Q: Does this thing really work, or is it a model?

A: Yes, it is an ideal tool for dethatching, and also works very well for raking in many different applications. It greatly reduces the amount of time you will spend cleaning up your yard-- especially on areas formerly too large to do by hand.

Q: Alright, you've made your sales pitch. Now, tell me, does it really work?

A: We've been getting this question for more than 15 years: from the first rake sold to the tens of thousands sold since that initial unit. The feedback we have gotten talking to people at shows, state fairs, and from the dealers we work with is that this unit excels at dethatching (industry term for 'pulling up dead grass') and works as a very effective raking tool for grass, as well as many kinds of debris. Thousands of units ship out our doors just before springtime, as the Estate Rake™ is an invaluable time-saving tool for spring cleaning of your yard.

Q: How does it work?

A: First, adjust the angle adjustment bar on the hitch: put it in the front-most hole for raking dead grass, the rear-most hole for raking at the widest working width (mostly used for dense leaves). Next, squeeze the handle on the height adjustment lever in front to loosen up the cable, and then lower the rake wheel arms down until the rake wheels touch the ground. Add weight if you need it, and you're off. The Estate Rake™ rakes up debris, pushing it inward into piled-up rows.

Q: What powers the rake wheels?

A: The rake is 'ground-driven.' As you pull it, the forward motion rotates the wheels. When you stop, so does the rake.

Q: Will it pull up dead grass?

A: Yes, very effectively.

Q: Specifically, will it rake twigs and sticks?

A: It will miss some of them, but the more grass there is, the better the rake will pick up twigs and sticks

Q: What are the silver boxes on top of the frame?

A: These are the weight boxes, sized to hold bricks, weights, antifreeze containers, etc. For dethatching your yard you will want to put weight on each side.

Q: Will it rake pine straw?

A: Yes.

Q: Will it rake acorns?

A: Yes and no. If there is a large quantity of grass being raked up at the same time, then yes. Otherwise the tines are not spaced closely enough to rake acorns by themselves. If the tines were spaced closer together, the rake would be far less effective while raking and dethatching grass, which is the purpose of the Estate Rake™.

Q: Will it rake pine needles?

A: Yes, the rake does very well with longer needles (3'' and up), but short needles are difficult if you are not raking them with a lot of grass. Raking grass along with debris always gives the best results because the debris will ''stick'' in the grass. Down in Georgia they use the rake for raking long pine needles, and then they bale them up and mulch them into garden beds.

Q: Will it rake hay?

A: No. It will not rake hay. The rake is not large enough. We distribute a larger 8' rake that runs on hydraulics for raking hay behind a small tractor. It is in our products catalog: Estate Rake ER-62.

Q: What if I break a rake tooth or rake wheel?

A: Purchase a bundle of individual replacement teeth, or buy a complete rake wheel as a replacement. Refer to the parts breakdown in your manual for part numbers.

Q: Does it come in different colors and sizes?

A: The Estate Rake is available in two colors: red or green. It is only available in one size. See specs for further information.

Q: Is it difficult to assemble?

A: With the instructions handy and a few simple tools, the rake should take roughly 45 to 60 minutes to put together.

Q: I want to store it in my shed; does it disassemble for easy storage?

A: Yes, in just a couple of minutes. Slacken the cable all the way and then unhook the cable loops from each arm. Pull out the pin that holds each arm on the frame, and you can lift the arms right off. Collapse the frame angle all the way and tuck all three pieces away in the corner.

Q: Can I pull it behind my riding lawn mower and rake as I cut?

A: Now you've got it. Pull it behind a riding lawn mower and you rake as you mulch. It works best in short, freshly cut grass.

Q: Can I rake my beachfront to catch seaweed, sticks, driftwood, trash, etc.?

A: While mainly targeted at raking yard debris, we have been told by customers that they have used the rake on beaches, and that they were very satisfied with its performance. You will have to adjust the raking angle to your liking and experiment with weight in the weight boxes, but it definitely reduces time spent raking by hand.