Harley Power Rake Evolution

[MikePhua]

Harley Rake Origins and Brand Journey
The term Harley in the context of power rakes traces back to the early 1980s when Glenmac Corporation trademarked the name—establishing the brand that would pioneer the modern power rake industry. In 2005, Paladin Attachments acquired the Harley brand, continuing and expanding its legacy in soil-conditioning attachments .
Function and Versatility
The Harley Power Rake, sometimes called a power landscape rake or soil conditioner, excels at preparing job sites before seeding or sodding by breaking up hard, compacted soils, clearing debris, and forming an ideal seedbed. Its design often replaces the need for multiple attachments such as box scrapers, ripper attachments, or rotary tillers .
Core Components and Features

• Carbide Toothed Rotor
  • The centerpiece of the rake is a bi-directional rotor outfitted with pure carbide teeth. With rotation in both directions, operators gain double efficiency compared to single-pass tools. The rotor’s force fractured soil structure with each tooth impact, promoting better seed germination and moisture retention—unlike box scrapers that can compact surfaces .
    
• Rhino-Hide Barrier
  • A resilient polyurethane curtain—called Rhino-Hide—sits above the rotor, letting operators dictate how much soil passes through while maintaining flexibility to filter out oversized debris .
    
• Adjustable Endplates
  • Removable plates allow for quick transitions between standard raking and windrowing—pin-based design speeds changes without tools .
    
• Gauge Wheels
  • Dual, independently adjustable wheels control working depth for grooming, over-seeding, or grading tasks .
    
• Hydraulic Angle Control
  • Some models include hydraulic angling, allowing operators to shift the rake from the cab. This feature enhances windrowing control and grading flexibility .
    
• Mounting Flexibility
  • Designed for skid steers and tractors—models like M-series for skids and T-series for tractors—the rake is widely compatible. Power is supplied via auxiliary hydraulics .
    

Specifications Snapshot
Harley Power Rake models are offered in various working widths and flow requirements:

• M6H (Skid Steer):
  • Width: 72″
    
  • Hydraulic Flow: 13–25 GPM
    
  • Effective Width at 20°: 68″
    
• MX7H:
  • Width: 84″
    
  • Flow: 15–25 GPM
    
  • Effective Width: 79″
    
• MX8H:
  • Width: 90″
    
  • Flow: 17–40 GPM
    
  • Effective Width: 85″
    

Typical weights vary; a tractor-mounted unit may weigh around 930 lbs, while skid-steer versions exceed 1080 lbs .
Practical Advantages
Landscaping professionals value the Harley rake for its reliability across seasons: it helps dry wet sites and clear standing water—essential when starting springtime jobs early . Its dual-direction rotor and hydraulic controls simplify tasks like windrowing rocks or debris. Adjustable depth and angling features allow precise soil shaping, making it useful in effecting waterways or terraces when paired with tilt-attach technology .
Industry Standing and Comparison
As the original creator of the power rake segment, Harley remains a benchmark for competitors. It even manufactures rakes for brands like Frontier (Deere), Mahindra, and Woods. Enthusiasts note that Harley models often weigh 200–400 lbs less than equivalent attachments from others . However, after acquisition by Paladin (Briggs), some dealers reported concerns over quality and support .
Maintenance Recommendations
From user experiences, including veteran landscaper “Ed,” these best practices help preserve Harley rakes in harsh environments:

• Replace pneumatic wheels with solid tires to avoid frequent flats.
  
• Weld wear beads to protect the bottom of the chain housing.
  
• Regularly grease bearings and chain housing—fill with cotton-picker grease.
  
• Conduct monthly inspections: tighten bolts, check chains, and monitor the drum and housing wear .
  

Conclusion
The Harley Power Rake stands as an essential multitasker in soil preparation. With engineering designed for efficiency—thanks to its rotational carbide rotor, adjustable barriers, and hydraulic control—it sets the standard for modern power rakes. Whether preparing seedbeds, clearing debris, or shaping terrain, the Harley continues to offer landscapers and contractors a dependable edge. Its rich history, performance merits, and adaptability underscore why it remains a trusted companion in heavy-duty landscape work.