The Art of the Bunch: How a Dump Rake Works Its Magic
Let's clear up a common misconception first: a dump rake doesn't create a long, continuous windrow like a wheel rake or rotary rake. Instead, it gathers hay into a series of individual, manageable bunches or “windows” as you drive along. Here's the simple genius: a set of long, curved steel teeth (times) is lowered to the ground, gliding through the stubble to gently collect the hay. Once a sufficient bunch is gathered—you can see it piling up beautifully behind the teeth—a simple lever (or hydraulic cylinder on our premium models) lifts the entire tooth frame. The hay rolls off the back in a neat, airy pile. Then you lower the teeth and start the next bunch. It's a rhythmic, controlled process that many farmers find deeply satisfying and, more importantly, incredibly kind to the crop.
Why does this matter? For high-value, fragile forage like timothy for horses or organic clover, minimizing leaf shatter is paramount. The dump rake’s sliding-and-rolling gathering action is far less aggressive than the constant beating or flipping of some modern rakes. The resulting loose piles dry more evenly from all sides, reducing mold risk. In our experience on farms with older tractors, limited horsepower, or very small, irregularly shaped fields, this tool is not a relic—it's the most sensible, efficient choice. The trick is matching the scale and the goal. If you're not racing to cover 500 acres in a day but rather focused on producing the absolute best hay from your 50-acre field, the dump rake is your precision instrument. 
Solid Construction, Simple Specs
The Legacy dump rake is built for decades of service. Its specifications reflect a focus on durability and function over complexity.
| Item | Unit | Specification |
| Model Name | / | 9LH-12 Towed dump hay rake |
| Structural Form | / | Horizontal Mower |
| Suspension Mode | / | Ratchet type |
| Power Supply | kW | 25-44 |
| Working Width | m | 12 |
| Working Speed | km/h | 5~10 |
| Production Rate | hm²/h | 6~12 |
| Disc Number | pcs | 168 |
| Operators Required | persons | 1 |
| Machine Weight | kg | 1510 |
| Loss Rate | % | ≤3% |
| External Dimensions | mm | 5500×1200×1350 (working condition) 9400×3400×1750 (transport condition) |
Products Details
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We also offer related accessory products.
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Rake Teeth/Tines
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Wheel/Tire Assemblies
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Tongue/Driveline Components
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PTO Drive Shaft
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Universal Joints
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Gearbox/Gears
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Bearing Kits
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Hub and Spindle Assemblies
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Lift Kit Components
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Drawbar Pins and Clips
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Safety Chain
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Transport Wheels/Kits
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Lighting Kits
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Slow-Moving Vehicle (SMV) Emblems
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Lubricants/Grease
Why the Classic Dump Rake Still Earns Its Keep
1. Unmatched Gentleness on Delicate Crops
Ideal for horse hay, organic forage, or seed crops. The sliding gathering minimizes leaf and seed head loss, preserving quality and market value better than aggressive raking methods.
2. Exceptionally Low Cost & Investment
Offers the lowest purchase price and near-zero maintenance costs of any hay rake. A superb, low-risk entry point for new farmers or a cost-effective secondary tool.
3. Perfect for Small & Irregular Fields
Its maneuverability and ability to create discrete piles make it ideal for small acreages, odd-shaped plots, or fields with obstacles where long windrows are impractical.
4. Superior Drying in Humid Climates
Loose, individual bunches allow maximum air circulation on all sides, promoting faster and more even drying in damp or dewy conditions compared to dense windrows.
5. Ultimate Simplicity & Reliability
With almost no moving parts except the lift mechanism, there is virtually nothing to break. It's a tool you can rely on for generations with basic care.
6. Minimal Soil Contamination
The teeth glide above the ground, picking up hay without digging into the soil. This results in cleaner forage with lower ash content, crucial for quality-sensitive animals.
Is a Dump Rake the Right Tool for Your Operation?
Choosing a dump rake is a conscious decision for a specific type of farming. It shines brightest when a few key boxes are ticked. First, consider your scale and acreage. If you're working under 100 acres of hay, particularly with varied fields, its efficiency is perfectly adequate. Second, and most critically, is your focus on crop and quality. If you produce premium hay for horses, sell to organic markets, or grow seed crops, the gentleness factor is a deal-breaker that outweighs pure speed. Third, consider your labor and preferences. Operating a dump rake is a more involved, rhythmic process than "set-and-forget" raking. Some farmers love the connection and control; others may find it slower. Finally, assess your terrain and tractor. It works excellently on rolling land and requires very little horsepower, making it compatible with older or smaller tractors. It's a choice for the quality-focused, hands-on farmer.
Versatility Beyond Just Hay: A Multi-Purpose Farm Tool
The dump rake's usefulness extends well beyond gathering dry hay. It's a versatile implement for the diversified farm. Of course, it's the classic choice for creating hay windows for baling or loose hay stacking. But many also use it effectively for windrowing light straw after grain harvest. Its gentle action makes it excellent for cleaning up pastures, gathering thatch or scattered hay without damaging the living sod beneath. Some farmers even use it for light grading or spreading materials like manure or compost in small areas. For the homesteader or smallholder with a few animals, it's often the only rake they'll ever need—affordable, multi-purpose, and built to last. It’s this combination of specific excellence and broad utility that secures its permanent place in the small-farm toolkit.
Praised by Farmers Who Value Craft & Quality
"I breed carriage horses in Kentucky, and my buyers pay for pristine timothy. I tried a modern rake one season and saw more leaves in the field than in the bale. Went back to my dump rake. It's slower, yes, but the hay is superior. This Italian-built one is sturdier than my old one ever was."
— Eleanor B., Equine Farm Owner, USA
"Our organic dairy in Bavaria has small, steep fields. Large machinery is useless here. The dump rake is perfect for our scale and terrain. We can make perfect hay without compaction or soil damage. It's the right tool for our philosophy."
— Johann S., Organic Dairy Farmer, Germany
"In the often-damp climate of the UK, getting hay to dry is a battle. I find the small piles from my dump rake dry out quicker after a shower than a solid windrow. For my 40-acre farm, it's the most economical and effective tool I own. Simple is best."
— Thomas W., Mixed Livestock Farmer, United Kingdom
The Resurgence of Appropriate Technology
Interestingly, the future for tools like the dump rake looks bright, fueled by several modern trends. The rise of the small-scale, regenerative, and local food movement has created a new generation of farmers for whom appropriate scale and low capital outlay are key. They rediscover the elegance of simple, effective tools. Furthermore, the growing horse and specialty livestock sector, which prioritizes forage quality above all, sustains demand for the gentlest handling methods. The trend isn't toward making dump rakes high-tech, but toward refining their already excellent design with better steel, improved ergonomics (like optional hydraulic lift), and durable finishes from manufacturers like us who still understand their value. In an age of disposable goods, the eternal durability and specific utility of a well-made dump rake represent a sustainable, intelligent choice that is coming back into favor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the price difference between a dump rake and a wheel rake?
A dump rake is typically significantly less expensive, often costing a fraction of a new PTO-driven wheel or rotary rake. It represents the most budget-friendly entry point into mechanized hay raking by a wide margin.
Can I still find a reliable supplier for new dump rakes in Italy?
Yes, we are one of them. Based in Italy, we continue to manufacture the Legacy series because we believe in the tool. We offer direct sales and support. Contact us at [email protected] for information.
Is a dump rake practical for a 10-acre hobby farm in Canada?
It's arguably the most practical choice. The low cost, minimal maintenance, perfect scale for the acreage, and gentle handling for small square bales or loose feed make it an ideal match for a hobby or homestead farm.
How do I convert from bunches to a windrow for baling?
It's a simple two-step process. First, rake your hay into a line of adjacent bunches. Then, on a second pass, angle the teeth slightly and drive down the line, gently pushing and merging the bunches into a single, loose windrow ready for the baler.
