Need 'Break-Away Kickstand' ideas for landscape rake

[Luke'sScreenName]

I recently got a screaming deal on a used 6" Leinbach landscape rake. I had to fab a new 'top link stabilizer' to make it quick hitch compatible.

While I was at I tacked on a Cat2-3 lift pin bushing and along with some 3/4 black iron pipe made a kickstand. Never had one, always​ fumbled with a bucket or something. Always wanted one. So...

I used iron pipe on purpose because it would be 'sacrificial.' Well, turns out that the VERY FIRST TIME I go to use I forget to flip it over and bend it up. I've just been using it bent and, of course, not forgotten since. But as soon as I straighten or replace that pipe I'll do it again.



That got me thinking about a more foolproof "fold-away" kickstand or something similar. I have an idea but figured somebody out there could do better.

My idea:
Vertically cut the current sleeve (Cat2-3 bushing welded on the rake) in half or a little less. This would make a half-pipe.

Drill/tap a bolt hole in the center into the landscape rake frame.

Fab new kickstand pipe with same size hole. Probably out of something more durable than black iron.

Place a long bolt as axle through a HD compression spring, through pipe, then thread into rake frame. Red Locktight.

When the kickstand is deployed the pipe would nest in the half-pipe sleeve. With significant forward/backward pressure (I forget to rotate it) the spring compresses and pipe can rotate.

I would grind some shallow grooves in the half-pipe sleeve to keep the kickstand rotated out of the sleeve and held up. I would also grind the pipe's transition path out the sleeve as needed.

Any thoughts? A simpler or more robust way to do this? Any advice appreciated.

 

[teg]

I like mine, a piece of wood that breaks off clean... Granted, you have to cut a new one each time :mur:

PS. Yes I need to cut (yet) another one for it...

I like your idea...

 

[texasranger556]

Could you just make it swing? You could add a spring on it that snaps over center...just like a motorcycle kickstand.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Could you just make it swing? You could add a spring on it that snaps over center...just like a motorcycle kickstand.

Not sure I understand but yes my thought is it would swivel 90deg (or nearly 90deg).

 

[GLyford]

"snaps over center" means the line of pull is at about 45 degrees or so to both positions. That way when below the 45 degree point, the spring would hold it down. Then when flipped up (either by kicking it or contact with the ground) the spring would then hold it UP, without having to mess with pins or detents or anything.

 

[tjflicek]

I put one on mine just like the one you have about ten years ago, no problems. Next time I use it I'll bend it, you just jinxed me!

 

[Egon]

Forgetting and bending stuff?? Put the tractor key in a case on the very bottom of the stand. That way you have to raise the stand to get the key when you need the tractor!

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Forgetting and bending stuff?? Put the tractor key in a case on the very bottom of the stand. That way you have to raise the stand to get the key when you need the tractor!

I like the thinking outside the box (or is it inside the box?) but I use the tractor for things other than the rake so it wouldn't be practical for me.

 

[BukitCase]

Maybe something like this? ...Steve

 

[BukitCase]

BTW, knowing myself I'd probably build ALL those parts out of 1/2"x2" flat bar and use 5/8" bolts for the pivots :laughing: