Landscape Rake With Wheels

[ncridgerunner1]

Been looking for a 5 ft landscape rake for some time to help clean up storm debris and perhaps to scratch up the ground some when throwing out some grass seed.

Many of the models found on Marketplace and at local retailers such as Tractor Supply and Rural King looked to be too lightweight while the new heavy duty rakes are over my budget.

I finally found and bought a local used EA rake with wheels. This rake is more heavy duty than any of the others locally available.

I have not used a landscape rake before and would like to know the best way to set up and use a rake.
Some specific questions I have are:
Is the depth controlled by setting the wheels only or can the hydraulic top link adjust this?
Are the wheels a real advantage or would it be better to remove them?
Can I use this to effectively prepare the soil so I can overseed in areas where the grass is sparse?

Thanks for any and all pointers!

 

[RjCorazza]

That's a real nice rake! The gauge wheels are a real plus also. I never adjusted the toplink other than to level the frame, and I don't see changing that adjustment having much of an effect on the rakes operation.
I had gauge wheels on a rake that I (stupidly) sold years ago, and they make a huge difference in grading dirt or gravel.

 

[oldnslo]

Adjusting the top link will raise and lower the tines in relation to gauge wheel height but this also changes the angle of attack for the tines.

I suspect that you will have to experiment with top length and gauge wheel settings to get performance you desire for the operating conditions.

I have woods and purchased some slip on cylinder stops for quick and easy height adjustment of gauge wheels.

 

[anomad]

Are the gauge wheels adjustable for height? If so you could absolutely customize the angle of your dangle with the hydraulic top link for the job at hand.

I have never used a landscape rake, but I can't see why you couldn't use it to scratch up an area to help grass seed germination. Since I have a grapple I haven't splurged for a rake. Growing grass around here isn't exactly rocket surgery... If it ever rains again.

 

[EarPlug]

Been looking for a 5 ft landscape rake for some time to help clean up storm debris and perhaps to scratch up the ground some when throwing out some grass seed.

Many of the models found on Marketplace and at local retailers such as Tractor Supply and Rural King looked to be too lightweight while the new heavy duty rakes are over my budget.

I finally found and bought a local used EA rake with wheels. This rake is more heavy duty than any of the others locally available.

I have not used a landscape rake before and would like to know the best way to set up and use a rake.
Some specific questions I have are:
Is the depth controlled by setting the wheels only or can the hydraulic top link adjust this?
Are the wheels a real advantage or would it be better to remove them?
Can I use this to effectively prepare the soil so I can overseed in areas where the grass is sparse?

Thanks for any and all pointers!

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=using+a+landscape+rake+on+a+tractor

 

[Fladogman]

I use a chain on the top link for a soft connection for 99% of the work. If I really want to pull I go back to a hard top link. The chain lets it float better so it doesn't dig up all your grass.
View attachment 5702205

 

[ncridgerunner1]

Thanks for the comments!

Yep, the wheels are adjustable. I looked on youtube but most videos are for rakes that have no wheels. Also the rake I have articulates at two places and I have not seen why it is this way or how it is used.

Also I have seen some rakes that have a hydraulic cylinder to articulate. I can see how that would help and I have an unused cylinder that is probably too short but I may check to see if it fits.

With the grandkids around it will probably be sometime next week before I can do much with the rake.

 

[Halftrack]

I have a chain as the top link and it only comes into play at the high end of the 3 pt lift. Otherwise, I can use the rake to gouge, grade and smooth as I desire. If your hydraulic top link has a float position, you may or may not get the flexibility needed compared to a chain.

 

[ncridgerunner1]

Thanks Fladogman

Chain sounds like a good idea. I guess the chain is used for a rake without the wheels?
I couldn't get the link to work.

 

[Halftrack]

Use the chain top link WITH the wheels so you can feather the height of the tines to gouge, grade, or spread material.