Raked & Rated - 6 MTB Trail Sculpters
RAKED & RATED
6 dirt digglers put to the test
Anybody who rides off-road should lend a hand at some point to help build and maintain the incredible network of trails we are lucky enough to have access to around the world. There are plenty of tools available from your local DIY store or garden center that will get the job done, but if you want something more 'MTB specific' or want to support the bike industry with your dollars, then here are a selection of weapons from all corners of the earth. If you have your own trusty, old favorite, let us know in the comments.
BTR Fabrications Trail Tool
• Trail Tool Head: 185mm x 250mm
• 4-mm thick steel
• Sharp edge for digging and chopping roots
• Flat face for tamping down
• Toothed edge for raking and breaking soil
• Lock holes for security
• Made in the UK
• Zinc-plated steel with hexavalent passivation
• Weight: Head - 1402 grams / 2487 grams inc. handle
• MSRP: £70 / £75 inc. handle
• www.btr-fabrications.com
• Trail Tool Head: 185mm x 250mm
• 4-mm thick steel
• Sharp edge for digging and chopping roots
• Flat face for tamping down
• Toothed edge for raking and breaking soil
• Lock holes for security
• Made in the UK
• Zinc-plated steel with hexavalent passivation
• Weight: Head - 1402 grams / 2487 grams inc. handle
• MSRP: £70 / £75 inc. handle
• www.btr-fabrications.com
The now-trademarked 'Trail Tool' is made in the UK by Burf and Tam Racing–a pair of core-riders who put their tools into the dirt as well as riding it. They also produce a nice line in handmade steel frames. The Trail Tool is their take on the classic McLeod or fire rake. A tapered handle is needed and can be purchased from BTR with a Bellota wooden handle in a choice of 120 or 140cm lengths. Tapered is the key word here, as the handle slides in from the bottom of the tool and is then screwed from the sides of the upright to make an extra sturdy connection.
The Trail Tool is made from 4-mm thick, zinc-plated steel that should last a lifetime with an occasional sharpening. In the woods, the Trail Tool does a good job of hacking, shifting, tamping and smoothing out dirt. If you have very hard terrain, you will struggle to chip away at it with this particular tool as the mitered 'chisel' edge of the Trail Tool isn't super sharp.
• Work best in soft to medium terrain
• Rust-free coating
• Supports a small bike manufacturer
• Not sharp or angled enough for hard terrain
• Can be difficult to source correct handle if you can't get one in the mail
BTR Fabrications Tough Rake
• Tough Rake Head: 125mm x 400mm
• 4-mm thick head
• Zinc-plated with hexavalent passivation
• Toothed edge for raking and breaking soil
• Reinforced back and flat face for tamping down
• Made in the UK
• Weight: Head - 1609 grams / 2656 grams inc. handle
• MSRP: £75 / £80 inc. handle
• www.btr-fabrications.com
• Tough Rake Head: 125mm x 400mm
• 4-mm thick head
• Zinc-plated with hexavalent passivation
• Toothed edge for raking and breaking soil
• Reinforced back and flat face for tamping down
• Made in the UK
• Weight: Head - 1609 grams / 2656 grams inc. handle
• MSRP: £75 / £80 inc. handle
• www.btr-fabrications.com
The Tough Rake, like the Trail Tool (above) is made in the UK from the same materials and uses the same tapered handle design. The Tough Rake explains itself by simply being a tough version of a rake.
On the trail, the Tough Rake's weight means you barely need any vertical pressure on the tool to get some purchase into soft dirt, but the teeth aren't as sharp or fine as a standard garden-center rake. Like the Trail Tool, this isn't the best tool for tearing into hard surfaces, but the BTR built this to their own needs for UK trail building, a place that rarely sees solid sun-baked soil.
The Tough Rake seems to be best suited to shaping large areas of soft dirt in to order, like dirt jump lines and bike park style trail.
• Work best in soft to medium terrain
• Extremely Durable
• Most suitable for shaping large areas of soft dirt
• Not sharp or pointed enough for hard terrain
• Only suitable for raking
Warlord BattleAxe
• BattleAxe head: 340mm x 200mm
• 6-mm thick, corten hardened steel
• Sharp, mitered edges
• Custom name cutting
• Bottle opener
• Made in New Zealand
• Weight: head - 2700 grams
• Price: $180 NZD
• www.warlordbattleaxe.com
The heaviest and most brutal weapon on test, if you have the strength to lift this tool above your head, you could possibly cut straight through the world as the 2.7kg, 6mm, hardened corten steel comes crashing down. The mitered edges are very sharp and the narrowest end does a great job of cutting into hard surfaces. The raked side is good for shifting dirt and doesn't seem to catch on small roots much, and the smooth edge is perfect for shaping and carving.
Most importantly, this thing will make you look like a badass in the parking lot and you can get whatever crap you wanted laser cut into the head, I suggest combining your surname with the end of 'Terminator'. "The Aston-ator", for example, has a nice ring to it. Oh, and this rake is also equipped with a bottle opener, because trail building is really an excuse to get into the woods and drink beer. I would suggest soft drinks for minors, but only a few U21's would be able lift this beast anyway.
The biggest issue with the BattleAxe was finding a handle to fit. It seemed silly shipping a 5ft long handle all the way from New Zealand, but it was tough sourcing a handle in Italy that would fit the 30mm diameter upright perfectly. I ended up cutting a tapered stale at the 30mm mark, but the continuing taper meant it wasn't a tight fit at the top.
• Scares the dirt out of your way
• Custom name cutting
• Sharp cutting edges
• Need a 12-month personal gym training plan prior to use
• Requires heavy machinery operators license
• Heavy
TrailScapes Rake N Bake
• Rake N Bake Head: 280mm x 230mm
• 4-mm thick Australian Bisalloy steel
• Laser cut design
• Made in South Australia
• Head weight: 1620 grams / 2620 grams inc. handle
• MSRP: AUD $165
• www.trailscapes.com.au
The Rake N Bake is a sideline of Trailscapes, an Australian trail building company that say they were bored of continually breaking and buying new tools, so they set about making one that suited their needs.
The most fragile looking McLeod-style tool on test, but it was surprisingly tough when cutting and chopping through hard terrain. The sharp rake teeth get stuck in and the large head works well for shifting large amounts of earth.
I feel the downside of the Rake and Bake is that the mitered edge should be cut on the opposite face of the tool; the same way a chisel is designed to chip away and then leave the wood's surface, but it will dig into the wood if used the wrong way–the Trailscapes tools were the only tools on test mitered in this direction.
The split upright and screws on the Rake N Bake (and Half Baked, see below) has made for a secure clamping surface even if you can't find a perfectly shaped or diameter handle.
• Large head size
• Good clamping system
• Great styling
• Mitred edges don't work well
TrailScapes Half Baked
• Half Baked head: 300mm x 140mm
• 5-mm thick Australian Bisalloy steel
• Laser cut design
• Weight: 1345 grams / 2299 inc. handle
• Made in South Australia
• MSRP: AUD $120
• www.trailscapes.com.au
The Half Baked is the little brother of the Rake N Bake. It uses slightly thicker 5mm steel and sports a smaller head. This was the tool that got the least amount of use on test, as it never seemed to work as well as the bigger, heavier or sharper tools. The light head meant that it bounced off hard terrain. On the flipside, it was easy to handle.
• Easy to wield
• Good clamping system
• Too light, bounces off dirt
• Rare that the Half Baked can do a job the Rake N Bake can't
Trail Boss
• Three-piece ,fiberglass handle (steel upgrade option)
• Six head options: McLeod, Rogue 55A, pruning saw, pick/mattock, flat rake and round shovel heads
• Machined alloy couplings
• Five-year guarantee
• Made in the USA
• Weight: Mini Mcleod - 890 grams / 3pcs handle -1065 grams / total inc. six heads - 6765 grams
• MSRP: $630 USD (six head package tested, individual items available separately)
• Trail Boss
• Three-piece ,fiberglass handle (steel upgrade option)
• Six head options: McLeod, Rogue 55A, pruning saw, pick/mattock, flat rake and round shovel heads
• Machined alloy couplings
• Five-year guarantee
• Made in the USA
• Weight: Mini Mcleod - 890 grams / 3pcs handle -1065 grams / total inc. six heads - 6765 grams
• MSRP: $630 USD (six head package tested, individual items available separately)
• Trail Boss
The Trail Boss uses alloy connectors that slot, and then thread together. There is an o-ring to keep dirt out, and a small brush and tube of grease are supplied to keep the threads clean.
The Trail Boss is the most technically-advanced tool on test, as well as the only one that is packable and offers a whole range of heads to hit the dirt. With a total weight of nearly 7kg, carrying all the tools in a pack (walking or riding) is heavy work and I found it's best to head off for the day with a couple of heads for certain tasks you have in mind. For example, you could take the saw and rake to clear branches and leaves to get your trail started. Need to build a big berm or jump? Just bring along the Rogue hoe, rake and the shovel.
The pruning saw does a great job getting up to high branches when connected to the full-length handle, and the sharp-tooth rake gets through the first layer of loam quickly. The small pick, Rogue, and Mcleod heads all get the job done, but not as effectively as some of the bigger one-piece tools on test. The shovel head moves dirt, but don't expect to make a glass-like finish on the dirt jumps due to its shape.
While not as effective as bigger, one-piece tools, this is the only tool that can easily get to far out places and be carried in a pack, allowing you to ride to and from the construction location (usually on an eMTB - cue the hate). Also, the TrailBoss requires continuous tightening up of the connectors as they work slowly loose, and switching the heads often trail side becomes a chore.
• Multi-head design for an all in one solution
• Can be carried to and from the trail
• Very expensive
• Connectons work loose and changing heads can become a chore
Which is the Best Tool For You?
Six trail-building weapons from around the world, born in different dirts. Picking a clear winner is difficult due to intent, and the fact that these are all small-time manufacturers selling directly from their websites; buying a BattleAxe and having it delivered to Bristol or a BTR delivered down under doesn't make much sense - buy local!
The Trail Boss is by far the most expensive option, but is essentially six tools in one...and you don't have to buy the full package. It's also the only tool well suited to building trails that can only be accessed by foot or by bike, a long way from the nearest parking lot.
For easier-to-access locations, there is not a huge lot to distinguish between the BTR Trail Tool, BattleAxe, and Rake n Bake. The Tough Rake is only useful if you need to shift lots of soft dirt and the Half-Baked was rarely called for.
My main takeaway from testing these tools is that none of them really beat a well-balanced and sharpened mattock and a decent rake that can usually be found cheaper and more easily than the above. If you really want to sculpt impressive dirt jumps or hardpacked berms to perfection, the smooth-backed shovel is still a must when packing and polishing the dirt to perfection.
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roguehoe.com/product/55hr
Longest fiberglass handle possible.
Keep in mind most of my building was in WA state so no need for a pick.
No dig No ride
Are you tired of buying garden hoes from the big box stores, only to be frustrated by subpar tools that weren’t built for real work? Try a Rogue Hoe! Made in America with select materials and designed to last for years, not just a few weekends.
Do you remember the world before phone trees, hold queues, and ticket numbers? So do we! Drop us an email or give us a call. You’ll get personalized service, and we’re committed to selling and supporting tools we believe in.
The thing I find though is the extra effort and time you have to put in using a tool not really specialised for the job at hand in that moment is more than just carrying some extra tools in the 1st place.
1.) How to prevent tools from getting stolen
2.) Hiding your tools in such a good hiding spot you end up hiding them from yourself; you then scratch your head and wonder if they are still out there or someone found your hiding spot?
Somehow Im not convinced I need a "trail tool yet."
www.instagram.com/p/Bd79auLhlUE/?taken-by=voyd_naught
It’s large head size!
www.firestormkit.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=1887
Thanks.
www.forestry-suppliers.com/product_pages/products.php?mi=21011&title=Rogue%20Hoe%20Field%20Hoe%20with%207%E2%80%9D%20Curved%20Head,%2040%E2%80%9D%20Curved%20Hickory%20Handle&itemnum=85181
Also, used it for the first time last week and it is a game changer if you are building new trails. I will say however that the Mcleod is still necessary but for a different purpose.
Refer to the IMBA manual
regular trails - 142 units wide
Boost trails - 148 units
Super boost trails - 157 units
The fear is we may have to abandon trails such as slick rock in UTAH and comfortably numb in BC Canada because they will not meet the new standard.
images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61-59GNP6jL._SL1500_.jpg
c8.alamy.com/comp/BMT27J/direction-and-no-cycling-signs-on-the-sandstone-trail-in-cheshire-BMT27J.jpg
I mean, above tools look good and must work...but..man..
Thank you for the link! Just ordered a Rogue hoe.
However, my favorite piece of all my trailbuilding tools/gear is my EVOC trailbuilder bag. I can ride in with everything strapped on. I also do chainsaw carving and have sorted out a way to carry two chainsaws in the pack, which is really handy since I do most of my carving on site in the forest and just carry it out to finish at home.
www.zoro.com/nupla-hoerake-combo-tool-ergonomic-handl-48in-69216/i/G2771142/feature-product?gclid=CjwKCAiAqIHTBRAVEiwA6TgJww-HhL02Yxmw1CY0AAlcLybGETe-KejJcdg8T3tGPBncOjzo_wqWCxoCqXwQAvD_BwE
Years ago everyone used McLoeds. Volunteer trail organizations stocked them as the most common tool. And then everyone discovered rogue hoes (axe handled hoes). McLoeds are still around but none of the serious trail workers I know use them, except for perhaps tamping. I'd rather sit around than waste time digging with a McLoed. It's seriously that bad for digging. It's like trying to hammer a nail with a screwdriver. The same thing can be said for raking. Far too heavy and narrow. It isn't an effective rake for dirt or leaves.
With that said, perhaps there are dirt conditions that make a McLoed or McLoed style tool a good choice. I'm willing to be proven wrong but have yet to find someone who has been exposed to both McLoeds and RogueHoes, to prefer a McLoed for digging.
Axe handled tools are intended to be swung with force and are less suitable for dragging across the surface. They can be swung as hard as you want and then used to pry with. For example, you can cut through a 3" root and then pry it out of the ground. Or, if you hit a rock, it can be pried out or broken apart (if brittle).
Thus, you'll see volunteer organizations give beginners the round handled tools like mcloeds. Inexperienced people probably shouldn't be, and don't want to be swinging at full force. They can help on the trailwork day and go home proud of scratching in the dirt.
Experienced diggers who have dug for hundreds or thousands of hours, tend to prefer an efficient but powerful motion that can cut into any kind of dirt and then drag it a few feet, all with a single motion. Especially when benching singletrack, an axe handle allows a full swing to cleave off a perfect chunk of dirt that is then immediately dragged a very short distance into it's final location. It is the most efficient technique but requires some experience, along with strength and fitness.
Edit: I suppose it should be mentioned that an axe handle requires you to bend over unless benching on a really extreme slope that puts the digging at waste level. This can be hard on the back. People with bad backs would be better off with a longer, round handle, even though it is less efficient.
Here are some of the problems:
* The cut outs and words on the tool heads are horrible for tamping (or even just digging) because they trap mud. Tool heads should be smooth to prevent this.
* The handles are not tightly fit and instead rely on a screw. This is not a durable way to make a tool. This has been known for hundreds of years and it's why quality hand tools aren't made this way.
* McLeods are an inefficient tool for pretty much every task. Not heavy enough for easy tamping, not rugged enough to swing, not wide enough to rake, etc.
* Axe handled tools are better for digging. These tools have round handles and would be mostly only suitable for raking or tamping. (If they weren't so ineffective at that too)
* The metal gussets holding the head on will collect mud, weighing down the tool.
* Digging tolls should have arched heads, not straight. This follows the path of the tool when swung and makes it cut through dirt, rock and roots more easily.
These tools look nice but are not well designed. The cutouts on the heads are enough to make them not worth considering. If looking to buy an effective tool, check out the axe-handled, wide-headed rogue/pro hoes such as the 85H. The next most useful trail tools are a standard rake, shovel and folding saw.
A Macleod will peel grass off, chopped small to medium roots, move dirt, bust off low hanging branched and finish grade and pack very nicely.
Wildland firefighting is a different task and Mcloeds likely makes more sense there. I can't really comment on that, not having the thousand plus hours experience with that like I do benching singletrack.
Seems to work.
Full hydraulics, track like anything and bucket loads of trail building excitement!
Can you dig it?
If I could remember all the logs / stumps under which they are all stashed...i could build an army
The tools seen in this article though? They've got numerous flaws and are worse than already existing, cheaper options.
www.edged-arts.co.uk/modern-tools-rogue-hoes-council-tools/garden-tools?limit=24
One...there's no 'a' in mcleod. Did you try to go shopping in forest fire season ?
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McLeod_
roguehoe.com
Come on Pinkbike, this and the SRAM DUB article you guys are reaching new lows. It isn't April for another 10 weeks or so...
lol. it doesnt take special multi tool with chain breaker to replace a handle on rake. ... who are you? john henry outperforming the steam engine? you wore out a mattock? i thought you bought quality stuff? what was it, a scandium cf mix? post a pic of this worn out mattock. this i gota see. .
www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjnvbid8-LYAhUE9GMKHRY2DpAQjRwIBw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fpin%2F810014682949272389%2F&psig=AOvVaw0_wipRumL8ZiAwiHttp2b7&ust=1516412522807517
pinkbike.com/photo/15533503
I have the Rake N Bake.
Agree with all you said and the beveled edge yes should be on the other side.
I was not sure which one to buy.
Once I had the Bake N Bake delivered I am so glad I didn't purchase the smaller ones as would not be heavy enough.
The weight of this is good, at time even heavier would be great.
The supplied bolt made me cringe and replaced this with a stainless one, then cut to length.
Having the handle delivered too, the handle is A grade but does need sanding and Oiling that would be great if just come like this, as takes a few days to get perfect and ready for the trails.
If was able to purchase complete, head + Handle + Already cut and drilled + Oiled and ready to go.... This would be AAA
I'll only give a +1 to the trail boss for dentists who like doing trail work on a ride. For working while riding it's a sweet setup. You can get loppers, a saw, and a Trail Boss in a small backpack.
https://m.pinkbike.com/buysell/2180006/
Having said that I'd happily buy any of these gourmet tools. Locking holes are genius!
They can in international shiping, but looks like they but don't really want it.