Tandem Rake Hitch

Tandem Rake Hitch HAY & FORAGE HARVESTING Rakes (44) 26-2-8 "After seeing a tandem rake hitch in an issue of FARM SHOW several years ago, I decided to build one for my Deere side delivery rakes. I got it done for less than $200 and now I can rake two single windrows or one double one, depending on conditions," says Scott Seaver, Montague, Mich. "I use older Deere side delivery rakes because they do a much better job fluffing windrows and are very gentle on hay. The rakes are also cheaper to operate since it's easy to find old rakes for parts. "After buying a tongue from a hydro-swing haybine at an auction and an electric-over-hydraulic pump at a flea market, I got to work. The haybine arm was just the right length to extend back over one of the Deere rakes. I mounted an axle and wheels from a manure spreader on the back end of the hitch. The rear rake tows from the back axle. "I mounted the electric-over-hydraulic pump at the back of the hitch to operate the steering cylinder but since it only operated in one direction, I had to add a large spring opposite the cylinder to pull it back for the return stroke. The pump runs off it's own battery but can also be wired to the tractor battery. A switch mounts on the tractor fender to operate the pump. If you have a tractor with good hydraulics, you don't need the auxilliary pump but I rake with an Allis WD which has poor hydraulics. "I can change raking configuration by simply steering the hitch to one side or the other right from the seat of the tractor. "This rake is a real time saver and the price was right." Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Scott Seaver, 4346 W. Roosevelt Rd., Montague, Mich. 49437 (ph 231 894-9703).

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