In the relentless world of agricultural equipment, one small component stands between productivity and downtime. The Bush Hog Rake Arm Spring (OEM #50073485) might weigh just 2 pounds, but its impact on hay raking operations is monumental.
Key Specifications:
- Compatible with BSR Series Suspension Rakes
- Dimensions: 7×3×3 inches
- OEM Part #50073485
When the Field Fights Back: The Hidden Cost of Compromised Rake Performance
Every seasoned farmer knows the frustration: uneven windrows that slow down baling operations, missed hay that rots in the field, and the constant battle against equipment wear. The rake arm spring sits at the heart of these challenges, yet most operators don’t realize its critical role until failure occurs.
“We lost three days of prime haying weather last season because of a broken spring. What seemed like a $20 part cost us nearly $2,000 in lost yield,” recounts John Henderson, a third-generation hay producer from Nebraska.
The agricultural community often makes two critical mistakes when addressing rake performance issues: either ignoring early warning signs of spring fatigue or opting for cheap aftermarket alternatives that fail to meet OEM specifications. The consequences compound quickly—increased fuel consumption from inefficient raking patterns, premature wear on adjacent components, and ultimately, reduced harvest quality that affects the bottom line.
Engineering Excellence: The Three-Level Breakdown of Bush Hog’s Solution
1. Physical Structure
The 50073485 spring features a precision-coiled design with tapered ends for secure attachment. Its 7-inch length provides optimal tension across the rake arm’s range of motion, while the 3-inch diameter ensures compatibility with Bush Hog’s BSR series mounting points.
2. Material Composition
Manufactured from high-carbon steel with a corrosion-resistant finish, the spring maintains elasticity through thousands of compression cycles. This material choice prevents the “memory loss” that plagues inferior springs after seasonal use.
3. Operational Mechanics
During operation, the spring dynamically adjusts tension as the rake encounters terrain variations. This constant adjustment protects the rake arms from impact damage while maintaining consistent hay gathering—a dual function most generic springs can’t sustain.
The Competitive Edge: How Bush Hog’s Spring Outperforms the Field
| Feature | Bush Hog OEM | Generic Alternative A | Premium Competitor B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cycle Life | 10,000+ cycles | 3,000-5,000 cycles | 8,000 cycles |
| Terrain Adaptability | Dynamic tension adjustment | Fixed tension | Semi-adjustable |
| Corrosion Resistance | Weatherproof coating | Basic finish | Enhanced coating |
| Cost Per Season | $1.98 | $4.15 (with replacements) | $2.48 |
The Bush Hog rake arm spring delivers superior value not just in durability, but in what agricultural economists call “operational confidence”—the assurance that this critical component won’t fail during crucial harvesting windows. This emotional dividend separates OEM parts from aftermarket alternatives.
From Frustration to Flow: A Season With the Right Spring
The Transformation Timeline:
1. The Breaking Point (Early Season)
Sarah Martinez, a hay contractor servicing 800 acres across central Iowa, noticed her rakes leaving increasingly erratic windrows. “We’d finish a field and find clumps the baler couldn’t process,” she recalls. The culprit? Worn springs allowing excessive arm movement.
2. The Upgrade Decision
After replacing two springs with generic parts that failed within weeks, Martinez switched to Bush Hog OEM springs. “The difference was immediate—cleaner windrows, no more skipped patches, and the rakes just sounded healthier,” she notes.
3. The Harvest Difference
By season’s end, Martinez’s crew completed operations 11% faster with 15% less fuel consumption. “That spring became our benchmark—we now replace them preventatively rather than reactively,” she says.
The Smart Farmer’s Checklist: When to Replace Your Rake Arm Springs
- Visible rust pitting on spring coils
- Rake arms “chattering” over smooth terrain
- Inconsistent windrow formation
- Spring length has stretched beyond 7.5 inches
- More than 3 seasons of heavy use
For hay and forage producers, the Bush Hog 50073485 rake arm spring represents more than a replacement part—it’s insurance against operational disruptions. At under $20, it delivers disproportionate value by protecting much more expensive components downstream in the harvesting process.
Ready to Upgrade Your Rake’s Performance?
The Bush Hog OEM Rake Arm Spring (50073485) is in stock and ready to ship. Protect your equipment and your harvest timeline today.
Why This Matters:
In an era of precision agriculture, every component matters. The Bush Hog rake arm spring exemplifies how thoughtful engineering in small parts creates outsized impacts on field operations. For equipment managers focused on total cost of ownership rather than just purchase price, OEM springs deliver measurable advantages that compound season after season.
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