Light Duty Landscape Rake

[cuoffroad]

First off, hello to all. Been visiting this site for a long time and love all the ideas.

I decided to build a light duty lanscape rake for my BX1500 and just wanted to throw the idea out there for comments or suggestions before I get started melting metal.

I have a flex point adapter for my tractor and quite a few shanks sitting around the garage so my thought is to create a rake using a shank, 1/4 x 4 x 4 angle iron, and tines I ordered on-line. The rake will be 48" long.

I plan to keep the ball on the shank so it can be used to tow a log splitter to the back of our property where we split wood. Then, use the rake after splitting to clean up the mess. Rake will also be used for clearing some short trails. The area where the trails will be cut is tight with trees and thus the 48" width. I think this will fit my needs perfectly and will only end up costing me $50 for the tines as I have all the other material.

The shank will be attached to the angle iron by drilling a 1" hole in the angle iron and then bolting the ball through the shank and angle iron. Another bolt though the shank and angle iron, behind the ball, will be used to keep the rake from moving side to side. For some reason drilling holes, for me, is a lot like waxing my truck...and I hate waxing my truck. So, I plan to weld the tines to the angle iron. There will be about a 3" gap in the middle of the rake where I will not be able to add tines due the ball being bolted through. For my needs this will be OK. I don't invision a tine ever breaking due to the light use I have planed for the rake but if one ever does...I guess that's what the grinder is for.

Attached is a mock up the idea. Just used 2x2 agle iron in the picture just to get the idea. Hopefully my description and picture combo makes sense as to where I'm headed.

Again, any comments and/or suggestions are welcome.

 

[cuoffroad]

OK, got the shank attached to the angle iron (decided to go with 3x5), tines were delivered, ground everything down and ready to weld.

 

[Gizmo2]

Too much stuff in the background of your picture to really see what you are trying to show.

 

[Bentwrench]

I know that you are saying light duty but I'm afraid that the angle iron is a little light. If you don't have a heavier piece You might consider putting the tines under the angle iron and adding a gusset at each tine to keep from bending the lip.

 

[jimgerken]

CUOFROAD, I think you want the angle used the other way. looking from the right side of the rake (right side as if you are sitting on the tractor seat), the right side view should show the angle as an upright normal "L". My opinion anyway... Good luck.

 

[Bentwrench]

That's what I was trying to say, didn't think of using "L". Sometimes my computer writing is challenged ! Then, if needed a gusset could be added.

 

[RobJ]

I think you'll probably be ok...unless you catch the tip of the rake on a passing tree. The single bolt used to keep it from twisting is a weak point IMO. Plus it looks like it's on an angle of the hitch. If you hit something, it'll bend at the attachment point. But bolts are cheap and easy to replace.

Is that the cheap tines from Agri supply, single hole? $2.00 each? I thought about those and welding. With my drill press set up I figured the time was a wash, and if I started breaking tines it'd be a hassle to replace. Plus if you really mangle the angle iron, it'll be a chore to grind off all the tines.

Be sure not to ever weld the tines, even those are probably heat treated for strength. IMO, just an inch on each side in the middle and at the end is plenty.

You'll love a rake!

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/124554-my-rake-build.html

 

[cuoffroad]

Wow, thanks to all for the great feedback, I really appreciate it! Great folks on this site.

Totally understand the thoughts about the using the "L". I'm commited at this point...metal has been melted so we'll see how it goes with use. I need to learn to ask my questions a bit before I get the burr up my behind to do something.

No doubt, I'll be watching out for snaging it on trees. Many different ways it could be done. Just trying to save my back some stain.

Yes, these are the one hole Agri Supply tines.

RobJ, ended up thinking the same thing about the tines and welding. Soooo...I tacked them up for alignment, welded up about an inch on each side of each tine to keep them from moving side to side and will end up drilling and mounting with bolts.

Anyway, here is the progress so far. Shank is just lightly bolted on to get the idea. Drill the holes, mount the bolts in the tines and we're done.

Hummmm...guess that means it's time to split some more wood and cut some trails.

 

[cuoffroad]

Hey...and no cracks about the welding. Obvoiusly, I'm no pro and my welder is, with no doubt, hurtin welding on this 1/4 inch steel but like I said we'll just see how she goes with use. It don't have to be pretty for me...it just needs to work.

If I have to justify a bigger welder to the wife...then, so be it I guess .

 

[nateman73]

Looking forward to here how the rake holds up. I was leveling some topsoil yesterday and had this same thought for building a rake. Would have been alot better than the old hickory handle I used to get out the roots and such. Got everything but the tines, guess I need to order soon.