Rake LANDSCAPE RAKES

[pitt_md]

Same here, looking for a rake at a reasonable cost vs. heavy duty. I can't see spending $5-600 for a 5' rake that isn't going to be used all the time, but I also don't want to buy a POS.

Any suggestions for my area? I heard bad about the TSC stuff already.

I have to second the recommendation for Lienbach. I have a 7' with gage wheels and I love it. I was using my friends York rake and from what I can see the Lienbach does just as much for a lot less money. Don't take this as anything against York products. i think they are really good. But in a landscape rake I do believe you can get more for less.

 

[GreenLawnFarm]

my favorite rake is a two foot wide steel spring rake. for the larger stuff I use a heavy duty rake. pick up the larger stuff by hand. just don't try to clear it all at once, just do a few acres a day.

 

[eastexan]

This has been a great informational post.

I have 5 acres of lawn with numerous big trees that are constantly shedding limbs(1/2"-5"), especially after a storm. I've never owned a landscape rake, and had only heard of them being used for spreading gravel, landscaping, etc., so I figured the tines were too stiff to be used on grassy areas.

But, since GIJOE mentioned using one to clean up debris after a hurricane, I got to wondering if they can also be used on grassy areas to move limbs & debris to a burn pile, without tearing up the lawn?

Or are the tines just too stiff, and not flexible enough to catch the debris without tearing up the grass? My lawn isn't perfect, and the gophers have messed it up in places, so I'm not too picky about it.

Thanks,
Ronnie

 

[GIJOE]

This has been a great informational post.

I have 5 acres of lawn with numerous big trees that are constantly shedding limbs(1/2"-5"), especially after a storm. I've never owned a landscape rake, and had only heard of them being used for spreading gravel, landscaping, etc., so I figured the tines were too stiff to be used on grassy areas.

But, since GIJOE mentioned using one to clean up debris after a hurricane, I got to wondering if they can also be used on grassy areas to move limbs & debris to a burn pile, without tearing up the lawn?

Or are the tines just too stiff, and not flexible enough to catch the debris without tearing up the grass? My lawn isn't perfect, and the gophers have messed it up in places, so I'm not too picky about it.

Thanks,
Ronnie

I have several acres with a bunch of oak trees, and that is exactly what I use my rake for (when not cleaning up after a hurricane). I have to rake every time before I mow. I usually rake one day then mow the next. You can use the top link to adjust the aggressiveness of the rake to minimize tearing up the lawn, but if you make repeated passes over the same area, it will still tear up the grass.

Joe

 

[eastexan]

Thanks, Joe. I appreciate the info.
I'm think I'll look around for one of those Fred Cain Landscape rakes you mentioned. I hope there's a dealer in NE Texas or Shreveport area.

Ronnie

 

[RBD]

East Texan:

If you happen to locate an east Texas / west Louisiana dealer for Fred Cain rakes, please post the information. I have been following this thread and would like to look at them too.

Unfortunately, this is part hurricane planning. I live near Beaumont.

Also considering an ArmstrongAg rake that weighs 285 pounds for a 6' rake; made in Texas. I have one of their box blades and it works well for me.

 

[GIJOE]

They don't think they have a web site, but here is their contact info I found on line. You may be able to contact them and find out where the closest dealer is.

Joe

 

[FrogLick]

I've searched and can't find any pictures of Fred Cain rakes so if an owner could post a couple of pics that might be helpful. They don't have a website so not only is finding a dealer a bit of a challange but also determining what implements they make, options available, etc. is a lot harder than with other mfgrs.

 

[GIJOE]

I forgot to post the link in my previous thread for the contact info. Here it is.
http://www.macraesbluebook.com/search/company.cfm?company=306134

I've searched and can't find any pictures of Fred Cain rakes so if an owner could post a couple of pics that might be helpful. They don't have a website so not only is finding a dealer a bit of a challange but also determining what implements they make, options available, etc. is a lot harder than with other mfgrs.

There are two links in post #3 of this thread, the first one has pictures.

Joe

 

[Charlesaf3]

I wouldn't say its impossible to use a Landscape Rake on grass, but I'd get one with gauge wheels, and start out on a part of the lawn you didn't mind tearing up.

Speaking from experience.

 

[eastexan]

I wouldn't say its impossible to use a Landscape Rake on grass, but I'd get one with gauge wheels, and start out on a part of the lawn you didn't mind tearing up.

Speaking from experience.

I had to take my son to work today, and noticed a "Clearance" sign in back of the TSC store, where all their implements are kept. They had their 6' King Kutter landscape rakes marked down from $470 to $350, so I bought one.

Charles, you're probably right. I noticed how heavy and stiff the tines are on landscape rakes. But if it doesn't work out for that purpose, I can use it for other projects around the place. I've seen on other threads where Leinbach makes a Pine Straw Rake, which they say is good to use on grassy areas for picking up small limbs & debris. So I may get one of them or else try to make something. If I made it though, it wouldn't be pretty.

RBD, I was going to hold out for a Fred Cain rake because I like the looks of the heavy tubular frame better, but I couldn't pass up a deal like that.
I bought mine at the TSC in Longview, but there may also be clearances in the TSC stores in the Beaumont area, too.

Ronnie

 

[FrogLick]

GIJoe, thanks for pointing out your link in post #3 with the pics - somehow I missed looking at it earlier. Looks like a nice rake except for that parking stand ;-)

 

[GIJOE]

GIJoe, thanks for pointing out your link in post #3 with the pics - somehow I missed looking at it earlier. Looks like a nice rake except for that parking stand ;-)

The cinder block is temporary (for no telling how long). I eventually want to put a kickstand on it like my Woods Blade. Maybe one day.

Joe

 

[Charlesaf3]

I had to take my son to work today, and noticed a "Clearance" sign in back of the TSC store, where all their implements are kept. They had their 6' King Kutter landscape rakes marked down from $470 to $350, so I bought one.

Charles, you're probably right. I noticed how heavy and stiff the tines are on landscape rakes. But if it doesn't work out for that purpose, I can use it for other projects around the place. I've seen on other threads where Leinbach makes a Pine Straw Rake, which they say is good to use on grassy areas for picking up small limbs & debris. So I may get one of them or else try to make something. If I made it though, it wouldn't be pretty.

RBD, I was going to hold out for a Fred Cain rake because I like the looks of the heavy tubular frame better, but I couldn't pass up a deal like that.
I bought mine at the TSC in Longview, but there may also be clearances in the TSC stores in the Beaumont area, too.

Ronnie

If its the same as mine, I'd beef up the part that's angle iron and prone to twist BEFORE it bends. Look at how the good ones are braced. Probably a pretty cheap upgrade if you know how to weld