Bay Accumulators and Grapples for small hay bales

[L_Nicholson]

So has anyone used the out front accumulator?

Out-Front Hay Accumulator

I'm going to be in a situation next year where I'm having my 20 ac cut on shares and once the bales hit the ground from the baler it's all me. I was thinking about making an accumulator like the out front one and then buying a grapple to stack them. I figure that might be the best financial way of doing things.

 

[R W]

They may work OK in a clean level paddock.

 

[Grrrr]

I see no reason why it wouldnt work. It is the same prinicipal as the tow behind ones and we use them on plenty steep enough ground.

I can't see why the ground contours would affect it?

 

[AKfish]

I've seen those and played with one for a spell... so, I'm a long ways from an expert - but - if you've got some bales that are in the field laying on edge and a few that are way longer than others or some banana bales - you'll be in and out (or on and off) the tractor a lot trying to straighten the pod out. Or pullin' the bale out and settin' it off to the side.

I know that's some of the same issues that crop up with those accumulaters off the end of the baler, too. So, there's always a need for "hands on" assistance; no matter what the hay system.

But they're simple and relatively inexpensive and they'll do the job.

AKfish

 

[L_Nicholson]

I would imagine there would be the occasional on and off the tractor. Not every bale is perfect....etc. It just seems handy to have something to put them into groups if you are by yourself. As to the inexpensive... lol... I was quoted 3k for that accumulator. This is why I'll build it before I will by it.

The grapple is cheaper that the accumulator and it is more complex... go figure!

I spoke with a guy out in MO that has put up 25k bales this year and uses the accumulator you pull and the grapple and he says it really works great. He will occasionally hire a guy to move the bales with the grapple but mostly does it by himself.... I thought that was pretty impressive.

 

[AKfish]

Whoa... $3k for a welded frame of 1 1/2" square tubing? That would be a very good return on welding your own!

Nonetheless, the pull behind accumulators are WAY expensive for a machine the size of a 2-place ATV or snow machine trailer.

The Steffen is over $12K and the Hoelshler (sp?) is a thousand or two more than that!

AKfish

 

[nvlong4n1]

Have you seen this one?

W.R.Long the 4N1 Bucket People

 

[Kieff.Lambert]

Is there anyway that you can send pictures, if I provide an email address.

Reference: Message #45 page 5

kieff.lambert

 

[ddivinia]

Looks like my patience might have paid off. I got an e-mail from a buddy that has a Hay MAster 8 with a grapple used. He has upgraded to a larger system. I am hoping to go look at it this weekend.

D.

 

[AKfish]

Looks like my patience might have paid off. I got an e-mail from a buddy that has a Hay MAster 8 with a grapple used. He has upgraded to a larger system. I am hoping to go look at it this weekend.

D.

Hmm... That's interesting. Lookin' forward to hearing your report -- pros and/or cons.

AKfish