Hay Rakes

About Hay Rakes

Hay rakes are versatile agricultural and gardening tools designed for gathering, moving and spreading hay, straw, leaves and other loose materials. Featuring long handles with wide heads fitted with curved tines, these traditional implements make light work of collecting large volumes of material across paddocks, stables, gardens and smallholdings. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks hay rakes from trusted British manufacturers including Bulldog, Faithfull and Spear and Jackson, offering both traditional wooden-handled and modern aluminium construction options.

Available with head widths typically ranging from 600mm to 900mm, hay rakes combine time-tested bow designs with contemporary materials for enhanced durability. The characteristic curved tines prevent clogging when working with bulky materials, whilst the generous head width covers substantial ground with each stroke, significantly reducing the time and effort required for hay collection, leaf clearance and stable maintenance tasks.

Applications

Hay rakes serve a diverse range of users and applications:

• Livestock Farmers: Managing hay for feeding, bedding distribution and stable maintenance
• Equestrian Facilities: Stable yards, riding schools and livery yards for mucking out and bedding preparation
• Smallholders: Managing bedding and feed for poultry, sheep, goats and other livestock
• Groundskeepers: Maintenance of parks, sports grounds and large estates
• Landscape Gardeners: Professional contractors clearing leaves and organic debris on larger properties
• Allotment Holders: Managing compost materials, mulch and organic matter distribution
• DIY Enthusiasts: Homeowners with larger gardens requiring efficient autumn leaf collection

Choosing The Right Hay Rakes

Handle Material: Wooden handles offer traditional feel and excellent shock absorption for extended use, though they require occasional maintenance with linseed oil. Aluminium handles provide lightweight performance and weather resistance, ideal for reducing fatigue during prolonged sessions and requiring minimal maintenance.

Head Width: Wider heads (800-900mm) cover more ground quickly in open areas, whilst narrower options (600-750mm) offer better manoeuvrability in confined spaces like stables. Consider where you'll primarily use the rake when selecting width.

Build Quality: Look for securely fastened heads with robust tang connections and reinforced ferrules. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks quality brands like Bulldog, Faithfull and Spear and Jackson, renowned for construction that withstands demanding agricultural use.

Handle Length: Longer handles (1.5-1.8 metres) reduce back strain by allowing upright posture, though they may prove cumbersome in tight spaces. Match handle length to your height and working environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a hay rake and a garden rake?

Hay rakes feature longer, more widely-spaced curved tines designed to gather loose, voluminous materials like hay and straw without clogging. Garden rakes have shorter, straighter, closely-spaced tines suited to soil levelling. The flexible bow design of hay rakes works efficiently over uneven ground, whilst garden rakes offer rigidity for ground preparation.

Should I choose wooden or aluminium handles?

Wooden handles provide traditional feel and comfortable grip for extended use, requiring occasional oiling for maintenance. Aluminium handles are lighter, maintenance-free and won't rot in damp conditions. Your choice depends on personal preference, storage conditions and whether you prioritise reduced weight or traditional handling characteristics.

Can hay rakes be used for autumn leaf collection?

Absolutely. Hay rakes excel at collecting leaves across lawns thanks to their wide heads and flexible tines that won't damage grass. They're particularly effective for large gardens where standard rakes would prove time-consuming, making them versatile tools beyond agricultural applications.