| Application Compatibility | The rake system should be matched to the intended crop, material, soil condition, terrain, and operating method. | Application list, crop compatibility, operating environment, and recommended use limitations. | Prevents underperformance, excessive wear, and unsuitable-machine purchases. |
| Working Width | Compare the effective working width in metres, not only the overall machine width. | Minimum and maximum working width, adjustment method, and width tolerance. | Working width directly affects field coverage, productivity, and transport planning. |
| Operating Speed | Evaluate the manufacturer’s recommended operating-speed range in kilometres per hour for the specific application. | Recommended speed, maximum speed, field-condition assumptions, and test results. | Higher speed is valuable only when it maintains collection quality and limits crop or material loss. |
| Theoretical Field Capacity | Use the formula: theoretical capacity (ha/h) = working width (m) × speed (km/h) ÷ 10. | Working width, operating speed, estimated field efficiency, and tested output. | Provides a consistent basis for comparing productivity between different configurations. |
| Power and Hydraulic Requirements | The required tractor power, PTO speed, hydraulic flow, and hydraulic pressure must be compatible with the buyer’s equipment. | Minimum power rating, PTO requirement, hydraulic flow in L/min, pressure in bar, and connection type. | Avoids compatibility problems, downtime, and additional adaptation costs. |
| Rake Adjustment | Prefer systems with tool-free or easily accessible adjustment for tine height, angle, pressure, and windrow formation. | Adjustment range, adjustment time, locking mechanism, and operator instructions. | Improves performance across changing field and material conditions. |
| Material and Wear Resistance | Critical tine and contact components should have documented material specifications and replaceable wear parts. | Material grade, hardness data where applicable, coating method, wear-part drawings, and replacement intervals. | Durable components reduce maintenance frequency and total operating cost. |
| Frame and Structural Design | Assess frame rigidity, load distribution, weld quality, and protection against deformation during transport and operation. | Frame material, structural drawings, weld inspection records, static-load data, and fatigue-testing information. | A robust frame supports stable performance and a longer service life. |
| Transport and Storage | Check folded transport width, transport height, total weight, parking requirements, and road-safety provisions. | Folded dimensions, shipping dimensions, gross weight, lifting points, locking devices, and lighting requirements. | Important for international shipping, warehouse layout, and local road regulations. |
| Quality Management | A documented quality-management system, such as ISO 9001 certification, should be independently verifiable. | Certificate number, issuing body, scope, validity date, inspection records, and corrective-action process. | Helps buyers assess production consistency and process control. |
| Safety and Regulatory Compliance | The system should include guards, warning labels, operating instructions, and documentation required for the destination market. | Risk assessment, conformity declaration where applicable, safety manual, guarding details, and test reports. | Reduces legal, operational, and workplace-safety risks. |
| Testing and Demonstration | Require documented tests under conditions comparable to the buyer’s intended application. | Test date, site conditions, machine configuration, output, loss rate, photographs, and signed test report. | Independent or repeatable evidence is more reliable than catalogue claims alone. |
| Spare Parts Availability | Common wear parts should be identifiable by part number and available through a defined international supply process. | Parts catalogue, stock locations, normal lead time, emergency lead time, and minimum order quantities. | Reliable parts access limits seasonal downtime and service interruptions. |
| Warranty and Service | Compare warranty duration, coverage exclusions, claim procedures, response time, and technical-support channels. | Written warranty terms, service-level commitment, troubleshooting procedure, and authorized service coverage. | Clear after-sales obligations reduce disputes and lifecycle risk. |
| Documentation and Localization | Technical documents should be complete, revision-controlled, and available in the buyer’s required language. | User manual, parts list, installation guide, maintenance schedule, drawings, and language options. | Good documentation improves installation accuracy, training, and maintenance quality. |
| International Logistics | Evaluate export experience, packaging protection, shipping terms, customs documents, and delivery reliability. | Incoterms, packaging specification, HS classification, export documents, production lead time, and delivery record. | Reduces customs delays, transit damage, and landed-cost uncertainty. |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Compare purchase price together with freight, installation, consumables, maintenance, spare parts, energy use, and expected service life. | Five-year cost estimate, maintenance schedule, consumable prices, replacement-part prices, and resale assumptions. | The lowest initial price does not necessarily provide the lowest operating cost. |