I need one... I mow 7 acres of old pasture and would sure be nice if I could get the ruts out of it. I can lay my hands on an old 7 foot Mott flail mower that might make for a good start. It has a bad gear box but just so happens I have one that will bolt up. Wondering if the existing belt drive would be heavy duty enough to handle turning the drum into a rake.
Incredible build and great documentation Zick. I've rented a Harley Rake a few times but just can't justify buying one for my limited use. I have contemplated building one a few times and your detailed build definitely pushes me in that direction. Has anyone here considered using an old (or even new) 3pt tiller as the basis for a build? It appears most tillers have a single shaft with multiple tines bolted on. I'm considering the logistics of removing that shaft and building a drum like Zick's. Just have to figure out the mounting scheme for the ends of the shaft. My thought being that a tiller would offer the full frame, housing and gear box to start with. Even a new 6' tiller can be found for $1600-$2000 (far less than a Harley Rake).
Anybody else ever consider this option for your builds?