Rake power rake question

[skidsteer.ca]

Nope, no pulverizer, that's what I'm talking about. I guess they stopped offering it. Harley used to offer it with a hyraulic lift so you could raise/lower it with a remote.

Wonder why they dumped such a useful, thoughtful option

I'd love to have that!

It must not have been selling well or to hard to push??
I'd like to see a picture or two.
I do think the tiller first pass is a option that is hard to beat, as it cut chunks out as opposed to the rake trying to grind the surface to fines. I realize it is one more piece, but it does work well.
Ken

 

[Builder]

It must not have been selling well or to hard to push??
I'd like to see a picture or two.
I do think the tiller first pass is a option that is hard to beat, as it cut chunks out as opposed to the rake trying to grind the surface to fines. I realize it is one more piece, but it does work well.
Ken

It's miserable having to carry a tiller and a power rake. I just want to go to it with one implement and get it done.

The harrow rake on front was pretty aggressive and did a good job of busting up the crust and loosening rocks. One thing that you might lose when you have the harrow on front is the ability to power angle the rake.

One landscaper near me has the harrow up front and a pulverizer behind their power rake. Pretty impressive set up.

 

[skidsteer.ca]

It's miserable having to carry a tiller and a power rake. I just want to go to it with one implement and get it done.
QUOTE]

Well, I was of that mindset too, and had put my tiller up for sale, but experience proved me wrong. The rake needs something to go before it on most of my sites. It is just too slow at loosening the ground up compared to the tiller. A pto driven as opposed to hydraulic would work better for loosening, but it sure would be nasty when you found a 8" plus stone stuck tight just below the surface. Maybe a scarifier up front would be just the ticket.
Ken

 

[leveller]

I am fairly new to the landscaping/site prep business, I have been using my tiller to break up hard soil. I felt it was very hard on the tiller at times and was hoping to eliminate the tiller by getting a power rake/soil conditioner. I am surprised to hear you say that you prefer a tiller first. Does the rake not go deep enough on your first pass? Do you not think it is easier on the rake than the tiller for a first pass? I am looking for experienced opinions as I don't want to set myself up with uneccesary equipment.

 

[Builder]

I am fairly new to the landscaping/site prep business, I have been using my tiller to break up hard soil. I felt it was very hard on the tiller at times and was hoping to eliminate the tiller by getting a power rake/soil conditioner. I am surprised to hear you say that you prefer a tiller first. Does the rake not go deep enough on your first pass? Do you not think it is easier on the rake than the tiller for a first pass? I am looking for experienced opinions as I don't want to set myself up with uneccesary equipment.

It really truly depends on the soil surface. A power rake works great for me. I'm in an area of rich farm soils and moderate rocks. Clay does exist, but in pockets or far below the surface. I just drop the rake, make a few passes and most of the time I end up with 6" of soft topsoil.

I would think a rototiller would take a beating. I would prefer a harrow type tool first to soften the top 8-12".

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

If the soil is compacted then it makes sense to hit with the tiller or something with scarifiers. The power rake will break it up as well but it takes too long for most of us. Keep in mind that the rake screens the soil between the carbide rollers and the adjustable barrier. So the hard pack is beaten down and depending on the setting of the barrier will dictate what size material will pass threw it. If you have alot of time and the customer doesn't mind the additional cost you can bury the rake 6"-8". When mine finds a larger rock it usually either pops it out of shakes and vibrates till I lift up on the controls.

Matt