Rake Got a Landscape Rake - Advice on Angle

[SteveH_CT]

Hi Folks - I just bought a Woods 72" landscape rake. When you folks are using yours do you typically use it at an angle or straight? I plan to try it on different settings, but I'd like to learn from your experiences as well.

One more question - Do you apply much downward pressure to get it to bite in, or just let it's weight do the work for you?

Right now I plan to pull out the land I've been working on and try to rid it of a lot of the larger debris that I've left behind. I'm hoping that in the process it will smooth out some of the bumps and dips that I've left behind.

Thanks All!

 

[rdln]

For what you want to do first, My rake would work best set angled at the 2nd notch and work in a circle starting from outside so debris in windrowed toward the middle. The 0degree setting is good for covering dozer tracks or nocking down the hill that will result after you handpicked the debris from what you just windrowed

 

[SteveH_CT]

Thanks for the advice Steve - See, I never thought of going around in a circle, I was going to make rows of debris, circular sounds like a smart idea. It's amazing the little bits of wisdom we get here! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[MrJoe]

Hi Steve: Who did you get the rake from and how much? I am in the market and comparing /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Thanks, Joe

 

[SteveH_CT]

It got it at the Deere dealer in Colchester - I don't have the model info here with me. It's nothing real special, but looks solidly made. It has a stand to park it on when it's just hanging around. only one thing wrong with it... it isn't green and it isn't yellow... just doesn't match /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif.

I paid $525 including tax and delivery. There is a place in Branford, or North Branford that sells stuff pretty reasonably priced. They may advertise on here, and I also think they list on Ebay.

 

[Golfgar4]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( only one thing wrong with it... it isn't green and it isn't yellow... just doesn't match )</font>

/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[SteveH_CT]

LoL I'm embarassed to say that I already considered painting it Gary... /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[Golfgar4]

Why would you be embarrased?? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

If I had a JD tractor....heck, if I had ANY tractor /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif, I'd want my attachments to look good and be color coordinated! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Henro]

<font color="blue">One more question - Do you apply much downward pressure to get it to bite in, or just let it's weight do the work for you?
</font>

Not sure how one would apply downward pressure on a cut 3PH, as they usually float and only have lift.

Side question. Do you have gage wheels for the rake? I put off spending the money for gage wheels, but after getting a set I am really happy with them and feel they make the rake a much better tool.

I use mine angled or straight, it all depends. Without gage wheels it is a lot harder to smooth things out, as the rake on its own just follows the ground contour. Not that the wheels make all that much difference, but they do make some difference.

I am really glad I got the gage wheels and would not trade them back for the money I paid for them. Just a thought for consideration if you have not bought them yet... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[SteveH_CT]

I thought about wheels Henro - Right now the land I need to rake is fairly rough - I'll see how it goes without them.

Good point on downward pressure, I didn't realize you couldn't use the hydraulics to push down... more inexperience on my part.

Thanks All.