A Power Rock Rake

**rgsparber** · Apr 15, 2018, 02:46 PM

Here in the Southwest, we use coarse crushed rock as ground cover. Over time this rock is coated with clay due to wind and rain plus it tends to sink into the ground.

The typical solution is to buy more rock and spread it around. This is costly and back breaking work. This power rake is a proof of concept yet works rather well. The drill drives a shaft with a bar attached to it. The bar swings around and causes the rake's tines to vibrate. This vibration pulverizes the clay and exposes the rock. With only a pulling motion, this rock is moved out of the way. After a few passes I have a pile of clean rock. Some of this rock can be moved back to cover the ground while the rest can be used else ware.

If you are interested, please see

http://rick.sparber.org/PRRA.pdf

Your comments are welcome. All of us are smarter than any one of us.

Thanks,

Rick

**Jon** · Apr 16, 2018, 01:37 PM

Very interesting. I wonder how it would work as a tool for breaking up compacted dirt.

**Ralphxyz** · Apr 16, 2018, 06:24 PM

and now we need a video of the rake being used.
Once again a great/interesting idea, thank you.
Ralph

**Mark Fogleman** · Apr 16, 2018, 07:57 PM

**rgsparber** · Apr 16, 2018, 09:52 PM

It works on hard clay but not as fast as in 3/4” rock. My next version will be variable speed. Maybe the RPM can be tuned to the application. Rick

**hansgoudzwaard** · Apr 16, 2018, 10:06 PM

A bit less vibration would work as well? A shorter/smaller bar on the shaft would decrease the discomfort, and still allow for significant vibration.

**atte** · Apr 16, 2018, 10:41 PM

Very cool, I will try to do something like that
Regards

**Trojan Horse** · Apr 16, 2018, 11:23 PM

Thanks for sharing this Rick!

**Krm944** · Apr 17, 2018, 06:10 AM

Awesome concept. I saw this in my daily email feed and registered just to post!!! I think you are ok to something and offered something that came to my mind- they may spark your innovation-

How does a concrete vibrator work? Is that too much vibration?

What if a hammer drill was added at a lower speed?

What about an impact wrench with its hammering capabilities?

I agree a small 110v motor with a rheostat to control speed would be awesome!

Kyle