Power Rake build

[Betelgeuse]

Good read. Following.

 

[Betelgeuse]

Good read. Following.

 

[npalen]

You might want to consider some weld hardfacing on the teeth to minimize wear over time.
I am very interested in this build as I've been considering building the same for some time now. Nice work!

 

[Zick]

Thanks, I've thought about doing the hardface welding if they start to look like they are wearing too fast.

:drink:

 

[npalen]

What is the outside diameter of your rotor? 6"? Wall thickness? 1/4"?

 

[Zick]

Its made from Sch 40 steel pipe which is 6.63" outside diameter and .28" wall thickness.

 

[Mysfyt]

If you have the room, I'd use shaft collars instead of spacers to stabilize the shaft. Easy to install and not very expensive.

 

[Zick]

If you have the room, I'd use shaft collars instead of spacers to stabilize the shaft. Easy to install and not very expensive.

I think I looked into those and for the size I needed they were getting expensive. I needed something like an 1" thick on one side and about 1.5" on the other.

I ended up buying this 4" sleeve and chopped it up in the bandsaw. Worked pretty well and was cheap too ($12).

EDIT: Whoa, I guess I got a steal on this boy. It now lists for $54

Lovejoy SC1250 Rigid Sleeve Coupling Coupling, 1 1/4" Bore, 1/4" x 1/8" Keyway with Setscrew, 2.25" Outer Diameter, 4.00 Overall Length: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

 

[zmnypit]

Old thread I know bu what did you use for the axle? Also considered a double chain setup?

 

[Zick]

It's just an 1-1/4" keyed shaft from Surplus Center.
1-1/4" X 72" KEYED SHAFTING 1/4" WIDE KEYWAY

Not sure what your question is about the double chain setup?

 

[zmnypit]

It's just an 1-1/4" keyed shaft from Surplus Center.
1-1/4" X 72" KEYED SHAFTING 1/4" WIDE KEYWAY

Not sure what your question is about the double chain setup?

Thanks! Instead of a single drive chain run a double chain/sprocket setup to prevent the chain from snapping.

Note the sprocket: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...1d1256566206-shes-done-power-rake-build-8-jpg

 

[Zick]

Thanks! Instead of a single drive chain run a double chain/sprocket setup to prevent the chain from snapping.

Note the sprocket: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...1d1256566206-shes-done-power-rake-build-8-jpg

If my tractor had more power or I was doing more commercial type work, I'd probably have gone with the double chain sprocket.
But so far the single chain has worked fine.

 

[Zick]

Just some updated pics.

 

[Avery11]

Impressive. You guys amaze me. Do you by chance have a youtube video of the rake in use? What was the final cost and man-hours?

A.

 

[Zick]

No action video yet.

I tried to keep track of all the costs but I think I lost some receipts. I added up all the ones I did have and figure I've got about roughly ~$1500 into it.
Not too bad considering a 4ft model costs around $6500 Harley Rake, Tractor PTO, TM-4 Series 4' Power Box Rake


Man hours....way too many :laughing:

 

[Bansil]

OST for later, great build

 

[Zick]

Finally had to upgrade the weak wheels. They couldn't take the side load when trying to backup and turn around. Broke the center hub right out of one and bent the fork frame.

You'd think there would be a plethora of wheels like this available that were med to heavy duty but you really seems to only have the really cheap & really expensive.
I ended up having go the expensive route. These things are a beast, just the wheel and fork assembly weight about ~40+lbs each
I made the extensions and welded on some receiver hitches so I could easily remove them for storage.
But so far I used them for about 4 hours and they are working great!

 

[Xfaxman]

I noticed that the height adjuster is gone, guess you get enough with the top link.

 

[Zick]

I noticed that the height adjuster is gone, guess you get enough with the top link.

Yup, I played around with it and determined that the top link has enough adjustment. :thumbsup:

 

[andymil]

Very nice build. I've considered building one for my skid steer.
What are the dimensions of the teeth? Are they just hot rolled steel?