Can you Identify this old HAY Rake?

[whitmerlegacyfarm]

This is my uncles old hay rake that i used this past summer to make some hay. Just curious if you all can tell me what make and model it is. I used it on over 40 acres. It actually worked well other then i kept breaking the drive chain until i finally put a new one on. After hitting a ground hog hole and constantly breaking chain i got a new one and it seemed to hold up better. Doesn't look pretty much seemed to rake very well. I know have a NH 56 rake so this will just be my back up i guess. Need a few teeth for it and a dolly tire for the back but worked fine without tire haha.

 

[whitmerlegacyfarm]

 

[rankrank1]

I would say it is a John Deere 594LW. The LW stands for Low Wheel or little wheel but otherwise was essientially the same rake as regular 594 which had 36" wheels on the front. As you found out the LW model has chains and an extra jackshaft to replace the normal 36" wheel size.

Here is one of what was originally a rubber tired JD 594 that I refurbished for use - it is around a 1948 model. The fronts have been converted to home brew steel wheels due to rubber tires costing $235 a piece. I have since converted the rears to home brew steel to match.

Or alternatively my other 594 which I also refurbished - it is around a 1939 model.

Any version of the John Deere 594 does an excellent job of raking hay. Only thing they do not do well is road travel at speed even the rubber tired versions. In some hay conditions the 594 will outrake your New Holland 256 which is also a great rake but notorious for roping the hay making it much harder to dry.

 

[whitmerlegacyfarm]

Awesome thanks alot Rank. I really appreciate the pictures. How would i go about restoring mine. I really would just like to put another coat of paint over it. I've never painted anything before could i just go over it and wire brush and then spray a coat of paint on it or what's the best way for me to get the loose stuff off? I don't really want to spend much money just make it last a little longer.

I agree it defently does not trailer well on the road. Took it about 1 1/2 mi to neighbors place and raked about 20 ac. a few times with it to dry and get hay dry.

Have you had much problems w/ your drive chain breaking when u hit a bump in the field?

Only thing it really could use is some teeth and another rear dolly tire.

 

[jpm1]

We had one years ago. Broke and slipped chains constantly. We made a new chain tensoner and we were golden . . .John

 

[whitmerlegacyfarm]

What was the key to making the new chain tensioner, so that it would not slip or break the chain?

 

[rankrank1]

Awesome thanks alot Rank. I really appreciate the pictures. How would i go about restoring mine. I really would just like to put another coat of paint over it. I've never painted anything before could i just go over it and wire brush and then spray a coat of paint on it or what's the best way for me to get the loose stuff off? I don't really want to spend much money just make it last a little longer.

I agree it defently does not trailer well on the road. Took it about 1 1/2 mi to neighbors place and raked about 20 ac. a few times with it to dry and get hay dry.

Have you had much problems w/ your drive chain breaking when u hit a bump in the field?

Only thing it really could use is some teeth and another rear dolly tire.

The ones with 36" wheels on the front like both of my rakes do not have chains. Only the LW models have the extra jack shafts shafts and chains.

As for my refurbishment: I replaced almost every bolt and nut in both my rakes with grade 5 hex heads and new lock washers in place of the older soft square head bolts that were worn and the lock washers had rotted away. I also made new bushings where needed and a little welding here and there to tighten things up.

The painting part is easy: putty knife scraper, and then wire brush, and added a cheapo paint job.