2015 - Volume #BFS, Issue #15, Page #53
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VRTS System Keeps Hay Rake Teeth From Breaking
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The VRTS System stands for V-Rake Teeth Support and was invented by Reg Roth, who ranches and farms in Nebraska.
“The hoops provide support that allows them to work as designed with minimal bending or breaking. It helps on everything from alfalfa to corn stalks,” says Roth. “The rake actually performs better and leaves windrows that are more uniform. You can apply more down pressure while raking heavy windrows or raking on uneven ground.
“We developed the system because we rake and bale grass hay, alfalfa, rye, forage sorghum, corn stalks, wheat straw and anything else that will make feed for our cattle feeding operation. We had to replace a lot of rake teeth, which cost us time and money.”
The straps are made of high density polyethylene. They have a series of holes in them and bolt together with a smooth shank shoulder bolt through slots at the ends of each strap. Once all the straps are bolted together you thread them onto the rake wheel, one tooth for each hole. When fully threaded on the wheel, install the last bolt to complete the circle. Repeat until the system is installed on all wheels.
It takes 10 or 12 bolted-together straps per wheel to form the hoop, depending on the rake’s make and model and the number of tines on the wheel.
“They work by dispersing pressure from ground contact over 8 or 9 different tines instead of just one. As a result there’s less tine vibration and less chance the tines will break,” says Roth. “The slots allow the hoop to ‘float’ as it moves with the wheel.
“If your rake has missing or bent teeth, we recommend that you replace or straighten the teeth before installing the VRTS System. Failure to do this will compromise the effectiveness of the system and may cause unnecessary wear or breakage of the VRTS System,” says Roth.
The straps are available in yellow or black. They sell for $97.50 to $116.40 per wheel plus S&H, depending on rake model. VRTS System can be purchased online or by calling 855-754-4011. VRTS System, Inc. ships UPS Monday thru Friday from our shipping facility in St Paul, Neb.
Go to www.vrtssystem.com or FarmShow.com to see a video of the VRTS system in action.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Reg Roth, VRTS System, Inc., or visit their shipping facility at 1404 Hwy. 281, St. Paul, Neb. (ph 855-754-4011; vrtssystem@yahoo.com; www.vrtssystem.com).
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