{"id":462,"date":"2026-05-22T02:28:29","date_gmt":"2026-05-22T02:28:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/?post_type=product&p=462"},"modified":"2026-05-22T02:28:29","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T02:28:29","slug":"blackbird-rock-rake-9-5m-300hp-large-scale","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/ar\/product\/blackbird-rock-rake-9-5m-300hp-large-scale\/","title":{"rendered":"BlackBird Rock Rake \u2013 9.5 m, 300 HP, World’s Largest Class"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n
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9.5 m<\/div>\n
Working Width<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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2.38<\/div>\n
ha\/h Max Output<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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300<\/div>\n
HP Minimum<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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1000<\/div>\n
RPM PTO<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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5,300<\/div>\n
Kg Machine Weight<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

The World’s Largest Rock Rake \u2014 9.5 Meters of Ground-Clearing Width<\/h2>\n

Large-scale land clearing \u2014 opening new agricultural land, recovering abandoned fields overrun with surface stones, preparing highland terrain for reclamation \u2014 is an operation where machine width is directly proportional to how much land you can clear before dark. The Watanabe BlackBird rock rake<\/strong> was designed around this logic. At 9.5 meters of working width<\/strong> \u2014 the largest in its class worldwide \u2014 it covers up to 2.38 hectares per productive hour<\/strong> at its maximum working speed of 2.5 km\/h. That is approximately four times the hourly coverage of the EP-EW-4000 rock rake, from a single machine and a single tractor.<\/p>\n

The BlackBird is not simply a wider version of a conventional rock rake. It is an articulated, towed implement engineered around the operational realities of large-scale stone clearance \u2014 the articulated frame that allows the machine to fold for transport along farm tracks without disassembly, the rear hitch that enables direct coupling with a THOR stone crusher for continuous rake-and-crush in sequence, and the 5,300 Kg structural weight that gives the tines consistent ground engagement across the full 9.5-meter span even on uneven highland terrain. The result is a machine that does not just do what smaller rock rakes do at larger scale \u2014 it enables a different approach to large-area stone clearance that is simply not practical with smaller implements.<\/p>\n

\"Blackbird<\/p>\n

The BlackBird is part of the Watanabe land management product line<\/a> and is available through Korea Watanabe Rock Crusher Tractor Co., Ltd. for large commercial farm operations, land reclamation contractors, and agricultural land development projects across Korea and surrounding regions.<\/p>\n

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\u25b6 Who the BlackBird Is Built For<\/p>\n

The BlackBird is not a machine for the typical family potato farm or small mixed holding. The 300 HP tractor requirement and 5,300 Kg machine weight position it squarely in the commercial agricultural contractor, large cooperative, and land reclamation project market. If your operation involves opening and clearing 50+ hectares of stone-affected land per season, or if you run stone clearance as a contract service for multiple large farms, the BlackBird’s cost-per-hectare economics become compelling. For smaller operations, the EP-EW-4000 Rock Rake<\/a> (3.6 m, from 75 HP) is the more appropriate tool.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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Technical Specifications \u2013 BlackBird Rock Rake<\/h2>\n

All data sourced from Watanabe’s official partner site specifications. The BlackBird is a towed implement \u2014 it connects via drawbar, not Category 2 three-point hitch. The 1000 RPM PTO requirement is standard for large-frame agricultural tractors of 300+ HP; confirm that your tractor’s rear PTO is specified for 1000 RPM before ordering.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
PARAMETER<\/th>\nBlackBird<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Dimensions & Weight<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Working Width<\/strong><\/td>\n9.5 m<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Total Width (transport)<\/td>\n10.7 m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0648\u0632\u0646<\/strong><\/td>\n5,300 Kg<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mounting Type<\/td>\nDrawbar \/ Towed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tractor Requirements<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Engine Power (min.)<\/strong><\/td>\n300 HP<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
PTO Speed<\/strong><\/td>\n1000 RPM<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Performance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Working Speed<\/strong><\/td>\n0.8\u20132.5 km\/h<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Estimated Yield (max.)<\/strong><\/td>\nUp to 2.38 ha\/h<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Key Features<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Frame Design<\/strong><\/td>\nArticulated \u2014 folds for on-farm transport<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rear Hitch<\/strong><\/td>\nYes \u2014 couples directly with THOR crusher<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\u24d8 Yield figure of 2.38 ha\/h is the manufacturer’s estimated maximum at 2.5 km\/h working speed and 9.5 m working width. Actual operational yield depends on field conditions, stone density, turning frequency, and driver technique \u2014 typical productive-hour output in Korean highland conditions will be lower. 1000 RPM PTO is required (not 540 RPM). All data from Watanabe official partner site.<\/p>\n

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\u26a0 1000 RPM PTO required \u2014 not 540 RPM<\/p>\n

The BlackBird operates at 1000 RPM PTO input \u2014 the standard for large 300+ HP agricultural tractors, but a different shaft speed from the 540 RPM PTO used by all of Watanabe’s potato machinery and the DESTROYER compost barn aerator. Verify your tractor’s PTO configuration supports 1000 RPM output before ordering. Korean tractors in the 300+ HP class \u2014 John Deere 8R, New Holland T8, Fendt 900 series \u2014 all provide 1000 RPM PTO as standard.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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How the BlackBird Works \u2014 Rake, Windrow, and Crush in One Pass<\/h2>\n

The Raking Action \u2014 Ground Engagement Across 9.5 Meters<\/h3>\n

The BlackBird’s tines engage the soil surface as the 300 HP tractor pulls the machine slowly across the field at 0.8\u20132.5 km\/h. The tines \u2014 arranged across the full 9.5-meter working width in the pattern specific to the rock rake design \u2014 penetrate to a controlled shallow depth, gathering surface stones, boulders, and rock fragments from the soil as the machine advances. The PTO drive at 1000 RPM powers the tine agitation and separation action, helping lift and shed fine soil from the gathered stones as they accumulate and are directed toward the centre of the working width for windrow formation.<\/p>\n

The 5,300 Kg machine weight is not incidental \u2014 it provides the down-force that keeps the full 9.5-meter tine span in consistent ground contact across undulating or uneven highland terrain. A lighter machine of the same working width would “bridge” across ground hollows and miss surface stones in these zones; the BlackBird’s weight ensures the tines track the ground contour across the full width, even at the outer reaches of the 9.5-meter span where the tractor’s influence on frame depth is most indirect.<\/p>\n

The Articulated Frame \u2014 Wide Coverage, Practical Transport<\/h3>\n

A 9.5-meter wide implement in rigid form would be unmanageable on any public road and difficult to navigate even on wide farm tracks. The BlackBird’s articulated frame solves this: the outer sections of the frame fold inward for transport, reducing the machine’s road-transport width to dimensions compatible with farm track access. Folding and unfolding for field entry and exit is accomplished without disassembling the implement or detaching any components \u2014 the articulation joints are hydraulically actuated from the tractor cab.<\/p>\n

This transport capability is particularly relevant for Korean commercial farming operations where multiple fields in different locations need to be cleared in sequence. A machine that requires a specialist wide-load transport vehicle and road permit to move between fields would multiply the effective cost and complexity of a large-scale stone clearance program. The BlackBird’s fold-and-go articulation means it can be repositioned between adjacent fields or moved along farm tracks with the same tractor that operates it, without additional logistics.<\/p>\n

\"Blackbird<\/p>\n

The Rear Hitch \u2014 Continuous Rake-and-Crush<\/h3>\n

The BlackBird’s most operationally distinctive feature is its rear hitch system, which allows a THOR stone crusher to be coupled directly behind the rock rake. In this configuration, the BlackBird passes across the field forming stone windrows, and the THOR crusher \u2014 trailing immediately behind on the same tractor movement \u2014 processes those windrows into crushed aggregate as the machine advances. The complete cycle of stone collection, windrow formation, and on-site crushing happens in a single coordinated pass, without a separate collection and crushing operation afterward.<\/p>\n

This rake-and-crush combination dramatically changes the economics of large-scale stone clearance on agricultural land. Without it, the sequence is: rake the field (one tractor pass) \u2192 collect windrows with a loader \u2192 transport to a crusher or stone pile \u2192 crush or dispose. With the BlackBird and THOR coupled: one pass clears, windrows, and crushes simultaneously. The crushed stone remains on site as gravel that can be incorporated into the soil profile or left as surface material \u2014 eliminating the disposal cost entirely.<\/p>\n

Working Speed and Daily Output<\/h3>\n

At maximum working speed (2.5 km\/h) with the full 9.5-meter width, the BlackBird’s theoretical coverage rate is 2.38 ha\/h. In practical Korean highland field operations \u2014 where field shapes, headland turns, stone density, and occasional stops for operator checks reduce productive time \u2014 a realistic daily output is 8\u201314 hectares per full working day, depending on field conditions and stone load. This compares to approximately 2\u20134 hectares per day for the EP-EW-4000 rock rake in equivalent conditions \u2014 the BlackBird achieves three to four times the daily area clearance output from the same labour investment.<\/p>\n

Speed should be matched to stone density: heavier stone loads require slower working speed to allow complete tine engagement and stone accumulation; lighter surface stone areas can be cleared at higher speed without loss of quality. Most Korean highland clearing operations will work in the 1.2\u20132.0 km\/h range for initial clearance of established stony fields, with higher speeds possible on subsequent passes or on lighter stone loads.<\/p>\n

\"Blackbird<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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Why the BlackBird Changes Large-Scale Stone Clearance Economics<\/h2>\n

\"Blackbird<\/p>\n

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\u25a0 9.5 m \u2014 World’s Largest Class<\/p>\n

At 9.5 meters, the BlackBird is the largest production rock rake in its category worldwide. The working width advantage over all conventional rock rakes translates directly into fewer passes per field, fewer headland turns, and lower fuel and labour cost per hectare cleared. For operations clearing hundreds of hectares per season, the cost-per-hectare arithmetic makes the case clearly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u25a0 Direct THOR Coupling \u2014 One Pass System<\/p>\n

The rear hitch enables the BlackBird to pull a THOR stone crusher in the same tractor pass \u2014 rake and crush simultaneously. This eliminates the separate collection and crushing cycle that adds a second machine and a second day’s work to conventional rake-then-crush operations. For land clearing contractors, this integration cuts the total machine-hours per hectare substantially.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u25a0 Articulated Frame \u2014 Practical Transport<\/p>\n

A 9.5-meter machine needs to move between fields. The BlackBird’s hydraulically articulated frame folds to transport width without disassembly, allowing repositioning between fields along farm access tracks with the same operating tractor. No wide-load transport permit, no disassembly crew \u2014 the machine moves itself between clearing locations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u25a0 5,300 Kg \u2014 Full-Width Ground Contact<\/p>\n

The machine weight is distributed across the full 9.5-meter frame, ensuring all tines maintain consistent soil contact even on uneven highland terrain. A lightweight machine of the same width would bridge across hollows in the field and miss stones in low zones \u2014 a significant quality gap. The BlackBird’s weight ensures comprehensive coverage of every pass.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u25a0 Up to 2.38 ha\/h Output<\/p>\n

At maximum speed, the BlackBird’s output of up to 2.38 ha\/h is the highest of any production rock rake. For a contractor clearing 200 hectares of new agricultural land, the difference between 0.5 ha\/h (conventional rake) and 2.38 ha\/h (BlackBird) is the difference between a 400-hour project and an 84-hour project \u2014 roughly a month of work versus two weeks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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Where the BlackBird Rock Rake Gets Used<\/h2>\n

\ud83c\udf3f Large-Scale Agricultural Land Opening in Korea<\/h3>\n

Korea’s highland agricultural zones \u2014 Gangwon-do in particular \u2014 have significant areas of potential agricultural land that remain uncultivated because surface stone density makes them impractical to work with standard farm machinery. These are typically former forest margins, abandoned pasture land, or areas that have accumulated surface stones through decades of frost-heave and water movement in the volcanic or granite-derived soils of the highland belt.<\/p>\n

Opening this land for potato, vegetable, or forage production requires removing the surface stone load to a level where tillage equipment, planters, and harvesters can operate without mechanical damage. The traditional approach \u2014 manual stone collection or small rock picker passes \u2014 is prohibitively slow on areas above 10\u201320 hectares. The BlackBird changes the scale of what is practically achievable: a 100-hectare block can be cleared of surface stones in approximately 50 productive machine-hours at 2 ha\/h output, making the economics of highland land opening viable for commercial-scale operations that smaller rock rakes simply cannot serve.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfd9 Land Reclamation and Agricultural Infrastructure Projects<\/h3>\n

Korean government agricultural infrastructure programs \u2014 particularly the Reclamation of Agricultural Land program (\ub18d\uc9c0 \uac1c\ub7c9 \uc0ac\uc5c5) and rural development initiatives in highland municipalities \u2014 regularly include stone clearance as a required preparatory step before soil improvement and cultivation can begin. For contractors bidding on these government programs, the BlackBird provides a competitive advantage in both unit price (lower cost-per-hectare due to higher throughput) and project schedule (faster completion within contract deadlines).<\/p>\n

The Korean Ministry of Agriculture’s annual rural land development budgets fund tens of thousands of hectares of land improvement work across the country. Contractors equipped with large-capacity stone clearance equipment can bid competitively on the larger contract packages that single-machine small operators cannot efficiently serve.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf33 Stone Clearance for Highland Potato Production Zones<\/h3>\n

The highland potato belt across Gangwon-do \u2014 Pyeongchang-gun, Jeongseon-gun, Inje-gun, and surrounding municipalities \u2014 has significant stone content in its granite and basalt-derived soils. Stone density is high enough in many fields that the EP-EW-4000 rock rake<\/a> (3.6 m) is used by most producers for the initial clearance pass each spring \u2014 a seasonal stone management practice that is standard in this region.<\/p>\n

For larger commercial potato farms and cooperatives managing 50+ hectares, running the EP-EW-4000 in a spring clearance pass over the entire production area is a significant time commitment that competes directly with the planting schedule. The BlackBird at 9.5-meter working width completes the same spring stone clearance in approximately 25% of the time, freeing the planting equipment to start on schedule. For operations that already run 300+ HP tractors for other purposes \u2014 large rotavators, trailed harvesting equipment, or heavy cultivation implements \u2014 the BlackBird fits within the existing power plant without requiring a dedicated machine purchase.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf3f Post-Forestry Land Conversion<\/h3>\n

Korea has an ongoing program of converting marginal forestry land to agricultural use, particularly in areas where former plantation forestry is being retired and the land is assessed for alternative productive use. Post-forestry land \u2014 after the trees are cleared and the stumps are removed \u2014 is typically covered with surface rocks, tree root fragments, and rough ground that must be cleared and levelled before standard agricultural implements can work it.<\/p>\n

The BlackBird’s combination of high working width, robust 5,300 Kg frame, and the option to trail the THOR stone crusher for in-situ processing of collected stones makes it well suited to this application. In one operation, the surface can be cleared of stones and the collected material crushed and left as granular surface mulch \u2014 significantly advancing the land preparation timeline compared to sequential individual-implement operations.<\/p>\n

\"BlackBird<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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BlackBird or EP-EW-4000 \u2014 Choosing the Right Scale<\/h2>\n

Both the BlackBird and the EP-EW-4000 Rock Rake<\/a> clear surface stones from agricultural land. The right choice depends on your operation’s scale, available tractor power, and whether THOR crusher integration is part of your workflow:<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Factor<\/th>\nEP-EW-4000<\/th>\nBlackBird<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\u0639\u0631\u0636 \u0627\u0644\u0639\u0645\u0644<\/td>\n3.6 m<\/td>\n9.5 m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0627\u0644\u062d\u062f \u0627\u0644\u0623\u062f\u0646\u0649 \u0644\u0642\u0648\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u062c\u0631\u0627\u0631<\/td>\n75 HP<\/td>\n300 HP<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0633\u0631\u0639\u0629 \u0645\u062e\u0631\u062c \u0627\u0644\u0642\u062f\u0631\u0629<\/td>\n540 RPM<\/td>\n1000 RPM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mounting<\/td>\nCat.2 hitch<\/td>\nDrawbar \/ towed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hourly coverage (max.)<\/td>\n~0.54 ha\/h<\/td>\n2.38 ha\/h<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
THOR crusher coupling<\/td>\nNo rear hitch<\/td>\nYes \u2014 rear hitch<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Transport folding<\/td>\nFixed width<\/td>\nArticulated, folds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Best scale<\/td>\nUp to ~30 ha\/season<\/td>\n50+ ha\/season<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Best for<\/td>\nFamily \/ medium farm<\/td>\nCommercial \/ contractor<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
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\u26a0 Check tractor compatibility before the BlackBird<\/p>\n

The BlackBird requires 300 HP minimum and 1000 RPM PTO. If your largest available tractor is below 250 HP or provides only 540 RPM PTO, the BlackBird is not compatible with your current fleet \u2014 the EP-EW-4000 (from 75 HP, 540 RPM) is the appropriate choice. Contact us with your tractor model and we will confirm compatibility clearly before any order is placed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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The Complete Watanabe Stone Clearance System<\/h2>\n

The BlackBird is most powerful as part of a complete stone clearance workflow. Depending on your land conditions and intended end result, these are the standard system configurations:<\/p>\n

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\u2460 BlackBird Only \u2014 Rake and Windrow<\/p>\n

Rake the field with the BlackBird, forming surface stones into windrows. Follow with the CT-2100 \u0623\u062f\u0627\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u062a\u0642\u0627\u0637 \u0627\u0644\u0635\u062e\u0648\u0631<\/a> to collect windrow stones into the 2.5 m\u00b3 bunker for transport to a disposal or use point. Best when collected stone has a defined use (road base, drainage fill, masonry) that justifies the collection step.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u2461 BlackBird + THOR \u2014 Rake and Crush in One Pass Most Efficient<\/span><\/p>\n

Couple the \u0643\u0633\u0627\u0631\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0635\u062e\u0648\u0631 THOR 3.0<\/a> directly to the BlackBird’s rear hitch. The BlackBird rakes and windrows stones; the THOR immediately behind crushes them into aggregate in the same forward pass. Crushed aggregate remains on the field \u2014 no collection, no disposal, no transport cost. The most operationally efficient configuration for large-scale clearing where on-site stone reduction is the goal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u2462 Standalone THOR Pre-Clear + BlackBird<\/p>\n

For heavily boulder-laden fields, use the \u062b\u0648\u0631 2.4<\/a> or THOR 3.0 first to crush the largest surface boulders that exceed the BlackBird’s handling capacity, then follow with the BlackBird for comprehensive surface raking. This two-pass approach handles extreme stone density conditions that would overload a single-pass combined operation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Contact Korea Watanabe Rock Crusher Tractor Co., Ltd.<\/a> to discuss which configuration matches your field conditions and production goals. We can review field photos, soil type, and stone density description to recommend the optimal system before you commit to a purchase decision.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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Watanabe Quality \u2014 Engineered for the Most Demanding Operations<\/h2>\n
\n
\"Watanabe<\/div>\n
\n

The BlackBird’s position as the world’s largest production rock rake of its class is not primarily a marketing claim \u2014 it reflects a design engineering challenge that Watanabe solved in a way that competitors have not. Building a 9.5-meter tine array that maintains consistent ground contact across its full span, folds to a practical transport width, and provides sufficient structural rigidity at 5,300 Kg to be useful in real-world uneven highland terrain requires a frame design, articulation system, and tine specification that cannot be simply scaled from a smaller machine.<\/p>\n

The rear hitch integration with the THOR crusher \u2014 allowing a direct mechanical coupling that maintains alignment between the raking and crushing operations in the same tractor pass \u2014 is an engineering design feature, not a bolt-on modification. It reflects Watanabe’s development of the BlackBird as an integrated part of their stone clearance product line rather than as a standalone implement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\"Watanabe<\/p>\n

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\u2713 Tractor + System Compatibility Check<\/p>\n

We verify 300 HP+ tractor compatibility, 1000 RPM PTO specification, and drawbar coupling configuration before ordering. If THOR coupling is part of your planned workflow, we confirm the combined BlackBird + THOR rear hitch coupling configuration for your specific THOR model.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u2713 Field Suitability Assessment<\/p>\n

The BlackBird’s 9.5-meter working width and 5,300 Kg weight require open field conditions and adequate headland space. We review your field dimensions, headland widths, and access track conditions before confirming the BlackBird is the right choice for your specific site.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u2713 Wear Parts Support<\/p>\n

Tines and articulation joint wear components are the primary maintenance items on the BlackBird. We maintain supply chain contact with Watanabe Brazil for replacement components, with typical order-to-Korea delivery timelines provided at the time of purchase so seasonal maintenance planning is straightforward.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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Frequently Asked Questions \u2013 BlackBird Rock Rake<\/h2>\n
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Why is the BlackBird called the world’s largest rock rake in its class?<\/p>\n

The 9.5-meter working width is the largest available in production-series PTO-driven agricultural rock rakes globally. Competitor machines in the rock rake category \u2014 such as the Schulte 2500 Giant or Degelman Rock King \u2014 have working widths of 1.5\u20132.4 meters. The BlackBird’s 9.5-meter span represents a fundamentally different design approach: an articulated multi-section frame rather than a single rigid beam. This articulation is what makes 9.5 meters practically achievable without requiring a road-legal wide-load transport for every field move.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Which THOR crusher model couples with the BlackBird rear hitch?<\/p>\n

The \u0643\u0633\u0627\u0631\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0635\u062e\u0648\u0631 THOR 3.0<\/a> (230 HP, drawbar Kit) is the primary coupling partner for the BlackBird in the Watanabe system. The THOR 3.0’s drawbar kit configuration allows it to be connected to the BlackBird’s rear hitch, pulled by the same 300+ HP tractor that operates the BlackBird. The \u062b\u0648\u0631 2.4<\/a> (180 HP) may also be compatible in certain configurations \u2014 confirm coupling compatibility for your specific tractor and THOR model when contacting us.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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What headland space does the BlackBird need to turn around?<\/p>\n

The BlackBird’s headland turning requirement depends on whether the THOR crusher is coupled. The BlackBird alone \u2014 at 10.7 meters total width folded for transport \u2014 needs a headland of at least 15\u201318 meters to execute a clean field-end turn. With the THOR crusher coupled behind, the combined machine length is considerably greater and the headland requirement increases accordingly \u2014 approximately 25\u201330 meters. For Korean highland fields with limited headland space, confirm your headland dimensions when contacting us for a suitability assessment. Fields with less than 15 meters of headland may require the BlackBird to lift and reverse rather than turn, which slows the work pace but remains operationally feasible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Can the BlackBird handle very large boulders?<\/p>\n

Rock rakes are designed for surface stone clearance \u2014 stones and boulders that sit on or immediately below the soil surface. The BlackBird is not a rock crusher; it gathers and windrows material by tine engagement. For fields with large boulders (above approximately 40\u201350 cm diameter) embedded at the surface, a pre-clearance pass with the THOR 2.4 or THOR 3.0 to reduce boulders to a size the BlackBird can handle is recommended before the raking pass. We can advise on the appropriate field preparation sequence based on your field’s stone size description and a photograph of the surface conditions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Why does the BlackBird need 1000 RPM PTO rather than 540 RPM?<\/p>\n

The 1000 RPM PTO standard is the conventional specification for high-power (300+ HP) agricultural tractors and heavy-duty implements. At 1000 RPM, more torque can be transmitted through a shaft of the same diameter than at 540 RPM, allowing the BlackBird’s 5,300 Kg implement to receive sufficient drive power for the tine agitation and separation mechanism across the full 9.5-meter working width. The 540 RPM PTO standard \u2014 used by all Watanabe potato machinery and the DESTROYER compost barn aerator \u2014 is the appropriate specification for 75\u2013200 HP implement applications. For a 5,300 Kg implement driven by a 300 HP tractor, 1000 RPM is the correct engineering specification. Large Korean agricultural tractors in the 300+ HP class all provide 1000 RPM PTO as standard; verify this on your specific tractor’s specification sheet before ordering.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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What do I do with the stone windrows after the BlackBird pass?<\/p>\n

Three main options: (1) Crush in place using the THOR crusher coupled to the BlackBird’s rear hitch \u2014 the crushed aggregate remains on the field as granular material that is tilled in or left as surface gravel; (2) Collect with the CT-2100 \u0623\u062f\u0627\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u062a\u0642\u0627\u0637 \u0627\u0644\u0635\u062e\u0648\u0631<\/a> and transport to a defined disposal or use point \u2014 the CT-2100’s 2.5 m\u00b3 bunker allows efficient collection of the windrows without manual handling; (3) Push the windrows to the field margin using a front loader and construct a permanent stone boundary. The appropriate approach depends on the volume of stone collected and whether there is a productive use for the material.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Is the BlackBird suitable for Korean highland slopes?<\/p>\n

The BlackBird’s 5,300 Kg weight and 10.7-meter total width make it more suited to open, relatively flat agricultural land rather than the steeply terraced highland plots where the compact EP-EW-4000 rock rake is the appropriate tool. For moderate gradients up to approximately 10% (1:10) on open highland fields with adequate headlands, the BlackBird is practical. On steeper slopes or narrow terraced land, the EP-EW-4000 at 3.6-meter working width and Cat.2 hitch mounting is the safer and more maneuverable choice. If your primary production area includes both open flat land and terraced hillside plots, a combined approach \u2014 BlackBird for the open areas and EP-EW-4000 for the terraced sections \u2014 may be the optimal configuration. Contact us to discuss your specific field mix.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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How does the BlackBird transport on Korean farm access tracks?<\/p>\n

The articulated frame folds hydraulically from the 9.5-meter working width to a significantly narrower transport width \u2014 the exact transport width should be confirmed with us for the current production configuration. For access along Korean agricultural tracks, the folded machine width and the combined total length of tractor + BlackBird are the key dimensions. In general, Korean highland farm access roads of 3.5\u20134.0 meters width can accommodate the BlackBird in folded transport position; narrower access routes may require clearing or widening before the machine can be transported to the field. Provide your farm access track width and any width-restricted gates or bridges when contacting us for the suitability assessment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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What Our Customers Say<\/h2>\n
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Jeong Kwang-il \u2014 Agricultural Land Development Contractor, Gangwon-do (2024)<\/p>\n

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“We contracted to clear and prepare 180 hectares of former marginal forest land in Gangwon-do for conversion to potato production \u2014 a large government-backed rural development project. Running the BlackBird with the THOR 3.0 coupled on the rear hitch, we cleared the surface stone load across the full 180 hectares in 19 working days. Our previous estimate for the same area using conventional equipment was 60 working days. The rake-and-crush single-pass combination was the key \u2014 no separate collection operation, no stone disposal. The project came in under budget and the delivery date was met comfortably.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Oh Byeong-chul \u2014 Large Commercial Farm (Highland Potatoes, 120 ha), Pyeongchang-gun (2024\u20132025)<\/p>\n

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“We run a spring stone clearance pass across our 120-hectare potato production area every year before tillage and planting. With the EP-EW-4000 we were using before, this took about 12 working days with two tractors. The BlackBird does the same area in 4 days on one 330 HP John Deere. The tractor already owned the HP for other heavy operations \u2014 the BlackBird just added the width capability we were missing. Time saved on stone clearance went directly into earlier planting, which gave us a longer growing season on the later-maturing blocks. Good investment.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Han Jae-su \u2014 Agricultural Machinery Contractor (Stone Clearance Services), Wonju Region (2025)<\/p>\n

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“I run contract stone clearance services for about 12 farms in the Wonju and Hoengseong area \u2014 total contract area is around 250 hectares per spring season. The BlackBird is the machine that made this contract volume possible. At 2+ ha\/h effective output, I can service the full 250-hectare contract area in approximately 20 working days. The same volume with conventional rock rakes would need three machines and three operators. I have the Korea Watanabe team to thank for the pre-sale compatibility check \u2014 they confirmed the rear hitch coupling setup with the THOR 3.0 before I ordered, and the combined system has worked exactly as described in every season.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Son Tae-hyeon \u2014 Agricultural Cooperative (Land Development, North Chungcheong) (2024)<\/p>\n

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“Our cooperative was awarded a government agricultural land improvement contract covering 90 hectares of stone-affected highland fields across three member farms. The BlackBird was specified for the project after the Korea Watanabe team assessed our field dimensions and confirmed the headland space was adequate. Total stone clearance time: 9 working days across all three farms. The articulated frame’s transport folding capability was critical \u2014 we moved the machine between the three different farms along rural farm tracks without any access issues. The stone windrows were then collected using the CT-2100 rock picker and used for track surface improvement on the same farms.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Kwon Seok-jin \u2014 Farm Expansion Project, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do (spring 2025)<\/p>\n

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“We purchased 40 hectares of former marginal grazing land adjacent to our existing potato farm and needed to prepare it for cultivation in a single spring season. The land had significant surface stone accumulation from decades of natural frost-heave \u2014 an estimated 400 tonnes of surface stone per hectare in the worst sections. The Korea Watanabe team recommended a two-pass approach: THOR 2.4 pre-crush on the heaviest sections first, then BlackBird across the full area. Following the recommended sequence, we had the full 40 hectares cleared, stone-free, and ready for the rotavator within 11 working days. Planted potatoes into the new land the same spring.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Yun Cheol-min \u2014 Post-Forestry Land Reclamation, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do (2024)<\/p>\n

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“We took on 60 hectares of former plantation pine land that was being converted to agricultural use following the regional forestry retirement program. After stump removal and initial rough grading, the surface was covered with root fragments, stone debris from the forest floor, and exposed rock from the grading work. We ran the BlackBird with THOR 3.0 on the rear hitch across the full area \u2014 two passes on the heaviest sections, one pass on the lighter areas. The crushed aggregate from the combined operation improved the surface drainage characteristics of the former forest soil. The area was seeded with forage in the first year and will transition to vegetable production next season.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Clear More Land. Fewer Passes. One Machine.<\/p>\n

Tell us your field area, stone density (light \/ moderate \/ heavy), tractor model and HP, and whether THOR crusher coupling is part of your plan \u2014 we will confirm BlackBird suitability, system configuration, and delivery timeline within one business day.<\/p>\n

Running a stone clearance contracting business? Ask about the complete Watanabe stone clearance system \u2014 BlackBird rock rake, THOR crusher, and CT-2100 rock picker \u2014 configured for maximum seasonal throughput on a single high-power tractor.<\/p>\n

Contact Us Now<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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The world’s largest rock rake in its class \u2014 9.5 m working width<\/strong>, covering up to 2.38 hectares per hour<\/strong>. Towed behind a 300 HP tractor. Rear hitch allows direct coupling with the THOR crusher for continuous rake-and-crush in a single pass.<\/p>\n

Articulated frame for on-farm transport without disassembly. 1000 RPM PTO, 5,300 Kg. For large commercial farms, land reclamation contractors, and highland clearing operations in Korea.<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"featured_media":465,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":""},"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[25],"product_tag":[],"class_list":["post-462","product","type-product","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","product_cat-rock-rake","first","instock","shipping-taxable","product-type-simple"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product\/462","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=462"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/465"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=462"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_brand?post=462"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_cat?post=462"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_tag?post=462"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}