I have completed mod on JD Thatch rake I bought last fall. Have always like/wanted a front thatch rake for the Horses as I had 1 a few years ago on a Simplicity Conquest. It worked excellent and was able to tow a sweeper so was a 1 pass setup.
It was not very difficult to modify. Made a mount for tractor from angle and spracers. Welded it all up and utilized holes already in frame. The rake mount frame needed shortening so pivit point was not too far forward as would be rake too. Lift lever was a little trickier as Had to go on same side as impliment lever. I made mount for it from a solid steel block (overkill but wanted to thread it). Made a couple bents to clear everthing and it functions nice.
Then stripped the awful green/yellow and sprayed with IH red majic from TSC.
Not a perfect paint job (couple runs) as was first time using catylst etc with enamel. I'm happy with the outcome as it's just a rake after all.
MU