Rake for tractor is an indispensable design, which allows you to collect the dried on the plot of grass, saving time and effort of the owner of the field. Today this equipment is actively used both on the grounds of large agricultural enterprises and on the gardens of ordinary farmers. The great advantage of the tedder for the tractor is the possibility to make it with your own hands, spending a minimum of money to purchase the necessary materials.
Design features and operating principle of Tedder Rotary Rake
The effectiveness of the rake for the tractor depends on their dimensions and the pulling class of the used agricultural machine. More than half of tedders are designed primarily for mounting on small tractors, and therefore the rake on a mini-tractor does not have a large width and can be used effectively only on small plots.
For powerful agricultural machines, it is best to use large-sized 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 you to classify the rake on the tractor in the category of semi-mounted implements.
In most cases, the tedder is driven only by one of the wheels. Adjustment of the drive wheel makes it possible to adjust the position of the frame, thus increasing the rake’s efficiency. Directly attached to the frame are sections with a certain number of reinforced steel tines, which play the role of the main working elements of the construction. While the rake is moving on the field, the tines catch the dried grass, gradually pulling it to the edge of the plot, and making room for further cultivation and pre-sowing works.
Types and differences of Rake Tedders for tractor
Depending on their design features, tractor mounted rakes are divided into four main types:
- Rotary designs – are considered the most expensive implements. The high prices of such devices are due to their multi-functionality – most models are able not only to collect dry grass but also to form compact swaths of it. Almost all rotary rakes can operate in automatic mode.
- Ribbon rakes for tractors – the tools of this type are relatively lightweight and have a fairly wide area coverage. They are not equipped with wheels, which allows us to refer them to the class of mounted agricultural implements.
- Cross tedders – these devices have the simplest design and lightweight. They are not designed to collect grass, but only to fold it into windrows. Nevertheless, the limited functionality of such designs is compensated by their low market price.
- Roller tedders – these devices can be used exclusively for collecting dry grass. Most models of such tedders have a well-thought-out and balanced design, which makes them the most practical among other types of tedders. This, as well as the low cost of the equipment, accounts for its high popularity on the market.
The difference in design, dimensions and features makes it easy to choose the right tractor hay tedder for different tasks and attachments to different agricultural machines.
How to assemble a tractor rake
The algorithm of actions should look as follows:
- First, it is necessary to make a strong and shock-resistant frame. Its dimensions directly depend on the pulling class of the tractor available in the farm. Average width of 3.5 m with a length of 2.5 m is considered to be the width of the rake;
- The shape of the manufactured frame can resemble the boom of a tower crane – such a design will have high reliability and competent distribution of working loads. The size of one part of the frame should correspond to the dimensions with the hinge, and the other – gradually narrowing to the edge. In order to make a strong frame is best to use angles, as well as round or square tubes;
- To enable the equipment to function, it will be necessary to equip it with a rotor. The latter should be driven by means of a Cardan shaft, the role of which can handle the rear axle of a car – it is equipped with all the necessary gears for work;
- To effectively use the homemade rake, it will be necessary to reduce the number of PTO rotation revolutions. In most tractors, the latter rotates at a minimum speed of 540 rpm. This figure is too high for the operation of the tedder, and therefore the implement must be equipped with a reduction gearbox;
- The power invested in the gearbox must be divided into 2 separate gears. The first will be responsible for collecting hay, and the other for forming windrows. The speed of rotation of the shaft, in this case, should be 80 and 20 rpm, respectively;
- The role of the rotor is well done car disk, to which you will need to weld 10 identical tubes. The result should get a kind of sun, with a diameter of about 3.5 m. It is necessary to drill a few holes in the tubes, 50 cm apart. Such a solution will give the possibility to adjust the width of coverage and facilitate the transportation of the rake;
- In the end, it will be necessary to make the tines. To make them with your own hands, you should use tool metal or other durable metal. The tines should be attached to the rotor by threading or welding.
