Rake Landscape rake

[Gary_in_Indiana]

I was offered a used 6' landscape rake as partial payment on a debt. It looked good enough with all the tines in place, etc., and everything seemed straight and true. I have never owned or used a landscape rake before and am not really sure why I'd want or need to use one (and not real proud of having to admit that, either /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif ).

Anyhow, here are my questions. What might something like that be worth if I wanted to just turn it into cash (since I don't know what to do with it, anyhow) and how easy might that be to do? On the other hand, if I suddenly feel a need to own and use a landscape rake (and learn what to do with one), is 6' the right size for my Deere 4200? If it's not, then I don't need to worry about what one does. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[RobS]

Hi Gary! I'd keep the rake if I were you. I've got a six footer behind my little 790 so your 4200 should be just peachy with one. Cost is about $300 new for a cheapie. It's become one of my favorite implements probably because it's so forgiving. I've been using it for a lot of landscape grading, lawn prep, raking in grass seed, gravel drive maintenance and such.

It'll do about anything a grader blade will do but not as aggressive. I usually set my tph arms to the "lateral float" position to further minimize gouging etc.

If you don't have a gravel drive or any landscaping ahead of you I guess you could sell it, but that's just no fun now is it /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Mike_Dumond]

Like Rob said, keep the rake. Once you get the hang of it, you'll wonder why you didn't get one sooner. Only thing is, if it doesn't have guage wheels, it would be good to get them.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I bought a rake from Tractor Supply for $335 on sale. I haven't fully gotten the hang of it yet - if you set it at one of the angle positions, it tilts from side to side as you raise and lower the 3ph, so I'm just using it in the straight position until I have time to fool around with it. It grabs sticks, leaves and such and drags them where you want them although just like a box blade or rear blade, it can "roll up and over" the load if you get too much in there. I just lift it, back up and drop it again, and keep going. As said, it will also do minor grading/leveling, as long as you're not expecting much of a cut and the ground is fairly loose.

My rake is 6', pulled with my little TC18 (18 hp, bigger than a sub-compact, but smaller than most compacts). I don't have any trouble pulling it, but I have to remember that it sticks out a foot on either side of my 4' wide tractor. I don't have the guage wheels. It could use more weight. It's another tool that does things that other tools can't do. Unless you have a dire need for the $250-$300 you could probably get for it used, I'd keep it.

Mine will become more useful to me as I move into the maintenance phase rather than construction, and I learn how to use it properly... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[RobS]

<font color="blue"> if you set it at one of the angle positions, it tilts from side to side as you raise and lower the 3ph </font>

That was my first problem when I used my rake Don. I was so frustrated! The solution is frighteningly simple, just adjust your top link so the rake is level when angled. Once I figured that one out I was in raking heaven /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

(sob) Yeah, I figured that out - but as I mentioned in some othr thread, when I adjust my top link to make the rake level, my 3ph hitch won't lift it anymore. That's the first negative thing that has happened since I got my little TC18. I could have avoided it by buying a smaller rake instead of trying to be all grown up with a 6 footer /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

The solution will be to fabricate extensions to the links so the rake can be level and still lift off the ground...no big deal, but for someone without a welder and other fabrication tools, consider this situation.

 

[popeye]

My vote is to keep it since I am looking for a used one right now! Even tried to find a place to rent one with no luck. Wish I could have found one Sat. and Sun. after the dozer got through.
Mike

 

[TC18guy]

Don,

I've got a cheapy 6' KK. The right side lower lift arm is adjustable also. I set mine on a level surface, unhook the rake on that side, give it a few turns and recheck and re-adjust. only takes a minute. Use the top link to adjust how aggressive you want the rake to bite. For final grading, spin the rake around 180 degrees... works great! I'd like to get a wheel kit for it though.

 

[JohnMiller3]

<font color="blue">...What might something like that be worth if I wanted to just turn it into cash... </font>

Depending on who's it is... the last couple years at Central Tractor/Quality Farm & Family... they sold a cheaper 6' rake for $209-219... everyday price... (same with boxblades)... until these items turned "vogue"...

Post a picture of it...

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

Well, hindsight is always 20/20, I guess. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I probably should have just taken as the opportunity may well have passed. I called him only to hear that now he thinks it's worth more than what he'd originally said and has someone else who "wants to buy it" for the higher number. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

It didn't have guide wheels on it or anything but was still probably worth the original money. I guess at this point my plan is to follow up with him in a week and see if it's gone or not. If it isn't, I'll take a run at it for the original money. If it is, I'll tell him I'll be over to collect the higher number on the debt he owes me. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

After all, that's where this whole thing started, anyhow. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif