Why Rake Angle Matters in Dozer-Mounted Root Rakes

[MikePhua]

The Function and Evolution of Root Rakes
Root rakes are attachments designed to clear vegetation, roots, and debris without disturbing the underlying soil. Mounted to the front of dozers or loaders, they are commonly used in land clearing, forestry, and site preparation. Unlike blades or buckets, root rakes rely on spaced tines to comb through material, allowing soil to fall through while retaining organic debris.
Historically, root rakes were fabricated as simple vertical frames with welded teeth. Over time, manufacturers began offering pin-on and hydraulic tilt models, but many designs remained rudimentary—prioritizing cost and ease of production over performance. This led to widespread use of rakes with minimal attention to tine geometry or frame angle.
Terminology Annotation

• Pin-On Rake: A rake that mounts directly to the dozer blade or C-frame using pins, without hydraulic articulation.
  
• Tine Angle: The pitch or tilt of the rake teeth relative to the ground plane.
  
• Roll-Over Effect: The ability of the rake to lift and rotate debris upward during forward motion.
  
• Blade Interference: A condition where the rake’s geometry conflicts with the dozer blade’s movement or visibility.
  

Why Angle Is Everything
The angle of the rake frame and its tines directly affects how material behaves during clearing. A vertical rake with downward-pointing teeth may simply push debris forward, causing it to bunch and resist movement. In contrast, a rake with a forward-leaning frame and curved tines encourages material to roll upward and over the rake, improving efficiency and reducing operator fatigue.
Key benefits of optimized angle:

• Promotes upward rotation of debris for cleaner clearing
  
• Reduces resistance and drag during forward motion
  
• Improves visibility by keeping material from piling in front of the blade
  
• Enhances separation of soil and organic matter
  

In one land-clearing project in Mississippi, a contractor modified the angle of a pin-on rake mounted to a JD650H dozer. By tilting the frame forward 15 degrees and reshaping the tines to curve slightly upward, the rake began lifting roots and logs more effectively, reducing pass count by 30%.
Design Flaws in Common Rake Models
Many commercially available rakes are built with vertical frames and straight teeth. These designs are easier to manufacture but often fail to deliver optimal performance. Common issues include:

• Material bunching at the base of the rake
  
• Poor roll-over behavior, especially with fibrous roots
  
• Excessive wear on lower tines due to constant ground contact
  
• Reduced operator control during angled pushes
  

Suggested design improvements:

• Frame tilt: 10–20 degrees forward from vertical
  
• Tine curvature: 5–10 degrees upward arc
  
• Tooth spacing: 6–8 inches for balance between retention and soil release
  
• Reinforced gussets at tine base to prevent flexing
  

In a forestry fleet in British Columbia, switching from vertical rakes to angled models improved clearing speed and reduced fuel consumption across five machines.
Mounting and Compatibility Considerations
When selecting or fabricating a rake for a specific dozer, compatibility with blade geometry and mounting points is critical. For models like the JD650H, the blade’s curvature and lift arc must be considered to avoid interference.
Mounting tips:

• Use blade-mounted brackets with adjustable pitch
  
• Ensure rake does not obstruct blade tilt or lift functions
  
• Maintain visibility from cab by keeping rake height below blade top
  
• Use quick-release pins for fast attachment and removal
  

In one municipal operation in Georgia, a rake was mounted too high on a Case 850K, causing visibility issues and blade interference. After repositioning the mount and adjusting the angle, the operator regained full control and improved clearing precision.
Field Feedback and Operator Insights
Experienced operators often emphasize the importance of rake angle based on feel and performance rather than specs. Many report that angled rakes “pull” material better and reduce the need for reverse passes. Others note that vertical rakes tend to clog, especially in wet conditions.
Operator recommendations:

• Test rake performance on mixed terrain before finalizing design
  
• Modify angle incrementally and observe material behavior
  
• Use chalk or paint to mark rake contact zones for wear analysis
  
• Share feedback with fabricators to improve future builds
  

In a collaborative build project in Texas, operators worked with a local welding shop to design a rake with adjustable angle brackets. The result was a modular rake that could be tuned for different soil types and vegetation densities.
Final Thoughts
The angle of a root rake is not a minor detail—it defines how the tool interacts with the land. Whether clearing pine stumps, pushing brush, or prepping a site for grading, the rake’s geometry determines its efficiency, wear rate, and operator satisfaction. While many manufacturers offer generic designs, those who understand the physics of roll-over and material flow will always build better tools.
In the scrape of steel and the rhythm of clearing, angle is not just a measurement—it’s the difference between pushing and performing.