Rake Pull behind york or landscape rake (non-3 point hitch)

[tonypvt]

I have an Deere L120 (Lawn tractor), and I'm wondering if I can do driveway maintenance using it with pull behind landscape rake or york rake. I have a ~1000 ft gravel driveway that is taking a pounding with all the recent Vermont rains. I know most on this forum will have 3 point hitch tractors, but I don't see that in my immediate future.

I have found the following rakes online. Somewhat expensive, so wondering if anyone has used either for driveway/gravel grading. Any feedback appreciated. Thanks.

Farm Star Landscape Rake — 60in. Width | Dethatchers Rakes| Northern Tool + Equipment

Vermont York Rake TA25

 

[Notforhire]

I have no experence with non 3PH rakes. I have owned a York brand rake for about twenty years. Before owning the York I replaced lots of tines on a Brand X rake. I have never needed to do so on my York.
Since you intend to keep this rake for awhile, I would spend the extra dough, and buy the York.

Good luck, Bill

 

[tonypvt]

Thanks Bill, I appreciate the feedback. Turns out a local equipment rental place has a York model that they rent out, so I'll probably give it a trial run before biting the bullet.

Tony

 

[grnspot110]

I have an older model York rake, nice little tool! I use it on my (3/8") gravel drive to smooth the surface, with good results. ~~ grnspot

 

[Notforhire]

Thanks Bill, I appreciate the feedback. Turns out a local equipment rental place has a York model that they rent out, so I'll probably give it a trial run before biting the bullet.

Tony

I think rental is a great idea. For what a renral costs, you will know if that tool will do what you want it to.
BTW take a look at the photo from grnspot. Notice that his rake has the optional flip down grader.:thumbsup:

 

[tonypvt]

Just to close on this, I rented a 4 foot pull behind York rake yesterday. It worked pretty well on the driveway, but I found that my L120 didn't really have enough power to pull it uphill under load. Not an engine issue; more a drive issue (transmission and/or belt). I backed off and did the more aggressive grading as I was going downhill and that seemed to work.

My L120 has been pretty handy, but the net learning for me is that if I'm going to do more of this type of work, then I probably need to upgrade to something more than a lawn tractor. Thanks for the responses!

 

[CalG]

I have the York TA-2 such as shown in the link attached. I use it behind a Bolens HT23. It does a useful job on our 300 foot STEEPLY inclined road and drive. The set up is VERY effective when used right after a good soaking rain, while the gravel is still wet.

The Bolens loses traction with much of a load going up hill, even with chains on the turf tires I run year round. The regulator wheels on the sulky rake does a perfect job of NOT telegraphing the actions of the tractor into the roadway behind that is characteristic of a 3 ph mounting. The town uses the same type of rake for road work, just bigger ;-)

I've fitted a hydraulic cylinder in place of the manual level regulator. The bolens has hydraulics. What a treat, Next will be power angle.

I'm working on the hydraulics of the Hurlimann 435 to free up a hydraulic tap so I can use the bigger tractor to pull the rake. (I can pull it now, but without hydraulics,...well, I'm spoiled. Plus there is always the 3ph blade if major road reconfiguration is needed.)

Your right about these Vermont rains, I hate seeing all the top dressing wash down. The road is getting a bit boney.

Cheers

Cal



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