This article was written by Pat Goodwin of Tractor Tools Direct. This article does not imply an endorsement by the Acreage Living newsletter of Tractor Tools Direct. However, this information is useful for small farm owners looking to invest in their own haying equipment.

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Essential Guide for Purchasing Hay Equipment | Promoting Sustainable Small Farms

Overview

As a small farm operator, you may find yourself ready to take the leap into making your own hay. Whether you are looking to cut costs, improve quality, or gain control over the hay-making process, the drive for self-sufficiency in hay production is commendable. With a compact tractor at your disposal, your ability to create quality feed for your livestock is within reach. The pivotal factor lies in choosing the right equipment to suit your tractor and farmland. Here, we will guide you step-by-step in identifying the optimal tools tailored for your situation. Let's dive in!

Finding the Appropriate Hay Equipment

Understanding Your Tractor

Before embarking on your equipment search, it's crucial to grasp the specifications of your tractor. Notably, the horsepower and weight are essential metrics. Additional details such as width could be necessary depending on the attachment. Check your tractor's user manual for these specifications.

In case you lack the manual, websites such as tractordata.com can help you locate the needed information for a wide range of tractors.

Picking the Best Hay Mower

Hay mowers are varied in design, from compact sickle bar mowers to larger trailed mower-conditioners and even self-propelled versions. For the majority of small farm operators using compact tractors, the focus will be on mounting options compatible with the tractor's 3-point hitch, ideal for nearly all compact or subcompact tractors.

Types of Hay Mowers

Hay mowers can be categorized into three main styles: sickle bar, disc, and drum. Each type offers distinct advantages and considerations. To select the right mower, align it with your tractor's specifications and your specific usage expectations.

Sickle Bar Mowers

Sickle bar mowers, the pioneers of mechanical mowing, were initially horse-drawn. Their design has remained largely unchanged since then, utilizing a reciprocating action with triangular blades to shear vegetation. The modern iterations enhance this efficiency by employing a double action system, reducing vibrations and increasing blade speed, allowing quiet and prolonged use—such as the DCM Italia 150 model, which features a 5-foot wide cut.

Key advantages of sickle bar mowers include:

• Minor horsepower requirement, ideal for smaller tractors.
• Lightweight, providing a safer option for lighter tractors.
• Versatile angled mowing, effective for ditch banks and edges.
• Less dust generation, owing to reduced motion compared to other mower types.

However, they do come with drawbacks:

• Slower forward speeds than disc or drum mowers.
• Prone to clogging in dense materials, especially with dull blades.
• Time-consuming and costly for blade maintenance.
• High repair costs from damage caused by unknown obstructions.

Disc Mowers

Disc mowers signify a natural evolution from sickle bar mowers. Utilizing high-speed rotating discs for cutting, these mowers can easily handle thick or dense hay. With the power to reach high cutting speeds, they offer convenience through hydraulic lifts for transport.

Benefits of disc mowers include:

• Exceptional clogging resistance, even in heavy, dense crops.
• Ability to operate at higher speeds, maximizing efficiency.
• Quick transition from work to transport without leaving the tractor seat.

Nevertheless, they also have certain limitations:

• Hydraulic systems are a necessity for vertical lift operation.
• The heavier weight of the mower poses safety risks for light tractors.
• Repair costs can be substantial for damage incurred in tough environments.

Drum Mowers

While drum mowers have been popular in Europe for decades, they are becoming more recognized in the U.S. These efficient machines operate using counter-rotating drums powered from above, ensuring robust performance even in tough conditions.

The advantages are significant:

• No hydraulic needs, simplifying operation.
• Durable design, resistant to damage from obstacles.
• Ability to work at higher speeds, enhancing productivity.
• Lower power demands make them suitable for older tractors.

However, they do have disadvantages:

• Limited ability for contour mowing compared to sickle bar mowers.
• Heavy weight which could be cumbersome for smaller tractors.
• Commonly create windrows, necessitating additional spreading for drying.

Choosing the Appropriate Hay Tedder

Tedders are crucial machines that aerate and spread hay in the field, promoting faster drying through exposure to air and sunlight. Heavy or moist hay can benefit greatly from this process, particularly after rainfall. While some small farmers manage without a tedder, having one simplifies the hay-drying process significantly, especially post-mowing.

Tedders come in various sizes—ranging from 6 feet to over 20 feet—and can be operated easily by most tractors with a PTO connection. The 3-point hitch option permits maneuvering over obstacles more easily, yet some tractors might struggle when lifting heavier models.

Hybrid devices, such as rakes that can double as tedders, present convenience; however, switching between functions can be labor-intensive without the right equipment.

Selecting the Right Hay Rake

Windrows precede the baling process, so proper raking is vital. It is a common myth that hay can be directly baled from the mower's swath. Instead, tedding or raking is necessary to fluff and condition hay before baling to enhance drying efficiency and ensure optimal bale quality.

Four key styles of rakes include wheel rakes, parallel bar rakes, rotary rakes, and belt rakes, each catering to different preferences and conditions.

Wheel Rakes

Designed for efficient handling of dry hay, wheel rakes require minimal adjustments. They are cost-effective but can introduce dirt into the hay due to ground contact and may fumble in uneven terrain.

Parallel Bar Rakes

These traditional rakes are simple yet lack the modern efficiency and functionality that rotary or belt rakes provide. Therefore, for new buyers, alternative designs may offer more utility.

Rotary Rakes

Rotary rakes create a fluffy windrow for quicker drying, minimizing leaf loss and contaminants, making them a go-to choice for many small farmers.

Belt Rakes

Belt rakes mirror the advantages of rotary rakes but are compact and lightweight, making them superior for storage and rough terrain navigation. They excel in versatility, easily converting to other uses in your farm's operations.

Further Reading:
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For inquiries regarding the bale clamp benefits leading, connect with us to explore solutions tailored to your farm's requirements.

Making the Optimal Baler Choice

The market presents various baler types suited particularly for compact and subcompact tractors. Most small operators may be unfit for larger baler machinery; therefore, we will specifically guide users like you to identify the best options in mini round and square balers.

Mini Round Balers

Regaining popularity, mini round balers (roto-balers) are effective for small-scale hay operations, producing lightweight bales manageable for one person. Configured to connect either through a 3-point hitch or drawbar, these models present distinct advantages such as enhanced visibility and gathering efficiency.

Square Balers

Traditional square balers remain industrious, quickly producing bales and necessitating timely transport to prevent spoilage. Abbriata square balers, however, are increasingly accommodating lighter tractors, thereby broadening the options available to small farmers.

• Mini/S model: Compact and efficient, needing only 16 PTO horsepower.
• Abbriata Mini: Wider pick-up, suitable for medium-sized windrows.
• M60 Super: The largest in the compact class, capable of high output.

While square balers can produce significant tonnage, their weight and susceptibility to damage from moisture must be weighed against the economic advantages before purchase.

As with any farm equipment, ensure safety practices are adhered to diligently. For comprehensive guidance on safety protocols, visit here.

Pat Goodwin at Tractor Tools Direct highlights the importance of addressing several critical questions before finalizing your equipment purchases, ensuring a seamless acquisition:

1. Is the equipment available in stock?

2. Are there shipping considerations? Costs involved?

3. Is there a reliable parts availability in place?

4. Does the seller have sufficient experience in this equipment category?

5. Are manuals and service guides provided with the purchase?

Explore the full Buyer's Guide to Hay Equipment by visiting: here.