Description
Schwan asphalt rake 800 mm is a spreading rake supplied without a handle, used to spread asphalt mix, gravel and crushed stone into an even layer before compaction. The working width is 800 mm and the blade height 90 mm, so each pass covers a wide strip and the layer thickness stays even.
The blade is aluminium with a material thickness of 0.4 mm. Aluminium does not stick to hot bitumen as easily as steel, and the smooth blade leaves an even surface after spreading. The blade is bolted to a three-point tubular frame that spreads the pushing force across the full width of the blade and stops it from bending in the middle.
The frame ends in a Ø 32 mm socket that takes a standard 32 mm tool handle. The handle is not included, so the handle length can be chosen to suit the job and the user. The total weight of the rake without a handle is 1.5 kg, which keeps the tool manageable even over long passes.
The manufacturer is the German company Schwan Werkzeugfabrik Hermann Schwandt, which makes hand tools for road and paving work in Remscheid. The rake belongs to the same product family as the manufacturer’s other tar spreaders and gravel rakes, which are also available in working widths of 600 and 700 mm.
Intended use and suitability:
The rake is designed for spreading and levelling loose material on a horizontal or gently sloping base. It is used with a pulling or pushing stroke, in which the lower edge of the blade sets the layer thickness.
- Asphalt work: spreading hot or cold mix in patch repairs and small areas before the roller or plate compactor; the 800 mm blade covers the width of a narrow traffic lane or a pavement in a few passes.
- Gravel and crushed stone surfaces: levelling the crushed stone layer of driveways, car parks and walkways to the required thickness before compaction.
- Bedding sand for paving: spreading and rough levelling of the bedding layer before accurate screeding with screed boards.
- Landscaping and garden construction: moving and levelling decorative aggregate, crushed rock and fill in planting areas and paths.
- Rough spreading of concrete: moving the mix inside the formwork before screeding and floating.
Package contents:
- 1 pcs asphalt and gravel rake, working width 800 mm, socket Ø 32 mm
- Handle not included
Features:
- Working width 800 mm: a wide strip in one pass, fewer passes per square metre.
- Aluminium blade 90 mm: a light blade that bitumen sticks to less than to steel; the smooth lower edge leaves an even finish.
- Three-point tubular frame: support at three points spreads the force across the blade width and keeps the edge straight under load.
- Bolted blade: the blade can be removed from the frame for maintenance or replacement.
- Socket Ø 32 mm: fits the most common hand tool handle size, and the handle can be chosen freely.
- Weight 1.5 kg: the rake stays light even on a long handle.
Technical specifications:
- Working width: 800 mm.
- Blade height: 90 mm.
- Blade material thickness: 0.4 mm.
- Blade material: aluminium.
- Frame: three-point tubular frame, galvanised steel.
- Handle socket: Ø 32 mm.
- Handle: not included.
- Country of manufacture: Germany.
Schwan asphalt rake instructions for use:
Fitting the handle: Push the 32 mm handle all the way into the socket and secure it through the hole in the socket with a screw or nail. Check the fixing before every shift; a loose handle wears the socket oval.
Spreading: Tip the mix in heaps over the work area. Hold the blade against the base at an angle of about 30–45 degrees and draw the mix away from the heap with a smooth movement. Work in overlapping passes so that each pass covers the edge of the previous one by about 100 mm.
Controlling the layer thickness: Use level marks or screed boards and check the thickness with a measure. Spread the mix slightly high to allow for compaction and finish with a light pass.
Cleaning: Scrape bitumen off the blade immediately after work, while the mix is still warm. The aluminium surface can be treated with a release agent before work so that the mix does not stick to the blade.
Maintenance and storage: Check the tightness of the bolted joints regularly and straighten any bent blade edge. Store the rake hanging in a dry place with the blade off the ground.
Warnings:
- Hot asphalt mix causes severe burns. Wear heat-resistant gloves, long protective clothing and safety footwear.
- Bitumen fumes irritate the respiratory tract; ensure ventilation and avoid standing downwind.
- The blade edges are thin and can cut. Handle the blade with gloves on.
- Do not use the rake as a lever or crowbar; the thin blade and tubular frame bend under a point load.
- Make sure the handle is secure before use; a handle that comes loose creates a risk of falling and impact.
- Work in traffic areas only on a closed work site and in high-visibility clothing.
- Keep out of the reach of children.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ):
Is the handle included? No. The rake is supplied without a handle and takes a Ø 32 mm tool handle.
How wide a strip does the rake spread at a time? The working width of the blade is 800 mm, so one pass covers a 0.8 m strip.
Is the rake suitable for hot asphalt mix? Yes. The aluminium blade withstands the temperature of the hot mix, and bitumen does not stick to it as strongly as to steel.
What is the difference between an asphalt rake and a shovel? The wide, low blade of the rake levels mix that has already been spread over the area, while a shovel is meant for lifting and moving the mix.
How is bitumen cleaned off the blade? By scraping while the mix is still warm; a release agent applied before work reduces sticking.
Can the rake be used to level gravel and crushed stone? Yes, the same blade levels crushed stone, crushed rock and sand layers before compaction.
Recycling instructions:
A rake at the end of its life goes to metal collection: the aluminium blade and the galvanised tubular frame are both recyclable metal. Remove any wooden handle and take it to wood waste or the energy fraction. Parts soiled with bitumen residue are handled according to local waste management instructions. The cardboard packaging belongs in cardboard collection.
