Basic disc mower questions

[gsholz]

I'm new to haying. I have some very basic question. I purchased a used Kuhn GMD55 disc mower and used it the first time the other week cutting about 10 tons of hay. The mower worked although I probably had it set too high not knowing what I would find in the field.

When mowing, the plastic skirt is pushing the grass forward before the blades get to the stem. The cut grass then falls forward and interferes with the cutting particularly during turns. Is that normal?

Also, what is the most efficient way to cut a rectangular field? I always get into trouble turning 90 degrees even when I start out with a nice rounded corner I quickly end up with concave / pillow shaped corners which creates a mess when raking and baling. There must be better way...

Thanks, Gerald

 

[Bigfoot62]

Yes, the curtain pushing the grass is normal.

Make about 5 or 6 passes around the perimeter, then cut the field in strips.

 

[DT86]

Yes, the curtain pushing the grass is normal.

Make about 5 or 6 passes around the perimeter, then cut the field in strips.

Same thing with the the rake and baler.

 

[F3506]

If you don't want to cut it in strips, just turn 90° don't worry about missing a little clump at each turn. Then when you're done, go back and run an X through the field cutting the little pieces you missed at each corner.

 

[gsholz]

If you don't want to cut it in strips, just turn 90ｰ don't worry about missing a little clump at each turn. Then when you're done, go back and run an X through the field cutting the little pieces you missed at each corner.

Thanks! I'll try both approaches tomorrow

 

[Tx Jim]

Yes, the curtain pushing the grass is normal.

Make about 5 or 6 passes around the perimeter, then cut the field in strips.

For the life of me I'll never understand cutting a field in strips. All that does is make a lot more corners and take more time. I cut,rake & bale round & round from outside to center of field. Oh well each to their own way.

 

[Texasmark]

For the life of me I'll never understand cutting a field in strips. All that does is make a lot more corners and take more time. I cut,rake & bale round & round from outside to center of field. Oh well each to their own way.

Me too. On the corners, when I ran the 1209 I used the tongue extension that comes with/is used with some round balers. That allowed me to easily make a square corner. On my current tractor with the cutter to the side, like Mr. Holtz has, I can cut about 3 out of 4 passes and on the 4th pass, with shuttle shift it just takes a second to square things back up.
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On Mr. Holtz's comment about stem length, the regrowth comes from the sugars stored in the stem...so say university ag folks. Some grasses like Pearl Millet they say need about 6-8" for good regrowth. Other thing is a reasonable amount of stubble provides "spikes" for the fallen hay to rest on keeping it off the ground allowing for air circulation and isolation from any ground moisture for faster drying. With my drum I am getting about 4 1/2 inches. We'll see how it goes, that is if I have guts enough to go another cutting.....after this experience.

Mark

 

[Bigfoot62]

For the life of me I'll never understand cutting a field in strips. All that does is make a lot more corners and take more time. I cut,rake & bale round & round from outside to center of field. Oh well each to their own way.

Jim,
I don't cut in strips either. HE wanted an alternative, so I offered one.

 

[Tx Jim]

Jim,
I don't cut in strips either. HE wanted an alternative, so I offered one.

I really didn't have my reply targeted at you BUT I see my neighbors and other custom operators cut fields up in strips(lands) and just wonder if they have a clue how much longer it takes to cut the same amount of acres in strips as going round & round.

 

[Bigfoot62]

I really didn't have my reply targeted at you BUT I see my neighbors and other custom operators cut fields up in strips(lands) and just wonder if they have a clue how much longer it takes to cut the same amount of acres in strips as going round & round.

You think it could be a leftover habit from sickle mower days? Years ago, I was taught to cut a field that way, and never the same pattern twice in a row. It was to keep from "training the grass" to lay over in one direction.
With modern disc mowers, it isn't an issue.