Articulated bifold hay rake

Abstract

A pull-type bifold hay rake includes a draw bar assembly connected to a tow vehicle, a support linkage mounted to the draw bar assembly, a trolley assembly having a cross-member assembly, and a pair of articulated rake arm assemblies, each being pivotably connected to an end of the cross-member assembly. Each of the rake arm assemblies are also connected to the support linkage at a point spaced from the pivotable mounting of each rake arm assembly to the cross-member assembly. A series of rotatable rake wheels are mounted to each rake arm assembly as well as the trolley assembly for movement between a raised and a lowered position. The rake arm assemblies are movable between an operative, open position and an inoperative, closed position. A hydraulic cylinder mounted on the trolley assembly moves the rake arm assemblies between their open and closed positions. A control arrangement is mounted on each rake arm assembly to provide movement of the rake wheels between their raised and lowered positions in response to operation of the hydraulic cylinder.