[Scag48]

Hey guys. I need some info on a Harley Power Box rake. I know I should search, but I don't want to spend the time trying to find the info, too busy. LOL. We will more than likely be looking into buying the 6 foot version for our Cat 216 skid steer. The dealer says they only dig down 1 1/2 inches, but the video from Glenmac says 2". Is this true? How does the skid steer version compare to the tractor attachment? We will hopefully be replacing a tractor mounted roto-tiller, will the Harley do the job? I know that you can put the box ends on and windrow materials, etc., which is a great feature to me. Who uses this piece of equipment and just how useful are they? Should we look for a used unit or buy new? Who uses the hydraulic angle option? How much would I be looking to pay for one of these things? I'm hearing prices all over the place, can't really figure out how much they are worth. I appreciate the info guys! Super busy with everything else that is going on right now. Thanks!

 

[Team Gopher]

Hi Scag48,

While you are waiting for other replies, here are some posts for you.

Harley box rake or bobcat landscape rake

york rake or Box Scrapers?

Lawn Installation implements

 

[lars]

First off, the Harley rake is a great tool for preparing yards. While I have not used the skid steer models, I am familar with the tractor mounted ones. The tractor mounted one suits our needs just fine, but the skid-steer model is nice because you can use it in forward and reverse. And if a skid-steer is your main machine for yard prep, go with it. As far as depth, ours does go down 2" without a problem. However, I think that is usually not enough, especially if you need to releive compation, which is about every new installation. I prepare areas with a tiller or Blecavator to break the hardpan and then Harley to remove rocks. Also, the hydraulic angle is a great plus, and you should get it if you can. If you are looking at skid-steer moidels, they are all about the same. If you are looking at tractor ones, stay away from the older models. The chain drive is a real pain.

 

[Scag48]

Thanks for the info. So I guess I'll be using our tiller in combo with the Harley. We're getting our Cat dealer to bring one up to demo when we start a lawn install in about 2 weeks or so.

 

[Mike Bradbury]

Why are they SO dang expensive?
Isn't this just a pulverizer roller spinning faster from being pto driven?
Why 5k MORE than a pulled only pulverizer?
If you've still got to till and/or box blade first, what is the huge benefit? (just rock removal?) Does everyone raving about one live where rocks are an every job event? If you don't have a lot of rocks, does it lose it's advantage?
A pulled pulverizer does a wonderful job behind a tiller or box blade. What does a harley do to make it worth those $$$??

 

[Planet Landscaping]

My Harley is a huge moneymaker. Tough carbide tips. A must-have for my lawn installs. Try it you'll like it, ALOT.

 

[Mike Bradbury]

Originally posted by Jammer
My Harley is a huge moneymaker. Tough carbide tips. A must-have for my lawn installs. Try it you'll like it, ALOT.

Thanks, but those generalizations, I see all the time.
WHY is it so great?

 

[Scag48]

I have a video my dealer gave me to watch. They are quite impressive. The dealer wants $5500 for the manual adjustable angle and $7100 for the hydraulic version. Now I think 1500 bucks for some extra hydraulic hoses and a cylinder is a little bogus, but I'm not going to get out of the cab after every pass to adjust the angle.

 

[muddstopper]

Thanks, but those generalizations, I see all the time.
WHY is it so great?

I dont know about the Harleys for skidsteer, I have a ventrac tractor with the rake. It will go down 4 inches. What I like about one is the fact that they will grind down the high spots and fill in the low ones in just about one pass. Even works great when over-seeding an excisting lawn. just set the depth adjustment to where it will barely rake the ground and it will remove all the thatch and scratch up the soil for the new seed. As for removing rocks just angle it to one side and it will throw all of the rocks and sticks out as you go. You can start on one side of the lawn, work your way across it, and when you get to the other side you are ready to seed. With the reverse feature you can work frontward or backwards. Working backwards has the advantage of not running over the ground that you have just preped and compacting the soil with your equipment tires. With tillers you can only go one way and must turn around every time you get to the end of the yard meaning that somewhere you will be running back over the ground that you just tilled to smooth it back up and someone will still have to walk around picking up rocks leaving footprints all over the yard, not to mention all of the hand rakeing which is almost eliminated with a harley. I didnt realize that harleys for a skid steer would only go down 2 in.

 

[Mike Bradbury]

I didn't realize that hand raking reduction, that is pretty big.
How is the design? Are the really heavy duty and well made?
Repairs common or rare?
Thanks, really appreciate the advice.

 

[Planet Landscaping]

Mike, Harley rakes are very durable. 4 yrs only replaced rubber flap. Oh ya no hand raking no more. I also seed first and Harley rake in, finish and seed other direction.(sorry to generalize)

 

[Mike Bradbury]

Jammer I see you have the T6. Why it and not the Pro 6?

 

[Planet Landscaping]

T 6 does a great job. Its the only one I have used. IF I get a new one i will demo a pro 6. Hydro angle is a MUST HAVE. Use it all the time. Once you get 20 or 30 lawns done youll be good with it. ( guys I CANNOT TYPE no sermons here sorry, This took 5 minutes to do lol). ps Want a sermon on them call me @ 203-881-9419 Jammer

 

[Scag48]

Update. My dad ordered the Harley today. He didn't tell me whether he ordered the Pro 6 or the T-6, what is the difference? Do you guys have any tips for me? I will be using one in about a week, it will be here in about 3 days. Thanks!

 

[worthbrown]

I noticed the seal on the drive side of my harley rake was leaking out the oil. The dealer said this my seem strange, but the Glenmac rep said to replace the oil with grease. It actually makes sense because all the oil does is keep the chain lubed up. Mine is alrealy leaking, but anyone that has a harley rake should consider draining the oil and filling with grease. Just a little tip I thought I would pass on.

 

[Scag48]

Thanks for the tip. I need some operational tips with this thing. I think I can figure out how level it up and such, but what are some of the fastest techniques for raking rock, etc. Thanks!

 

[Planet Landscaping]

Level it on the road before job. I Use the floating toplink hole, not fixed. Just takes 2,3,5 lawns to get the basics.

 

[kootoomootoo]

We use both a harley rake and a rockhound. Use the harley when a site has 3ft of weeds, Rockhound to pick up rocks.
To be honest on a newly graded site I find the rockhound quicker.
Rake a 3ft section around pathways, house etc and have rochound pick them. Did a job today and was cursing because we didnt have the rockhound.
I will admit though on a site with literally no rocks harley rake is ideal.

 

[Scag48]

I can see how a rockhound we be a good investment, but right now we can't justify it. The Harley looks to be a great piece, so will use what we can afford at the moment and go from there. We have about 30K invested into the system. The skidsteer, combo bucket, forks, and the Harley, so we're trying to keep the initial cost down and only buying attachments etc. that we will definately use to make $$$. Next year we will buy a new trailer to tow it all with, so I'm doing some research on that right now.

 

[yacht]

How much horsepower do you recommend a tractor has to adequately run a harley rake? I am thinking about buying a kubota b7800 with 30hp diesel engine w/22 pto horsepower. Is this enough to run a harley rake?