When you're looking at a wheel loader stick rake, one of the first questions is usually pretty simple:
What size do I actually need?
Go too small and you may not be getting the most out of your machine. Go too big and you've got to make sure your loader is suited to the extra width and weight.
And bigger doesn't automatically mean better.
The right stick rake comes down to the machine you're putting it on, the work you're doing, the country you're working in and what you're actually trying to clear.
So, before you decide you need the biggest rake you can get your hands on, here's what we'd be looking at.
Start With the Wheel Loader
The first thing we want to know isn't the size of the paddock.
It's what machine have you got?
Wheel loaders vary considerably in size, operating capacity and configuration. The stick rake needs to work with the machine rather than simply being the width you think will cover the most ground.
A smaller loader and a large earthmoving machine aren't going to have the same requirements.
That's why, when someone calls us looking for a wheel loader stick rake, we'll look at the loader first and work from there.
The make and model gives us a starting point, but we also want to know what you're planning to do with it.
Because that's the other half of the equation.
Then Look at the Work
Two people can own similar loaders and need them for completely different jobs.
One might be cleaning up sticks, branches and lighter material around a property.
Another might regularly be working through heavier fallen timber and scrub.
Someone else might be covering large areas of country where being able to clear a wider area efficiently is a priority.
That's why choosing a stick rake for a wheel loader isn't just about matching an attachment to a machine.
You need to match it to the job as well.
Think about:
What material are you clearing?
How heavy is it?
How much country are you covering?
Is the ground relatively open or are you working in tighter areas?
Is this occasional property maintenance or regular clearing work?
What sort of conditions will the rake be working in?
Those answers can make a big difference to what we recommend.
Is a Wider Wheel Loader Stick Rake Better?
Sometimes.
A wider stick rake allows you to cover more ground with each pass, which can be a big advantage when you're working across larger areas.
But width on its own doesn't equal productivity.
The attachment still needs to suit the loader carrying it and the conditions it's working in.
There is no point choosing a wider rake simply because it's wider if it isn't the best match for the machine or the work.
The goal is to find the point where the loader and rake work well together.
That's where experience around the machinery matters.
"Is That Rake Too Wide for My Loader?"
It's a fair question, and it's one we've heard before.
Dean Lumis from Wild Rivers Ag runs an AARCH rake on his property at Walcha in the New England.
When he first got it, the width was actually something he wondered about.
He was concerned it could be too wide for the machine and potentially put extra pressure on the loader arms.
After putting it to work in cattle country, those concerns disappeared. The rake has handled the work well and Dean has been impressed with how the setup performs.
And that's exactly why we look at the whole setup before recommending a rake.
The question isn't simply "How wide can I go?"
It's "What size is going to work properly with my loader?"
There's a difference.
What Wheel Loader Stick Rake Sizes Are Available?
At AARCH, our current stick rake range starts with our 3 metre and 4 metre SLP Stick Rakes, followed by our Premium Stick Rakes in:
4 metre
5 metre
6 metre
7 metre
8 metre
That gives us room to match different machines and different types of work rather than trying to make one rake suit everybody.
We also offer modular wing attachments for operators who need additional flexibility in their setup.
But don't look at that list and immediately decide you need an 8 metre.
Give Ross a call first.
The Country Matters Too
If you've worked across different parts of Australia, you'll know that clearing one property can be completely different to clearing another.
Open country can give you room to work with a wider attachment.
Tighter areas, fencelines and more confined spaces can change what is practical.
The amount and type of material you're dealing with matters too.
That's why we'd rather know where and how you're going to use the rake than simply sell you one based on width.
A wheel loader stick rake should make the work easier and help you get more out of the machine you've already got.
Choosing the right size is part of that.
Why AARCH Builds More Than One Size
AARCH actually started with a stick rake.
Ross built his first rake at 19 for his own loader and his own earthmoving work.
Using that rake on real jobs showed him what worked, what didn't and where changes needed to be made. Over the years, the design was refined, weak points were strengthened, spacing was adjusted and the range continued to develop.
More than 15 years around loaders and heavy machinery later, that experience still shapes how we build our attachments today.
Different machines. Different jobs. Different country.
It wouldn't make much sense to build one stick rake and pretend it's right for all of them.
So, What Size Stick Rake Do You Need?
Before choosing a rake, have these details ready:
Your loader:
Make, model and any relevant machine specifications.
The work:
Tell us what you're actually planning to clear.
The material:
Sticks, scrub, fallen timber, roots, general clearing debris or a mixture of everything.
The country:
Open paddocks, tighter country, fencelines, large-scale clearing or general property maintenance.
How you'll use it:
An occasional clean-up job and regular heavy clearing can place very different demands on an attachment.
From there, we can help narrow down which wheel loader stick rake makes sense for your setup.
And if you're not sure what information we need, don't worry.
Just start with the make and model of your loader and give Ross a call.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size stick rake do I need for my wheel loader?
It depends on the size and capacity of your wheel loader, the type of material you're clearing, the conditions you're working in and how you plan to use the rake. There isn't one stick rake width that's right for every wheel loader.
Is a wider stick rake more efficient?
A wider stick rake can cover more ground with each pass, particularly across larger open areas. However, it still needs to be appropriately matched to the loader and the work. Wider isn't automatically better.
Can a stick rake be too big for a wheel loader?
Yes, attachment size and weight need to be considered in relation to the machine. That's why it's important to check the loader specifications and intended use before choosing a rake based on width alone.
What is a wheel loader stick rake used for?
A wheel loader stick rake is commonly used to gather and clear sticks, fallen timber, roots, scrub and other debris. The spaced teeth help separate larger material while allowing much of the soil and smaller material to remain behind.
Does AARCH make stick rakes for different wheel loaders?
Yes. AARCH manufactures a range of stick rake sizes and supplies attachments for different makes and models of loaders. The best place to start is with your machine details and the type of work you're planning to do.
Looking for a Wheel Loader Stick Rake?
If you're looking at a new wheel loader stick rake and aren't sure which size is right for your machine, talk to Ross.
Tell us what loader you've got, where you're working and what you're trying to clear, and we'll help point you towards the setup that makes sense.
AARCH loader attachments are designed and built in Narromine, NSW, and supplied to operators across Australia.
Built in Narromine. Built for real work.
Call Ross on 0427 242 077
Email admin@aarch.net.au
Or check out the AARCH range of loader stick rakes online.
https://www.aarch.net.au/category/loader-stick-rakes