Landscape rake, bad and good

[jeff_jeff]

I decided to build a cheap landscape rake, based on the many prior TBN threads on the subject - I bought the tines from Agri-supply, and used the frame from my $100 Homier back blade. I mounted the tines on 4x4 lumber using 2" lag bolts - this set up worked great for about 10 minutes, until the 4x4 split in half - see attached picture.

So, I did what I should have done in the first place, and bought some 3x3 angle iron, and mounted the tines on that - everything works very nicely -

Total cost for the 4' rake was $91 for the tines, $8 in steel, and $10 in bolts and hardware - I already had the back blade and frame.

 

[jeff_jeff]

Here's a picture of the completed rake...

Also, you can see the reinforcement repair I made (previously) to the original Homier frame - I'm a big fan of Homier and the Farm Pro line - for light occasional use, the price just can't be beat

Jeff

 

[MarkStewart]

Nice job. How much did you pay for the Homier blade? What did you use to drill all of the holes?
Thanks.

 

[jdmar]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I decided to build a cheap landscape rake )</font>

Cheap?!?!!? That looks fantastic. I've wanted to buy a rake and now I may follow your lead...hey I have a 4foot blade that came with my Yanmar....maybe I will convert it to a rake....hmmmm

Great job...by the way how much dstance is between your tines?

Peter

 

[Henro]

Very nice project! Turned out real well! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

And unless I missed it, looks like you accomplished it without the need to do any welding, which would make this something those without a welder could tackle.

Great idea. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[jeff_jeff]

The Homier Blade was $100 at their traveling road show - I used a drill press for the holes (a sharp drill bit is a must). I drilled the holes every 2 inches, so that 24 tines made a 4' rake. There was no welding, just drilling holes in the angle iron.

The reinforcement of the Homier frame contains a weld - the main pivot bolt comes attached to light (1/8"? or less) steel in the frame and ripped out after a couple of hours of use with the blade. I welded on a 1/4" steel reinforcment plate.

 

[NJBill]

Jeff Jeff
What is Agri-Supplies address, and the part number for the tines.
I like that no weld idea. Excellent job, and lots of luck.
Bill

 

[Inspector507]

Agri-Supply
Catalog Page 23

Two Hole Heavy Duty Rake Tine
1-1/4" x 3/8"
#46796 $3.99
One Hole Rake Tine 1" x 5/16" #10454 $2.99
Two Hole Rake Tine 1" x 5/16" #33913 $2.99

 

[MadReferee]

I built mine using the 2 hole 1" tines spaced 2" OC. Works quite well.

A point to consider. Do not order more than 18 at a time. UPS charges a weight surcharge and 18 is the max weight before hitting that limit. I placed 2 orders each on a different day. Thanks to a well informed customer service order taker I saved a bundle (over $50).

 

[GerardC]

That looks real nice.
Where did you buy the tines? How does it attach? Can you post a full view photo? Thanks. G

P.S. Thanks for the UPS info /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif.