Stick rake

Charles in Aus. · Jul 26, 2014

I need a stick rake to clear up all the small gum branches around the paddocks before slashing them .
I have a good frame and tool bar for the Ferguson 35 that should be fine to mount some car leaf springs onto to act as rakes .
Can I weld the end of the springs directly onto the frame or should I anneal the ends and drill for bolts ? I was worried that if I did soften the ends then the springs would bend upwards when in use .

Steve@Advance · Jul 26, 2014

A plasma torch would cut the holes without
overheating the surrounding area. It could also cut
the length and shape the ends.

Welding supplys used to rent them, some may still.
The price has come down over the years, might be
worth the investment.

Dr. Walt · Jul 26, 2014

I just use 3/4 inch round Concrete-Form stakes,
they're 3 feet long & come with a point already on
them. Adjust them for depth and go for it. Works
great.

Doc :>)

Charles in Aus. · Jul 26, 2014

Concrete form stakes look good Dr Walt , a pity they aren't available over here , star pickets are the closest thing available and they certainly wouldn't do the job. The stakes are high tensile as well . Certainly a lot less mucking around than car springs .

Dr. Walt · Jul 27, 2014

Charles:

Since the form stakes aren't available to you, how
about using pieces of Re-Bar (concrete reinforcement
bar). You'd have to cut it to the length you wanted
and grind points on the ends, but for what you want
to do they should suffice.

Doc :>)

Dr. Walt · Jul 27, 2014

Charles:

Another thought; if you have some sturdy angle-iron around, cut the angle-iron on a 45 degree, that would give you a sharp point, then just mount the angle-iron with the closed edge facing forward (for strength). That should work also.

Doc :>)

TimV · Jul 27, 2014

Lots of leaf springs already have a hole in the center. If you have a good supply of leaf springs handy you can cut them off a little over half-way and use the pre-existing hole for mounting. This may require re-cutting the other ends so they're all the same length but gets you away from having to anneal the ends. I've also used old spring harrow teeth to make a stick rake like you're doing with good results.

Charles in Aus. · Jul 27, 2014

Thanks all , off to the shed with a pencil and paper !

Stick rake

Charles in Aus.

Well-known Member

Steve@Advance

Well-known Member

Dr. Walt

Well-known Member

Charles in Aus.

Well-known Member

Dr. Walt

Well-known Member

Dr. Walt

Well-known Member

TimV

Well-known Member

Charles in Aus.

Well-known Member

Similar threads