Front Mount Dethatcher - Page 2 - Machine Underground -Tractor & Commercial Equipment Discussion Forum

**Ducati996** · 01-03-2008, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunmaker

Looks like a good idea, when you get all done, maybe I could get you to do one post as a new thread, describing the project with pics from start to finish. We could plan on keeping the project as a sticky for all to reference. I'm kinda hoping to talk Duc into having a reference library where projects like this could be kept for easy reference.

have you looked at the articles link on the tool bar above? it was created for things like this, and items can be grouped by subject or whatever -

**mark777** · 01-03-2008, 02:50 PM

Excellent idea Mickey...of course it's not my creation but coil over motorcycle shocks would work well and small/light enough to fit in any number of places. I pulled a set of coil overs off of a discarded electric scooter and they sat in the corner outside of my shed and rusted away before I could use them.

SkunkWerX · 01-03-2008, 07:23 PM

In my experience using tow behind spring dethatcher/rakes, they tend to hop and skip.
The tines make contact and "load up" with tension, as they bend back while raking, then, if they go over a bump, or indentation in the yard, and there isn't enough friction to keep them down they spring forward. If enough of them in the row spring forward, it causes the assembly to hop.

For this one, I have contemplated using weight to keep it in contact with the ground, compression springs pressing downward, or the tension spring keeping a constant tug holding them downward.

Then there is the other side of the coin, so much pressure that they are constantly digging in, bending and wearing out prematurely.

There is a sweet spot somewhere between these two places I need to find.

Whatever I do, I have to make it adjustable for tuning purposes.
More or less weight can be added when gonig that route.
It's easier to fabricate flanges and adjust a tension spring (using a threaded eye bolt) than a compression spring mechanism.

I do like the idea of having a mechanical/adjustable Stop, a bolt with a couple of jam nuts should do it.

I am still open to ideas and suggestions, and appreciate any input.

I am at my dumbest when left alone.

SkunkWerX · 01-07-2008, 10:29 PM

Here is the Tine Carrier sub-assembly

Used the hay rake tines from TSC, depending on which ones you choose you can pay from about $1.29 up to about $3.50 per tine(s).

5/16" bolts, washers, with nylok nuts.

Total width of this assembly is about 58", left end tine to right end tine is about 56"
My MMM is 60" , so this will pretty much cover the mowed path when taking into consideration the natural overlap when mowing.

Mickey · 01-08-2008, 10:23 PM

Looking good so far. How long before you can test out the whole shebang?

Sometimes we get a dry spell in Feb and the grass will need a haircut at that time.

**Admin** · 01-08-2008, 10:59 PM

Moving along nicely! cant wait to see it together and on your machine

SkunkWerX · 01-08-2008, 11:16 PM

Thanks for the kind words.
Probably no February haircuts around here, though it was a freaky 70 degreees today!

This was the easy part of the dethatcher/rake, now I'll be working on the attachment point at the tractor and the front gauge wheels.

**PaulChristenson** · 01-09-2008, 03:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkunkWerX

Thanks for the kind words.
Probably no February haircuts around here, though it was a freaky 70 degreees today!

This was the easy part of the dethatcher/rake, now I'll be working on the attachment point at the tractor and the front gauge wheels.

Does this mean WINTER PROJECTS are on hold until the temperature drops again?

SkunkWerX · 01-09-2008, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulChristenson

Does this mean WINTER PROJECTS are on hold until the temperature drops again?

YES!!! actually yesterday I went up on the roof and cleaned some gutters. Better to do it while it was 70 degrees, and not 35 degrees with 25 mph winds!

Back to dethatcher design issues.

I have just picked up on a major flaw in the rough sketch.
It is with the swinging arms that hold the tine assembly.
There is nothing keeping the front or back arms from operating/pivoting independantly. The problem is even with spring tension (as drawn at the rear) the front is free to pivot up off the surface.

Hmmmm......

I may have to take a look at using weight or some other type of down pressure to accomplish this. Compression springs? perhaps.

Mickey · 01-09-2008, 04:23 PM

Not to wonder OT too far, I was into Costco yesterday and they had stock of fruit trees in and for-sale. Some of my Daphies that up are about 4" tall, others haven't broke the ground yet. On the other hand, LOTS of snow in the mts. Heard yesterday they had 3 snow slides on the Hwy over the mts to central Oregon. Snow is better than 5' deep.

Are you sure about the pivoting of the tine assy? 4 link attachment should move parallel.