Ratchet Rake

[BimmerPower]

I should have said that I can break up hard soil pretty good to scoop and move to another location to level or even out rough terrain:ashamed:. Sorry for the misinformation.

I was about to say. I didn't think digging and loading the bucket would be possible because of the wratchet straps. I don't know if I should pull the plug on a $350 72" ratchet rake or get a 72" WR Long tooth bar from Iowa Farm Equipment (free shipping)

 

[2LittleTime]

I have no doubt that the ratchet rake would do a great job on Texas briars, honeysuckle and other vines, as well as prickley pear... all of which I have more than a few. But has anyone tried to clear small mesquite, hackberry, and related brushy trees using this tool?

 

[KiotiWhite]

I was about to say. I didn't think digging and loading the bucket would be possible because of the wratchet straps. I don't know if I should pull the plug on a $350 72" ratchet rake or get a 72" WR Long tooth bar from Iowa Farm Equipment (free shipping)

You're right that loading the bucket really isn't going to happen but not so much because of the straps as because of the rake itself. With the bucket parallel to the ground the second set of teeth are pointing down and a few inches below the bottom of the bucket.
I got mine last summer and can't say enough good about it although I am jealous of the new "yellow" look (mine's black). Kidding aside though, it's important to remember that every attachment has a purpose and a task for which it was designed (hopefully). Things that are "multi-purpose" usually are ok at a few things but "great" at none.
The RR is a rake on steroids...it's head and shoulders above a "york" for brush removal and, after one develops the "touch", equals the york in traditional "rake" mode.
It's NOT though, a toothbar and if one is expecting it to be that they will be disappointed....different jobs and they require different attachments.
My decision was made as a choice between the RR and york (based on how I planned on using it. I can only say if I had it to do over I'd do exactly the same.
BUT....I also added a toothbar and wouldn't give that purchase a second thought either. I really don't think one should consider it an "either/or" choice but that both are pretty close to being essential "add ons" (depending on your needs and how you use your machine). The good news is that both are relatively "cheap"....the REALLY good news is that you would be hard pressed to find ANY attachment(s) that offer better "bang for the buck". (with the possible exception of a PHD, bobtach forks, TnT, or my latest addition Paumco Products Quick Spade Model# 1100-Quick Spade | Skid-Steers + Attachments | Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[Wacky]

I can't think of a better all around rake. It is very tough. I just now wish it would quit raining so I can really try it out!!:drool:

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

You're right that loading the bucket really isn't going to happen but not so much because of the straps as because of the rake itself. With the bucket parallel to the ground the second set of teeth are pointing down and a few inches below the bottom of the bucket.
I got mine last summer and can't say enough good about it although I am jealous of the new "yellow" look (mine's black). Kidding aside though, it's important to remember that every attachment has a purpose and a task for which it was designed (hopefully). Things that are "multi-purpose" usually are ok at a few things but "great" at none.
The RR is a rake on steroids...it's head and shoulders above a "york" for brush removal and, after one develops the "touch", equals the york in traditional "rake" mode.
It's NOT though, a toothbar and if one is expecting it to be that they will be disappointed....different jobs and they require different attachments.
My decision was made as a choice between the RR and york (based on how I planned on using it. I can only say if I had it to do over I'd do exactly the same.
BUT....I also added a toothbar and wouldn't give that purchase a second thought either. I really don't think one should consider it an "either/or" choice but that both are pretty close to being essential "add ons" (depending on your needs and how you use your machine). The good news is that both are relatively "cheap"....the REALLY good news is that you would be hard pressed to find ANY attachment(s) that offer better "bang for the buck". (with the possible exception of a PHD, bobtach forks, TnT, or my latest addition Paumco Products Quick Spade Model# 1100-Quick Spade | Skid-Steers + Attachments | Northern Tool + Equipment

Agree plus.
I bought my first RR from the company a couple or three years ago when it was the black model with straps all the way around it. Sold the tractor that one fit. Bought a smaller tractor so needed the smaller RR. I bought my second one which was one of the last factory sold ones before they went to TSC only sales. It came yellow with wire cables under the bottom and straps on top. It is one of my most used implements and stays on my BX25 bucket. I take it off in under two minutes by myself when I need to scoop some thing in the bucket and put it back on in under two minutes by myself when I get finished scooping. Can't imagine having a FEL without a RR. I used the big teeth one time to clear out a weedy area and was shocked and amazed at how well it pulled the crap weeds and small trees up. I mostly use mine to level out loose dirt and dragging out rocks to pick up from new areas of yard.
I've had a toothbar and sold it long before discovering the RR and I had a landscape rake which I also sold before betting the RR. The RR would be a poor substitute for the Toothbar and landscape rake but it can do to some small extent what they do. It stands alone for it's functions and I don't think any other implement will do what it does for the money.
It's not to expensive, solid as a rock and easy on and off.
It leaves the ground ready to plant grass seed.
I'm a believer in the RR.:thumbsup:

 

[chopped]

does anyone know if its on the online catalog?I cant seem to find it..Not even an add on it.

 

[adjusterr]

Just Google Ratchet Rake, you will get everything you need. I have one, it's great. I used it today to repair my 2/10 mile driveway, washed out by recent downpours. A job that previouslu took several hours with the bucket edge, was finished in one hour with much better results.

 

[TigerfaninAR]

Went to tsc to get mine yesterday and the guy looked at me like I had a horn coming out of my head. When I said it attached to the bucket it must have jogged his memory from seeing it. Wasn't even in their system to look it up, had to go get the number and then enter it in. Had it on just this morning and already glad I got it over a landscape rake.

 

[chopped]

So they were able to ''look it up''?? My store didnt know what it was either and they couldnt or wouldnt look it up for me.. Id sure like to get one...

 

[oj may]

Bought one yesterday. No one knew what I was talking about. I had to find their sku on the Internet with my iPhone. After they punched that number in they found it in the system.

They had one of each size in stock. The bars were outside and the cables and ratchets were in the back.

It is too muddy here for it to work and I will have to wait for things to dry out. I did try it briefly but it just isn't effective in mud.