Rear Blade REAR BLADE VS. LANDSCAPE RAKE

[teg]

adb_11, "...scrap the idea of making a purchase of RB or rake?...", My guess is yes but take that with a grain of salt. I never used a rake and my experience with the RB was less then stellar... The length of the top-link is very important for RB, BB or the rake, since you have the BB, learn how to make it work. Also, don't forget that you can angle the BB to the left and right. My neighbor uses a RB and knows how to used it... it works very well for him (and fast, too). He owns a BB but never uses it (and it's not just because it's been at my farm ). I just bought my own BB, a used 6 footer.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

I have a 7' rake and it works great. I recently purchased a 6' rear blade and it was a complete waste of money. The rake does everything the blade can only better. I also have a boxblade and between the it and the rake I have no use for the rear blade.

Matt T.

 

[Solo]

Seems like the only time I use my blade any more is for burning brush piles. I have better luck with the rake for all kinds of driveway maintenance. Go with the rake.

Solo

 

[Diesel-ME]

I have been very happy with my 8' rake w/ flip down blade for road and driveway maintenance. Eventually I want to get a BB so as to be able to rip down through hard packed material. The only utility that I see in a RB for my use would be to take advantage off the offset to work over in the ditch area.

But I am able to do most of what I need to do with the rake. I have wheels as well, but tend to feather my position control more than I actually bother setting the wheel height. But the wheels are well worth the extra expense IMO. Go with a brand where you can add them later if you don't want to spend the $$ now.

You can crown your road nicely with a rake. You can work material in from the sides easily - without taking too big of a bite. You can turn the rake the other way and work bigger rocks out of the road and towards the ditch.

In the spring I rake up the copious amounts of wood chips from the area where I cut fire wood. Beats using a "manual" rake!! You can rake up brush, etc etc....

So for me it was rake 1st. I'll get a box blade next and later maybe a RB if needed. Your mileage may vary

~Paul

 

[Nuru]

adb, I'll vote 100 percent for the LANDSCAPE RAKE! Not only can you keep your driveway in good condition with the rake you can also use the rake for snow removal in the Winter. You will find that the Landscape Rake will pop the stone to the surface and give your vehicles better traction in the snow. I'm going to get "flamed" on this one by all the rear blade users. If you need to do any grading of the driveway that can be done with the Front Bucket and then finish off with the Landscape Rake. Landscape rake is my choice for sure!!!

Sincerely, Dirt

Heres what a rake is capable of.

Good pics Dirt!

 

[Leon Wittner]

I have a 7' rake and it works great. I recently purchased a 6' rear blade and it was a complete waste of money. The rake does everything the blade can only better. I also have a boxblade and between the it and the rake I have no use for the rear blade.

Matt T.

This is the only wat to go BB are worthless for grading.

 

[Leon Wittner]

Using crushed rock is not the way to go on a driveway, road or parking area. Best to order 5/8 Minus it has the fines and allows the surface bind together. Rock or crushed rock just moves around on the surface. Some folks go with 3/4 Minus but I prefer 5/8 Minus.

 

[sixdogs]

Landscape rake 100%.
Once you use one for this type of task you will understand why they are so highly prized at auctions. I have no use for my blade any longer and use my 8 ft rake for grading and plowing snow.

 

[PAB_OH]

therefore I am considering purchasing a rear blade and using it in the backwards position or purchasing a landscape rack and to fine grade and smooth the gravel out.

If you decide to sell PM me. Depending on size and your location in OH I may be interested. I'm in the market for a used one.

Thanks...

 

[Rara Avis]

Using crushed rock is not the way to go on a driveway, road or parking area. Best to order 5/8 Minus it has the fines and allows the surface bind together. Rock or crushed rock just moves around on the surface. Some folks go with 3/4 Minus but I prefer 5/8 Minus.

Yeah...we call that Yard mix in VT...