Building a Brush Rake for Backhoe Land Clearing

[MikePhua]

The Purpose of a Brush Rake
A brush rake is a specialized attachment designed to clear vegetation, roots, and debris from land without excessively disturbing the soil. Unlike a standard bucket or blade, a rake allows fine control over what gets removed, making it ideal for pasture reclamation, firebreak creation, and post-logging cleanup. Farmers, landowners, and contractors often fabricate their own rakes to suit specific terrain and equipment, especially when commercial options are costly or unavailable.
Designing a Rear-Mounted Rake for a Backhoe
One practical approach involves mounting a custom rake to the rear of a backhoe, utilizing the existing outriggers and bucket for movement. This setup transforms the backhoe into a multi-functional land clearing tool, capable of raking brush while maintaining digging capability. The rake itself resembles the tines found on a box blade but is constructed with heavier steel to withstand the rigors of root pulling and log dragging.
The rake is typically attached at both ends to the D-rings located at the base of the outriggers. These connection points allow for vertical movement via the backhoe’s bucket while keeping the rake rigid in the horizontal plane. To prevent the rake from rolling forward or backward, a set of stabilizing links is added—rigid at the rake end and loosely pinned at the D-rings. This configuration ensures that the rake remains level during operation.
Adding an A-Frame for Lateral Stability
To maintain side-to-side alignment, an A-frame structure is often incorporated. This triangular brace connects the rake to the backhoe’s frame or outriggers, preventing lateral sway and ensuring consistent contact with the ground. The A-frame can be built from square tubing or angle iron, depending on available materials. It’s crucial that the rake runs flat across uneven terrain, especially when clearing brush on slopes or around stumps.
Material Selection and Fabrication Tips
For durability, the rake tines should be made from 1" thick hardened steel, spaced 6–8 inches apart. The frame can be constructed from 3" x 3" square tubing with cross braces for reinforcement. Welding should be done using 7018 low-hydrogen rods or MIG with flux core wire for maximum strength. If the rake will be used in rocky soil, consider hardfacing the tines to reduce wear.
Key fabrication tips include:

• Use gussets at all stress points to prevent bending
  
• Drill oversized holes for pins to allow easy removal and adjustment
  
• Paint with rust-resistant enamel to extend lifespan
  
• Add removable side wings to increase coverage area
  

Terminology Clarification

• Outriggers: Extendable legs on a backhoe used for stabilization during digging
  
• D-rings: Steel loops used as anchor points for chains, straps, or attachments
  
• Box Blade: A rear-mounted implement used for grading and leveling soil
  
• Hardfacing: Welding a wear-resistant layer onto metal surfaces to reduce abrasion
  

Historical Context and Equipment Evolution
Backhoes were first introduced in the 1940s, with companies like JCB and Case leading the way. By the 1970s, backhoes had become standard equipment on farms and construction sites. The idea of converting them into multi-use machines gained popularity in the 1990s, especially in rural areas where equipment budgets were tight. Brush rakes, once exclusive to bulldozers and skid steers, began appearing on backhoes as DIY solutions.
Today, manufacturers like Woods, Titan, and Land Pride offer commercial brush rakes, but custom builds remain common. According to a 2022 survey of small landowners in the Midwest, over 40% of brush clearing attachments were homemade or modified from existing implements.
Operator Stories and Field Wisdom
In Alaska, one operator built a rear-mounted rake to clear alder and willow from his property. He used salvaged grader blades for the tines and mounted the frame to his Case 580’s outriggers. The rake allowed him to clear an acre per day, even in frozen ground. In Texas, a rancher added a hydraulic tilt feature to his rake, enabling him to contour firebreaks along ridgelines.
Another contractor in Georgia repurposed an old snowplow frame to build his rake. He noted that the ability to lift and angle the rake using the backhoe’s bucket gave him more control than a front-mounted loader rake.
Safety and Operational Considerations
When operating a rear-mounted rake, visibility is limited. Operators should use spotters when working near structures or slopes. Always inspect welds and pins before use, and avoid high-speed travel with the rake attached. If working in fire-prone areas, keep a fire extinguisher mounted on the machine.
For added safety:

• Install reflective tape on rake edges
  
• Use lock pins with safety clips
  
• Avoid operating on steep grades without stabilizers deployed
  

Recommendations for DIY Builders
Before starting fabrication, assess your backhoe’s lifting capacity and hydraulic reach. Sketch the rake design to scale and calculate stress points. Source steel from reputable suppliers and avoid using rusted or fatigued material. If possible, test the rake on a small patch of land before committing to full-scale clearing.
Suggested dimensions for a mid-size backhoe rake:

• Width: 6 to 8 feet
  
• Tine length: 18 to 24 inches
  
• Tine spacing: 6 inches
  
• Frame thickness: 3/8" to 1/2"
  

Final Thoughts
A well-built brush rake can transform a backhoe into a powerful land-clearing tool, saving time and reducing manual labor. With thoughtful design and sturdy materials, even a homemade rake can rival commercial models. Whether reclaiming pasture, building trails, or prepping for fire season, this attachment proves that ingenuity and steel go a long way in the field.