Patent ID: 8495856
Filing Date: 2013-07-30
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
1. A rotary type rake consisting essentially of a rigid, generally horizontally disposed, frame assembly with coupling means detachably securing the same to a front end loader mounted on a tractor, said coupling means comprising a quick disconnect plate pivotally connected for vertical motion to said frame assembly on a distal end thereof allowing said frame assembly to pivot upwards and downwards with undulating terrain, said frame assembly including stop means limiting pivoting movement of said frame assembly for raising said rake above the ground to a raised retracted traveling position, rotary raking elements mounted on said frame assembly and being moveable between a raking position to rake material on the ground into a windrow and a raised retracted traveling position, a pair of frame assembly supporting caster wheel assemblies disposed in spaced apart relation with respect to one another forward of said rotary raking elements and said distal end of the frame assembly, said caster wheel assemblies each including a caster wheel, means pivotally mounting said caster wheels on the frame assembly for pivotal movement about a generally vertical axis and brake means on each and every one of the pair of caster wheel assemblies providing a force resisting pivotal movement of each said caster wheel about the vertical axis associated therewith; and said stop means comprises at least one plate abutting frame member extending downward from at least one elongate beam of said frame assembly toward said quick disconnect plate and spaced apart therefrom a selected distance, limiting pivoting of said frame assembly with respect to said quick disconnect plate for lifting said rake to said raised retracted traveling position.