Rake ETA Landscape Rake: Delivery + Setup // PHOTOS

[jeff9366]

I ordered this 72" Landscape Rake from ETA 5/23/2013. It was delivered 6/25/2013, via Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc.

The outside width of my industrial tires is 59"; 72" is the correct width rake. Goldilocks: not too wide, not too narrow, just right. I palavered between 72" and 84", Rick at ETA advised me to buy 72" width.

$ 797 Landscape Rake

$ 299 Optiional Pair Gauge Wheels

$ 80 Residential Delivery

$1176 Delivered

Photo #1 Truck departing, rake on pallet, doubled for shipping. What's next?

Photo #2 One gauge wheel has to be removed using two 15/16" wrenches, two nuts + bolts per side, in order to pivot mast. I will add washers under bolt heads.

Photo #3 Mast pivoted. Ready to load into 3-Pt. hitch.

Photo #4 Aftermarket Stabilworks pin-adjustable rigid stabilizers/check chains, make lining up 3-Pt. lower link "eyes" with rake double clevis easy.

Photo #5 Rake is prevented from toppling forward by foot.

Photo #6 Rake raised. Gauge wheel re-mounted without fighting gravity.

Photo #7 Rake is off the pallet and ready to work.

Note: Rake arrived well padded, without scratches. Paint still a little soft.

Southeastern Freight Lines Bill of Lading lists shipping weight of 525 pounds, which included a 45" X 62" virgin pallet. Customer service at SEFL is excellent. Superior to multiple competitors that have delivered to me. Delivered during the hour promised.

ETA LINK:

Everything Attachments Brand Tractor 3 Point Hitch, Category 1, Landscape rake, Root Rake, Rock Rake, York Rake, available in 60", 72", 84", and 96 inch sizes, Free Shipping within 1.000 miles!

 

[B58Hustler]

Thanks for showing us this setup.

That's a very stout frame, complete with clevis-style draft link hookup, for a rake. The welds look real good too. Plus the lifting hook on the main beam is a nice touch. Real nice looking setup.

 

[creekbend]

Congratulations.

 

[npalen]

Those look like some serious gauge wheels. The wheels on my older York rake are about half that size or less. They tend to build up with wet soil also and I need to attach some scrapers to prevent that. Your gauge wheel tires look similar to those normally use on "bush hogs". Is there an advantage to that laminated type construction other than no flats?

 

[jeff9366]

Thank you, npalen, for your input when I was researching disc harrows.

No advantage that I know of beyond no flats.

During initial use yesterday I conjectured that low pressure tires could be an interesting alternative to laminated wheels. Possibly one low pressure tire on a swinging beam would provide enough support? It would be an advantage when maneuvering to have just one fat wheel, inboard, rather than the pair, outboard, in the way.

After i put 50-60 hours on rake I will to write an evaluation.

 

[PhysAssist]

Hi Jeff,

Congratulations, that sure does look bulletproof!

How is the height of the wheels adjusted?

If I had seen the Stabilworks pinned stabilizers first, I would have never gotten my HF QH, but after only a few times of having to loosen and then retighten the jack screws on my 3-pt's lift arms to swap implements, I had had enough, and I HAD seen the QH.

Best of luck, and keep us posted, though I cannot fathom any possible way that beast could be less than stellar in use.
Thomas

PS: I forgot to say thanks for the photos, pricing, and all the other details,

 

[jeff9366]

How is the height of the wheels adjusted?

There are a pair of collars, with a hex head set bolt + lock nut on each collar, which secure height of each column. With the long arms, gauge wheels height did not seem critcial yesterday. Adjusting rake tilt for varying tasks, using right lifting arm, was more critical, at least yesterday.

 

[jeff9366]

Plus the lifting hook on the main beam is a nice touch.

I thought so too, researching before purchase.

I use Zerco check chains to maintain height on 48" KK rotary cutter. I may run a short nylon strap through rake lifting eye, then attach Zerco check chains to nylon strap to see if wheel(s) can be eliminated. EUREKA!

Yes, I am in service to mankind.

ZERCO CHECK CHAIN LINK:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...271185-kubota-b3300su-zerco-check-chains.html

 

[INDIANA ROWE]

Congradulations on your purchase. I always like seeing/reading the details. Can you tell me a little bit about your top link?

 

[aczlan]

Congradulations on your purchase. I always like seeing/reading the details. Can you tell me a little bit about your top link?

Looks like a Hydraulink top link: HydrauLink - a self-contained air over hydraulic top link

Aaron Z

 

[jeff9366]

It is a HydrauLink. There are a ton of posts on HydrauLink available through the SEARCH function here on T-B-N.

I give it a limited endorsement. It is quite helpful when using a box blade. Useless when using a rotary harrow, because it is too long. Minimally useful on first day with landscape rake. ( Rake tines act as shock absorbers. )

HydrauLinks cost about $250. For not much more $$ you can get hydraulic TnT, which is easier to adjust and provides adjustment in two axes.....if you have hydraulic remotes at the rear of your tractor.

The piston-arm length adjustment via manually opened/closed valve works well.....except gravity orients the valve down, in which position the valve is not accessible from tractor seat. The valve NOT maintaining UP position is a major design or manufacturing shortcoming.

HydrauLink's greatest benefit, to my way of thinking, is that it acts as a big shock absorber between the tractor and implement. I am always alert for ways to reduce strain on my relatively light tractor and I think a HydrauLink reduces wear and tear day in and day out.

 

[PhysAssist]

Hi jeff,

Thanks for the information, I thought I saw 2 silver/chrome fittings on the left wheel post, but didn't see any on the right side and was curious how it worked.

Congratulations on your new toy, err... tool!
Thomas

 

[Recoveryhill]

Congratulations!

I have that same rake and it's a dandy. My only problem was the nut was torqued too tight to swing the rake and I had a heck of a time backing it off but once I did, all was fine. Mine is used on tough rocky roads and the tines have proven to be well up to the task of dislodging partially buried rocks and smoothing what dirt I have in between.

 

[jeff9366]

How is the height of the wheels adjusted?

There are a pair of collars, with a hex head set bolt + lock nut on each collar, which secure height of each column.

Here is a photo of the right gauge wheel assembly, showing the two collars:

 

[npalen]

"The piston-arm length adjustment via manually opened/closed valve works well.....except gravity orients the valve down, in which position the valve is not accessible from tractor seat. The valve NOT maintaining UP position is a major design or manufacturing shortcoming."

I'm trying to understand what is meant by "except gravity orients the valve down".

 

[jeff9366]

Instead of the length-controlling valve remaining "up" where it is accessible from the tractor seat, gravity and vibration allow the body of the HydrauLink to turn 180 degrees so the valve is oriented down toward the ground and is NOT accessible from the seat. The valve and its protecting frame are surprisingly heavy.

There is a large lock-nut on the unit, perhaps 1-1/4", but it would require an appropriately large wrench to tighten. I have not found snugging the body lock-nut a practical proposition in the field.

My HydrauLink was manufactured in China. Execution is a little on the crude side.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

I just picked up my ETA 72 landscape rake today. Same setup, but no wheels. Three weeks from order to pickup. This thing is a beast, Very heavy duty, twice what I saw at any dealers yard. Soon as the rain stops I'm giving her a ride.

 

[Thomabear]

I've been landscape rake shopping (mostly York, Woods and Landpride) and came across this HD unit from ETA. It weighs in heavier than the other 72" rakes and seems to be a better overall designed. The metal bracing layout is well engineered and all members are nice and thick. I especially like the tine mounting design which removes stress from the tines and allows more flexibility to mitigate clogging. As someone also mentioned the wheels are the same as the ones used on a rotary cutter which is a big plus IMO. The pivot shaft also has dual plate mounts which should provide added support while acting as a blade to keep the wheels clean. The designer definately did his homework on this one and I think my decision has been made. :thumbsup:

BTW, This is my first post here. This forum is a great source of information for sure and I'm glad to be here.

 

[murphy1244]

I've been landscape rake shopping (mostly York, Woods and Landpride) and came across this HD unit from ETA. It weighs in heavier than the other 72" rakes and seems to be a better overall designed. The metal bracing layout is well engineered and all members are nice and thick. I especially like the tine mounting design which removes stress from the tines and allows more flexibility to mitigate clogging. As someone also mentioned the wheels are the same as the ones used on a rotary cutter which is a big plus IMO. The pivot shaft also has dual plate mounts which should provide added support while acting as a blade to keep the wheels clean. The designer definately did his homework on this one and I think my decision has been made. :thumbsup:

BTW, This is my first post here. This forum is a great source of information for sure and I'm glad to be here.

We are glad to have you. Jeff, Nice Rake!

 

[jeff9366]

It is working now.