Making a rolling basket harrow, a piece of agricultural equipment used for breaking up soil clumps, leveling fields, and preparing seedbeds, can be a complex project that requires welding and metalworking skills. Here’s a simplified guide to making a basic rolling basket harrow:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Steel Tubing or Pipe: You’ll need two long pieces of steel tubing or pipe to serve as the main frame of the harrow. The length will depend on the size of the harrow you want to create.
- Steel Bars or Rods: These will be used to create the tines or spikes that penetrate the soil. The number and length of these bars will depend on the width and spacing you desire for the harrow.
- Steel Angle Iron: This will be used to create the brackets that hold the tines or spikes in place.
- Bearings: You’ll need bearings that fit onto the steel tubing to allow for smooth rotation.
- Axle: An axle to connect the two pieces of tubing and allow them to rotate.
- Welding Equipment: A welding machine and welding supplies to assemble the harrow.
- Cutting Tools: Tools for cutting and shaping the steel components.
- Bolts and Nuts: Hardware to secure various parts of the harrow.
- Paint (Optional): To protect the harrow from rust and corrosion.
Instructions:
- Design the Harrow:
- Plan the design and dimensions of your rolling basket harrow. Determine the width, spacing, and size of the tines or spikes.
- Cut and Shape the Steel Components:
- Cut the steel tubing, bars, and angle iron to the required lengths and shapes according to your design. Use cutting tools such as a chop saw or angle grinder.
- Weld the Main Frame:
- Weld the two long pieces of steel tubing or pipe together to create the main frame of the harrow. Ensure they are aligned properly.
- Attach the Axle:
- Weld or bolt an axle across the frame at an appropriate distance from the ground. This axle will allow the harrow to roll.
- Create Tines or Spikes:
- Weld the steel bars or rods to the angle iron brackets. These brackets will be attached to the main frame.
- Attach Tines to the Main Frame:
- Secure the angle iron brackets with tines to the main frame. Make sure they are evenly spaced and perpendicular to the frame.
- Add Bearings:
- Attach bearings to the frame where the axle will pass through. Ensure they are aligned and securely fastened.
- Install the Axle:
- Slide the axle through the bearings and secure it in place with appropriate hardware.
- Test the Rotation:
- Ensure that the harrow can rotate smoothly around the axle.
- Paint (Optional):
- If desired, paint the harrow with a rust-resistant paint to protect it from corrosion.
- Test the Harrow:
- Attach the harrow to a tractor or suitable vehicle and test it in the field to see how it performs. Adjust the angle and depth of the harrow as needed.
- Make Any Necessary Adjustments:
- Based on your testing, make any adjustments to the harrow’s design, tine spacing, or other features to optimize its performance.
Please note that building a rolling basket harrow requires welding skills and access to appropriate tools and materials. Additionally, safety precautions should be taken when working with welding equipment and sharp steel components. If you’re not experienced in metalworking, it’s advisable to seek assistance from a professional or consider purchasing a pre-made harrow.