Description

EP-9LZD-9.0 Trailed Finger Wheel Hay Rake (17-Wheel)   

The EP-9LZD-9.0 Trailed Finger Wheel Hay Rake, engineered by EVER-POWER—a leading Brazilian manufacturer of high-performance balers and forage equipment—is a heavy-duty, ground-driven implement designed for massive agricultural yields. Utilizing a uniquely configured 17-wheel V-profile equipped with an unprecedented 1020 high-tensile spring tines, this machine covers a 9.0-meter working width. Operating entirely without a PTO drive, it requires only a 55 to 75 kW (75-102 HP) wheel tractor, ensuring massive savings in diesel consumption. Boasting a productivity rate of 7.2 to 9 hectares per hour with a missed raking rate of under 2 percent, the EP-9LZD-9.0 produces fluffy, uniform windrows measuring 0.8 to 1.2 meters wide. Built to withstand the brutal field conditions of the Brazilian Cerrado, this machine serves as a superior, highly cost-effective replacement for premium European and North American wheel rakes globally.

• Baler-Optimized Windrows: Designed by a premier Brazilian baler manufacturer, the 17-wheel geometry creates perfectly uniform 0.8 to 1.2-meter windrows, maximizing the intake efficiency and bale density of round and square balers.

• Massive 17-Wheel Gathering Power: Features an asymmetric 17-wheel configuration (packing 1020 individual 65Mn spring tines) that ensures ultra-clean gathering in heavy, dense crops like tropical grasses and soybean residue.

• Exceptional Field Output: Engineered for a 9.0-meter working width and capable of operating at speeds up to 10 km/h, delivering a confirmed productivity rate of 7.2 to 9.0 hectares per hour.

• Zero PTO Maintenance: Fully ground-driven operation means no gearboxes, drive shafts, or universal joints to maintain, drastically reducing mechanical downtime during critical harvest windows.

• Heavy-Duty Brazilian Durability: Weighing 1240 kg, the reinforced carbon steel chassis is purpose-built to survive hidden rocks, heavy biomass, and the undulating terrains typical of massive global agribusiness operations.

Product Overview & Value Proposition

What is the EP-9LZD-9.0 Finger Wheel Hay Rake?

The EP-9LZD-9.0 Trailed Finger Wheel Hay Rake is an industrial-grade, high-capacity forage gathering implement. It utilizes 17 independently suspended, ground-driven wheels to gently sweep cut pasture grass, alfalfa, or thick crop residues toward the center, forming a continuous, well-aerated windrow. By employing an extra wheel in its V-configuration, the EP-9LZD-9.0 provides superior center-overlap, ensuring that no crop is left untouched in the middle of the swath.

The EVER-POWER Brazilian Manufacturing Advantage

At EVER-POWER CO., LTD., we are proud of our heritage as a premier Brazilian manufacturer of industry-leading balers and agricultural machinery. We understand that a perfect bale begins with a perfect windrow. If a windrow is roped, uneven, or contaminated with soil, even the best baler will struggle. We engineered the EP-9LZD-9.0 specifically to solve the feeding problems we observed in the baling industry. By manufacturing our equipment in-house with robust materials suited for the harsh South American climate, we provide global procurement managers with a machine that outperforms fragile imported brands. You gain access to rugged, field-tested technology that lowers your capital expenditure while maximizing your baling throughput.

The Engineering Science: Why 17 Wheels?

While 12-wheel and 15-wheel rakes are common, the 17-wheel architecture of the EP-9LZD-9.0 provides specific agronomic and mechanical advantages, particularly for high-yield operations.

• The Center Kicker Advantage: The 17th wheel acts as a central “kicker” or turning wheel. In standard V-rakes, the crop lying directly in the center of the tractor’s path can sometimes remain unturned, leading to uneven drying. The 17th wheel engages this center swath, turning it completely and integrating it seamlessly into the final windrow.

• Maximum Tine Density (1020 Tines): With 60 tines per wheel across 17 wheels, the ground is engaged by 1020 individual sweepers. This incredible density guarantees a missed raking rate of less than 2 percent, recovering tons of valuable forage per hectare that lesser machines leave behind.

• Gentle, PTO-Free Rotation: The wheels are turned strictly by the forward motion of the tractor and the light friction against the ground. This gentle rolling action lifts the crop rather than thrashing it. For high-protein crops like alfalfa, this preserves the delicate, nutrient-rich leaves, significantly boosting the Relative Feed Value (RFV) of your final bales.

Technical Specifications Table

Item	Parameter	Unit	Specification
1	Model Name	/	EP-9LZD-9.0 Finger Wheel Hay Rake
2	Structural Form	/	Finger Wheel Type
3	Linkage/Hitch Type	/	Trailed / Towed
4	Matched Power Requirement	kW	55 – 75 (75 – 102 HP)
5	Working Raking Width	m	9.0
6	Working Dimensions (L x W x H)	m	16.8 x 3.9 x 1.6
7	Operational Speed	km/h	8 – 10
8	Transport Speed	km/h	< 12
9	Total Finger Wheels	pcs	17
10	Total Spring Tines	pcs	1020 (17 wheels x 60 tines/wheel)
11	Formed Windrow Width	m	0.8 – 1.2
12	Productivity Rate	hm2/h	7.2 – 9.0
13	Missed Raking Rate	%	< 2%
14	Required Operators	person	1
15	Structural Weight (Net)	kg	1240

Data referenced strictly from standard EVER-POWER factory engineering blueprints.

Material, Metallurgy & Quality Control Standards

As a Brazilian manufacturer accustomed to equipment being pushed to its absolute limits, we over-engineer the EP-9LZD-9.0 using premium metallurgy to prevent mid-harvest structural failures.

Premium Engineering Materials

• Reinforced Tubular Chassis: The main structural beams and V-arms are constructed from thick-walled carbon steel (Equivalent to ASTM A500 Grade B). Weighing in at a robust 1240 kg, this chassis provides the rigidity needed to prevent frame warping when operating over deep irrigation ruts or hard baked clay.

• 1020 Heat-Treated Tines: The spring tines are forged from 65Mn high-carbon steel. They undergo a precise oil-quench and tempering process to achieve a hardness of HRC 45-50. This gives the tines aggressive sweeping power and the elasticity to strike rocks and bounce back without snapping.

• Heavy-Duty Hubs & Bearings: Each of the 17 wheels spins on a precision-machined hub fitted with sealed, dual-tapered roller bearings. They are packed with high-temperature, water-resistant lithium grease to ensure frictionless operation in both extreme dust and torrential moisture.

EVER-POWER Rigorous Quality Workflow

1. Metallurgical Spectrometry: All incoming steel is tested for precise carbon and manganese content to ensure optimal tensile strength.

2. Robotic Welding & NDT: Major hinge points and drawbar connections are robotically welded. Ultrasonic Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is applied to critical stress nodes to detect any sub-surface micro-fissures.

3. Hydraulic Burst Testing: The folding cylinders and hoses are subjected to prolonged pressure tests far exceeding standard tractor hydraulic outputs, ensuring zero field leaks.

4. Electrostatic Armor Coating: To combat the highly corrosive effects of plant acids and synthetic fertilizers, the entire steel assembly is sandblasted and coated with an industrial-grade, UV-resistant electrostatic powder finish.

Compatibility & Replacement Guide

The EP-9LZD-9.0 is engineered with universal mounting standards, making it the smartest, most economical replacement choice for aging fleets of premium Western brand rakes.

Equipment Replacement Structure

• Replacement for Sitrex Magnum Pro Series: The EP-9LZD-9.0 provides equivalent 17-wheel V-rake gathering capacity and articulated flotation, utilizing thicker structural carbon steel for enhanced durability in harsh environments.

• Replacement for Tonutti V-Rakes: Delivers the identical gentle, ground-driven crop handling but features superior 65Mn spring tines that exhibit a significantly longer fatigue lifecycle.

• Replacement for Vermeer High-Capacity Rakes: Matches the wide-swath efficiency required by large-scale operators, seamlessly integrating with North American tractor fleets at a fraction of the acquisition cost.

Hitch & Hydraulic Compatibility

• Drawbar Compatibility: Features a heavy-duty, adjustable towing eye that perfectly mates with standard ISO Category 2 and Category 3 tractor drawbars.

• Hydraulic Integration: Equipped with standard ISO 7241-1 Series A quick-release hydraulic male tips. Compatible directly with John Deere, Case IH, New Holland, Valtra, and Massey Ferguson SCVs—no proprietary adapters required.

Installation & Setup Guide

Proper setup guarantees that the EP-9LZD-9.0 delivers a <2% missed crop rate while protecting your perennial pastures.

1. Hitch Connection: Slowly reverse the tractor to the rake. Align the drawbar, insert the heavy-duty hitch pin, and immediately secure it with a safety locking cotter pin.

2. Hydraulic Integration: Wipe the hydraulic couplers clean. Insert the rake’s hydraulic hoses into the tractor’s rear SCVs until they securely click into place.

3. Jack Stand Retraction: Rotate the mechanical jack stand handle to raise the stand fully. Pin it securely in the horizontal transport position to avoid ground strikes.

4. Unfolding the V-Wings: Ensure the perimeter is entirely clear of personnel. Activate the tractor’s hydraulic remote to extend the cylinders. The machine will smoothly unfold from its transport configuration into the 9-meter wide V-shape working mode.

5. Down-Pressure Calibration: Lower the rake so the finger wheels touch the ground. Adjust the tension on the individual suspension springs. The 1020 tines should lightly brush the stubble to turn the wheels; excessive down-pressure will cause the tines to dig into the dirt, increasing ash content in the hay and causing premature tine wear.

Comprehensive Maintenance & Troubleshooting Guide

The PTO-free design drastically cuts maintenance time, but routine inspections are required to protect your investment.

Routine Maintenance Schedule

• Daily Checks (Every 10 Operating Hours):

  • Inspect all 17 wheels and the 1020 spring tines. Replace any broken tines immediately using a standard wrench to prevent uneven windrow formation and crop loss.

  • Visually inspect the hydraulic hoses for any signs of abrasion, pinching, or fluid weeping.

• Weekly Checks (Every 50 Operating Hours):

  • Using a grease gun loaded with high-quality NLGI 2 lithium grease, thoroughly lubricate all wheel hub bearings, folding hinges, and hydraulic cylinder pivot pins.

  • Check tire pressures on the transport wheels to ensure the machine rides level.

  • Verify torque on all wheel lug nuts and structural frame bolts.

• End of Season Storage:

  • Power-wash the entire implement to remove corrosive plant sap and mud.

  • Fully retract hydraulic cylinders, or coat exposed chrome rods with anti-corrosion grease.

  • Store the machine folded in a dry, covered shed to preserve the rubber tires and powder coating.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Issue: The wheels are dragging or not turning consistently.

  • Solution: The down-pressure is too low. Loosen the suspension springs slightly to allow the wheels to make firmer contact with the crop.

• Issue: The windrow is twisting into tight, ropy knots.

  • Solution: The tractor speed is too slow for the crop density, or the V-angle is too wide. Increase your driving speed (towards 8-10 km/h) to allow the hay to flow smoothly, or narrow the hydraulic V-angle.

• Issue: The rake is picking up excessive soil and rocks.

  • Solution: Down-pressure is too high. Tighten the suspension springs to lift the wheels slightly so the tines only engage the cut crop, preserving your baler pickup mechanism.

Customer Testimonials

Carlos R., Sugarcane Biomass Contractor, São Paulo, Brazil:

“As a Brazilian contractor, I need equipment that doesn’t quit. The EP-9LZD-9.0 is a beast. We use it to pull heavy, wet sugarcane straw into windrows for our high-density balers. The 17 wheels never clog, and the frame handles the roughest terrain. EVER-POWER builds machinery that truly understands South American farming.”

David L., Hay Farm Operator, Kansas, USA:

“We manage thousands of acres of alfalfa. The 17th center kicker wheel on this rake is a game-changer; it turns that stubborn center swath perfectly, preventing mold in our bales. It serves as an exact replacement for our old Tonutti rakes. Being able to pull a 9-meter rake at 10 km/h with just an 80 HP tractor saves us thousands in fuel.”

Markus H., Dairy Farmer, Bavaria, Germany:

“I demand very low ash content in my silage to protect my herd. The independent flotation on the EP-9LZD-9.0 allows the tines to skim the grass without touching the soil. It creates a beautifully fluffed windrow that dries rapidly. It is a fantastic, cost-effective addition to our fleet.”

Sergey B., Farm Director, Ural Region, Russia:

“When the weather clears, we have to move fast. The 9-meter width of this 17-wheel rake maximizes our short harvest window. The hydraulic folding makes it easy to transport safely down narrow roads, and the heavy-duty build handles our rough steppe terrain flawlessly.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why should I choose a rake manufactured by a baler company?

A: Because EVER-POWER designs and manufactures high-density balers, we intimately understand the exact windrow geometry, density, and aeration required to prevent baler jams and maximize bale weight. The EP-9LZD-9.0 is specifically engineered to feed balers perfectly.

Q2: Does the EP-9LZD-9.0 require a PTO connection?

A: No. It is a completely ground-driven implement. The forward motion of the tractor causes the 17 wheels to rotate via light friction with the ground and crop.

Q3: What is the minimum tractor horsepower required?

A: Due to its highly efficient mechanical design, you only need a 55 to 75 kW (75 – 102 HP) wheel tractor to tow the machine and operate its hydraulic folding cylinders.

Q4: Can this machine replace my Vermeer or Sitrex V-rake?

A: Absolutely. It features universal ISO drawbar and hydraulic connections and offers matching or superior gathering performance, making it a highly economical replacement for major Western brands.

Q5: What is the purpose of the 17th wheel?

A: The 17th wheel acts as a central kicker. It engages the hay lying directly in the center of the tractor’s path, turning it completely to ensure uniform drying and integrating it into the final windrow.

Q6: How wide is the windrow it produces?

A: The machine produces a perfectly aerated windrow measuring between 0.8 and 1.2 meters wide, which perfectly matches the pickup width of commercial round and square balers.

Q7: What happens if a spring tine breaks during operation?

A: The 1020 tines are bolted onto the wheels. If one breaks, it can easily be unbolted and replaced in the field using standard hand tools in just a few minutes.

Q8: What is the maximum operating speed in the field?

A: For optimal windrow formation and clean sweeping, the recommended operational speed is between 8 and 10 km/h.

Q9: Can the rake handle heavy, wet tropical grasses?

A: Yes, the V-shaped geometry and the massive surface area of the 17 floating wheels smoothly channel heavy, high-moisture crops backward without clogging or bunching.

Q10: Do you offer OEM customization for large orders?

A: Yes. EVER-POWER offers comprehensive OEM/ODM services, including custom paint colors, branding, and specific hitch configurations for global agricultural dealers.

Anti-Hallucination Notes

Disclaimer: The technical parameters, weights, and operational capabilities stated in this document (e.g., 9m width, 17 wheels, 7.2-9 hm2/h productivity) are based on standard factory testing of the EP-9LZD-9.0 model as published by EVER-POWER. Actual field performance may vary depending on terrain, crop density, moisture levels, and tractor capabilities. All compatibility claims (such as replacement for Sitrex or Tonutti) refer to functional equivalence and standard hitch matching (ISO). Always consult the official EVER-POWER engineering manuals before making procurement or setup decisions.

Ready to Maximize Your Harvest & Baling Efficiency?

Upgrade your agricultural operations with the EP-9LZD-9.0 Trailed Finger Wheel Hay Rake. Built by baler experts, this 17-wheel powerhouse ensures you capture every ton of valuable forage while drastically cutting your fuel and maintenance costs. Whether you manage a massive biomass operation in Brazil or expansive alfalfa fields in the USA, EVER-POWER delivers industrial reliability you can bank on.

Contact our expert engineering team today at [email protected].com for a customized quote, global shipping logistics, and technical consultation!