13 Unique Rakes With A Purpose – From Leaf Rakes To Garden Rakes And Everything In Between

In this article, I’m going to explain the most unique features that are associated with many different types of yard rakes on the market today.

The Most Common Rake

Odds are, if you head to the garage for a rake, you will probably grab one of these 2 common rakes:

(1) A standard leaf rake – Leaf rakes (also called lawn rakes) have 2 designs: Straight edge or Sweep broom. Straight edge rakes PULL leaves and debris toward you, gathering up heavier debris such as sticks and stones along the way. Sweep rakes are used like a broom — they’re fan shaped and they sweep the leaves and debris PAST you.

(2) Or, a garden rake – Garden rakes are used to break up and smooth soil after it’s been spaded and cultivated. They have sharp, curved teeth made of high-carbon steel to pulverize dirt clumps, and straight backs to level the dirt for planting.

Those two rakes SHOULD be able to address the majority of your raking needs — year after year.

However, for more serious yard tool aficionados, those two rakes will barely scratch the surface!

There are SO MANY different types of yard rakes. And each has its own unique features and capabilities. The common rake has been redesigned many times over to serve a multitude of unique purposes.

Perhaps you’ll find that one of the following unique rakes will meet your needs better than the standard leaf rake or garden rake…

13 Rakes With Unique Purposes

With all the different types of yard rakes available these days, it can be hard to choose the best one for the job at hand.

What’s the best rake for yard debris? What’s the best yard rake for leaves?

My aim is to help you determine which type of rake will serve your needs the best — based on the type of yard work you’re doing.

1. A dethatching rake breaks up and removes that early spring mat of old dead grass left over from last year. If left in place, it would impede the growth of new grass — resulting in a patchy looking, uneven lawn. this video show how to use a thatching rake.
2. These claw leaf scoops make picking up piles of leaves even easier. Of course, you’ll need a regular lawn rake or leaf rake to create piles of leaves first. These leaf grabber rakes (or rake claws) make it fun for the kids to help by scooping leaves into the trash bag.

3. The Fiskars garden rake is different from most garden rakes in that it has opposite edge tines to pulverize soil. It breaks through crusted dirt with the front set of tines, while sifting out clumps with the other set of tines.
4. The Leaf Grabber lawn rake lets you rake, grab, and then bag leaves all in ONE step. This rake alleviates the need for bending and stooping when you pick up leaves, pine needles, clippings, and garbage.
5. The True Temper clog-free leaf rake has a uniquely designed head and contains special tines that prevent leaves from getting stuck.

6. A telescoping rake hoe is a great multi-purpose yard tool — it’s part garden rake and part hoe. For the ultimate rakehoe for serious farming tasks, the McLeod hoe is the same fire tool that firefighters use to rake combustible debris, chop fire breaks, and scrape back bark from trees.

7. An adjustable leaf rake is similar to a standard leaf rake, only better! Its width can be downsized (from 23 inches down to 8 inches!) — giving you access in tight quarters where a full-width rake can’t go. The reduced bulk is also helpful when it comes to storing your rakes, as this foldable rake can easily stand in a corner like a narrow broom.

8. This kids-sized garden tool set is NOT a play toy. These rakes and shovels are built super-sturdy and durable for ages 3 through 8. Perfect for the pint-sized gardeners and leaf rakers in your family!
9. The Amazing Rake is a lightweight ergonomic lawn rake that eliminates bending and stooping. First, sweep and rake up debris. Then, push the slide grip down to close the rake head and collect the debris. Finally, slide the grip down again to deposit your pile into a trash bag. (Don’t miss the videos!)
10. A rock rake (also called a landscape rake) digs below the surface a few inches to extract rocks. It’s useful for clearing an area for seeding or preparing a garden.
11. The pet poop rake is a combination rake and scoop, which makes picking up your dog’s poop a cinch! This rake saves your back, since you don’t have to bend down.
12. A road rake is wider and more heavy-duty than a standard rake. It’s mostly used when spreading or leveling gravel. Its wide head makes quick work of preparing a large area.
13. The berry rake is a berry harvesting tool that is more like a scoop… with teeth. It allows you to rake the fruit off plants by the handful, rather than by the individual berry.

The Bottom Line

With all the different types of yard rakes available these days, it can be hard to know which one you should use for everyday yardwork, and which one might serve a specific task better.

Hopefully, this information has opened your eyes to a whole new and wonderful world of yard rakes.

And at least now you have some options!