Received a ratchet rake yesterday. Looks to be very strong. I've got the 68" with the cables and it's going on a 42HP tractor. I'm going to be using it to clear brush on an area that has no rock but simply lots of scrub. I'll post my results when I get a good handle on it's operation.
Ratchet Rake - ever seen/used one?
- Thread starter StrangeRanger
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IslandTractor
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Do any of you who have used the ratchet rake have photos of the land several months after raking? I'm just wondering how much different your success in removing brush/weeds is from simply mowing with either a bush hog or flail? Just mowing will enable grasses to return and continued mowing will eventually kill the invasive/brush species. The ratchet rake looks like it does a nice job but I am wondering if it really removes the whole invasive or just rips the tops off temporarily. I can see that it does work with small brush but so would a mower.
How about for lawn refinishing or prep? That is what the inventer designed the thing for apparently but we haven't had many posts from TBN users on that front. Does it leave the ground fully prepped for seed? It sure beats investing in a Harley Rake for smallish yards if it does work that way.
How about for lawn refinishing or prep? That is what the inventer designed the thing for apparently but we haven't had many posts from TBN users on that front. Does it leave the ground fully prepped for seed? It sure beats investing in a Harley Rake for smallish yards if it does work that way.
JOHNTHOMAS
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It does leave the ground fully prepared for seed planting. I mostly use the smaller bottom teeth and back drag to finish level. It leaves small gullies for the seed and then one could drive over it to imbed the seed.
LBrown59
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There is another thread giving much info about Ratchet Rakes.
Wasn't so long ago either.
Wasn't so long ago either.
I've used it one day for seed prep and getting rid of all this thicket between two lots. True test will be this weekend clearing a 1 acre lot full of bushes.
I think it's well worth the money. Probably would be a little easier on a skid steer due to visibility but all in all will pay for itself easily with this one project. Now, if you are working in really rocky soil with a light machine, I wish you luck. Weight has everything to do with this thing performing well. I would have liked to have this over a blade rake when I did clearing with a D8 when I was young. I may figure out a way to attach it to my small AC HD5.
I think it's well worth the money. Probably would be a little easier on a skid steer due to visibility but all in all will pay for itself easily with this one project. Now, if you are working in really rocky soil with a light machine, I wish you luck. Weight has everything to do with this thing performing well. I would have liked to have this over a blade rake when I did clearing with a D8 when I was young. I may figure out a way to attach it to my small AC HD5.
lucky llama
Silver Member
I have been following this thread and finally placed my order yesterday. Ratchet Rake looks to be the product I have been looking for to grub out under brush. I hope it all goes as planned. I just love a new toy!
thavil
Platinum Member
I have been following this thread and finally placed my order yesterday. Ratchet Rake looks to be the product I have been looking for to grub out under brush. I hope it all goes as planned. I just love a new toy!
Hope you like yours as much as I have. Hopefully it will stop raining here and dry out some for me to start using mine again for all the projects I have planned.
Ken45101
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thavil
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Are you telling us that it doesn't work in heavy mud?
Ken
Nope, not at all. I guess what I am saying is that my small tractor doesn't work well in heavy mud!!
Actually, it probably does but haven't really tested it yet in the nasty stuff. Haven't tried the rake in muddy areas yet because where I need to work, I don't want the entire area torn up with tire tracks.