It would seem that buying a garden rake is nothing complicated. But when a salesperson displays a dozen different models, it's tempting to buy them all at once, as choosing the right one can be overwhelming. In reality, it all depends on the tool's intended purpose.
Types of rakes depending on functions
Rake teeth come in different shapes and lengths, with varying spacing. Each model is used for specific purposes.
- A rake with straight or slightly curved teeth. These are the kind everyone knows from childhood. They can be called universal, as they are used for loosening the soil, raking leaves in the fall, and raking mown grass in the summer.
- A rake with twisted teeth. They are twisted so that the teeth are parallel to each other. They are more convenient for loosening the soil than the previous types. They easily break up dense clods and loosen the soil.
- Aerating rake. It differs slightly from the second option: the tines are sickle-shaped and arranged parallel to each other, but not twisted. It's convenient for collecting debris, clearing small twigs, leaves, and moss from the lawn, and piercing the soil to provide air access to the roots.
- Lawn rakes. Their tines are not flat, but round in cross-section, thin and closely spaced. It's important to keep debris from getting between the blades of grass. To prevent debris from scattering as you move, they are equipped with a frame stop.
- Fan rakes. They are truly fan-shaped. Their long, thin tines emerge from the base like rays. The ends of each tine are curved downwards at a nearly right angle. These rakes are convenient not only for regular raking but also for sweeping debris from the grass. This also combs the grass and makes it look even. There are models with plastic tines designed for tall grass.
- Mini rakes. These are also fan-shaped, but require bending or squatting to use, as the handle is no longer than 20 cm. They are convenient for clearing debris from hard-to-reach corners of the property, from under low-growing or thorny bushes, and from the base of hedges.
- The rotary rake is a new addition to the Russian garden tool market. It features flat, sharp, sickle-shaped teeth on both sides, with one side twice as dense as the other. The dense row of teeth is suitable for leveling mulch and removing debris from the garden, while the sparse row is used for loosening the soil.
How to choose a rake
When choosing a rake, you need to be guided not only by its functional features, but also by a number of other criteria.
First, place the tool vertically and check its height. Ideally, the handle should reach your armpits. A rake with a telescopic handle is a great option, ensuring it's suitable for everyone in the family.
Pay attention to the rake's width. It depends on the tool's intended purpose. It can reach a maximum of 70 cm. However, these are hay rakes, most likely with plastic tines. They are easy to use for clearing the lawn. For a variety of gardening tasks, a width of 30-50 cm is suitable, and for mini rakes, 10-20 cm.
The steel should be durable and rust-proof. If the rake is made of plastic, it should be flexible and lightweight. Painted iron rakes are cheaper than other options, but their quality leaves much to be desired.
The handle can be made of plastic, aluminum, or wood. It's best if it has rubber grips to prevent your hands from slipping. A D-shaped hole can be located at the top of the handle for added convenience.
There are various types of tasks to be performed on the property. It's cheaper to buy a rake with a set of different attachments.
The last criterion to consider should be the tool's low cost. Typically, such rakes don't last long, and you'll have to buy a new one.
Rating of the best rake models
PALISAD fan-shaped 22-tooth adjustable mower. The dense teeth effectively clean the lawn. A crossbar enhances structural rigidity. Made of galvanized iron, it resists corrosion. Price: approximately 350-400 rubles.
Grandy fan-shaped blade cutters with a handle, 20 teeth. The price is attractive, under 200 rubles. However, the quality is quite high and they are easy to use. The plastic handle makes the tool lightweight and fits comfortably in the palm.
ZUBR 4-39583 straight garden plow. A classic, time-tested model. The slightly curved tines penetrate even dense soil well. The blade is made of high-quality, hardened stainless steel. The wooden handle is coated with an antibacterial compound. Price: around 450 rubles.
Fiskars Solid 135751. Another high-quality straight rake with 12 tines. Priced at around 800 rubles, which gardeners consider a bit steep.
Gardena 03022-20.000.00, 0.5 m. Fan-shaped, with a well-springed working surface and an aluminum handle. It's palm-safe. It cleans the lawn well. Other attachments are also available. The price is high, around 2,000 rubles, but the quality is higher than similar models.
