Hay farming on a small time basis

[Builder]

I should be OK. My tractor has 2 remotes and 38PTO HP. I think I'm going to look for a 7' haybine. I really wanted a sickle cutter for some "vertical" cutting I need to do, but I can get a sickel cheap and put more into a small haybine.

Thanks for the lift/swing tips. The thing I don't like about Gehl equipment is that it's no longer made.

 

[Heywood Jannockitov]

I think I'm going to look for a 7' haybine.

I bought a nice used NH 477 about ten years ago to replace a sickle mower. A 7 footer is real handy, especially when you have narrow access to fields or across culverts. For smaller acreages, the 2 foot narrower cutting width wont be a big factor. The sickle mower was OK but had trouble cutting cleanly if the crop was bent over, away from the cutter bar.

A 7 footer is less likely to jam in tall crops. The rolls on mine are fairly well worn so they don't crimp all that great, but our hay is pretty grassy with very little alfalfa content so not a big deal. The 7 foot haybine is identical mechanically to the 9 footer, just 2 feet cut off, so the components don't work as hard either. Mine has been very reliable. I just keep it well greased, especially the wobble drive that works the cutter bar.

 

[Builder]

These would be sweet for hay. They only cost about the same as a nicer used pull behind mower/conditioner!

NEW HOLLAND 1495 Mower Conditioners/Windrowers For Sale At TractorHouse.com

1980 JOHN DEERE 830 Mower Conditioners/Windrowers For Sale At TractorHouse.com

Oh well, it's fun to think about anyways!

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Here's a typical end of summer deal.

JD 14T Baler, New Holland 488 Mower Conditioner

Chip in another $500 to $1000 for a good rake, and you're in business.

I've got the same model moco.

 

[Builder]

I think I'm gonna go the extra $$ and buy a small self propelled windrower. They don't cost much more than a pull behind in nice condition. True, it's one more engine/drivetrain/cab to repair, but it leaves my compact free for other chores. I also think I might be able to do a few more fields with it.

Most of the cheaper units 3-4K are gas powered New Hollands some even have AC. I can't see buying any other brand except Deere because of parts not being available.

I'll have to see if the money tree has any magic left in it after this crappy year.

 

[flusher]

I think I'm gonna go the extra $$ and buy a small self propelled windrower. They don't cost much more than a pull behind in nice condition. True, it's one more engine/drivetrain/cab to repair, but it leaves my compact free for other chores. I also think I might be able to do a few more fields with it.

Most of the cheaper units 3-4K are gas powered New Hollands some even have AC. I can't see buying any other brand except Deere because of parts not being available.

I'll have to see if the money tree has any magic left in it after this crappy year.

Those are neat. My neighbor mows his three alfalfa fields with an old Hesston self propelled windrower with a 12-ft wide sicklebar and auger head.





Recently an IH 201 windrower (10 ft sicklebar and draper head, conditioner) went for $600 on eBay. Seller says it runs, but didn't say how well.

 

[Builder]

Those are neat. My neighbor mows his three alfalfa fields with an old Hesston self propelled windrower with a 12-ft wide sicklebar and auger head.

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Recently an IH 201 windrower (10 ft sicklebar and draper head, conditioner) went for $600 on eBay. Seller says it runs, but didn't say how well.

They are neat and I think might be the answer for me. They look about 10 times more manueverable than a tow-behind, and my fields are small & odd shaped.

I found a couple older Versatiles in great shape for only ~1,500, but skipped on them because I figured parts would be impossible. New Holland 1495's seem to be the model I need to watch for.

Any reason to be wary of a gas engine? Many have Ford industrial gas engines which always worked well for me.

 

[flusher]

They are neat and I think might be the answer for me. They look about 10 times more manueverable than a tow-behind, and my fields are small & odd shaped.

I found a couple older Versatiles in great shape for only ~1,500, but skipped on them because I figured parts would be impossible. New Holland 1495's seem to be the model I need to watch for.

Any reason to be wary of a gas engine? Many have Ford industrial gas engines which always worked well for me.

You're right. That Hesston is fast and agile.

Can't answer your engine question--no first hand experience---yet. My neighbor has given me a 1960s Massey Ferguson 44 windrower that has a Continental 140 gasser (4 cyl, flathead, 24 hp). Once I tear into that engine, probably next year, I'll know more about gassers of that vintage.

Right now I'm getting a real education on Hercules 4-cyl flat head gassers. A few weeks ago the 4-cyl, 25 hp IXB3SL Hercules engine from the 1951 Minneapolis Moline BF tractor that I'm restoring came back from the machine shop completely rebuilt ($800 parts, $800 labor).

That Hesston I mentioned earlier is a diesel. A month ago the oil pump failed, the drive gear was shreaded and debris got into the engine. Took 2 weeks to get it fixed.

 

[tommu56]

I should be OK. My tractor has 2 remotes and 38PTO HP. I think I'm going to look for a 7' haybine. I really wanted a sickle cutter for some "vertical" cutting I need to do, but I can get a sickel cheap and put more into a small haybine.

Thanks for the lift/swing tips. The thing I don't like about Gehl equipment is that it's no longer made.

Builder for ditch cutting look at this for your loader

Cutthat.com | Sabre Samurai


tom

 

[Builder]

Wow! That is super-cool!

Great little tool.