Ground Driven Wheel Rake for 16–80 HP Tractors | Cat 1 3-Point Hay Rake

his ground driven wheel rake for 16–80 HP Category 1 tractors forms clean, uniform windrows for faster drying and efficient baler pickup. When it comes to moving hay efficiently across your fields, the BEFCO RS2 Ground Driven Wheel Rake delivers the kind of reliable, ground-powered performance that farm owners and agricultural professionals have depended on for decades. These rakes are engineered for tractors ranging from 16 to 80 HP with Category 1 three-point hitches, giving you versatility whether you're managing a small homestead or running a commercial hay operation. What sets the RS2 series apart is its simplicity combined with functionality—no hydraulics, no complex motors, just straightforward ground-driven design that works season after season.

The RS2 lineup offers two distinct configurations to match your specific haymaking needs. The "In-Line" models (RS2-02R through RS2-06R) feature a straight-across wheel arrangement that's ideal for creating uniform windrows and handling various field conditions. These models are available with two, three, four, five, or six wheels, allowing you to scale your raking width from just over four feet up to nearly thirteen feet. For operations requiring broader coverage with excellent maneuverability, the "V" configuration models (RS2-04V and RS2-06V) position the rake wheels in a V-pattern, providing working widths up to nearly sixteen feet while maintaining compact transport dimensions.

One of the most practical aspects of the RS2 series is its multi-function capability. These aren't single-purpose implements sitting idle between tasks. Select models can be reconfigured for raking, turning, or spreading hay simply by repositioning the wheel assemblies. When you need to rake hay into clean windrows, the wheels overlap front to back, moving crop material toward the center. If you've got damp hay that needs faster drying, switch to the spreading position and the aligned wheels distribute material evenly across the full working width. The turning position allows you to work in pairs, flipping two windrows in each pass to accelerate drying time without additional equipment investment.

BEFCO built these wheel rakes with durability as a core principle, not an afterthought. Every hub is cast from molded steel and houses greaseable tapered roller bearings—a significant upgrade from the standard bearings found on many wheel rakes. This bearing design handles radial and thrust loads more effectively, reducing wear and extending service life even when you're working long days in dusty, demanding conditions. The greaseable design means you can maintain proper lubrication throughout the season, preventing premature failure and keeping downtime to a minimum.

The upward-bent wheel elbows on the RS2 series represent thoughtful engineering that translates directly into better field performance. This bend design improves hay flow through the rake wheels, reducing clogging and preventing the frustration of constantly stopping to clear wrapped material. When you're raking heavy crops or working in less-than-ideal conditions, that improved flow keeps you moving forward instead of backing up to untangle your equipment. It's the kind of design detail that saves hours over the course of a haying season.

Ground-driven operation means the RS2 rakes derive their power directly from wheel rotation as you move across the field. There are no PTO shafts to connect, no hydraulic lines to route, and no additional power draw on your tractor. This simplicity reduces potential failure points and makes hookup faster—you can go from transport to field-ready in minutes. The design also allows you to work at speeds up to 14 mph, letting you cover acreage quickly when conditions are right and time is short.

Forge Claw is proud to distribute the complete BEFCO RS2 series to hay producers, livestock operations, and landowners nationwide. We understand that haymaking windows are narrow and equipment needs to perform when weather conditions cooperate. That's why we stock these wheel rakes and back them with the kind of straightforward service and support you'd expect from a top-rated distributor. Whether you're replacing aging equipment or adding capacity to grow your operation, we'll help you select the right RS2 model for your acreage, crop type, and tractor specifications.

The RS2-02R and RS2-03R models are perfect for smaller operations running tractors in the 16-30 HP range. These compact units deliver working widths of 4'3" and 6'5" respectively, making them ideal for navigating smaller fields or working around obstacles. Despite their smaller footprint, they maintain the same 56-inch wheel diameter and 40-tooth configuration as larger models, ensuring gentle hay handling and clean raking action. The RS2-02R weighs just 194 pounds, making it easy to handle and maneuver even with lighter tractors.

For mid-sized operations, the RS2-04R offers an excellent balance of coverage and versatility. This four-wheel model requires 30-80 HP and provides an 8'6" working width while folding to just 4'9" for transport. At 388 pounds, it's substantial enough to maintain ground contact on uneven terrain without being unwieldy. The RS2-05R and RS2-06R expand coverage to 11 feet and 12'9" respectively, ideal for larger acreages where productivity per pass directly impacts your bottom line.

The V-configuration models bring different advantages to specific applications. The RS2-04V covers 11'6" with just four wheels, while the RS2-06V reaches nearly sixteen feet of working width. These models excel in open fields where broad coverage is priority and their wider stance provides excellent stability. Both V-models are compatible with ASAE Category 1 quick hitches, as are the RS2-02R and RS2-03R, making attachment and removal faster for operations running multiple implements.

Spring-equipped models (RS2-04, RS2-05, and RS2-06) use carefully calibrated springs to maintain optimal ground pressure across varying terrain. The springs allow the rake wheels to follow ground contours while preventing excessive downward force that can lift dirt into your hay or damage the rake teeth. This balance is particularly valuable when working undulating ground where rigid mounting would either leave unraked spots in low areas or dig into high points.

Every RS2 model features the same 9/32-inch diameter teeth—sized to lift and move hay gently without shattering dry leaves or damaging crop quality. With 40 teeth per wheel, you get consistent raking action that handles everything from light grass hay to heavier alfalfa crops. The teeth are designed to release material cleanly rather than carrying it around the wheel, which maintains windrow uniformity and reduces power requirements.

Left-hand models are available across the RS2 range for operators who need specific windrow placement or work patterns. Simply order any model with the "L" suffix (for example, RS2-04L) to get the mirror-image configuration. This flexibility allows you to optimize workflow based on field layout, prevailing winds, or how you've arranged your baling operation.

Whether you're putting up hay for your own livestock, running a custom haying service, or managing hay production as part of a diversified farm operation, the BEFCO RS2 series provides reliable, efficient raking performance backed by proven engineering and quality construction. Forge Claw makes purchasing and receiving your wheel rake simple with free nationwide shipping and the financing options that help you acquire quality equipment without straining cash flow during the growing season.

• Available Models: RS2-02R, RS2-03R, RS2-04R, RS2-05R, RS2-06R (In-Line configuration); RS2-04V, RS2-06V (V configuration)
• Tractor Requirement: 16-30 HP (RS2-02R, RS2-03R, RS2-04V, RS2-06V); 30-80 HP (RS2-04R, RS2-05R, RS2-06R)
• Hitch Type: Category 1 three-point linkage
• Number of Wheels: 2 to 6 wheels depending on model
• Wheel Diameter: 56 inches on all models
• Teeth per Wheel: 40 teeth
• Tooth Diameter: 9/32 inch
• Working Width Range: 4'3" to 15'10" depending on model and configuration
• Transport Width Range: 4'9" to 12'7"
• Transport Height Range: 7'6" to 17'3"
• Maximum Working Speed: 14 mph
• Weight Range: 194 lbs to 602 lbs depending on model
• Hub Construction: Molded cast steel with greaseable tapered roller bearings
• Drive System: Ground-driven (no PTO or hydraulics required)
• Quick Hitch Compatibility: ASAE Cat. 1 quick hitch compatible on RS2-02, RS2-03, RS2-04V, and RS2-06V models
• Country of Origin: USA

• Multi-Position Wheel Configuration — Select models can be set up for raking, turning, or spreading by repositioning wheel assemblies, giving you three implements in one without additional purchases
• Greaseable Tapered Roller Bearings — Cast steel hubs with tapered roller bearings provide superior durability and load handling compared to standard bearings, with grease fittings for easy field maintenance
• Upward-Bent Wheel Elbows — Engineered bends in the wheel arms improve hay flow and reduce clogging, keeping you productive even in heavy crop conditions or when working damp material
• Ground-Driven Design — No PTO shaft or hydraulic connections required; the rake wheels are powered by ground contact as you drive, simplifying hookup and reducing tractor power demands
• Spring-Equipped Models Available — RS2-04, RS2-05, and RS2-06 models include springs that maintain optimal ground pressure while allowing wheels to follow terrain contours without lifting dirt into hay
• Left and Right-Hand Configurations — Every model is available in left or right-hand orientation to match your specific field layout and windrow placement needs
• 56-Inch Diameter Wheels — Large wheel diameter with 40 teeth per wheel lifts hay gently from uneven ground while providing consistent raking action across all crop types
• Quick Hitch Compatible — RS2-02R, RS2-03R, RS2-04V, and RS2-06V models work with standard ASAE Category 1 quick hitches for faster implement changes

The time savings from using an appropriately sized RS2 wheel rake are substantial compared to smaller equipment or outdated raking methods. A single operator with an RS2-06R can rake nearly thirteen feet of cut hay in each pass, covering several acres per hour at working speeds up to 14 mph. That kind of productivity means you can take advantage of narrow weather windows, getting hay raked and ready for baling before conditions deteriorate. When you're racing against an incoming weather system, the difference between an eight-foot rake and a thirteen-foot rake can mean the difference between dry bales in the barn and spoiled hay in the field.

The multi-function capability of select RS2 models delivers real economic value by eliminating the need for separate spreading or turning equipment. Instead of purchasing and storing three different implements, you reconfigure one RS2 rake to match the task. This consolidation saves initial equipment investment, reduces storage requirements, and simplifies maintenance since you're maintaining one implement instead of three. For operations where equipment budget and barn space are both limited, this versatility provides capabilities that would otherwise require significantly higher investment.

Durability directly impacts your cost per acre over the implement's service life. The RS2's tapered roller bearings in cast steel hubs represent the kind of construction that keeps working year after year. These bearings handle higher loads and last longer than the sleeve or ball bearings found on lighter-duty rakes. The greaseable design means you can maintain them properly without disassembly, and replacement is straightforward when it eventually becomes necessary. Operators report running RS2 rakes for decades with only routine maintenance—that's the kind of longevity that makes economic sense.

Hay quality preservation translates directly to feed value and marketability. The RS2's gentle raking action, with properly sized teeth and large-diameter wheels, lifts hay without shattering leaves or breaking stems. This is particularly important with legume hays like alfalfa where leaf retention determines protein content and market value. The improved flow from the bent wheel elbows also reduces the tumbling and agitation that can knock leaves off dry hay, helping you preserve the quality you worked to produce during cutting and conditioning.

The ground-driven design eliminates mechanical complexity that can sideline equipment during critical periods. Without PTO shafts, gearboxes, or hydraulic motors, there are fewer components to fail and less to maintain. This simplicity is especially valuable during peak haying season when every day of good weather counts and equipment downtime can cost you significant portions of your harvest. The ability to hook up and start raking in minutes rather than dealing with PTO alignment or hydraulic connections means less frustration and more hay in the barn.

For custom operators and commercial hay producers, the productivity advantage of larger RS2 models directly impacts profitability. The RS2-06V's nearly sixteen-foot working width means you can cover the same acreage in significantly fewer passes than with narrower equipment. Fewer passes means lower fuel consumption, reduced equipment wear, and the ability to serve more customers or handle more acres with the same labor hours. That efficiency advantage compounds across hundreds or thousands of acres each season.

The adjustable pressure provided by spring-equipped models protects both your hay and your fields. Proper ground pressure ensures complete raking without the rake teeth digging into soil and contaminating hay with dirt. This is particularly important for horse hay markets where dust and soil contamination reduce value and marketability. The springs also protect the rake itself by preventing impact damage when you encounter hidden obstacles or ground irregularities, reducing repair costs and extending service life.

The RS2 series is ideal for diversified farms, livestock operations, small to medium commercial hay producers, landowners managing pastures and hayfields, and custom operators serving multiple clients. These rakes work equally well with grass hays, alfalfa, mixed legume-grass crops, and even lighter straw raking applications. They're particularly well-suited to operations that value simplicity and reliability over complexity, and where the tractor fleet falls in the 16-80 HP range common on farms not dedicated exclusively to large-scale row crop production.

Proper setup makes a significant difference in raking performance. When configuring for raking, ensure the bends on both support arms and wheel hub arms face toward the rear of the unit so wheels overlap correctly and move material to the center. For spreading, position these bends toward the tractor so wheels align and distribute hay across the full width. Taking time to verify correct positioning before heading to the field prevents poor results and wasted passes. The operator's manuals provided by BEFCO include clear diagrams showing proper configuration for each function.

Maintenance requirements are straightforward but shouldn't be neglected. Grease all bearing points according to the schedule in your operator's manual—typically before each use during active season and before storage. Inspect teeth regularly for wear or damage, and replace any that are severely worn or bent since damaged teeth affect raking uniformity. Check that all fasteners remain tight, particularly after the first few hours of use when new equipment settles. At season's end, clean the rake thoroughly, touch up any paint damage to prevent rust, and store under cover to maximize longevity. The tapered roller bearings should be inspected annually and repacked or replaced as needed based on hours of use and operating conditions.

Compatibility with Category 1 three-point hitches makes the RS2 series suitable for the vast majority of compact and utility tractors used in agricultural applications. The quick hitch compatibility on select models is particularly convenient for operations that change implements frequently or share equipment between multiple operators. Ground clearance and wheel positioning are designed to work with standard tractor configurations, though operators with significantly modified tractors should verify clearances before purchase. If you're unsure about compatibility with your specific tractor model, Forge Claw can help verify fitment before you order.

Manufactured by BEFCO, this product is covered under the manufacturer's 12-month warranty for defects in materials and workmanship, valid for the first registered owner from the date of invoice. Replacement parts are warranted for 30 days from delivery. The warranty does not cover wear items such as belts, shear pins, oil, grease, tires, tubes, hydraulic hoses, knives, and PTO components. Warranty service must be performed by an authorized BEFCO dealer. Order your RS2 - Ground driven wheel rakes 16-80 HP (12-60 KW) Cat. 1 from Forge Claw today. We offer flexible, easy financing and free nationwide shipping so every operator can get their hands on top-quality equipment.