

The TedderĪ tedder is a machine that spreads and turns over cut, loose hay in the field. We recommend shaft-driven machines rather than beltdriven, keeping maintenance costs down.

They also have fewer moving parts and are easier for the farmer to work on. They can be run without hydraulics and can be run at high speeds. They can also be expensive to repair making it necessary to know that your pastures are clear of rocks and debris that could damage them.ĭrum mowers are easily the most rugged of the hay mower types and tend to be the least expensive. However, they can be too heavy for subcompact and some compact tractors to safely run. Blade repair can also be time consuming and expensive.ĭisc mowers handle thick hay with ease. However, they tend to be the slowest of the three and can clog in dense material. They are also capable of angled mowing which makes them a little more versatile than the other two types of mowers. Since sickle bar mowers are light weight and require little horsepower, they are a great match for many subcompact and compact tractors. In order to choose the mower that will work best for your situation, first fit the mower to the size of your tractor and then determine how you will be using it. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. There are three primary styles of hay mowers for smaller tractors: Sickle bar, disc, and drum. You will need to choose a mower that both fits your tractor and is right for the geography of your small farm as well as the type of forage you are intending to bale. The first step to the baling process is pretty obvious–cutting the hay. However, if you don’t have the manual, there are many websites that can provide this information.
#Hobby farm hay baler manual
Your tractor’s manual should have this information. Knowing your tractor’s specifications and the power/weight requirements of your intended baling equipment is essential.

A tractor with too little weight and a high center of gravity on any slope at all can be a recipe for disaster. All of these factors combined will determine not only the size of hay equipment you can run, but also how safely you can run it. Besides the horsepower, you need to know the weight of the tractor and its width, among other things. Believe it or not, subcompact tractors with as little as 20 horsepower can be used to bale hay. The Tractorīefore shopping for hay equipment, you must know the specifications of your tractor. To learn more about our other packages click here. These packages include a mower, rake, and baler at a discounted package price. “Here at Tractor Tools Direct we can set you up for small-farm hay production with one of our hay baling packages designed to work with subcompact and compact tractors.” This handy resource from our website includes specifications and comparison charts to help you choose the right equipment for your farm’s unique needs. If, as you are reading, you would like more information on any of the implements mentioned, please visit our Buyer’s Guide at this In this blog, we will give you a brief overview of the equipment you will need to bring haying independence to your small farm.

The key to success is selecting the right equipment for your tractor and your property. Even the toughest work around-baling hay. Let it be known though–with the right knowledge and equipment, compact tractors do real work. Maybe you’ve even been laughed at when you mentioned baling hay with your compact tractor to your farming neighbors. You know you can do better but you’ve got a small tractor, and everyone tells you it won’t be able to do the job. Ultimately, you don’t want to depend upon others for quality hay to feed your animals. Maybe you’re fed up with the contract hay baler who doesn’t think your hay field is a priority. Maybe you’re constantly disappointed by the quality of hay available. Maybe you’re tired of paying high prices for hay. You’ve decided you want to make your own hay.
