the dealer to order me the LR1060L. Anything else is just too much for this machine.

44trxfun · May 6, 2006

I have the Woods LRC60 (with guage wheels). I really like it! Check it out here: Woods LRC60 landscape rake

JohnnyTractor · May 7, 2006

That looks like a nice unit. Mind if I ask what you paid for it?

FortClatsop · May 7, 2006

The Frontier LR1060L is a Woods Product. The warranty on the manual and the parts sheets confirm this. I've heard rumors that the Tail Wheels kit may cost $150. I'm contemplating trying to order Tail Wheels Arms WP1006305 and using the wheels off my Frontier RFM as needed. They look suspiciouly compatible. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

I think the wheels would help offset the complexities of the limited Class 1, particularly on rough ground.

I have to confess that the beauty of I-match makes me want to have the rake ready at a moments notice rather than robbing parts off the RFM. But by the time you get the right bushings and other little things these attachments can get pretty expensive.

I don't think I got a great deal on the rake at $450, but I'm not much into driving 50-100 miles in search of a better deal when I can go 3 to my local dealer. (gets me back on the tractor quicker)

So is another $150 (wheel kit) going to make this thing sing or do I need more seat time to get the hang of it?

I'm glad to know that other people struggle with FELS and rakes too. So far I've only used my box blade as ballast and a weight hanger. If I ever get beyond branches maybe I'll have time to play with the dirt.