Disk Mower Too Narrow

[lacamo]

I've been real pleased with my Kuhn GMD 500 disk mower; however, it's cutting length is shorter than the width of my tractor so that I always leave grass standing between the initial counter-clockwise pass around the outside of a field and the first of clockwise passes as I move "inside". What's best: 2 ccw passes, the first one further inside; or 1 ccw pass inside leaving a few feet at the edge and cutting that last?; any suggestions?

Thanks!

[blueriver]

I've been real pleased with my Kuhn GMD 500 disk mower; however, it's cutting length is shorter than the width of my tractor so that I always leave grass standing between the initial counter-clockwise pass around the outside of a field and the first of clockwise passes as I move "inside". What's best: 2 ccw passes, the first one further inside; or 1 ccw pass inside leaving a few feet at the edge and cutting that last?; any suggestions?

Thanks!

Open your field with a clockwise rotation ... in other words drive along the the edge with the property line on your left and the cutter on the right ... I make 6 rounds and then turn around and cut the first one that has the tractor tire marks ... then the cutter will ride in the swath mark leaving no hay.

I then cut my fields in "lands" ... the six rounds gives me ample turning room.

Try that.

[lacamo]

Thanks for the suggestion -- this is just like way I rake. Obvious right? (Duh!)

[blueriver]

Thanks for the suggestion -- this is just like way I rake. Obvious right? (Duh!)

I rake the 6 swaths around the field into 2 wind rows and bale them off to clear the end ... then I start raking straight long windrows turning around on each end and going back and forth to the other side.

I hate wind rows that curve or turn ... seems like the baler has to chase the hay ... I also carry the spike on my FEL just in case one of the rolls of hay on the end are in my way ... quick move.

I do this the same way for square baling BUT sometimes the end bales are in my path and I have to work around them.

[pacerron]

I usually waste a few swaths around the outside on purpose since I have tree lines near the edges of most fields. Usually mow the edges with a rotary brush mower a few days before cutting the hay. That way if any tree limbs or
animal bones are hiding they don't clog any of the hay equipment up. Often there are leaves still there from the fall which wound up in fresh hay can become a problem later. The boss is very particular about her hay.
She says, if you won't eat it, don't be giving it to me for horse food.