Rake Which Rake & what Width should I buy

B2620 · Jan 1, 2009

I have a Kubota B2620 with loaded industrial R4 tires.

I am wondering what is the largest rake I could use before running out of HP or traction. I need to clean up dozer tracks, etc. around a new pond and get the ground ready for planting ground cover. I am thinking of a 60" or 72" rake. Do you guys think I have a big enough tractor for this size rake.

I am looking at Woods LR72 (270#), Land Pride LR15 in 60" or 72" (241# or 270#) and a Leinbach in 60" or 72" (not sure of weight). I like the Woods but it is not available in 60", which I think might be my best fit

Thanks in advance for your input.

B2620
Kubota B2620, FEL, Front Blade, Loaded R4's, Woods Hog & Woods Box Blade (on wish list is BH)

sixdogs · Jan 1, 2009

In rock rakes, heavier is usually better. For most work it doesn't take much to pull one since you are merely scraping up loose tuff and depositing where there is no loose material. For this, you could pull a six footer.
In a tough situation, however, you could bog down and be unable to pull it.
My personal vote would be to go six ft and stay out of mucky trouble spots. I think the heaviest six ft would work fine.
Just my two cents.

teg · Jan 1, 2009

If you use the rake at an angle, the longer the better. I have a 7 footer and don't have any problems but I usually do not drag much... use it to level / finish off an area.

Builder · Jan 1, 2009

Usually the first thing to do is make sure when the rake is fully angled, it will cover your tire tracks.

greg_g · Jan 1, 2009

As TEG says, you have to consider the width when indexed. Kubota says your rear track is 49". If you opt for a five footer, make sure it still drags at least a 49" swath when indexed at its max angle. This is especially important when you pull an indexed rake around a curve. Any six footer should be ok, but consider implement weight versus lift capacity versus front end counterbalance

//greg//

ninefinger · Jan 1, 2009

Do a search "Fred Cain" . I do not know if you can find one where you are, I think some JD dealers carry them. I was looking at the Leinbach until I saw this unit. Looks like a nice unit and not all that expensive. Just one more to compare.

Builder · Jan 1, 2009

ninefinger said:
Do a search "Fred Cain" . I do not know if you can find one where you are, I think some JD dealers carry them. I was looking at the Leinbach until I saw this unit. Looks like a nice unit and not all that expensive. Just one more to compare.

Leinbach looks OK, but Landprides have a stouter looking frame to them.

nh DRAGON · Jan 1, 2009

I have a Woods 72 and pull it with a BX 2350 with little trouble. It is heavier built than my father's 8FT. Land pride and I pull it with out my tires filled. You would have no problem with it and it is a great match to your rig!

Will_C · Jan 1, 2009

IMHO, your tractor is made for a 6' rake. You'll cover your tire tracks when angled, have plenty of power, and it will give you more "handiness" than a larger rake. I had a Leinbach and was not happy with the teeth on it, I snapped several pulling it with a BX. I now have a Woods and am very happy with it.
Will

ninefinger · Jan 1, 2009

Builder said:
Leinbach looks OK, but Landprides have a stouter looking frame to them.

Builder, that was my point, look at that Fred Cain and you wiil see what I mean.

GIJOE · Jan 1, 2009

When I was shopping for a rake, I went to every equipment dealer in the area. I looked at the three mentioned above, Howse, Kink Kutter, and several others. I decided on the Fred Cain because of the quality, before I even knew what the price was. I was ready to lay down a big chunk of change, but it ended up being cheaper (in price not quality) than the top brands so that made it look even more attractive. I am very satisfied with my decision and IMO, could ask for a better rake.

Joe

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/132467-fred-cain-landscape-rake.html

MarkV · Jan 2, 2009

Go 6', you will be sorry if you get the 5' model. Your tractor with loaded tires will pull it just fine. I have found the rake to be much more effective with gage wheels for trying to grade things smooth. Which ever brand you buy check and see about the availability of gage wheels if you decide you want them in the future.

MarkV

B2620 · Jan 2, 2009

ninefinger said:
Builder, that was my point, look at that Fred Cain and you wiil see what I mean.

I tried to find Fred Cain on the web but wasn't successful.
Do you know what their website address is?
Thanks,
B2620

Charlton John · Jan 2, 2009

2620, I have the same exact set up as you also w/ loaded r-4's. I currently own a 5ft bush hog rake (w/ gauge wheels) To me it is the perfect size for the tractor. It covers the width of the rear tires and is very heavy duty for its size. Depending on your areas of work a 6 footer would also be handled w/ no problem w/ our tractor. I personally like and went w/ the 5" for the reasons mentioned above and my land is a park like setting (in the making) so I have a good amount of obstacles to go around so it makes moving a bit easier. Also when working in the woods it seems to be the perfect fit for me when making trails spreading wood chips etc... Good Luck

Also where in upstate NY are you located?

B2620 · Jan 2, 2009

Charlton John said:
2620, I have the same exact set up as you also w/ loaded r-4's. I currently own a 5ft bush hog rake (w/ gauge wheels) To me it is the perfect size for the tractor. It covers the width of the rear tires and is very heavy duty for its size. Depending on your areas of work a 6 footer would also be handled w/ no problem w/ our tractor. I personally like and went w/ the 5" for the reasons mentioned above and my land is a park like setting (in the making) so I have a good amount of obstacles to go around so it makes moving a bit easier. Also when working in the woods it seems to be the perfect fit for me when making trails spreading wood chips etc... Good Luck

Also where in upstate NY are you located?

The propoerty where my tractor is located is in Western NY in Stueben county. Hopefully it will some day be my new year around homesite. Today it is a seasonal weekend get away and our home is in the Rochester area.

I am glade you mentioned the obstacles and moving around them. Much of my land is heavily wooded with many trails that I maintain with the back blade and hog. Maybe the rake would come in handy there also. However, if I am to use it in the woods, I will need to consider the maximum width for trail grooming. I guess I need to find out what the width would be when fully angled.

Thanks,
B2620

Charlton John · Jan 2, 2009

B2620 said:
The propoerty where my tractor is located is in Western NY in Stueben county. Hopefully it will some day be my new year around homesite. Today it is a seasonal weekend get away and our home is in the Rochester area.

I am glade you mentioned the obstacles and moving around them. Much of my land is heavily wooded with many trails that I maintain with the back blade and hog. Maybe the rake would come in handy there also. However, if I am to use it in the woods, I will need to consider the maximum width for trail grooming. I guess I need to find out what the width would be when fully angled.

Thanks,
B2620

Yes good idea, unfortunatly I have never needed to look into the max width when angled so I cant help you here. What I can advise on is I also use my Box blade for making new trails. I only have a 4' BB as this is all that was in stock when I purchased the tractor and because of this I got a great price on it + it is Kubota orange so its a perfect match and also very heavy duty for its size (500lbs) I usually make my trails probably about 6ft in width and the rake angled on these size trails is no issue for me. Good luck again and look into the bush hog brand (carried by Emerichs in Charlton NY) as both my rake and BB are very heavy duty and built very well.

B2620 · Jan 2, 2009

Charlton John said:
Yes good idea, unfortunatly I have never needed to look into the max width when angled so I cant help you here. What I can advise on is I also use my Box blade for making new trails. I only have a 4' BB as this is all that was in stock when I purchased the tractor and because of this I got a great price on it + it is Kubota orange so its a perfect match and also very heavy duty for its size (500lbs) I usually make my trails probably about 6ft in width and the rake angled on these size trails is no issue for me. Good luck again and look into the bush hog brand (carried by Emerichs in Charlton NY) as both my rake and BB are very heavy duty and built very well.

Thanks,

GIJOE · Jan 2, 2009

Fred Cain doesn't have a web site that I know of, but here is their contact info. You should be able to find out if there are any dealers in your area.
Fred Cain Farm Equipment Co. | Danville, KY | Company Profile, Research, News, Information, Contacts

Joe

sixdogs · Jan 2, 2009

B2620 said:
The propoerty where my tractor is located is in Western NY in Stueben county. Hopefully it will some day be my new year around homesite. Today it is a seasonal weekend get away and our home is in the Rochester area.

I am glade you mentioned the obstacles and moving around them. Much of my land is heavily wooded with many trails that I maintain with the back blade and hog. Maybe the rake would come in handy there also. However, if I am to use it in the woods, I will need to consider the maximum width for trail grooming. I guess I need to find out what the width would be when fully angled.

Thanks,
B2620

I have used a rock rake in evergreen and woods situations and it filled with trash quickly. Annoying but it did work OK. I had to yank some branches and stuff out every now and then. Works best in dirt and even better moving snow.

ninefinger · Jan 2, 2009

Thanks for jumping in GIJOE, both times, I can access the site from work but can not log in. When the time comes I will have a Fred Cain if I have to drive to La. to get it.