Tractor rakes are an indispensable assistant when making hay

Tractor rake Kverneland Taarup 95150 C Tractor rake is necessary for raking hay into windrows. When preparing feed for livestock, this equipment can provide invaluable assistance to the farmer. It is worth noting that almost anyone can make a tractor hay rake with their own hands. Considering these features, every zealous owner should acquire such a unit. In this article we will look at the design features, make a brief overview of the models and tell you how you can make a hay rake with your own hands.

DIY tedder rake

Rakes are an indispensable tool in almost all types of agricultural work.
In the past, they were the main tool for hay harvesting, which was carried out in two stages. First, the grass was mowed by hand, then collected into windrows using a rake. This method of preparing feed for livestock was very labor-intensive. Nowadays, all these actions are performed by one unit - a rake-tedder. With their help, machine operators rake the mown grass, turn it to dry and collect it into windrows. If farmers and summer residents in small areas quite successfully cope with such work with the help of ordinary rakes, then in large areas they cannot do without tedders. DIY tedder rake

What you need to know about rakes?

For raking leaves, both dry and wet, rakes with cylindrical teeth remain the most effective, among which, despite all modern materials and designs, wooden models are clearly the leaders.

In addition to the fact that their teeth are simply not sharp, and therefore leaves and other plant debris do not prick them, which means they do not need to be constantly cleaned, such a tool has a relatively small mass.

With the right skills, it is quite easy to make a wooden rake yourself, with any size of the working part.

Features of equipment designs

According to the model type, tedder rakes can be used on tractors, mini tractors and walk-behind tractors. During operation they are operated by one person. According to their technical characteristics, they are classified according to the following parameters:

1. By type of traction they are divided into tractor (for tractors) and horse-drawn (for walk-behind tractors);
2. according to the method of collecting hay in windrows - transverse and lateral;
3. by design (geared, wheel-finger and drum);
4. according to the method of attachment to the equipment.

Due to its shape and appearance, the structure is called the “sun” due to the similarity of the rotor tubes to the sun’s rays. There are many models of tedder rakes in factory production, but the most popular are rotary and wheeled.

Rake tedder 5 wheels

Rotary rakes are designed in such a way that their basis is one wheel with rotor pipes, on which pin tubes are secured with springs. With the help of these devices, types of work such as tedding and drying grass are carried out. But they are not suitable for windrow collection. The rake is mounted on wheeled tractors and operates using the machine's hydraulic system.

Wheeled tractor tedders are a model consisting of several (4-5) “floating” wheels mounted on a suspension. This type of design makes it possible to work on fields with different terrain. Rotary and wheeled tedders can be used on all types of agricultural machines. Therefore, they often make roller rakes with their own hands.

Interesting. Replacing manual labor using simple rakes with mechanical tedders allows you to increase efficiency tenfold.

Design features and operating principle of the rake

The efficiency of tractor rakes depends on their dimensions and the traction class of the agricultural machine used. More than half of the tedders are designed primarily for mounting on small tractors, and therefore rakes on a mini tractor do not have a large coverage width and can be effectively used exclusively on small areas.

For powerful agricultural machines, it is best to use large rakes. The design of the latter may include one or more sections, as well as its own wheels - the presence of this design feature allows the tractor-mounted rake to be classified as a semi-mounted implement.

In most cases, the tedder is driven only by one of the wheels. Adjusting the drive wheel makes it possible to adjust the position of the frame, thereby increasing the efficiency of the rake. Sections with a certain number of reinforced steel teeth, which play the role of the main working elements of the structure, are attached directly to the frame. As the rake moves across the field, the teeth catch the dried grass, gradually dragging it to the edge of the plot, and freeing up space for further cultivation and pre-sowing work.

The principle of operation of the design

The operation of the equipment is based on the transmission of the rotational motion of the tractor or walk-behind tractor engine to the rake mechanism. This allows you to use up to five pairs of wheels and carry out hay harvesting over a large area. Using special devices on wheels that resemble large hooks, you can perform several types of work: prying up armfuls of grass or shocks of straw, turning over or raking.

Everything will depend on the setting of the angle of the needle wheels. This will allow you to combine or vary the functions of the machine. You can set the rake so that it collects grass in the center or, conversely, arranges it in a row to collect hay from the front. Thanks to the simple operating principle of the unit, it will be easy to work with. Therefore, it will not be difficult for a self-taught craftsman to make a homemade rake for harvesting hay for a tractor with his own hands.

Mounted tedder rake

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any agricultural equipment, rake tedders have their pros and cons. The advantages include the unpretentiousness of the equipment in operation, as well as its undemandingness in routine maintenance. The units also have a long service life, reaching ten years. In addition, we can note the high reliability and strength of the structure, which is based on a powerful traction drawbar and a strong frame, as well as the ability to conveniently adjust the position of the rotors and quickly switch to the non-working position, which is achieved thanks to a hydraulic mechanism. The productivity of rake-tedders depends on the model and averages 7 ha/h.

The disadvantages include the slow operation of the equipment in corner areas, as well as the not very reliable chassis. However, the latter problem is a drawback of most trailed agricultural implements for various purposes.

Technical capabilities of the device

The most important advantage of the unit is that its maintenance and operation are carried out by one operator. Other features include the absence of complex parts and the independent installation of component parts of the equipment, so repairs in the event of unexpected breakdowns can be carried out directly in the field. Another advantage of tedder rakes is the ability to connect windrows, tedding, shaking and airing them, which contributes to high-quality pressing into bales. The capabilities of rotary rakes allow them to carefully handle crops, as well as successfully collect wet hay.

Note! The operation of wheeled tedders is characterized by high productivity and good speed. They work especially well on straight, level areas. Such machines are good for use when harvesting hay from forage crops.

Another design that resembles the sun, a do-it-yourself tedder rake, can be made for small-sized equipment (mini tractor or MTZ walk-behind tractor).

Care and operation

Rake tedders and tractors can be classified as highly efficient equipment that has a wide range of functions, but does not require special care. But despite this, you should always exercise caution and at the end of each day after use, you need to carry out several maintenance procedures.

They include the mandatory cleaning of the teeth, raking elements and wheel system from excess grass. Once in a while, you can wash the structural elements, as dust and dirt accumulate inside. It is always worth checking the internal condition of the rake to ensure that they collect the grass mass, including straw, efficiently and correctly. Thanks to this, the equipment will last much longer than expected.

Model HR250 (rotary)

The HR250 tedder rake (rotary) is considered a universal trailed equipment for carrying out activities that require a mini tractor. This unit is capable of raking grass into windrows, turning the grass in mowing areas, and then wrapping it for transportation or long-term storage. They are capable of working with tractors such as YTO, Foton, DongFeng 244, LTZ, MTZ 320. Their low price attracts buyers.

This is a popular model with a working width of 1.8 m. Its design contains 8 booms for efficient operation. Each boom has four teeth, which is why the equipment operates at operating speeds of up to 8 km/h (if the tractor is capable of moving at that speed). There are two pneumatic wheels.

Model GVV - 6.0

The GVV - 6.0 tedder rake is manufactured in Russia. They have eight wheels, thanks to which collecting grass into windrows in a short period of time will not be difficult. They can be easily brought into working position and can be folded for easy transport and transport. This is considered convenient when moving from one field to another. The device is easy and reliable to use.

The working width of this model is 6.0 m. travel speed is no more than 10 km/h, can be used with tractors of the class from 0.6 - 1.4 t.p. They will easily collect all the mown grass, including straw. The created rolls are distinguished by their appearance and quality. They are durable and reliable, they are not afraid of high humidity or strong wind. They have a low price.

Model GVN-3

The GVN-3 tedder rake is considered an excellent assistant in collecting and distributing grass masses. They can be used with tractors of the following class range 0.6-1.4 tk. Working parts, that is, the wheel system, comes into operation during traction with the surface of the earth.

This equipment has a special arrangement of finger wheels. They are located one after another, and take turns participating in the activity process. As a result, a windrow is formed after the wheels pass. Thanks to this, the unit is considered convenient and easy to use and operate, despite the fact that its price is low.

Model – RHR 2500

The RHR 2500 tedder rake can be used with any tractor whose power ranges from 18 to 50 l/s. The model has a three-point connection and is capable of reaching speeds of up to 8 km/h. They can be used for any operations related to grass drying, collection and distribution.

This unit was specially designed to work on difficult Russian soil. For this reason, it is absolutely not afraid of either weather conditions or the complexity of processing. In addition to its main purpose, this model can be used for turning and moving windrows, doubling them and scattering them across the territory. It is able to provide high-quality work, since all components included in the activity are manufactured in Europe. For this reason, its price is slightly higher than other models.

Description of the tool

Windrowing is one of the main stages of hay harvesting. Therefore, the demand for tedder rakes that effectively carry out this operation is constantly growing. To date, several types and modifications of similar equipment for tractors have been developed. The most popular types are rotary and wheeled mounted models.

Tractor rotary tedders are a wheel-finger structure, the basis of which is thickened rotor pipes. The hay raking fingers are attached to these horizontally rotating rotors using springs with several teeth. This ensures uniform load on the device and good reproduction of the topography of the treated area.

Torque is transmitted to the rotors through cardan-type joints like car joints, which ensures equality of angular velocities. The drive is smooth and has protection against spontaneous starting during transportation. This type of tractor tedders has the ability to adjust the tedding height and angle of attack. They do not have their own power and are mounted on a wheeled tractor, working through a hydraulic system and a power take-off shaft.

Wheel rakes are a tractor-mounted structure made of floating wheels mounted on a console. They are equipped with bent wire fingers-springs for turning hay. Since outwardly such a device resembles a sun drawn by a child’s hand, this is the popular name these tractor tedders received.

The efficiency of their operation is increased due to the fact that the wheels are located at an angle relative to the direction of movement of the tractor and somewhat overlap each other’s rotation zones. The floating suspension provides excellent shock absorption, so the tedder copes well with uneven terrain, easily overcoming irrigation canals and embankments. Its wheels are interchangeable and each of them is mounted on two bearings, which increases the service life of the device and facilitates repairs. The wheels rotate independently and are carried out through a cardan, chain or belt drive. Therefore, such tedder rakes can be used as attachments for a tractor, mini tractor or walk-behind tractor.

Depending on the tractor model, devices with four and five wheels are available. The only difference between them is the working width, which determines the speed and productivity of tedding and raking the mown vegetation into windrows on a field of the same size. Also, such rake tedders are often made by hand. As a rule, these homemade devices are designed to be mounted on a small tractor or walk-behind tractor used on the farm.

Range

If it is difficult to make harvesting equipment with your own hands, professional farmers recommend purchasing ready-made machines. The modern tedder market is represented by a fairly large number of manufacturers and sellers. The range of mechanical rakes is also quite wide. Depending on the complexity of the design, the quality of the materials produced, and the availability of components, the price of tedders can range from 5 thousand to over 500 thousand rubles.

Rotary rakes are considered the most expensive. For example, it offers consumers rotary models “GR-700 P” and “GVR-630”. The main advantages of this technique include the following indicators:

1. Increasing the working width to 7.3 m;
2. The ability to form a windrow from 14 meters in just 2 passes with a working “shuttle”;
3. Increased productivity by 18% when tedding, by 35.6% when raking, by 70% when forming a double windrow;
4. Reducing the consumption of fuel used during operations by approximately 1.2 - 1.4 times;
5. Elimination of unnecessary rake passage;
6. Improved maneuverability;
7. Possibility of switching tedders from transport to working mode directly from the tractor cabin.

Of course, expensive equipment is purchased mainly by large farms with an industrial scale of work. But even with a smaller budget you can purchase quite high-quality tedders. For example, a Polish rake does an excellent job of mowing and turning. Equipment with a massive structure and rotary load-bearing elements. Samash tedders are ideal for low-power tractors. Thanks to the articulated connection on the individual supporting elements, the equipment is suitable for cleaning in areas with difficult terrain. Such rakes cost from 5,500 rubles.

Equipment with a ring structure - models of tedders PZ -240 and PZ -250 with 4 and 5 wheels, respectively. The main function of the machines is to rake grass or hay into neat windrows. These rakes operate on interchangeable raking wheels mounted on bearings. The cost of the equipment is approximately 26 thousand rubles.

The assortment of tedders is quite large and choosing the right model is quite simple. High-quality equipment will not only make harvesting work easier on any site, but will also increase productivity, which, of course, will affect the volume of the harvest.

What are the advantages

Both rotary and wheeled tractor tedder rakes rake the crop into windrows, making it easier for the baler to bale later. With their help, layers of hay are turned over, exposing the desired side of the windrow to drying under the sun's rays and wind blowing, thereby speeding up the process of drying the hay. Tractor rotary models have good speed and are the optimal tool for working with crops that require careful handling (for example, alfalfa). Also, a tractor with this type of tedder can easily handle wet or heavy hay.

Wheeled tractor tedder rakes are characterized by the highest productivity and work well at high speeds. Their effectiveness is maximum over a long straight distance, but deteriorates in corner areas of the cultivated area. They are easily mounted on the tractor, without requiring the connection of a power take-off shaft for operation.

The fingers on the wheels of such a tedder not only turn over the mown vegetation, but fluff it up, thereby increasing ventilation in the hay windrows. A tractor with a similar attachment processes the field with minimal loss of mown leaves when harvesting hay for forage crops. In addition, such a sun-type design for a small tractor or walk-behind tractor can be made with your own hands.

User manual

When working with rakes, a number of recommendations should be followed.

• The equipment should be mounted with the tractor engine turned off.
• Before starting work, it is necessary to check the connection of the rake and the tractor, as well as the presence of a safety cable attached to the crossbar of the tractor. You also need to make sure that the hydraulic system is tight and that the driveshaft is in good condition.
• When stopping, the gear lever must be placed in neutral and the power take-off shaft (PTO) must be disconnected.
• It is prohibited to leave the tractor unattended with the engine and PTO turned on, as well as with the parking brake turned off.
• Adjustment, cleaning and maintenance of the rake-tedder should only be done with the tractor engine switched off.
• On turns and difficult terrain, the speed of the rake should be reduced to a minimum, and during particularly sharp turns it is necessary to disengage the PTO.

To see how rakes and tedders work, see the following video.

How to do it yourself

For a small tractor or walk-behind tractor, mounted rakes and tedders are not so difficult to make yourself with certain skills. On the Internet you can freely download detailed drawings that allow you to choose a frame option with two or one section and the optimal number of wheels for implementation. For those who want to make such a device with their own hands, enthusiasts have posted a large number of videos on the Internet, which show step by step how the authors created their tractor rake and tedder.

Self-production

Many professionals, processing small areas using mini-tractors, make the accompanying tools themselves. Tractor mounted rakes are no exception, and they are easy to make with your own hands. For mini-equipment in small farms, it is enough to install 5 raking wheels. When using a walk-behind tractor as a driving mechanism, you can make only 3 metal wheels.

To make the “Solnyshko” finger rake-tedder, you need to use the following materials:

1. A metal pipe that is needed to make the frame;
2. Brackets for mounting wheels;
3. Steel wire for making raking springs. The thickness should be from 4 to 8 mm;
4. There are two bearings. They are attached to hubs for installing wheels;
5. Parts for the attachment with which the tedder will be attached to the mini-tractor;
6. Steel sheets for the manufacture of impeller disks. Thickness 4 mm.

When designing the rotor, it is necessary to take into account safety principles so that in the event of a breakdown the entire tractor or walk-behind tractor does not go out of service, and no one is injured. For the rotor part, an assembled rear axle is often used. An advantage for this tedder design is the presence of a cardan shaft.

Rakes and tedders for tractors: varieties, do-it-yourself production

Rakes have always been a necessary hand tool for homeowners. Virtually no land work could be done without their help. They could rake up garbage or mown grass, break clods of earth, and level beds. But their main purpose, then and now, concerns drying and harvesting hay.

With the introduction of technological progress in agriculture, even drying and harvesting hay has ceased to be hard manual labor. With the help of tractor-mounted hay rakes, these labor-intensive processes will no longer take so much time. Let's take a closer look at this type of attachment.

Rake: mounted rake design

Among the many trailed agricultural implements and mounted tools, tractor rakes deserve special attention.
The device optimizes work when tedding the mowing of low-stemmed plants and collecting hay. Using a walk-behind tractor or tractor, the equipment allows you to:

• collect dried grass in piles;
• stir up the mown, ensuring uniform drying of the hay;
• wrapping and scattering windrows of hay;
• double adjacent swaths of dried grass;
• clean the area after harvesting.

This type of work can be done by hand or with the help of a horse. However, the use of physically expensive manual labor can only be justified in small areas (summer cottage, garden). In other cases, it is advisable to use mounted tedder rakes on the tractor. They will help you quickly and efficiently complete your tasks.

Types of rakes for tractors

Tractor rakes for hay have the same purpose as manual ones - turning over, raking grass, forming windrows of hay. They can be classified according to different parameters - by the type of working mechanism, by the method of fastening and traction, by the method of forming windrows, etc. But still, the main criterion by which tractor rakes differ is by design. There are 3 types of rakes:

Wheel mounted rakes for tractor

This includes the “Sun” type rake, popular among users, which is suitable for mini tractors and heavy implements.

The design allows you to quickly and efficiently turn and rake hay on both sides of the unit. The design provides from 3 to 5 or more tedder impellers.

Also, the advantages of this type of rake for a tractor include:

• ease of use and ease of repair, long service life;
• power and performance;
• The adjustment is hydraulic, the operator can easily and comfortably control the working position of the hitch.

Rotary windrow rake

They operate from the power take-off shaft.

The design is a horizontal disk with metal pipes onto which fingers made of steel rods are attached. Compared to the previous species, they have a slightly limited specialization - collecting hay and forming windrows. Although the hay also moves during the process, air circulation improves. Also, this type of tractor rake is more suitable for fragile types of hay that require careful care (for example, alfalfa).

Belt rake for tractor

More productive and technologically advanced units.

Designed for collecting and turning freshly cut grass and hay. Suitable for tractors with power from 20 HP. s., productivity – about 1.5 ha/hour.

Model overview

Model overview

For a better understanding of the operating principle of tractor rakes, examples of models of various categories can be given.

RCS 12

Rake from the Italian manufacturer tonutti RCS 12. This model of tractor rake is a trailed wheeled tine rake with a simplified design and long service life. You can change the width of the resulting rolls and turn them over in one section. The rake is very environmentally friendly and has high speed and good performance. The power of the tractor-tractor should be from 80 to 100 hp.

GVV-6.0

Russian-made tedder-rakes are used for raking up swathed grass that has already withered, turning it over and turning it. They are easy to maneuver and work economically on any field terrain.

The weight of this model of GVV tractor rake is no more than 480 kg, the working width is 6 m.

FPM Agromehanika

With the help of a Polish belt rake, you can not only collect and shake the mown grass, but also turn over the green mass. The conveyor-type device is very simple and reliable, couples with low-power tractors, and works with forward and reverse (backward) movement of the tractor. You can set the required working height.

GVR-630

Rake GVR-630

GVR rakes are produced in Belarus, they are of the rotary tedder type (1 rotor), a hydraulic method is used to regulate the inclination of the teeth. It can also process wet raw materials; its use helps increase the speed of drying hay. High-reliability gearboxes are used, placed in containers with oil, which ensures uninterrupted operation of the rotor. We need tractors with power from 25 to 50 hp.

GVD 1-F-6.0

A trailer-type tedding rake (manufactured in Russia) rakes meadow grass, freshly cut or already wilted; it is possible to double the windrows. It has quite a lot of weight and high performance.

Swadro

Among the trailed rakes of the Finnish manufacturer Krone, the Svardo 800, 810 and 900 series stand out with a raw material working width of 3.5-15 m. The working gearbox is completely enclosed, greased, and does not require maintenance. The fingers are doubled and arranged in the form of a basket. The suspension is equipped with two rotors.

The technical characteristics of this equipment allow it to be used in the most difficult conditions, resulting in high quality forage.

How to make a rake for a tractor?

Making a rake for a tractor with your own hands is not that difficult. A homemade design will differ from the factory one in parameters that are ideally selected for your conditions of use. Before starting production, you should decide on the type of future equipment (wheeled or rotary rakes). First of all, the choice will depend on the type of terrain. Rotary rakes are suitable for flat terrain, as they work at a certain height. On hilly, uneven surfaces it will be easier to work with a wheeled adjustable rake.

You should also acquire drawings, tools and necessary supplies.

Drawing of a wheeled rake of the “Sun” type

To make a wheeled rake of the “Sun” type you will need:

• tools - welding, grinder, wrenches, drill, measuring tools, etc.;

• metal pipes for the frame (you can take a ready-made frame from an old motorcycle);
• wheel brackets;
• wire about 6 mm thick for making raking fingers;
• metal sheets about 4 mm thick for making working disks;
• wheel bearings;
• spare parts for the manufacture of a device for attaching to a tractor.

Design, characteristics and principle of operation

Each type of rake has a number of features.

The simplest hand tool is a transverse bar (ridge, working crossbar) with pointed teeth, mounted on a handle.

The teeth themselves are located at an obtuse, acute or right angle relative to the handle.

Rakes differ in size, weight, number of teeth and their length.

In the production of this tool, various materials are used, which are combined to lighten and at the same time increase the strength of the structure.

The rake's spine can be either straight or curved, and the handle is often called a rake.

Types of teeth

The main difference between rakes is the configuration of the teeth.

Short models with a narrow comb are designed for hard-to-reach places and can have 2-4 teeth, while standard long rakes have a minimum number of teeth of 8 pieces.

Options with closely spaced teeth are also produced, the number of which on the crossbar can reach 18 pieces, that is, twice as many as the standard options.

The shape of the teeth is:

• Straight ones are the simplest metal flat teeth located across the working bar, thereby increasing the area of ​​their impact during operation.

  
  Effective in raking up debris, leaves and grass.

• Twisted - similar to the previous ones, but pointed towards the end, and turned 90 degrees at the base or closer to src=»https://instrumentn.ru/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/grabli_s_vitymi_zubyami_L.jpg» class=»aligncenter» width=”640″ height=”431″[/img]Such teeth are used for loosening the soil.
• Crescent - the teeth are made in the shape of a sickle, located, like the others, perpendicular to the working crossbar, pointed, and bent towards the handle. When working, they carefully cut through the soil, ensuring its better saturation with oxygen and moisture.
• Nail - resemble the shape of nails.

All of the above teeth are flat, however, on some rakes they are pinned (perpendicular round pins, analogous to straight flat models), wire or plate.

The last two options are installed on fan models.

Material

The working part of the simplest rake is made of painted iron, and the handle is made of wood.

This design has a lot of disadvantages, including high weight and rapid wear of the teeth, but it is perhaps the cheapest option.

Direct competitors are steel models, which are also massive, but more durable.

There are also wooden rakes; despite the apparent fragility of the structure, such a tool is quite effective.

Wooden instruments are quite difficult to find on sale, because... Most often they are made by home craftsmen for their own needs or for their friends.

A carefully assembled structure made of ash and birch is a worthy replacement for metal models, for example, when harvesting hay.

The main advantage of wooden rakes is their lighter weight.

A rake is a tool, the production of which was not without attempts to lighten the design.

Models that use hardened aluminum to make both the working part and the handle weigh 800 grams, while their strength remains at a high level.

However, manufacturers did not stop there and offer customers plastic options, weighing, depending on the handle, 200 - 400 g.

It should be noted here that elastic, but at the same time durable plastic is used in manufacturing, so you don’t have to worry about the reliability of such a tool.

Dimensions and weight

The dimensions of the rake model of the same type may differ from each other.

An ordinary garden tool often reaches a length of 1400 mm, a working part width of 280 mm, and a total weight of 1.2 kg.

Moreover, as a rule, such rakes have 8 teeth. If we take into account the main range of species on the market, we can talk about the following characteristics:

• Length: 1.3 – 1.8 m.
• Working crossbar width: 28 – 46 cm.
• Handle diameter: 25 – 40 mm.

As for the size of the teeth, their height ranges from 65 to 90 mm, and the distance between them is 40 to 60 mm.

At the same time, depending on the type of tool, the rake has from 2 to 18 teeth, but there are models with a larger number.

Flower rakes differ from standard models in their compact size; they are approximately 8-15 cm in length, and the width of the crossbar with teeth is about 5 cm; their weight, as a rule, does not exceed 150 grams.