Just another landscaping rake

czechsonofagun · Oct 10, 2006

I have to admit, I got inspired on TBN. Here is my landscaping rake project half way through.

Got tines from agri supply - the medium size - and for the pivot I am using trailer axle from TSC and a piece of tubing.

More pictures to follow

Willl · Oct 10, 2006

Looking good czech, how wide is it ?

czechsonofagun · Oct 10, 2006

5 feet only to be able to take it in the woods.

Nat · Oct 10, 2006

Looks good to me. I went with 6' so it would rake out the tractor track if angled. The spindle/axle pivot is a good idea. I used what was here, didn't even think about that way. Later, Nat

czechsonofagun · Oct 10, 2006

My Kubota is 48 inches wide cross back wheels (turf tires) - I was thinking the same thing about covering tracks.

The spindle is a jeeper's idea. Jeep drivers/builders use it as a pivot for the swing tire carrier on the back of the truck

czechsonofagun · Oct 12, 2006

Progress made - finished the 3pt and the indexing plate.

Now question: I was going to use 3/8" grade 5 from TSC to attach tines. The engineer in me says to go washer, washer, spring washer, nut on the bolt. Do you think it is really necessary - or is just bolt and nut enough?

What is your experience with tines - do they go loose in use?

MadReferee · Oct 12, 2006

czechsonofagun said:
Progress made - finished the 3pt and the indexing plate.

Now question: I was going to use 3/8" grade 5 from TSC to attach tines. The engineer in me says to go washer, washer, spring washer, nut on the bolt. Do you think it is really necessary - or is just bolt and nut enough?

What is your experience with tines - do they go loose in use?

I used a 1.5" x 3/8" grade 5 bolt with a flat washer on top and a lock washer and nut on the bottom. They were tightened with an air wrench. After 3 seasons of abuse I have yet to either break or loosen a bolt.

Nat · Oct 12, 2006

I used grade 5 1 1/2" X 3/8" bolts that have the knurled washer built into them cause thats what I had. I used it several times and no problems yet. I would think a lock washer on the nut side would be fine.

czechsonofagun · Jan 4, 2007

Nat said:
Looks good to me. I went with 6' so it would rake out the tractor track if angled. The spindle/axle pivot is a good idea. I used what was here, didn't even think about that way. Later, Nat

Well, the spindle was not such a good idea after all. I sheared it right off while using the rake. There are two index bolts on the index plate and for a while I had them all tighted down, but for reverse tines I just tied one of them and after a minute or so it broke.

I believe it is because the spindle is hardened to hold the abuse from bearings - if I used 1" bolt or tubing or piece of construction seal it would hold fine.

Oh, well, live and learn

Nat · Jan 4, 2007

If I had a cold beer for each "do-over" then I'd look like Otis on the Andy Ghriffin Show. It looked like a good idea to me. The spindle is very hard, but I'd think it would be strong enough. Are there 2 plates that has the index holes ? and are they together or maybe a space between the plates. It would seem to me that if the 2 plates are rubbing together then the spindle would be in tension instead of a shear situation, and should be more that adaquate, but maybe I don't know either. Anyway good luck with the repairs. Have you decided how you will swivel it now? Later, Nat

czechsonofagun · Jan 4, 2007

Nat said:
If I had a cold beer for each "do-over" then I'd look like Otis on the Andy Ghriffin Show. It looked like a good idea to me. The spindle is very hard, but I'd think it would be strong enough. Are there 2 plates that has the index holes ? and are they together or maybe a space between the plates. It would seem to me that if the 2 plates are rubbing together then the spindle would be in tension instead of a shear situation, and should be more that adaquate, but maybe I don't know either. Anyway good luck with the repairs. Have you decided how you will swivel it now? Later, Nat

Yes, there are two plates and when properly tighten there is no gap between them.

I am going to drill it out and replace it with a big bolt grade 5. I can still use it like this, just changing the angle is harder than it was intended to be.

shaley · Jan 4, 2007

I'd air arc the old weld out. Lot easier than drilling. That shaft must have been ANSI 1045 or other hi carbon and cooled to quickly. Try preheat to 175 deg F and weld with 308 stainless rod and slow cool. If you are close to Newport News I can give you the carbon rod to air arc and some 308 too.

czechsonofagun · Jan 4, 2007

shaley said:
I'd air arc the old weld out. Lot easier than drilling. That shaft must have been ANSI 1045 or other hi carbon and cooled to quickly. Try preheat to 175 deg F and weld with 308 stainless rod and slow cool. If you are close to Newport News I can give you the carbon rod to air arc and some 308 too.

OK, I am lost. What is air arc? Cutting with oxygen?

Thanks

shaley · Jan 4, 2007

Heat the bead with a carbon rod and blow the weld metal away with a air gun.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/91529-arc-gouging-tip.html?highlight=arc+gouging

czechsonofagun · Jan 5, 2007

shaley said:
Heat the bead with a carbon rod and blow the weld metal away with a air gun.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/91529-arc-gouging-tip.html?highlight=arc+gouging

thank you

Prokop

jarokoro · Jan 10, 2007

FYI,
I have a 7ft rake and I found that the angle iron beam started to twist so I reinforced it. (See Pics) The tines uses grade 5 bolts no washers but lock nuts. I use it often and it seems to work better now that it stiffer then when it had some flex, it keeps the tines biting in. Not sure where you got your tines but I ordered them for about buck something from a Howse Factory Dealer from the Howse web site. I think King Cutter Tines are the same. I always tell myself the next time I go to the Tractor Store to bring one to compare but I always forget to.

Mcfly89 · Jan 10, 2007

jarokoro said:
FYI,
I have a 7ft rake and I found that the angle iron beam started to twist so I reinforced it. (See Pics) The tines uses grade 5 bolts no washers but lock nuts. I use it often and it seems to work better now that it stiffer then when it had some flex, it keeps the tines biting in. Not sure where you got your tines but I ordered them for about buck something from a Howse Factory Dealer from the Howse web site. I think King Cutter Tines are the same. I always tell myself the next time I go to the Tractor Store to bring one to compare but I always forget to.

thats very good to know. we are making our parts list now for building our own rake and were debating whether or not to use square tubing in front of the angle to stiffen it. i think we will just to be sure.