Steerable Rake Hitch Uses Old Combine Axle

Steerable rake hitch ues combine axle COMBINES Conversions 17-1-16 A home-built double rake hitch works so well for Clifford Belsly, Metamora, Ill., that he started building them commercially and has already sold three to nearby farmers. What makes the rake hitch unique is the old combine steering axle that "walks" the rear rake back and forth behind the tractor. The front rake (side delivery, ground-driven) hooks up directly behind the tractor. The rear rake is towed by a bridge hitch that goes up and over the front rake, connecting to a combine axle from a Massey 510 combine steering axle fitted with power steering. Hoses from the power steering cylinders on the axle hook into the tractor's hydraulics. The front rake always stays directly behind the tractor while the rear rake moves from side to side as needed by turning the wheels using a tractor hydraulic lever. With the rake on the left side, you can make a double row of hay. With the rake on the right side, you can make two single wind-rows. For transport, you simply steer the rear rake behind the tractor so it follows directly behind the forward rake. Belsly says any axle with power steering would work to make the hitch. He uses Massey 510 axles because they are the most widely available in his area and they "cost less than a Deere or IH axle yet do the same job". He sells the double rake hitch for $1,250 (not including rakes). For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Clifford Belsly, 1665 Lourdes Rd., Metamora, Ill. 61548 (ph 309 383-4847).

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