Rotary Rake

[3 M L & C]

Does anybody have experience with rotary rakes, like this one? Or similar to it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1IYKeceMbo&list=PL5119066248DB1D70
Looking for something that can turn individual heavy rows of forage sorghum over to dry better when rained on as well as combine swaths of other crops such as brome. Will also be baling some irrigated milo stalks that will be swathed. I know maintenance and price will be more than a wheel rake. Just looking for the other pros and cons.

 

[PATB]

I have used the single rotor style for years and love it. I am on my 3rd rotorary rake and will never go back to the other style. I have the new style with bolt on 2 piece tine arms. The major secret to operating this style of rake is getting the setup just right, I figure the rake takes a 1/2 off of drying time due to the fluffy windrow.

mine is the newer model of this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqUVqb8uSoU&list=PL5119066248DB1D70

 

[Big Muddy rancher]

What about something like this?
http://www.aglandindustries.com/matador7900.shtml

 

[gcreekrch]

We have 2 of these. http://youtu.be/ngcCY9ttM1U

Weak spot is where pipe from 3 point to gear box that driveline passes through is welded at gearbox end. With care and attention they are by far the best (and cleanest) rakes we have ever used. They will pick up the heaviest wet windrows imaginable and stand them right up.

I thought in the video that the operator was running at a higher PTO speed than needed. On this rough ground of ours we are running at 4-5 MPH and 12-1400 RPM engine speed.

 

[Silver]

you can always use a v-rake, just leave one side up for individual swaths, or both down to put two together.

 

[3 M L & C]

Thanks for the input.