RATCHET RAKE TODAY // FEL Bucket Attachment

[jeff9366]

Ratchet Rake is very useful bucket enhancement for $299/52".

Pulled Vitus rotundfolia grape vines out of the ground and out of Oak trees with Ratchet Rake on the bucket and tractor in reverse.

Then piled roots against tree trunks, sometimes pulling with Ratchet Rake, sometimes pushing with Ratchet Rake.

To decrease dirt component I "nose" the roots over several times with the Ratchet Rake.

Piles will be transported to burn pile when half dry using Payne's Clamp-On Aluminum Debris Forks/Photo #8.

 

[Don87]

Glad to hear it's working well for you. I've read lots of good reviews about the Ratchet Rake.

 

[rekees4300]

There are many threads on TBN about the Ratchet Rake. Don't recall anyone ever saying anything negative about it. I have one and it works great on briars and Buckthorn.

 

[B Hoofed]

What other attachment can go right from clearing brush to grading a gravel driveway?

 

[txdon]

My straps did break but I replaced them with ratchet rake's forest service chain connecting hardware. (just add chain)
http://ratchetrake.com/images/home-april2013/rake_fs_hardware.jpg

 

[jeff9366]

My straps did break but I replaced them with ratchet rake's forest service chain connecting hardware. (just add chain)

Are the FS chain binders more/less convenient to use than the winch/straps?

I have no experience with chain binders but I see them at TSC and NAPA.

I have nearly worn out the original winch/straps and have been considering other options.

Since I take RR on/off frequently CONVENIENCE and EASE OF USE are factors.

 

[txdon]

I haven't used the rake since I got them but they look just as easy, just hook and ratchet tight. The directions tell how to measure your bucket for your two lengths of chain that you purchase separately. Just make sure you bucket is compatible - see compatibility requirements below:

http://ratchetrake.com/images/ratchet_rake_fs.pdf

 

[jeff9366]

I had a minor issue with the OEM shackle pins unscrewing in use, allowing the RR to slip off, requiring return to the barn for a replacement shackle. This happened to me twice. Tightening shackle screw really hard, using a screwdriver through the hole on shackle screw, was not the answer.

I found 3/8" replacement shackles on eBay with a lock pin.

SHACKLE AUCTION LINK:

3 8" Shackle Clevis Safety Pin Peerless 1 Ton WWL | eBay

Problem solved. Ratchet Rake should supply similar secure shackle instead of current shackle.

 

[txdon]

My shackles never did unscrew. Looks like you found an inexpensive fix, nice to know those exist.

 

[jeff9366]

I smoothed a field for a friend today. Ratchet Rake on the bucket, Bush Hog (brand) Rollover Box Blade on the Three Point Hitch.

For swells 18" to 24" high, I used the Box Blade rippers to cut through the Bahia grass and initiate grass + dirt move. Followed by the Box Blade cutting edge to collect and transport larger volume ( 5 X ) of exposed dirt to depressions.

For minor swells around 6" high, I back-dragged with the Ratchet Rake. The lower, vertical teeth cut through the Bahia and pulled 2-1/2" of soil to low spots with each chomp, with the tractor moving in reverse. Worked very well.

Soil moisture was optimum.

After a couple good rains to settle the dirt, I will go over the entire field with my ETA Landscape Rake with gauge wheels, to make the field perfect.

Here are three photos I took today. Sorry for #3. It opens 'portrait' oriented.