A hay rake is a relatively simple implement compared to a baler or combine, but neglecting maintenance still shortens its life significantly. The main enemies of a rake are: dust and soil abrasion, moisture corrosion, bearing neglect, and impact damage from stones and hard ground.
With proper care, a quality rotary or side-delivery rake should give 8–12 years of reliable service. Here is a practical, schedule-based maintenance guide.
🌾 Note: These tips apply to rotary rakes, V-rakes, and side delivery rakes. Most tasks are simple enough to do yourself with basic tools.
Before Season Starts — Pre-Season Inspection
Do this 1–2 weeks before your first raking day so you have time to order any parts needed.
Tine Inspection
- Check every tine — replace those that are bent more than 15 degrees or cracked
- Make sure all tine holder bolts are tight — vibration loosens them over storage
- Count missing tines and order replacements. A rotor with 2+ missing tines leaves gaps in the windrow
- Check tine tips — worn, blunt tips drag soil into the windrow instead of lifting crop cleanly
Bearing Check
- Spin each rotor by hand — it should spin freely with almost no resistance
- A rotor that feels rough, gritty, or makes noise has a worn or corroded bearing — replace before season
- Grease all grease nipples with the correct EP2 multi-purpose grease (3–5 pumps per nipple)
Frame and Linkage
- Check all frame bolts — tighten any that are loose
- Inspect hydraulic hoses if your rake has hydraulic folding — look for cracks, especially at the fittings
- Check the 3-point linkage pins and clips — replace any bent or missing clips
- On V-rakes: check the central hinge joint for play — excessive play affects windrow quality
During Season — Daily & Weekly Tasks
Daily (Every Use)
- Visual tine check: Walk around the rake before hitching — look for obviously bent or missing tines
- Stone and debris: Clear any wrapped crop or wire from rotors before starting
- Height setting: Adjust skid shoes or gauge wheels so tines clear the ground by 3–5 cm — too low picks up soil; too high misses crop
Weekly (Every 8–10 Hours)
- Grease all nipples — dust and work compress old grease quickly in field conditions
- Check and re-tighten all tine bolts
- Inspect cam tracks on cam-controlled rakes — worn cam grooves cause tines to not lift properly at the back
- Check PTO shaft slip clutch — it should slip if the rake is overloaded, protecting the gearbox. Test by briefly over-loading
Common Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Tines not picking up crop cleanly | Too high, worn tips, or missing tines | Lower rake height, replace worn/missing tines |
| Crop scattered instead of neat windrow | Working speed too fast, or tine springs too weak | Reduce speed to 6–8 km/h; replace weak tine springs |
| Windrow too narrow | Rotors set too close, or ground speed too slow | Adjust rotor angle; increase speed slightly |
| Soil in windrow | Tines set too low, worn tine tips | Raise tines; replace worn tines |
| Noisy bearing (grinding sound) | Dry or worn bearing | Grease immediately; replace if noise continues |
| PTO vibration | Bent PTO shaft or worn U-joint | Check straightness; replace U-joint |
| Rotor wobbles | Bent rotor arm or loose hub | Straighten or replace arm; check hub nut torque |
After Season — Storage Preparation
How you store the rake in the off-season largely determines how well it performs next year.
- Clean thoroughly: Remove all crop residue, mud, and chaff — especially from bearing housings where moisture is trapped
- Full grease: Grease every nipple heavily before storage — this protects bearings from moisture during the long idle period
- Rust protection: Spray bare metal surfaces with used engine oil or a rust inhibitor. Pay special attention to tine holders and frame welds
- Replace worn parts now: It's better to replace worn tines and bearings at the end of season — they're available and cheaper when there's no rush
- Store covered: A tarpaulin or shed is best — UV and rain accelerate rubber seal and spring degradation
- Raise off ground: Blocks or stands prevent moisture from sitting in low frame sections and corroding them
Replacement Parts Stock List (Recommended)
| Part | Qty to Keep | Replacement Trigger |
|---|---|---|
| Spring tines | 20–30% of total rotor tines | Bent, broken, or worn tips |
| Tine mounting bolts + nuts | 10 sets | Stripped or broken |
| Rotor bearings | 2–4 (one size per rotor type) | Rough rotation, noise |
| PTO shaft U-joints | 1 pair | Play >5mm or noise |
| Skid shoes | 2–4 | Worn down to 50% thickness |
| Grease (EP2) | 1 kg cartridge | Ongoing seasonal use |
🔧 Hay Rake Spare Parts Available
Spring tines, bearings, skid shoes, PTO shafts, and more — for rotary rakes, V-rakes, and side delivery rakes. All India delivery. Call for best price.
Enquire Now → 💬 WhatsApp for Parts