Loader CK 20s and round bales

[Duffster]

When the tractor turns over, then it breaks. Ken Sweet

So if he can pick up a bale without rolling the tractor over will it still break or will it be OK?

 

[dengar256]

Thanks for all the help. I figured it couldn't do it but was just hopeful. I guess I will just have to build the shed and convince my father-in-law to board his tractor here for the winter.

 

[sweettractors]

Thanks for all the help. I figured it couldn't do it but was just hopeful. I guess I will just have to build the shed and convince my father-in-law to board his tractor here for the winter.

If you are feeding limited numbers of rolled hay bales, there is a way to feed them without the use of a tractor. Put the bales in the corner of the winter pasture field and line them up in single file and leave about a few feet between each bale. Then run a hot wire across in front of the first bale. When that bale is eat, move the electric cross fence back 1 more bale and when that bale is eat, move the wire back one more bale. I have a BIL that has used this method for many years. He does not even own a tractor. Ken Sweet

 

[dengar256]

Ken that is a great idea. to start off with we will only have 3 - 4 cattle so I think this would work. I will have to remember this when I build the fence this summer.

 

[sweettractors]

Ken that is a great idea. to start off with we will only have 3 - 4 cattle so I think this would work. I will have to remember this when I build the fence this summer.

Here is a rough drawing to show one way to feed round bale hay without a tractor. Ken Sweet

 

[MMagis]

Bale grazing works well (the method Ken mentioned), or you can also just hook a tow strap or chain around a bale and pull it. I’ve had to do than when I had a flat on the tractor. Cows need to eat regardless. I don’t know anything about that particular tractor, but I do have some experience moving round bales near the lift capacity of my tractor. When the bales are new, it’s a little dicey on the hills, but not all that bad. But, in the winter and the bales now have a lot of moisture/ice/snow (weight), they’re all of sudden very tricky to move. Sometimes I have to back up hills just so I can steer. Remember, the lift capacity is typically at one certain point. A very large round bale is going to extend beyond that, reducing the capacity. If the farmer is able to make them smaller, great, but not everyone can or will.

 

[JonKioti]

At this rate, perhaps it's easier to move the cattle to the hay?

Thanks for your entertaining but accurate answers Ken. A good laugh is always welcome.

 

[sweettractors]

At this rate, perhaps it's easier to move the cattle to the hay?

Thanks for your entertaining but accurate answers Ken. A good laugh is always welcome.

Thanks JonKioti, I can't remember the last time I have been called entertaining. I think I like it LOL Ken Sweet

 

[ustmd]

The method Ken suggested works great.

An alternative is to get a single bale hay buggy with a hand crank winch and pull it with your tractor. It may still tip over, but only the buggy will go and not the tractor.

 

[pilonidal]

My ck20 lifts round bales with out any problems using the bale spear on the 3 pt hitch. But some bales can be a problem if its pretty green stuff and it's rolled to big