Rakes are all built out of iron section stamped plate and thick- sectioned tubing; all bolts are made of steel and springs of
carbon steel, utmost care being given to all construction details.
As already mentioned, the rake incorporates all safety features
prescribed by law and international standards.
This ensures that the tool is particularly sturdy and impact
resistant. Notwithstanding these indisputable structural
advantages, when coupled to the three-point hitch of the tractor,
the rake should always be lowered and raised with the utmost
care in order to avoid any accidental damage.
Rake structure is extremely simple. The frame, which includes a
three-point hitch, two arms and an adjusting track rod, supports
the rotating part of the rake. The latter comprises the reduction
gear, the small arms, the circle and a support axle with castors
which is also used to adjust the working height of the tool.
The reduction unit comprises a grease-lubricated crown wheel
and pinion (ratio 1:7), which transmits the rotating motion to the
circle, a earn and eight link rods in oil bath.
The latter make the small arms perform a semi-circular motion
thus permitting the springs to pick up and to dump the prunnings
and cuttings upon each revolution of the circle.
Operation is also extremely simple. Actuation of the tractor
power-takeoff transmits the motion to the drive shaft(s) which in
turn transmit it to the pinion of the reduction unit. The pinion
then sets the crown wheel and the lower body of the reduction
unit in motion which sets the circle rotating, While they are small arms,
and consequently the springs, are set in motion by the cam.
The springs thus rake the ground, picking up the cuttings and
prunnings at the beginning of each revolution and dumping them
short before its completion.
When the rake touches a plant, it moves inwards away from the
plant overcoming the resistance of a spring located in the
adjusting track rod and then automatically returns to its working
position.
The plant is further protected by the rubber part of plant protection.
The tractor moves down the middle of the row and the rake,
shifted to the right in its working position, gathers the trimmings,
twigs and leaves, heaping them in the center.
In case of the rake coming into contact with- a plant, it moves
inwards overcoming the resistance of a spring located in the
adjusting lift link. Having passed the plant, the rake moves back
to its working position,
Scratching of the bark by the circle is further prevented by means
of a mechanical plant protection.
