Learning To Choose A Fan Rake

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Popular garden tools, like a fan rake, are common to everyone, but not everyone is happy with their performance. Which model should you choose? Consider plate, wire, reinforced, as well as plastic and combined nozzles

What are the rakes

A fan rake is a handy device for lawn care, foliage and garbage collection. Therefore, it is an indispensable tool for a summer resident.

The homeland of the fan rake is Japan. Initially, they lacked a transverse ridge. The prongs diverged from the attachment point. Then, for convenience, the rake was modified. Today there are two types of fan nozzles: wire and plate. In turn, these types are divided according to the materials of manufacture: iron and plastic. There are combined models: a plastic base and an extension sleeve, and the teeth are iron.

Any type differs in the angle of spread of the tips, the distance between the teeth, the thickness of the plates and the sharpness of the tips. Some models provide the ability to adjust the width of the working surface.

Fan teeth

The functionality of any fan-shaped nozzle depends on its type, the size of the area, the density of vegetation and the type of debris. Gardening work can be different, so it is advisable to have exactly the tool with which it will be more comfortable to work. Now in more detail …

Wire rake

Working elements are made of thick wire. The teeth are coated with polymers for durability. The construction is rigid and suitable for flat surfaces. It is convenient to use such a rake on a lawn with low grass.

Wire models usually have a 90 degree serration bend. This provides excellent grip while working. They remove branches, fruit droppings and other dense debris ideally, because they are quite tough and good for picking up solid elements.

But they are not intended for collecting foliage, since they will string leaves on themselves. After several movements, the tips of the fan are covered with a dense "skirt". When cleaning a mowed lawn, excessive stiffness and sharpness of the tips can damage the lawn. The surface of the earth will be scratched, the grass suffers from this or is completely uprooted.

Disadvantage: with excessive pressure or other mechanical impact, the teeth can bend and irreversibly deform.

Plate rake

The fan rake consists of elastic plates. It is ideal for uneven surfaces. Passing along the relief, such a design exactly repeats any bends. The design of the plates allows you to collect debris on uneven terrain.

In dense grass, they do not get entangled, foliage is not strung and is swept away in whole bales. Garbage collection is fast and targeted. The pliability of the material does not provide for excessive pressure, but in any case, deformation of the fan does not occur, and it always returns to its previous position.

The lamellar fan, due to its flexibility, cannot cope with tall, dense grass. He is unable to collect small twigs and twigs. It is useless for picking fallen apples, plums and other fruits, the prongs will bend and leave all solid objects on the ground.

Which rake is better: metal, reinforced or plastic?

The plate rake comes in two varieties: metal and plastic. Let's consider the advantages and disadvantages of these models. They are the same in design and weight. In terms of durability, it is known that the metal is susceptible to corrosion, although many manufacturers cover the plates with a quality polymer. But the protective layer is quickly destroyed in the process.

Plastic is not afraid of moisture and rust. Such fan nozzles lack elasticity, they are more fragile than iron ones. Can break under strong pressure and vigorous use. But most often they suffer from the bushing - the connecting place with the handle. This problem makes them short-lived.

Reinforced nozzles always have longer raking elements, which allows you to pick up more debris and make fewer movements. The design is different from the usual fan. This is easy to notice, since a crossbar is installed on the raking elements. It is rigidly fixed on the lamellar attachment. On toothed - it can move and adjust the width of the working area, that is, by moving to the sleeve, you will expand the spread of the rods. The "advanced" models have a lever or wheel under the bushing connected to the shaft to move the cross member. On reinforced models, sometimes there is a mechanism that changes the angle of inclination.

Now the price. Plastic will be cheaper, and if we consider high-quality metal tips of increased elasticity, the difference will be significant. But … if you have a small area, and the use of a rake is quite rare, then buy a plastic attachment. On large areas, with the presence of garden trees and shrubs, metal models are needed. Caring for them is quite simple: treat with oil before winter storage and the rake will serve for a long time.

How to choose a fan rake

The difference between designs, workmanship, and the degree of elasticity affect the performance of the inventory. If you have decided on the type of fan, then when buying you need to check the flexibility (put it on the ground and press on the work surface). Make sure there are no cracks. On metal, check the integrity of the protective coating.

The best option would be a rake with maximum surface coverage. They consist of 22 prongs and are always sold with a shank. The handle can be selected telescopic, aluminum, plastic.