Rake First Choice Rake

[Marko]

TBNers ,

I am starting to do some homework on a new attachment purchase for my JD4110. We just build't a new house and need to start thinking about the lawn. We also have a horse barn on the property , so I thought a landscape rake would be a good investment for doing all the work required around lawn duties and for pasture management.

My question is which series of First Choice would fit my need ??

15 series "light duty" or the 20 series "standard duty" ??

If 20 series , are the gauge wheels need for my intended use ??

Thanks again for your help

Mark

 

[JimMc]

The only notable difference in the 15 Series and 20 Series rakes was the lift pin mount and sizes they are available in. The 15 Series lift pin mounts protrude forward to allow turning the pins inward for tractors which have problems with lift arm clearances. The 15 was available in 60" and 72". The 20 Series lift pins cannot be reversed and are sturdier. The 20 Series was available in 72", 84", and 96". The gauge wheel kits fit either Series. This information assumes that the First Choice units you are looking at were manufactured by Midwest Equipment. First Choice may have found a new OEM by now, but I haven't heard any rumors of such, and their web site doesn't indicate such.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Hello Mark--We do have most of the First Choice Landscape Rakes in stock in the orange color--If you wish? You may contact us via private email sweet@scrtc.com for current pricing and shipping--Ken Sweet
Sweet Farm Equipment Co.

 

[MajMac392]

Marko,

After a lot of checking and comparing last summer I bought a 60" LR from First Choice last summer. Excellent rake and has done a good job clearing an area for a rock garden. I did not buy the wheels because at the time they didn't have them in stock but in my situation I may not need them. I'm pulling the rake with a 23 HP Cub, (7234) over some real uneven, hilly terrain. In part of the area I back the tractor up the hill to pull/rake the ground and I 'think' the wheels would hang to low and just get in the way. I think on flatter ground they might make more sense but I'm not convinced yet that I need them, especially at about $150 a set. I've used/rented a couple of other rakes in the past, a Woods and another brand and the FC works well. I have lots of trees on my property and I didn't want a wider rake than a 60" for maneuverability. I don't think you would be at all unhappy with the FC rake especially when you compare the price and features to say Woods or Land Pride. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[RMEADOWS]

Where do you rent a landscape rake?

 

[Mosey]

Mark - I was looking into getting one a few months ago. The dealer I talked to said the 15 Series was built like the King Kutter or Wallace rakes and the 20 Series was only about $30 more and much better built and is available in a variety of colors to match the tractor. The price I got for a 6' 20 Series was $310. Gauge wheels were $165 more.

 

[JimMc]

The Midwest 15 Series from the hitch back is identical to the 20 Series. The top hitch mast on the 15 sweeps forward to match the lift pins to maintain Cat 1 specs. The hitch tube is fabricated from 3"x3"x1/4" tube with the index pin hole reinforced with a welded in hardened washer and a bracket reaching under the index plate in front and rear. Many people cannot tell the difference between the two until it is pointed out. There is no capacity difference between them, only the lift pin configuration. The reason the 15 series exists is to allow tractors with narrow lift arm spacing to more easily hook up by turning the lift pins inward. The top link mast is a formed fabrication with the top link attachment holes reinforced with hardened washers welded into place.

Both the Wallace and King Kutter tine bars are made from angle, the 15 and 20 series Midwest use a channel with a formed bracket holding the tines in alignment.

The hitch on the Wallace is made from a combination of 3/8" strap and 3x3x1/8" tubing and offers 3 index positions forward and 3 reverse. The hitch on the King Kutter is a strap and plate design and offers 5 index positions forward and 5 reverse.

The Wallace is available only in 72" with no availability for gauge wheels as of this date. The King Kutter is available in 60", 72", 84", and 96" with a gauge wheel kit available. The 15 Series Midwest is available in 60" and 72" models and the 20 Series is available in 72", 84", and 96" widths with gauge wheel kits available for all sizes.

In addition, there is a little known 22 Series which tilts or free floats for going through twists while keeping the rake tines in contact with the ground instead of one side digging in.

All Midwest rakes are available in high-gloss gray, green, blue, red and yellow powder coat finish with UV protection built in. All fasteners are Grade 5 zinc plated and pins are cold forged with yellow di-chromate finish. The 5/16" x 1" tines are 5160 steel heat treated, shot-peened, and painted black.

There should be less than $10 difference between the 15 series 72" and the 20 series 72". The 22 Series option would add about $50.

 

[Mosey]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The Midwest 15 Series from the hitch back is identical to the 20 Series)</font>

Apparently I was told wrong. Thanks for clearing it up!

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Marko,

I am in the same situation as your are. I am looking for information on durability of the tines on the different rakes.

Where we live, the rocks and roots are plentiful. In addition, the clay is about as hard as the rocks are. Does anyone know if there is a particular brand that is more heavy duty than others?

I have a yard to landscape, (NH TC40) and a lot of clean up work to do on some food plots and a running pen.

Thanks,

Tim

 

[JimMc]

The rakes mentioned thus far all use the same size tines. However, there is a tine design which is roughly twice the thickness and 50% wider than the 5/16"x 1" (I know, because I have a sample in my office right now). So far, I have ruled out Land Pride, Bush Hog, King Kutter, Wallace, WAC, Howse, Harp, and yes, Midwest as users of that tine. But, it would certainly be the toughest rake around. Has any one here seen a rake made with these tines?