So, my whole life/career I have run the Harley rake on the front of my skid steer. Well, this weekend I borrowed a friend of mines 3 point harley rake to run behind my JD 3203. HOLY COW!! I have been missing out all these years! Am I the only one that feels this way? I would guess that 19 out of every 20 harley rakes I see are skid steer mounted. I thought the 3 pt worked faster and left a smoother finished product than the skid steer mount. I'd love to know what everybody else thinks about the subject.
The 3 pt hitch Harley is very easy to use. You just set the height, drop it, and go. You need much more skill to use it on a skid steer. As far as to which is better, if you have large open areas, the 3 pt. If you have odd shaped or smaller lots the skid steer.
Over all I would take the skid steer. It's more versatile.
Interesting that you say skid steer for curves and slopes. I find it to be the opposite. I like the skid steer for wide open areas and the 3pt for everything else. I brought my skid steer rake home to do my yard and just could not get it the way I thought it should be. So I borrowed a 3pt rake and was shocked at how easy it was to use. Also liked that the dust was behind me. I have used that same 3pt rake on a couple of job sites this week and still feel that it is a superior tool. Another minor thing that I like is the fact that my tractor weighs significantly less than my skid steer so it is easier to tow to far away job sites.
I never said "curves and slopes". I said "odd shapes and small lots". I am referring to areas around decks and other obstacles, where you can easily get in and out of, with a skid steer. Also, the skid steer can work forward or backward. The 3 pt only works forward.
All I've used is skid steer. It does just as good as guys with 3pt on lots beside me. With a cab the dust doesn't bother me too bad. But try running one with no front wheels, now that's a challenge! Posted via Mobile Device
I never could see the point of a Harley rake But I guess that's all you have use what you got
I know I'll never own one to install lawns a tiller on a tractor does a better job
I use a 7ft Turf Shaper behind a tractor it leaves a smooth grade with a deep seed bed What is the depth a Harley rake leave maybe a 1'' (ones I seen being used) They was designed to bust clods
Tractor vs Skid steer I can see the tractor will be faster that's for sure
I never could see the point of a Harley rake But I guess that's all you have use what you got
I know I'll never own one to install lawns a tiller on a tractor does a better job
I use a 7ft Turf Shaper behind a tractor it leaves a smooth grade with a deep seed bed What is the depth a Harley rake leave maybe a 1'' (ones I seen being used) They was designed to bust clods
Tractor vs Skid steer I can see the tractor will be faster that's for sure
I agree with you, Landscaper. I think that a tiller is entirely to deep. I'm sure that it prepares a great seed bed but entirely to soft to keep smooth after a mower rides across it, or a ride on spreader for that fact.
O I tried one a Dealer demo it long time ago. Think when they first came out and they still look the same
I know its different, But Im looking at the final product a tiller will do a better job. I don't use my tiller for a final I use my Turf Shaper. It like a tiller but it stirs the soil and levels at the same time and final product is a smooth lawn.
Guys around here try to seed behind it. All they have is a lumpy lawn and a uneven lawn .
They are a cheap to buy that is why they are so popular.
If that's all you ever had you wouldnt know difference.
If I never seen the Turf Shaper work I say I would be a owner of a Harley Rake but I would have the one with the seed box on the back
I agree with you, Landscaper. I think that a tiller is entirely to deep. I'm sure that it prepares a great seed bed but entirely to soft to keep smooth after a mower rides across it, or a ride on spreader for that fact.
I use a tiller to open ground up to grade it before the final step
Its easier and fast to grade 6'' of loose soil vs 1'' maybe 2''of soil that a Harley Rake tilled up.
When I seed I seed behind the Turf Shaper so there no need be riding a spreader across it. I'll cross it with a hand spreader.
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