Buying Advice Mini SR Grading rake

[3238dpw]

Mini SR Grading Rake - ABI Attachments

I’m curious what everyone thinks of this attachment for a pt425. In the fall I do as many seeding jobs on new septic systems as I can get. I first level or should I say smooth the rough grade left by the excavation contractor. Then if customer has the budget I put down 2 inches of topsoil. If not I will seed right into the soil left after the septic installation. Last I use a cultipacker to press the seed into the soil. Even without topsoil, if the customer waters it correctly the results can be pretty good.

I think a Harley rake would work pretty well, but I think this would work better to really loosen the soil and do any regrading. Here is a link to a seeding contractor talking about using this tool on a full size skid steer.

Do you think the pt could handle this tool?

 

[airbiscuit]

Why not just get a Ratchet Rake?

 

[agjones]

I do a lot of similar things. The power rake from power trac is the best match for the task and machine I've found. Idk what the abi tool costs. I remember looking at them a few years ago but am glad that I went with the pt attachment.

Breaks, rakes, spreads, fills, levels....it also does a good job restoration for trail, driveway and dirt roads. On my truck all the time.

Cultipacker is a good complement for seeding

 

[3238dpw]

The ratchet rake is good for grubbing out brush and can do a moderately good job of leveling but requires a lot of operator inputs. I think the power rake can level quickly and easily. The power trac version is cheap enough but doesn’t angle which is super for wind rowing out debris. Power rakes have moving parts which are more prone to breakdown, which can be critical for contractors. Neither one of those would go as deep which is a fantastic benefit when seeding and followed by a cultipacker. You get easier root penetration and water infiltration which helps to germinate seed. Soil moisture is the key to germination. I’ve seen spilled grass seed germinate in the bed of my truck if it was raining enough. Once germinated root penetration will keep it going.

I guess my main questions are 1- Do you think the Abi attachment can be used effectively on the pt 425? 2-Is it too heavy? 3-Will it not have the power to utilize the rippers effectively?

If the pt425 can get the full use out of the tool I think it would be pretty quick at leveling and moving and then leveling topsoil.

 

[airbiscuit]

I only mentioned the Ratchet Rake because the ABI seems like an expensive of that.

 

[3238dpw]

I only mentioned the Ratchet Rake because the ABI seems like an expensive of that.

I appreciate all comments and ideas on this topic

 

[agjones]

The pt power rake windrows as well as the leinbach 6 foot power rake I have(tractor). Loosens, distributes and levels well.

When necessary, I use a slotted rock bucket to clean up the windrows.

The only moving parts are a 25$ bearing that takes years to wear out and minutes to replace. And the hydraulic motor which is good for years of service.

The tool doesn't angle because the machine does.

I tend to think the pt 425 weight is not enough or not applied right for the tool you're considering. I don't have great luck using the pt that way with other tools.the ratchet rake and abi look great for tractor use, but the pt doesn't put as much as grunt to ground as those big rear tractor wheels. Traction yes, applied power (dozing) no.

The first 3 years I had a pt, I resisted getting the power rake. Tried a bunch of other things but finally got it. Now I rely on it for a lot of tasks from the obvious, like seeding, to renovation of driveways and trail and site cleanup.

The basic task attachments I take on most sites are
Grapple, 4n1, power rake, stump grinder, trencher, box blade.

 

[skipperbrown]

I recently looked at the ABI attachment. I think for a 3pt 60" it was about $3500 plus shipping. It is basically a pulverizer and landscape rake in one package. I decided to go with a rake and I'll add a pulverizer later if I need to. The cost of a rake and pulverizer being about the same as the ABI and perhaps giving me more flexibility on projects. It is an interesting device. A Harley is the tool you need, but dang they are expensive. If you don't want to go the Harley route, the next cheapest is probably the pulverizer/rake, and even more cheap is a a rake with gauge wheels and something to pick up the rocks/dirt clogs that remain after raking (probably you or a helper on something the size of a septic job). The nice thing about a good rake is you can offset it (some models) and angle it to windrow trash as well as spin it around for less aggressive action and to push trash off.

 

[agjones]

The power rake from pt is 2600 w casters.

 

[SpringHollow]

I have the ratchet rake and use it with my large bucket on my PT. Works well for raking back gravel pushed onto the lawn when plowing, ripping out brush, and simple leveling.

Ken