Redefining Gentle Raking: How True Finger-Tine Technology Works
Let's clear up some confusion right away. When we say "finger-type" or "finger-tine," we're not just talking about the shape of a tooth. We're describing an entire mechanical philosophy. Unlike rigid wheel rakes or aggressive rotary drums, the FlexTine uses a series of long, resilient spring-steel tines mounted on a rotating reel or a vibrating bar. The magic is in their flexibility and individual action. As the machine moves, each tine independently engages the crop, bending and flexing to slide underneath the swath, lift it gently, and then release it in a smooth, rolling motion. There's no beating, no thrashing—just a consistent, cradle-like handling that preserves the most fragile parts of the plant. Most farmers don't realize that this single characteristic can be the difference between premium dairy hay and average commodity feed.
The trick to a perfect windrow lies in this gentle action combined with precise timing. The tines' release point is engineered to lay the hay down in a uniform, fluffy mat. This creates a windrow with incredible loft—full of air pockets that allow moisture to escape from the bottom and the sides, not just the top. In our experience, especially with high-moisture grasses or in humid climates, this can cut curing time significantly. And because each tine works independently, the whole system is incredibly forgiving on rough or contoured terrain. While a rigid frame might bounce and skip, leaving hay behind, the FlexTine's tines constantly adjust, ensuring clean, consistent gathering over every bump and dip. It's this combination of gentleness, consistency, and terrain-following ability that makes it a standout choice for the quality-focused producer.
Engineered for Performance: FlexTine Series Specs
Our FlexTine series offers a range of configurations, from simple ground-driven models to high-capacity PTO-driven versions. The specs below highlight the adaptable nature of this technology.
| Item | Unit | Specification |
| Structural Form | / | Ratchet type |
| Suspension Mode | / | Ratchet type |
| Model Number | / | 9LZ-6.0 |
| Power Supply | kW | ≥25.73 |
| External Dimensions | mm | 7600×6800×1500 (working condition) |
| Machine Weight | kg | 1200 |
| Working Width | m | 6 |
| Working Speed | km/h | 7~10 |
| Transport Speed | km/h | ≤18 |
| Disc Number | pcs | 12 |
| Disc Number per Plate | pcs | 720 (12 plates × 60 teeth/plate) |
| Operators Required | persons | 1 |
| Grass Row Width | mm | 800-1400 |
| Loss Rate | % | ≤2% |
| Production Rate | hm²/h | 4.2-6 |
Why Choose a True Finger-Tine Rake? The FlexTine Edge.
1. Supreme Leaf & Seed Retention
The flexible, rolling action is the gentlest method available, dramatically reducing shatter loss in alfalfa, clover, and grass seed crops. This directly translates to higher RFV (Relative Feed Value) and more profit per acre.
2. Superior Windrow Structure for Drying
Creates a uniformly fluffy, well-aerated windrow that promotes rapid and even moisture loss from all sides, reducing the risk of mold and spoilage, especially in humid conditions.
3. Unmatched Terrain Versatility
Independently flexing tines follow ground contours perfectly, ensuring a clean rake on rolling, bumpy, or uneven land without scalping or leaving windows of hay behind.
4. Minimal Soil & Debris Pickup
The tines glide above the soil surface, lifting hay without digging in. This results in cleaner forage with lower ash content, a critical factor for dairy, equine, and organic markets.
5. Highly Adjustable & Versatile
From tine aggressiveness to reel speed and working angle, the FlexTine can be finely tuned for everything from delicate legume hay to heavier grass or straw.
6. Efficient in Varied Crop Conditions
Performs consistently well in both light and heavy swaths, and is less likely to plug in damp or tangled hay compared to some rotary or wheel rake designs.
Selecting Your Ideal Finger-Tine Rake: A Practical Guide
Choosing the right FlexTine model boils down to matching its strengths to your specific challenges. Start by asking: What is my primary crop and quality goal? If the answer is high-value legume hay or seed production, the gentle finger-tine is not just an option; it's the recommended choice. Next, honestly assess your terrain. If your fields are flat and even, many rakes will work. But if you have rolling hills, bumps, or stones, the terrain-following ability of the FlexTine becomes a major productivity advantage. Then, consider your scale and tractor. The ground-driven (GD) model is fantastically simple and cost-effective for smaller farms. For larger acreage, a PTO or hydraulic PRO model offers higher working speeds and the ability to independently control reel speed for perfect results in any crop condition. Finally, think about downtime tolerance. The simple mechanics and easy tine replacement of the FlexTine make it a reliable partner.
Beyond Basic Hay: Where the FlexTine Truly Excels
The versatility of the finger-tine design opens up applications beyond standard hay production. It is, of course, the premium tool for dairy-quality alfalfa and grass hay, where every point of RFV matters. For seed growers of ryegrass, fescue, or clover, its gentle handling is essential to preserve yield and minimize dockage. In the growing organic forage sector, where clean, soil-free hay is mandated, its ability to lift without digging is a huge benefit. It's also excellent for pasture renovation work, gently raking up dead thatch or moss without damaging the living grass below. Furthermore, for operations making baleage (haylage), creating a uniform, fluffy windrow is the first step to achieving consistent moisture and ideal fermentation in the bale. It's a tool that adds value across a surprisingly wide range of field tasks.
Hear It From Farmers Who Demand Quality
"Our 500-cow dairy in Washington State lives on alfalfa quality. We switched to a FlexTine PRO three years ago to reduce leaf loss. Our feed analysis shows a consistent 5-8 point RFV improvement in our raked hay versus when we used a rotary rake. That's money in the bank at the milk plant."
— Kevin R., Dairy Farm Manager, USA
"Farming in the Yorkshire Dales, our fields are anything but flat. Our old rake would leave hay on every bump. The FlexTine PTO model cleans the field perfectly. The independent tines just find the hay. It's been a game-changer for our efficiency and yield on this land."
— James H., Sheep & Beef Farmer, United Kingdom
"As a contract hay grower in New Zealand's Waikato region, I need gear that's reliable and does a top job for my dairy farm clients. The FlexTine is known for producing a beautiful, fluffy windrow that dries fast in our sometimes damp climate. It's a solid, well-built machine from a supplier that understands what we need."
— Lisa M., Hay Contracting Business, New Zealand
The Future is Gentle and Precise
The trajectory for hay tools like the FlexTine is incredibly promising, driven by a global focus on forage quality and input efficiency. The trend is moving beyond mere capacity towards precision conditioning. We envision the next generation of finger-tine rakes integrating simple sensors that provide feedback on crop flow or windrow density, allowing for real-time adjustments from the cab. Furthermore, as sustainable and regenerative practices gain ground, tools that minimize soil disturbance and maximize the preservation of home-grown nutrients (like leaves) will be paramount. There's also a growing market for specialized, smaller-scale equipment for niche producers, a perfect fit for the versatile finger-tine design. The future isn't about abandoning this proven technology, but about enhancing its inherent gentleness with smart features that give farmers even more control over their most valuable crop—their forage.
Answers to Common Finger-Tine Rake Questions
What's the price range for a PTO-driven finger-tine rake in the Midwest?
As a manufacturer focused on value, our FlexTine PTO models are competitively priced against other premium rakes, offering a compelling ROI through preserved forage quality. For an exact quote to your farm, please contact our team with your desired working width.
How does a finger-tine rake compare to a rotary rake for my farm in France?
For French conditions, which often focus on high-quality hay, the finger-tine is gentler, causes less leaf loss, and picks up less soil. Rotary rakes are faster for very large-scale, flat-land grass operations but can be harsher. For mixed crops and terrain, the finger-tine's versatility and quality output often make it the preferred choice.
How often do the flexible tines need replacing?
Tine life depends on acreage and conditions. Our spring-steel tines are designed for durability and can often last several seasons. They are inexpensive and easy to replace individually as they wear, which is a major advantage over replacing entire wheels or rotors.
Where can I get parts for an Ever Power rake in South America?
We support a network of dealers and have efficient parts logistics to key agricultural regions worldwide. When you purchase a FlexTine, we ensure access to genuine spare parts like tine kits, bearings, and belts to keep your operation running smoothly.
When should I consider the hydraulic PRO model over the standard PTO?
Choose the PRO if you have highly variable crop conditions (e.g., switching between light alfalfa and heavy grass), require the absolute highest output on large acreage, or want the convenience of adjusting reel speed on-the-go from your tractor cab for perfect results in every pass.
