York Modern

Why Does My HT Hop When I'm Raking?

2010-06-14T11:29:00.000-07:00

Here are three key points to check.

First, is the frame level? Raking with the frame not level pushes the rake teeth away from their optimum “angle of attack”, causing them to push up rather than be pulled back as the rake moves over the ground, resulting in a “hop”. An improperly leveled frame also reduces the way the rake teeth vibrate and diminishes the rake’s screening action. Rake teeth are made curved to enable the tip of the tooth to lead the base of the tooth and maintain ground contact. The tip of the rake tooth where it touches the ground should NEVER be vertical to the ground, or it will negate this curvature. The tip should be running ahead of the base, not vertical or behind it. Proper tooth orientation is illustrated below.

Level, Not Level

Second, is the center pin as tight as possible? The nut on the center pin should be drawn up as tight as possible and then backed off just enough to get the cotter pin into the nearest of the two holes. When the unit is brand new the paint in this area may make it difficult to angle, liberally greasing this area will make it work easier. Retighten the nut after a couple of hours during the initial use. Keeping the center pin tight eliminates any “slop” and keeps the rake level with the frame and on the ground.

Finally, does the rake a hydraulic cylinder to raise and lower the rake? If it is a single acting cylinder it only uses pressure to raise the rake. Relieving the pressure allows the rake to go down and rest on the road; it does not put pressure on the rake, leaving a loose connection between the rake and frame. The factory lever assembly on the HT allows the operator to use the weight of the frame to keep pressure on the rake ensuring it stays in contact with the ground, that is why we recommend the use of a double acting cylinder to raise and lower the rake. A double acting cylinder pushes its ram one way to raise the rake and then pushes it the other way to lower the rake. This keeps the connection between the rake and the frame rigid and the rake in firm contact with the ground.

Beware of Counterfeit Rake Teeth!

2009-12-11T09:32:00.001-08:00

· Did you ever buy rake teeth that seemed to wear quickly?

· Did you ever get rake teeth that bent easily?

· Did your supplier ever give you rake teeth that broke easily?

· Did your supplier stand behind the teeth when you questioned them about it?

If you answered yes to any or all of these, you probably didn’t buy or get genuine YORK rake teeth from one of our authorized dealers.

YORK has been producing rake teeth for over 88 years, making us the expert in the field. Our proprietary process allows us to control the quality and consistency of our rake teeth. Can your supplier say the same?

Every YORK tooth is identified with a unique lot stamp, allowing us to track which coworker made the tooth, when, with which batch of steel and from what steel supplier. We’re meticulous and it shows in the quality and consistency of our rake teeth.

We mechanically test our rake teeth before they leave the factory. This ensures they meet our rigorous standards, giving you the performance you have come to expect from the name YORK.

In this economy does it make sense to have to buy a second set of teeth when the cheap ones fail prematurely? Can you afford the downtime? Didn’t your mother ever tell you, “You get what you pay for”?

Ask a YORK representative about our rake teeth and how you can obtain the original article from an authorized YORK dealer in your area or from us.

Just because it’s orange and someone says it’s a YORK, doesn’t always make it so!

"Worth Its Weight For Saving Time!"

2009-11-24T10:32:00.000-08:00

I have recently purchased a TA14 with scraper blade.

I tow it behind my Sears Garden Tractor, 23hp and have just completed raking 1 acre that used to be forest. It was stumped with a bulldozer and smooth out with same. I went over the bumps and valleys left from the dozer with the scraper blade down, then it was just back and forth with the York rake. My neighbors are constantly commenting on how nice a job the rake is doing.

It should be painted Gold, because it is worth its weight for saving time.

A very satisfied customer.

D. Stanley
VT

Why You Should Buy Genuine YORK Rake Teeth:

2009-10-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

YORK has been producing rake teeth for over 88 years, making us the expert in the field. Our proprietary process allows us to control the quality and consistency of every rake tooth. Can your supplier say the same?

Every YORK tooth is identified with a unique lot stamp, allowing us to track which coworker made the tooth, when, with which batch of steel and from what steel supplier. We’re meticulous and it shows in the quality and consistency of our rake teeth.

We mechanically test our rake teeth before they leave the factory. This ensures they meet our rigorous standards, giving you the performance and confidence you have come to expect from the name YORK. It’s also how we can stand behind our rake teeth.

In this economy does it make sense to buy a second set of teeth when the cheap ones fail prematurely? Can you afford the downtime? Didn’t your mother ever tell you, “You get what you pay for”?

Call us at 1-800-643-YORK (9675) and we will direct you to an authorized YORK dealer in your area.

Just because it’s orange and someone says it’s a YORK, doesn’t make it so!

York Rake MODEL RI, the Heaviest Duty Landscape Rake on the Market.

2009-10-28T07:31:00.000-07:00

If you need a rugged landscape rake for a category 1 or 2 tractor, that is over 35 HP the Model RI is for you. This updated design of our original landscape rake will give you years of uncompromised service. When combined with the optional attachments this York Rake becomes a complete landscaping system, a landscapers "Swiss Army Knife".

Availabe in 6', 7', 8' and 10' widths.

Quick hitch compatible.

Optional attachments include:
Caster Wheels - regulate the working depth.
Scarifier - rip up hard packed areas, blend material.
Grader Blade - cut and move large amounts of material.
End Boots - to increase the carrying capacity of the blade.
Hydraulic Angle - allows on the go angle changes.

Uses for a Landscape Rake.

2009-08-27T13:08:00.000-07:00

The following link is to an article on eHow by Susan Mailler entitled Uses for a Landscape Rake. Hope you find it interesting. http://www.ehow.com/about_5068157_uses-landscape-rake.html

York Rake Makes a Cameo on QVC

2009-08-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

As I was channel surfing I hit QVC as they were demonstrating a product called the Versa Wrench. I watched for a few minutes as they demonstrated how this one wrench would fit all these different size bolts. All of sudden they cut from the live demo to a taped demo and I realize that they are now tightening the center pin of our Model TA14. It would have been perfect if they had been on the other side of the rake where the logo was!

Thanks for Your Help Purchasing a Used York Rake

2009-08-27T09:01:00.000-07:00

York Sales Dept.;

I'd like to say thanks for your help and advice when I bought this used 1985 York RW. I wasn't afraid to buy a used York Rake because of how well they hold up over years. It needed some restoration so after sandblasting and powder-coating she looks like new. York was helpful when I ordered new scarifier teeth and they even sent along complimentary decals. York was very helpful also with tips on how to use the rake to its full potential. If you can see the before and after photos, I'm sure this rake will last another 20 years. When its time for a power rake, I'll be giving York and their expert staff a call.

Sincerely,
T. Litchauer Excavating & Landscape, Lehighton PA

York Rake Heads to a Happy Customer in Australia.

2009-08-27T06:32:00.000-07:00

Ingrid Mulholland of Australia recently purchased a Model TA14B York Rake with an 1-7/8" ball hitch for her ATV, and has this to say about her experience:

"I would have ordered more and bigger but had to have it shipped to Australia so I had to get minimum weight and size. [The Model TA14B] is perfect, the same width as my bike (ATV), so it makes it really easy to go places, the bike (ATV) handles it easily - a 450 2wd Honda. We have cleaned up one paddock in a few hours as opposed to a few days of back breaking raking by hand!I already have jealous friends and have told them all about you and how easy you were to communicate with over the internet - your willingness to organize the freight overseas! The purchase experience was outstanding considering we completed the entire purchase from enquiry to final sale and shipping online and from Australia. Thank you for everything, and for posting the missing 15" screw so quickly - I am so happy with my rake and the job it does - thank you thank you! The best bit being that I have proved my husband wrong - he was not convinced the rake would be of any use - but I keep hearing him tell people it is fantastic, when he thinks I am not listening!"

~Ingrid Mulholland

What are Modern Implements?

2009-07-15T10:37:00.000-07:00

Modern Implements is a line of simple, yet quality built, light/medium duty landscape rakes. York has designed a simple frame and rake system – nothing more, nothing less. The only option available is caster wheels on the three point hitch models. This keeps the cost low. The cost may be low, but the quality isn’t. York uses the same rake tooth material and proprietary heat-treating process for its Modern Implements that it uses for its York Rakes. All of our rake teeth are made here in Unadilla, New York. We control the process and we control the quality. So you know these rakes will stand up. The line is also broad enough to fill the needs of ATV/UTV, garden tractor and compact tractor owners. The Modern Implements line consists of four models with sizes ranging from a 4-foot tow type rake to an 8-foot three-point hitch mounted rake. Modern Implements is the ideal choice for light/medium duty grounds maintenance around large homes, estates, horse rings, stables and driveways to name a few. Follow this link to view the full line: Modern Implements Web Page

Do I Need Caster Wheels on MY York Rake?

2009-06-15T09:01:00.000-07:00

Yes, if you want professional results!

As with any three-point hitch implement it is virtually impossible for it follow the grade relying solely on the three-point hitch of the tractor. Trying to follow the grade by constantly adjusting the three-point hitch can be tedious, if not impossible. They are just not designed to do this. Using this method also results in the implement doing the exact opposite of the tractors front wheels. As the wheels go in a hole, the implement comes off the ground and as they ride over a high spot, the implement digs in. You have to be pretty quick on the three-point hitch lever to avoid this. Using an implement with caster wheels allows it “float” independently behind the tractor while following the contour of the ground. This is particularly important when you get to the raking stage of your site work. The best raking results will be achieved with the rake angled and the caster wheels properly adjusted. When raking you want to adjust the caster wheels in the following manner. With the rake angled, you want the caster wheel closest to the tractor higher (off the ground); this allows it to penetrate a little more. The caster wheel farthest from the tractor should raise the rake so it is barely touching the ground. The difference in wheel height only needs to be about an inch, more if the soil is really soft and you want to screen more material. This adjustment allows the end of the rake closest to the tractor to dig a little harder than the end further from the tractor. This increases the vibrating action of the rake teeth improving the rakes screening action as the material moves across the front of the rake. Rocks and debris will move into a windrow and the pulverized soil will pass between the rake teeth. Remember too, the faster you can go the better the vibrating action will be. The resulting screening action from a properly adjusted pair of caster wheels produces an ideal finished surface, ready for seeding or sod. Caster wheels are also essential for beach cleaning work, as they will help keep the rake from digging in too deeply.

York Rakes Model SSF is a Product Pick at Equipment World.

2009-05-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

Equipment World Chooses York Rake Model SSF as a Product Pick.

Read more at this web site www.equipmentworld.com/apps/news/articleeqw.asp?id=45136

York Rakes, A Brief History.

2009-05-15T10:36:00.000-07:00

About Us

The company started in 1921 as a manufacturer of horse drawn road maintainers. The original York Power Stone Rake had the unique feature of a rake to finish off the road surface. It is this unique feature that has made the term York Rake synonymous with landscape rakes the world over -- after all: We invented it!

For over 87 years, York Rakes has been the innovative leader in this field. We were the first to add caster wheels to our units to regulate the working depth. Drawing from our maintainer expertise, we added scarifiers to our units to loosen up the soil before raking, saving the operator the need for extra pieces of equipment. The addition of a fold-down grader blade completes the transformation of the York Rake into a complete landscaping system, virtually eliminating the need for additional pieces of equipment.

Our units remain the "Swiss Army Knives" of the industry. Our line starts with a 4-foot wide tow type unit, something a homeowner might buy or rent for driveway and yard work. The line concludes with a 12-foot wide tow type unit that a municipality would use for road maintenance. In between, we build rakes to mount on just about anything, including skid steer loaders. Whether you are towing a York Rake with a ATV or a dozer, there's a York Landscaping Implement for your job.

Recently, we have developed a line of rotary brooms and sweepers. Our line consists of:
Walk-Behind Units
Three Point Hitch Models
Front End Loader and Truck Mounted Brooms
Skid Steer Units
Tow Type Units
We offer brooms in various sizes and drive types. New models are currently under development.

If you wish to receive more specifications and technical details on our line of equipment, please contact us.

What's a Scarifier and why should I consider one for my York Rake?

2009-05-05T11:30:00.000-07:00

A Scarifier is an optional attachment for a York Rake used to provide loose material for grading and raking. Scarifiers have individual replaceable teeth, up to 10, that penetrate the ground up to 6” depending on the model. The spacing and design of the scarifier teeth allows them to pulverize the soil between them. Scarifying the site gets it ready for final grading and raking in preparation for seeding or laying sod. A Scarifier equipped York Rake can rip out your old lawn and put in the new one. Scarifiers also play an important roll when rebuilding driveways and roads. When the driveway or road is damp scarifying the surface mixes and redistributes the dissimilar materials that have concentrated to form a pothole. Raking the surface finishes the equalization process and helps dry the driveway or road.

Combining a Scarifier with your York Rake gives you two tools in one, eliminating the need for other pieces of equipment. Once attached all York Scarifiers fold up out of the way when not in use. Scarifiers are available for the three-point hitch Models RS, RW and RI.

Off-Highway Vehicle Trail and Road Grading Equipment, Equipment Evaluations in the Francis Marion National Forest.

2009-04-15T07:36:00.000-07:00

Original Article

Trail Rake

Cam Lockwood, trail coordinator for the Angeles National Forest in southern California, proposed that MTDC modify a flexible-tooth landscaping rake manufactured by York Modern Company. Lockwood wanted hydraulic controls that would swivel the rake's blade from side to side, raise and lower the wheels for the proper amount of cutting action, and help transport the rake over pavement, rocks, or other obstructions.
We fabricated two prototypes, one for the Angeles National Forest and one for testing on the Francis Marion National Forest (Figure 3). We started with a York Model TA-26, added a hydraulic snowplow power pack, two hydraulic cylinders, a heavy-duty steel battery box, and a gel battery designed to withstand rough treatment. We modified the trailer hitch to accept a 1 and seven-eighths-inch (48-mm) ball on an ATV.

Figure 3-MTDC's trail rake begins with a York landscaping rake, with hydraulicsfor swiveling the rake and for raising and lowering the wheels.
The controls raised and lowered the wheels to set the depth of cutting. Adjusting the blade's angle was easy and positive with the hydraulic setup (Figure 4). The hydraulics failed because of a design flaw in the power pack. After talking with the manufacturer, we corrected the problem.

Figure 4-Control switch for the hydraulic power packangles the rake and raises and lowers the wheels.
The wheels can be adjusted either to "float" with the terrain, or to be held at different heights, depending on the degree of soil cutting desired. The maximum amount of cutting action is obtained in the float mode.
The rake worked quite well in our limited field tests. The flexible spring-steel tines cut the mounds and filled the depressions in the trail. With the spaces between tines, not as much material was sidecast. To a greater degree than the other two graders tested, the rake pulled berm material back into the middle of the trail (Figure 5), especially with two passes down the trail.

Figure 5-With two passes, the trail rake couldpull in berm material from both sides to the center of thetrail or road. Here, the scraping blade is being used.
For a more positive removal of surface material, the scraping blade is an option (Figure 6). We preferred the action of the rake without the blade, because the rake seemed to roll rocks better than the blade, and there was less bouncing and chance of getting hung up on rocks.

Figure 6-The scraping bladeflips up out of the way when not in use.
In a third prototype, we have installed ripper teeth into the scraping blade to help loosen compacted tread material, making it easier to rake on subsequent passes when the blade and teeth are raised (Figure 7).

Figure 7-Ripper teeth attached to the scraping blade in an untestedthird prototype. The ends of the 6-foot (1.8-m) rake were hinged(center) to narrow the rake for trails and widen it for roads.
The 6-foot (1.8-m) rake was too wide to maneuver around some of the corners on the Wambaw Cycle Trail. Cam Lockwood thought the width was about right for trails on the Angeles National Forest. The York Rake is also available in a 5-foot (1.5-m) width. This width would have worked better on narrow trails. To keep the benefit of a longer width for road work while allowing the blade to be shortened for the narrow trails, we have hinged each side of the blade in our third prototype.

Parts for the trail rake cost about $2,250. MTDC shop labor added another $1,150, for a total prototype cost of about $3,400.

See Sources and Contacts to order engineering construction drawings of the trail rake: MTDC-968, Trail Rake. Brian Vachowski at MTDC can provide additional information regarding alternatives for fabrication, including possible fabrication by MTDC for Forest Service units, depending on MTDC's shop workload.

This article was originally published by the USDA Forest Service Missoula Technology Development Center, www.fs.fed.us/eng/techdoe/mtdc.htm.

York Broom Promotional Video

2009-03-15T10:12:00.000-07:00

View our brooms in operation.

ATV Television Product Review - York Tow-Behind Rake

2009-02-24T06:43:00.001-08:00

ATV Television reviews the York Rake Model TA2 Tow Behind Rake. View the Model TA2 in action behind an ATV. This TA2 is equipped with the optional 1-7/8" ball hitch and full width grader blade assembly. The optional grader blade makes the TA2 a real trail and driveway maintainer.

YORK RAKES, ONE OF THE EARLIEST SKID STEER ATTACHMENTS.

2009-02-20T09:30:00.000-08:00

By the time the first skid steer rolled out some 47 years ago YORK had been turning 3-point hitch tractors into versatile landscaping tools for nearly 36 years. Almost from the beginning skid steer owners began “adapting” 3-point hitch YORK RAKES to their machines. Since those early days YORK has developed the Model SSF, a landscape rake specifically designed for use on skid steers. More recently YORK has developed two different types of rotary brooms for use as skid steer attachments.

YORK’s entry into the true skid steer attachment market began with our Model SSF. The SSF comes equipped with a universal mounting plate. YORK also offers many other mounting plates to fit a wide variety of skid steers. The SSF rake section can be angled to discharge material right or left. If the operator prefers the rake section can be reversed to either push or pull material. Rakes sections are available in six, seven or eight foot widths. Five different working positions, not to mention float can handle almost any landscaping or maintenance job. When equipped with optional caster wheels, grader blade and end boots the Model SSF will make any skid steer a more versatile and valuable tool!

The YORK SSAB BROOM (skid steer angle broom), mounts directly to your skid steer using the same universal mounting plate as the SSF. The SSAB is hydraulically driven, and requires 10-15 GPM at 1800-2250 PSI. The broom may be angled to a maximum of 30 degrees left or right. The manual angling feature may be converted to hydraulic operation by replacing the control

arm with a standard 10” stroke cylinder. Optional equipment includes storage stands to protect the broom during maintenance and storage, deflectors to protect the operator from dust and debris and a sprinkler system for added dust control. The SSAB is available in 6’, 7’ and 8’ broom widths, using 32” diameter convoluted brush sections. Brooms may be equipped with either all polypropylene, crimped wire or a 50/50 combination brush sections.

The Model SSPU BROOM (skid steer pick up broom), is hydraulically driven, and requires a hydraulic system of 10-15 GPM and 1800-2250 PSI. Unless otherwise specified the SSPU is equipped with a universal mounting plate as standard equipment. The bucket is constructed of 3/16” steel and has ½” wear bars on the bottom for longer bucket life. The heaped bucket capacity is approximately 16 cubic feet on the 5’ model and 19 cubic feet on the 6’ model. The caster wheels, a standard feature on the SSPU, make this broom much easier to operate. The SSPU is available in 5’ and 6’ widths, equipped with 24” diameter brush sections. Brooms may be equipped with either all polypropylene, crimped wire or a 50/50 combination brush sections. The optional gutter brush allows the operator to get into those hard to reach spots. If dust control is an issue the optional sprinkler system is the answer.

Built with a commitment to quality and rugged detail you can rely on YORK products to make you and your skid steer more productive and profitable.

Want to perform better, faster, lower-cost soil-working and finishing?

2009-01-30T11:08:00.000-08:00

Thousands of York Rakes are in use by landscape and seeding contractors, nurseries, park maintenance departments, forestry departments, golf courses, cemeteries, race tracks, beaches, resorts, highway departments and recreation centers to name a few.

Construction contractors use York Rakes on super highway projects, airports, schools and institutions, churches, industrial sites and housing developments.

Paving contractors use them for development and preparation of parking areas, drives, etc.

Homeowners use them for driveway and private road maintenance. ATV/UTV riders use them for trail maintenance and construction.

As a matter of fact, uses for the York Rake appear to be limited only by the imagination and resourcefulness of their owners. Many are now employed in applications never dreamed of by York when the first York Rake was developed in 1921!

What will a York Rake do?

Remove stones, roots, debris, and leaves.
Spread topsoil quickly, evenly.
Spread base material.
Grade, level, pulverize and mulch.
Ditch and Terrace.
Backfill.

The uses for a York Rake are enhanced and broadened when the optional attachments are combined into a unit. The unit becomes the "Swiss Army Knife" of site preparation tools.

Optional attachments include:

Caster Wheels to regulate the working depth and "float" the rake.
Scarifier to loosen material before grading and raking. The scarifier folds up out of the way when not in use.
Flip-Up Blade speeds leveling, ditching and terracing. End Boots convert the blade into an effective earthmover.

The York Rake Unit is practically the only tool needed on most soil preparation jobs. The York Scarifier and Blade team up to prepare an area for raking. The scarifier rips up hard ground, ridges and packed soil.

(User tip: To get maximum penetration from the scarifier shorten the top link on the three-point hitch, this will raise the rake off the ground and allow the scarifier to dig to its deepest depth.)

The Blade cuts down high spots and fills depressions. The York Rake follows to distribute loose material, grade, level and remove oversize stone and debris. Angle adjustments permit discharging material to either side.

(User tip: When angled and using caster wheels best results will be achieved if the wheel closest to the tractor is higher off the ground than the one farthest from the tractor. This allows the end of the rake closest to the tractor to rake heavier than the end farthest from the tractor, creating a better screening action as the material moves across the front of the rake.)

The vibrating action of the Rake Teeth breaks up sod and mulches the soil.

(User tip: The faster you can go the better the vibrating action will be.)

Pulverized soil passes between the teeth, while large stones and debris are gathered into a row. This screening action produces an ideal finished surface, ready for seeding or sod.

The York Flip-Up Blade is also a low-cost means of converting the Rake to a ditching and terracing tool. End Boots increase the Blade capacity and efficiency as an earthmover.

Years of development and improvement have gone into toady's York Rake. It is a serious tool for serious jobs.

ATV's love York Rakes

2009-01-30T11:07:00.000-08:00

Got an ATV or UTV? Increase its versatility by adding a York Rake.

The combination will allow you to do the soil working and grading chores you have been putting off, like fixing the driveway. A smooth driveway will keep your better half happy and help you justify that ATV at the same time!

What makes York Rakes better?

2008-08-28T11:09:00.000-07:00

York Rakes really are better than other landscapoe rakes and attachments you'll find on the market. Here's why:

Spring steel rake heads are stronger, resist bending and have greater flexibility, critical attributes to performance durability.
Heat treated alloy steel rake teeth wear better and resist bending or breaking. York's own proprietary, in-house process for forging rake teeth insures quality.
Easy maintenance allows you to change individual rake teeth without dismantling all or part of rake. Remove the bolt holding the tooth you want to replace, loosen a couple of bolts to either side of it, pull out the old, and insert the new. Replace and retighten the bolts.
Heavier frames and rakes, built to last a lifetime. Stronger also means they can handle optional attachments, eliminating the need for additional pieces of equipment on the job site.
Reduced set up time. All of our rake sections are shipped fully assembled, not in pieces requiring field assembly.
Add optional attachments, grader blade and scarifier to a York Rake. Replace your other rake, rear blade, spring tooth harrow and box scraper with a single unit. A fully equipped York Rake is like a Swiss Army Knife for landscaping, the most versatile landscaping tool on the market.
More models. Products designed to fit your application, a 4' TA1 right up to the 12' HT. We have a rake to fit just about anything.
Customization. Have an unusual raking application not covered by our standard line? Call York. Our expertise enables us to build special orders like the extra wide 15' beach rakes for Galveston, Texas.
Parts availability. We have them all in stock in case you need them.
Delivery. Most models are in stock for immediate shipment.
QUALITY SERVICE plus 87 years of rake building experience make YORK RAKES better !