Yitamotor 60" Pine Straw Rake Assembly

[Shovelhead Johnson]

I just purchased (from Amazon) and took delivery of a Yitamotor 60" Pine Straw Rake. Being a retired mechanical engineer, I am usually pretty capable when it comes to understanding the design of things. I have to say that I am perplexed as to assembly of this new implement. Best I can figure is that some of the parts have been manufactured incorrectly. Does anyone on this forum have any experience with assembly of this particular implement? And/or had similar frustration with assembly? My issue has to do with the 6 middle tines and how they are supposed to be attached so that they are at the same height as the rest of the 22 tines (11 on either side of the middle 6). I will attempt to attach photos in a subsequent post to illustrate this problem.

Manufacturer Customer Service so far has been no help and trying to locate assembly videos online has been fruitless.

 

[Russell King]

No idea on your situation but posting pictures would get more informative answers.

But you may have to get five total posts to start posting pictures (not sure what the rules are today).

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

PM me the pictures and I'll repost them for you.
To Pm just click my name and start conversation.

 

[Bee-Positive]

According to one review on Amazon during assembly, the six middle tines need to be added during step one. If not, you will have to undo step one for the middle tines. Appears the tines go under part C.

 

[Shovelhead Johnson]

See attached. Thanks Bee-Positive. I did indeed undo step one, but as you may be able to see, there is too much of a gap between the plates and the tines just flop around (see photo 005). That's why I think the holes were not drilled correctly when manufactured.

 

[Russell King]

I think you will have to put the nuts on the vertical bolts and then loosen the horizontal bolts. Tighten all of the vertical bolts up. I would start at the center and work back and forth across towards both ends to pull it tight in steps. Then tighten up the horizontal bolts (if the tines get tight).

You may be able to add a washer (spacer) between the tine and the top side of the tine to take up the space you show, if you need to.

 

[Shovelhead Johnson]

I was being an idiot. I came to the same conclusion Russell and everything tightened up proper. Thanks for putting up with my unfounded rant. Lots of knowledge on this forum and I appreciate the responses.

I bought this implement to try it on raking up walnuts. Pretty good crop this year. Tired of mowing over them. I'll let you know how it works. If not, I'm sure it will come in handy for other jobs. Regards.

 

[Russell King]

Congratulations on getting it figured out.

Not sure how that will work but you may need to put a wire mesh over the tines to help drag the walnuts into a pile then pick up rake and make another pile. Then maybe hand rake them into the FEL bucket.

You might have to think about a pull type nut harvester. Like these

Black Walnut Harvesters - All Model Sizes - Baganut.com

Find the black walnut harvester that's right for you and harvest the easy way. Choose from our selection of push, pull, and handheld pickers.

baganut.com

 

[Mark_BX25D]

I'm predicting the nuts will just go between the tines, for the most part. If they are really deep, yes, you may pull a few of them for a bit, losing them as you go, until they thin out and you lose the rest of them.

 

[Shovelhead Johnson]

Gonna try it in the next few days. I'll let you know. Thanks for the suggestions. After completion of the assembly, my fear is that the walnuts will pass through as well. Maybe if I pick up enough other debris while raking it will help keep the walnuts corralled. Wire mesh is a good idea. I have looked at the "grab-a-nut" devices prior to buying the rake and I'm sure they will work, just didn't want to spend that much. Even if the pine straw rake doesn't work, for what it cost it will come in handy for other jobs.

 

[Bearcatrp]

I bought one of those last year. Great durable rake. There is a picture of mine with a mesh and wheel kit on it Somewhere on this forum.

found it. Last page.

3 point rakes

Anyone have one like this. If so, how well does it rake? Rake small stuff...

www.orangetractortalks.com