Rake My Thanks - Finally got my power rake

Anonymous Poster · Mar 22, 2003

My thanks goes out to this site and the those who have responded to my questions. I finally decided on and purchased a Harley Power Rake. I checked out all the brands and types suggested at this forum and made my decision based on price, performance, and dealer location.

Because of the constant rain in my area I have only gotten to use it for a couple of hours but I can already say this implement is going to be worth every penny. It is so nice to spend hard earned money and feel good about it for a change. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Now the only thing I have to do is get hydraulices to the rear of my tractor - working on that thread now.

Again, thanks to everyone who makes this such a great source of information.

Donnie

BrettW · Mar 22, 2003

Fine looking unit, If you want some practice come on over to my yard!!!

JATO_RaT · Mar 23, 2003

Wow Donnie, that is great. Is that a TR-6? I would like to have one to add to the Pro 8 I borrow. Did you get a good deal? What dealer did you use? After a little use, the value of it becomes even more apparent. Your ability to use it effectively will get better and better. Everywhere you decide to start using it will be obvious. Besides cleaning everything up, it leaves behind a great seedbed. I'm envious, have a merry time cleaning up/grading everything, everywhere, Rat...

Anonymous Poster · Mar 23, 2003

Thanks Rat. Yes it is a TR-6 and it is incredible. The first day I got it I went straight to a lot that I had ruffed in months ago that was over grown with weeds and rutted from all the rain. Within 30 minutes I had some of it figured out and was doing the final grade on the front of the lot. Mind you, this is a lot that was to wet and to weedy to till much less fine grade the dirt (mud). I worked the front 1/3 of a one acre lot to a fine prepared seed bed in less than an hour. There is no way I could have done this with a tiller, box, and pulverizer as wet as it was. I can't wait to really learn how to use it. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I was quoted $6300.00 new from most dealers with $300.00 freight plus tax. I found a dealer in Chesapeake, VA that had some in stock and sold it to me at $5995.00 plus tax, including delivery - about 50 miles. I was very nervous at first about spending this kind of money on one implement, especially since I don't really have it right now. But I will be working tomorrow after 3 inches of rain two days ago when other wise I would be sitting home complaining about how wet it is. I can see this thing paying for itself in less than six months and plus it will mean less trips to the job site hauling different equipment. And, the best part about it is that it is easy to learn. Anyone that understands the theory of and can use a box blade can learn how to use this in no time. I wish I had bought this 3 months ago but who knew it would rain for five straight months. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

cjw · Mar 23, 2003

It is nice to feal good about spending money.Enjoy that rake it looks nice.

Tags · Mar 23, 2003

Congrats on the new rake!!The initial price shock goes away quickly after you have prepped a nasty overgrown,uneven area for lawn without even breakin' a sweat.As far as I'm concerned it is the number one implement to have,hands down.It can also eliminate the need for other implements too,it's uses are just about limitless.Once you have time to play with it,turn your end plates forward,it will allow you to hold more material on the rake,it's also handy for gathering up your windrows.Best of luck with it!

DDT · Mar 31, 2003

I use a hyd top link, will matter with a power rake, it does leak down after a while?

BeeBop · Apr 1, 2003

Hey DRichards, I'm from NC as well and wouldn't mind having another Harley Rake. If this dealer would sell to me for that I'd pick one up. How would I contact this person/company? Thanks

Anonymous Poster · Apr 1, 2003

BeeBop: I'm just outside Elizabeth City, you are about 140 miles west. I got the Harley from Turf and Garden Division of Todd Farm Equipment, 2012 Campostella Road, Chesapeake VA 23324. 757-543-2071. Ask for E.P. Curling and tell him Donnie Richards sent you - not that my name means anything to anyone, but I would like to build some credit towards my next purchase. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

How long have you had your Harley Rake? Any insider secretes that I have yet to discover with it? So far I am loving it. The other day I was doing a repair job and right in the middle of it I had about a 30 minute thunderstorm roll through that normally would have sent me home for the afternoon. To my surprise I was able to go back out and keep working as soon as it finished raining. It was a little messy at first but I was able to finish the job that day. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Drop me a line if you would like to compare notes since we are so close.

BeeBop · Apr 2, 2003

Congrats on your purchase Donnie. You will absolutely love it even more after you learn how to operate it. It does take at least a half a season to learn the tricks w/it. It is not as hard to operate as a skid steer unit by any means so this is a plus. Some hints are always use a cultivator before you apply the harley rake as this leaves you w/a much better looking job. It is also much easier on your rake not to mention your seed will grow better in the long run. Some DOT applications require you to have a minimum 6'' seed bed depth so a tiller is in order then. I always use wind rows after I back the unit up to the house and pull out say 10'. I always go clockwise for some odd reason so I set my rake up angled to the left w/my left end plate removed. I actually like my tractor rake better than my skid steer model for my Cat 257 as it will not stall out due to the hydraulic pressure after the rake loads up too much w/debris. I am much faster w/the skid steer rake though so it all comes out in the wash I guess. Let me know if you need any help w/the rake and I'll be glad to help out. I'll give your guy a call today. Thanks