who builds Deere's rakes?

jd2210 · Jul 8, 2005

who builds Deere\'s rakes?

I'm in the market for new rake and have looked a a few different brands. I think I may buy a John Deere 704 from my local Deere dealer but it's not for sure. does anyone know who builds them for Deere? Is there any current issues with the 704 that I should know about? I have very heavy hay and my current unit is a kelderman.The problem with ours is that the frame is on the inside and the hay actually gets caught on it.

HayDR · Jul 9, 2005

Re: who builds Deere\'s rakes?

The JD 704 is made by Tonutti

Vermeer has a heavier version of the rake with their patented Dura-Bull Rake wheels.

jd2210 · Jul 9, 2005

Re: who builds Deere\'s rakes?

I've looked at the Vermeer and really liked it. Probably the best I've seen. My problem is that my dealer won't take my trade in, and I always trade. My Deere dealer has also given us good service.

cowboydoc · Jul 12, 2005

Re: who builds Deere\'s rakes?

I've got the 704 and really like it. The problem, and it's the same with Vermeer or any other wheel rake, is that these wheel rakes are only as good as the person setting them up. Make sure your dealer knows how to properly set one up and that they are going to come out in the field the first day you use it and get it set right.

HayDR · Jul 12, 2005

Re: who builds Deere\'s rakes?

cowboydoc,
You are correct. We take rakes in on trade in perfect condition that were assembled incorrect. The problem is when someone finds out the rake was assembled incorrect it become a finger pointing situation. We have to disassemble the rake and set it back up properly. This is double the labor and the bottom line on our in-season shop labor cost us $50 per hour with no profit. That means that just to make the rake work, the dealer must invest $250 to correct the improper assembly. If you show up and want to trade a rake that is not assembled properly we will deduct $300-500 off the trade-in value before we even give a trade-in value amount.

Indydirtfarmer · Jul 12, 2005

Re: who builds Deere\'s rakes?

Not to try and hi-jack the thread, but since we're on the subjects of hay equipment and Vermeer, I saw something a few months back about Vermeer releasing a "low horsepower" requirement disc mower to compliment the 5400 Rebel baler.... Any news on that?

jd2210 · Jul 12, 2005

Re: who builds Deere\'s rakes?

I ended up getting the 704. Unfortunately it wasn't set up at all correctly and wouldnn't even wing out. I'm back to using ol'betsy till it's fixed.

HayDR · Jul 12, 2005

Re: who builds Deere\'s rakes?

No Vermeer is not doing this they fear smaller HP tractors & disc mowers. Hay Maxx has prototypes in testing now and should be releasing information on them in this fall. They will be shaft drive just like Vermeer. Hay Maxx mowers take 6 PTO HP per disc. That means a 7' cut will take a 30 HP minimum. 8'- 36 HP & 9'-42 HP. Some weight for stability may need to be added for non-4 wheel drive tractors.