Top 11 Best Bow Rakes (2024)

If you are involved in garden work, or maybe you have a large backyard, a bow rake is one of the must-have tools in your gardening arsenal.

Unlike the typical rakes that are specially designed for light garden tasks such as gathering leaves and debris, a bow rake offers greater versatility since it can be used in tackling heavy garden tasks such as moving heavier loads as well as leveling gravel among other demanding tasks.

A bow rake, as the name goes, features a bow-shaped head that offers great spring action and greater stability to handle heavy-duty tasks.

In today’s article, we have selected some of the market’s top options that will be a good addition to your tool store. Join me as we take a walk to examine these options.

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11 Best Bow Rakes

#1 Blue Hawk 54.5-in L Garden Rake

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Among the market’s top options is this premium-quality bow rake by Blue Hawk. The rake comes with a long handle that measures 54.5 inches so that you won’t have to bend much when raking. The handle is of commercial-grade fiberglass material that offers superior strength to ensure that it lasts for years to come. Furthermore, this bow rake has 14 heavy-duty tines that allow the user to break up the hard compacted soil with ease as well as enabling the homeowners to spread material evenly.

The tines are of tempered steel material which will not break when used on tougher tasks. Also, unlike other tines that bend with time, these steel tines maintain their shape throughout the rake’s service life. Therefore, just in case you are looking for a rake that will serve you for years, turning to this model would be a good idea.

The six-inch cushion grip on the other side minimizes operator fatigue and is non-slip to grant the user better handling ability. Moreover, although this rake is sturdy, it employs a lightweight design. The lighter weight means that the user can use it for hours with minimum fatigue.

What we like:

• It is a very sturdy bow rake.
• The price is friendly.
• It features an ergonomic handle.

Area of improvement:

• The durability of the handle does not match that of the head.

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#2 Ergieshovel ERG-BWRK16 Bow Rake

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Just in case you are looking for something unique, this should be the ideal option for you. The innovative rake features an extra handle that connects to the steel shaft to provide additional leverage to protect your back from straining. In other words, with this unit, you can work smarter for hours without getting tired.

The additional handle employs a D-shaped design that gives the user better control over the rake. Unlike the preceding option that features 14 steel tines, Ergieshovel ERG-BWRK16 Bow Rake has 16 heavy-duty tines that make it easy to rake heavy materials such as stones and heavy debris without the fear that they may bend or break.

After use, this model can be disassembled to get pieces that will take less storage space. The easy 3-piece smart lock assembly combines with the lightweight design to make transportation a breeze! The handle measures 54 inches that suit most statures.

What we like:

• The steel tines are durable.
• It employs a humanized design.
• It comes with high-quality construction.

Area of improvement:

• It does not come with the least price.

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#3 LavoHome Garden Bow Rake Wood Handle

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Unless you are careful when selecting a bow rake, there are higher chances of ending up with fake models that will only last for a few days. However, this is one of the most durable bow rakes you will find in the market. The heavy-duty rake comes with rugged construction that tackles heavy garden chores without losing its shape. The unit features a wooden handle that is ergonomically designed so that it remains comfortable in the palm.

The handle grants the user excellent grip so that the user takes less time to perform work effectively. The rake best suits garden activities such as mulching, breaking compact soil, and other activities that you cannot handle using the ordinary rake. The head of the rake is sturdy and features 14 teeth. The teeth are of rugged steel construction that stands the test of time even with everyday abuse.

With such construction, you can use the rake on heavy tasks such as on gathering stones with the peace of mind that the teeth will not come out. The handle of this tool measures 48 inches to suit both tall and short people alike. The steel ferrule offers a firm connection between the blade and the handle to prevent the head from coming out when in use.

What we like:

• The quality of this rake is impressive.
• It is very sturdy.
• The wooden handle is durable.

Area of improvement:

• It would be better if the handle was longer.

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#4 LavoHome HEAVY-DUTY Garden Bow Rake

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Also coming from LavoHome, this is yet another rake that you can count on to serve you for years to come. The bow rake comes with sturdy construction that allows it to handle heavy applications at the garden when giving excellent results. The unit comes with a rugged wooden handle which provides a non-slip grip to the user. The handle measures 48 inches to reduce stress on the back. This height also makes the rake an ideal choice for most statures.

Just like the predecessor, this model has a strong head that features 14 tines. The teeth are thicker than in other models and are of steel construction. The durable material will not break or deform even when used in heavy tasks in the garden and yard. The steel ferrule joins the blade and the handle firmly to let you tackle any raking task with the confidence that the blade will not separate from the handle.

And since the entire unit weighs only 3 pounds, this rake gives minimum user fatigue as compared to other heavier options. Therefore, if you spend most of the time in the garden, either mulching, or raking grass, leaves, rocks, or any other thing, this rake should be a good option for you.

What we like:

• The teeth are thicker and strong.
• The rake is light.
• It does not cause stress on the back and muscles.

Area of improvement:

• The height of the handle should be increased by a few inches.

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#5 WOLF-Garten Bow Rake 1647004

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This versatile garden tool is another top model you may rely upon to get several jobs done in your garden or yard. The rake features a top-quality 13.8-inch head that maneuvers swiftly when at work. The head is of the long-serving steel material so that you buy knowing that you are getting something that will last.

The head equips heavy duty teeth that also will last for years even with everyday use in a rocky garden. And yes, the teeth are not just like any other teeth; they are wide and curved to make pulling the rake through soil smooth and nearly effortless. However, Wolf-Garten 1647004 option does not come with a handle although it goes with most handles.

The head detaches easily from the handle so that it takes less storage space, unlike the other long-handled tools. Also, the ability to detach the handle means that you can use it in other tools to also save on cost. Wolf-Garten employs a flat top design that renders it a versatile option since apart from raking you can use the rake for other tasks such as leveling gravel and seed beds. The bow shape of the head also guarantees you with strength and makes the rake more stable.

What we like:

• The head snaps on the handle securely.
• The tines are a little sharp at the end.
• The rake will not rust.

Area of improvement:

• You have to purchase a handle separately although it can also attach to most old handles.

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#6 Truper 31374 Tru Pro Forged Bow Rake

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Truper is one of the top manufacturers that use modernized and efficient technologies to ensure that she delivers products that meet the needs of the customers to the letter. In the 40 years, the manufacturer has been in the industry, Truper has been one of the customer’s favorite brands when it comes to delivering value for money.

And yes, this bow rake backs this statement. Truper 31374 Bow Rake arrives with a white ash handle that offers an optimum ratio of resistance and flexibility. The handle is rugged to allow you to use the rake in tough outdoor tasks. Although the white-ash handle is sturdy, it still maintains a low weight that minimizes operator fatigue for extended use. Whether you are short or tall, the handle comes in three sizes; 48-inch, 60-inch, and 66-inch so that you can choose the size that goes with your stature.

The heavy-gauge head has 16 tines. The ruggedness of the handle, head, and the tines indicates that this tool is specially designed to handle the rough outdoor use effectively. Also, the head connects with the handle easily and firmly to save time.

What we like:

• The wooden handle and metallic head are of excellent materials.
• The connection between the head and the handle is good.
• Excellent for heavy-duty tasks.

Area of improvement:

• It is quite heavy as compared to the less sturdy options.

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#7 Bully Tools 92309 12-Gauge 16-Inch Bow Rake

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This bow rake from Bully Tool possesses all the features that a bow rake needs to have in order to be termed as high-quality. The tool is made in the United States and uses commercial-grade materials that can withstand everyday abuse both at the garden and yard. The head of the rake features an extra-thick 10-gauge steel material to provide exceptional strength and unsurpassed durability.

Unlike other steel heads that rust with time, the head of this rake will no catch rust to keep it performing to the peak. Therefore, if you need a lifetime product that you will pass down to your little ones, going by this option would be a wise decision. The blade comes with 16 teeth that can stand up to heavy tasks such as raking stones without bending.

The high-strength fiberglass handle is triple-layered for durability. In other words, the handle will resist breakage and is easy to handle. The conveniently lightweight design of the handle allows for extended use of the rake without pain. Also, the rake features rubberized parts at the head and handle which that absorbs shock to prevent jarring and stress on the shoulders.

What we like:

• The steel material of the head is extra thick.
• The steel wrap secures the head.
• The shock-absorbing properties ensure comfortable use.

Area of improvement:

• The rubber grip may slide off the handle.

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#8 Seymour BR-90 Grade Bow Rake

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This bow rake has a handle that measures 48 inches to ensure comfortable use for users of nearly all heights. The high-quality handle is of hardwood to guarantee that it will not break even when put in heavy use. The clear lacquer finish gives the handle an attractive appearance you will want to add to your tool store. The head of the rake utilizes heavy-gauge steel construction so that it serves you for years to come.

The head measures 13.75 inches to get the work done faster and more effectively without taking much floor space in your store when it comes to storage. The head has 14 rugged tines. The quality and the spacing of the tines imply that this rake will bring an effective solution to all your raking needs. The steel ferrule holds the two pieces together firmly so that you get a trouble-free experience the next time you will be raking.

And since the entire tool only weighs 2.5 pounds, we are safe to argue that this is among the market’s most lightweight options you will come across. With this weight, you can use the tool for a longer period with less to no user fatigue.

What we like:

• The finish of the handle makes it beautiful.
• The head is only over 13 inches long.
• It comes with sturdy tines.

Area of improvement:

• It may not be the market’s sturdiest option.

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#9 Ames Jackson Pony Bow Rake

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Ames Jackson is one of the oldest manufacturers of garden tools. With its establishment dating back to 1744, this manufacturer has interacted with customers for centuries in the bid to find out what customers exactly want. And yes, after the many years of research and mingling with customers, Ames Jackson combined the different customer’s preferences to come up with this bow rake.

The tool comes with commercial-grade construction and is designed with versatility in mind. In other words, this tool tackles a wide range of garden applications ranging from raking leaves, debris, and stones to spreading mulch in the garden and breaking up compacted soil. The head of the rake is of tempered steel that offers exceptional strength for maximum durability.

The 16 tines at the head are solid and will not rust or deform with time. The steel ferrule on the other side creates the strongest joint between the blade and the handle. The handle measures 60 inches long to reduce back strain.

What we like:

• It has a beautiful blue finish on the head.
• It is very well constructed.
• The length of the handle is great.

Area of improvement:

• Some customers believe that it would be better if it came with fiberglass or plastic handle instead of wood.

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#10 Gardena 3168 Combisystem 14-Inch Metal Bow Rake Head

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This multi-purpose bow rake by Gardena is ideal for raking, leveling, and breaking compact soil. Therefore, just in case you want a tool that will help you to prepare your farm before cultivating, Gardena 3168 turns to be the bow rake you are looking for. The unit comes with a very strong D-shaped head that can handle heavy daily use for years to come and still come out in great shape.

The head is of industrial-strength metal material that gives it unsurpassed sturdiness. Furthermore, the 14 teeth are curved to make raking leaves, debris, gravel, and stones smooth and effortless. The teeth are also sharp so that you can the rake for breaking up the soil. The head attaches to a standard handle easily and separates easily after use for convenient storage. Unfortunately, the head is not sold with the handle hence you need to buy it separately.

What we like:

• The color of the head is beautiful.
• The construction is very durable.
• The tines will not break.

Area of improvement:

• It would be more convenient if the head was sold together with the handle.

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#11 The AMES Companies, Inc 1881600 Bow Rake

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For the hardworking individuals who want a bow rake that will complement their efforts, this tool would serve as a great option for them. The rake features a ruggedly-constructed blade for maximum strength and extended durability. The 14 tines on the head perform a variety of tasks with great perfection making it a versatile addition to your store.

The head is made with harsh outdoor conditions in mind so that it resists rust and other effects that come along with extended outdoor applications. The handle is of hardwood and offers high strength to make the rake generally long-lasting. Also, the handle measures 48 inches so that it suits most people while the steel ferrule ensures that it connects firmly to the head. The head and the handle are lightweight making it a good option for both men and women.

What we like:

• The handle features an ergonomic design.
• The metal construction does not rust.
• It is lightweight.

Area of improvement:

• The wood may crack under rare occasions.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

What is bow rake used for?

As aforementioned, bow rakes come with sturdier construction than the typical rakes. These rakes can serve beyond what the common rakes can do since they can also be used for heavier tasks in the garden such as breaking compact soil and leveling tasks.

What’s better- plastic or metal rake?

Although the metal rake may rust with time, rust will not prevent you from raking. Plastic rakes are great for lighter tasks but unfortunately, they are not good enough for the demanding applications. Therefore, I would recommend rakes that are of steel material or at least aluminum since they can handle heavier tasks and they will not bend easily.

Can you rake leaves when it’s wet?

Yes you can rake wet leaves. However, ensure that you buy a bow rake that is designed for removing wet leaves. Pay attention to the construction so that you buy a rake that doesn’t catch rust after using it for a few days. In fact, if you only want it for raking leaves, a sturdy plastic rake would be good.

Safety Tips When Raking:

Wear the appropriate gear:

You should always wear appropriate shoes when raking. If you are dealing with wet leaves, ensure that the shoes have good traction since these leaves are very slippery. You should also equip yourself with eyewear especially if you are working in areas with low hanging branches or when removing leaves from the gutters.

Use the right tool:

Ensure that you only use the right tool when raking. For leaves, a lawn rake would be great while heavy raking needs a sturdy rake such as a metallic bow rake.

Proper Storage:

Ensure that you store the rake where it should be. Keeping it when facing up may result in serious injuries in case you step on it accidentally. Therefore, keep it standing or at least facing down if at all you have to keep it lying.

Final Verdict:

From the review, it’s easy to tell the advantage that bow rakes offer over the conventional lawn rakes. Putting the entire review in a nutshell, our hand-picked options are the most durable and can handle a number of tasks with great effectiveness. The review elaborates each model, clearly bringing out the features so that you get an easy time choosing the ideal option for your needs.

Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API