Landscape Rake, should I get Gauge Wheels?

[Danner]

I need a rake to clear debris from 5 acres before running the finishing mower over it, and also to groom gravel driveways.

I've settled on the Landpride LR0560, 60" rake for my Kubota BX subcompact tractor. The darn thing cost $675 out the door. But the gauge wheels are another $300 :shocked:

Being a first time rake users, should I get the wheels?

 

[tratliff]

I am wondering the same thing. The wheel kits are very expensive. I don't mind paying if they are needed but do they actually help?

 

[djradz]

The wheels make use of the rake so much simpler and provide a lot of consistency in your work. The substantially help to prevent the rake from digging too deep in areas that might be a little softer.

Wheels for my Woods rake were pricey too, so I found some on eBay that went to another rake, but were new ((bush hog brand I think) and I modified them. Original cost was $100 plus I probably put another $30 into them.

 

[nickel plate]

They do just what they are called, gauge the depth of the pass and most importantly keep the rake from gouging in when the tractor rolls through any humps or depressions, unlike what happens when a 3-pt blade or box scraper passes over the same ground. There is a thread in one of the sections that pertains to building your own set of gauge wheels.
To me, they are a must and I think the implement companies that build them are "gouging" us in the way they price them a la carte. My 8' York rake came used off of Craigslist and included the gauge wheels. I've operated it both ways and the difference is huge with the gauge wheels down but if there comes a task where the wheels are not needed, slide them up and out of the way. Buy them or build them.

 

[IslandTractor]

I had gauge wheels on my Woods LR72 but took them off. They do make fine work like raking sticks off a lawn easier and prevent gouging. However they can interfer with heavier duty raking like in cleaning up a field or area that's been dug up. They also prevent you from getting the back of the rack right up against a wall or fence.

I'd categorize them as sometimes useful but not really worth what the manufacturers charge. However it really depends on what you are using a rake to do. If you are raking a lawn frequently (?why would you do that with a York rake???) then they would be useful. If it is just for Spring clean up of bits of fallen wood then a landscape rake doesn't really work that well anyway and the wheels won't help. For initial raking of rough ground the gauge wheels are not necessary or desirable. For final raking of soil before seeding in a relatively large area that has dips and bumps, I can see that the gauge wheels would be a big help and allow you to rake faster without needing to look over your shoulder constantly.

 

[sawduster98]

It depends on the intended usage. I use mine to grade and install lawns and the wheels are indispensable. For rough work I would not think they'd be necessary. My wheels can be located in front of or behind the rake which is handy because I can cover the wheel marks. It also makes it more of a precision tool in that I can adjust the depth by tweaking the angle of the rake via the top link.

 

[Wedgie]

I have a Bush Hog rake that I bought many years ago, with the gauge wheels. I use it primarily for establishing the final grade on new or renovated yards thatI am establishing.

No long after I began using the rake I had a couple of older gentlemen watching me work the ground with the rake. When I was done they said that they knew how to modify the rake to make it much more effective in leveling out the ground. I said, "Have at it."

Basically what they did was to fix it up so the wheels could telescope back about 18 inches from when they were closed, and added a second set of 3-point lift pins about 6 inches lower than the regular pins. When I get ready to do the final leveling just before planting I put the lift arms on the lower pins and take the center link loose. Extend the wheels out and this allows me to have total control over how much or how little dirt is moved.

It works great.

George

 

[nickel plate]

I have a Bush Hog rake that I bought many years ago, with the gauge wheels. I use it primarily for establishing the final grade on new or renovated yards thatI am establishing.

No long after I began using the rake I had a couple of older gentlemen watching me work the ground with the rake. When I was done they said that they knew how to modify the rake to make it much more effective in leveling out the ground. I said, "Have at it."

Basically what they did was to fix it up so the wheels could telescope back about 18 inches from when they were closed, and added a second set of 3-point lift pins about 6 inches lower than the regular pins. When I get ready to do the final leveling just before planting I put the lift arms on the lower pins and take the center link loose. Extend the wheels out and this allows me to have total control over how much or how little dirt is moved.




It works great.

George

George, please post some before and after wheel extension photos.

 

[Mock1]

I have them on my rake. I think the vote is that we are being ripped off on price, I'm no exception. Would I run without them? No. My two bits.

 

[JDGreenGrass]

I would say this....If you can afford the wheels, go for it. If you don't want to spend the money for the wheels, you will still be satisfied with the work.

I don't have gauge wheels and I am totally satisfied with the finish work on my gravel driveway. I mean, you would have to be a perfectionist to say a rake without wheels stinks.

A rake without wheels is a very useful tool.