Rake "floats" up

[tensaw12]

I have an almost new Massey Ferguson 1552. I recently bought a rake for general use.
Yesterday, when I was raking leaves, pine straw, etc. I noticed the rake, and or, three point hitch had a tendency to "float up" when the rake was loaded.
Any suggestions?
Any help, will be appreciated

 

[Boomerang1]

3 point hitchs on small tractors do not have down pressure. Without an implement attached, you should be able to pick up on the lift arms from the lowered position. You could add weight to the rake. I use old brake drums from our semi trailers. They weigh around 90#s per drum.

 

[JerryG]

The only thing that you can do is all weight to the rake. The idea about truck brake drums is a good one. They are heavy and sometimes can be had for free. I thought that I was the only one that used them for weights. I have one drum on a one row cultivator.

 

[daTeacha]

I didn't realize they were so heavy. Has anyone used them as wheel weights? I made mine out of stuff I found in the scrap yard, but brake drums would give a much nicer appearance that squares steel with inch thich disks welded to them.

 

[tensaw12]

Thanks, to all. Your comments are very helpful and greatly appreciated
Tensaw12

 

[goaliedad]

I use bar-bell weights on my back blade- bought 'em cheap at a resale shop.

You may also try adjusting the top link- lenghten it so the rake is more aggresive- maybe it won't ride up???

 

[dirtworksequip]

I once used a plastic 55 gallon drum ful of water to weight my landscape rake for breaking up ice on a stone road. I used two nylon straps to attach it to the rake. Worked great!

 

[tensaw12]

I have been away, from my computer, for a few days. Thanks, to all of you for your help and suggestions.
I have made a few phone calls trying to find brake drums. So far, no luck.
Any suggestions?
Thanks Again
Ray

 

[kwolfe]

I take empty cases of beer, but the box to shape and fill them with 80lb bages of concrete. This way, I can cut and tape the box to a shape thhat will help it sit or hang on the implement. Once it is hard, wrap it in duct tape so that does not scratch the implement, and you have yourself a customized rake wieght for about $6.

 

[oliver28472]

Have you tried adjusting the top link to change the angle of attack on the rake. I don't have a rake but this works on my blade. Screw the top link out to make it longer.