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

SkunkWerX · 01-02-2008, 03:59 PM

As told in the "winter projects" thread, I'm gonig to attempt to build a a Front Mount Dethatcher/Rake.

As a recap from the other thread:
Idea:
On the www I found this one, which looks like a fairly good quality unit:
http://www.rittenhouse.ca/content/im...cher_front.jpg

This will be the basic principal. I will make it a Quick-attach to fit the Deere style front bracket in the same manner that the front plow attaches.
A hydraulic cylinder will be added for power UP. A mechanical float/pivot point will allow it to follow the contour of the ground ahead of the tractor.

I have a used set of yokes for the swivel wheels. [x] check
Also have a small Deere lift cylinder from the plow [x] check

I'll get the spring tines from TSC, the kind they use for hay rakes, they seem reasonably priced.

I'll be providing a rough sketch later, and, as always will take any suggestions/ideas!

SkunkWerX · 01-02-2008, 05:30 PM

A very crude, rough sketch.

**gunmaker** · 01-02-2008, 05:38 PM

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.

SkunkWerX · 01-02-2008, 05:49 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.

That is a good idea for documented, photographed and finished projects!

In fact, sounds like a new section:
"Finished and Documented Projects"

Right now it's thinking cap time. Just noodling through the concept to catch any show-stoppers before striking an arc.

I'll try to keep good notes and some pics along the way.

**mark777** · 01-02-2008, 07:12 PM

It does look like a good idea!

I'm trying to understand how the hydraulic ram applies pressure?? Is it for lift or for down pressure on the tines? ...Or is it to apply pressue at the articulating points as indicated by your diagonal supports?

Thanks, Mark

Mickey · 01-02-2008, 07:31 PM

Looks like a great project. You've not included a lot of info on the design so what I have to say may already be on your mind.

I question the need for the tension spring and wonder if you have a limit stop for the floating tine subassy.

The geometry of the parallel links for tine sub assy in combination of the tines themselves are going to want to pull the subassy down towards the ground when any resistance is met by the tines. You need some way to limit the movement. I'd make the limit stop adj so you can control the engagement.

SkunkWerX · 01-02-2008, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mickey

Looks like a great project. You've not included a lot of info on the design so what I have to say may already be on your mind.

I question the need for the tension spring and wonder if you have a limit stop for the floating tine subassy.

The geometry of the parallel links for tine sub assy in combination of the tines themselves are going to want to pull the subassy down towards the ground when any resistance is met by the tines. You need some way to limit the movement. I'd make the limit stop adj so you can control the engagement.

That is a good point. Dethatchers do tent to hop and jump when the springs lose contact with the ground, that's why I went with a spring.
the other way is just to use a given amount of weight.

I think you are right, i may have to use a Stop, to keep it from digging in too far, but, may also need to keep some tension so they don't go "sproing" should I drive over a small indentation and they lose contact.

But, anyway, thanks for your thoughts, I'll have to deteremine a Min/Max for the travel.

It's not shown, but the spring will be adjustable for tension.

**PaulChristenson** · 01-03-2008, 12:46 AM

Design it so it mounts on your FEL Bucket...therefore you can drop the hydraulics, as that duty would be handled by the FEL...

SkunkWerX · 01-03-2008, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulChristenson

Design it so it mounts on your FEL Bucket...therefore you can drop the hydraulics, as that duty would be handled by the FEL...

Paul,

Thanks for the idea.

The UP Down hydraulics are very simple. I understand your thought, but, I might be fighting the constant UP/Down of the extended moment arm created with the FEL being farther forward.

Drive around with your FEL parallel to the ground, and about 9 inches off the ground. Even here in MD our land isn't football field flat, the FEL tends to dip and rise each time the front tires hit a bump or recessed area in the yard.

If my bucket was a quick attach style this option might be a little more attractive?

Mickey · 01-03-2008, 12:54 PM

How about instead of a tension spring some form of friction shock or just an automotive hyd shock. It won't interfer with movement but will dampen tendency to hop up/dn due to changing load.

Keep us posted on progress.