What to do with chain harrows?

[bloomi]

Hi,

While clearing up I came across a long forgotten chain harrow, buried midst the nettles. At a rough guess (paced the bar) they are about 9'6" wide and I couldn't say how long. The bar is a bit bent and has broken and been splinted and welded in one place (another piece of metal added to the side of the bar and attached at both sides of the break), and the links on the harrow itself have worn a bit in places, but it still all looks strong and fully functional. It is tangled into a big ball.

Normally whenever I need to harrow I use a 4' harrow and an ATV, however this has the potential to speed the process up. My question to you is do you think it would be possible and worthwhile un-tangling it and using it in place of the 4' harrows, or should I just junk it and get what money I can for scrap? And if it is worthwhile untangling it do you have any tips, cause while I can deal with a little 4' harrow this is a bit beyond me at first attempt.
Picture below:



Many thanks, Benjamin

 

[acme97]

I would try and untangle it. It doesn't look to be in that bad of shape. Just hoist it up if you can and grab a cold pint and take your time. When wife asks what's taking so long, tell her you're trying to figure out the best way and ask nicely for another pint!

 

[greg_g]

Definitely worth untangling for a better appraisal of the condition. The tow bar can always be replaced. But don't for a minute think that you'll pull one that size - tines down and forward - with an ATV

//greg//

 

[bloomi]

Ok. I'll make it a project for when I have nothing better to do to hang them up and see what they're like. And I know that I've absolutely no hope of shifting them with an ATV. If I ever have enough time I might make a new draw bar with chains from the ends and in the middle, which should hopefully stop it bending / breaking.

 

[whistlepig]

This looks like a Fuerst tine harrow. I have one. I highly recommend them. They will last a life time. Best way to untangle them is to pick them up one the end with a FEL. That's an excellent piece of equipment you have sitting there.

RHINO | Flexible Tine Harrows/Harrow Cart | Fuerst Drag Harrows

 

[mikehaugen]

You should not waste your time with such a pile of junk. In fact I will come and dispose of it for you, just so you don't need to look at it anymore.

On second thought, I just saw where you live and realize maybe that is not such a good proposal. In all seriousness I would try to untangle it. It can't be that hard (right??). I do know that they are expensive and to me would be worth a day of work.

 

[whistlepig]

They are not that hard to untangle. They are heavy though. I frequently roll mine up and move it with the FEL so it doesn't tear up the yard while it's being moved.

 

[rmk700]

Got mine tangled up and I just picked it up with FEL then untangled while its hanging. Made it easier for me.

 

[rd_macgregor]

I bought a twelve-footer a few years ago and spent a considerable amount of time untangling it. Too bad I didn't think of holding it up in the air with the tractor!
I detach mine from the bar and roll it up to transport it (chained to the FEL), but some have lift poles.
In addition to being really heavy and pretty aggressive, a twelve-foot chain harrow is really wide, so not very well suited to small areas, tight turns, trees, etc.
If you have some open land, pasture or whatever, and enough UMPH! to pull yours, it will be well worth untangling it.
BOB

 

[Redbug]

I have one about 8 feet wide. After you get yours untangled, it's best to roll it up like a rug all the way to the pull bar. Then take a chain with hook at one end and wrap around the whole works. Then you can pick it up or store it easier. Like what WhistlePig said.