hay making

Chillimau · Jun 26, 2002

How big of a necessity is a cab tractor for haying to get protection from dust from baling and projectiles while cutting?

cowboydoc · Jun 26, 2002

Absolutely ZERO.

Bird · Jun 26, 2002

Well . . ., now with that word "necessity" in there, I'll agree with Cowboydoc, but otherwise . . ./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Unfortunately, nearly all my hay experience has been on an open tractor and it can be pretty darned miserable at times in the heat of the summer, especially if there's any breeze at all because when the breeze is coming from behind you and you have dust, tiny bits of grass, etc. blowing down the back of your neck, in your eyes if you look back (unless you wear eye protection which adds to the heat discomfort), and things like that. I did just a little baling with an air-conditioned John Deere and the difference is wonderful!.

cowboydoc · Jun 26, 2002

Oh yes you're certainly right Bird it is a nice luxury but certainly isn't a necessity.

bgott · Jun 26, 2002

http://www.turbinecar.com/turbine.htm

I guess my memory was a little weak, this guy drove one of the 50, not a hundred, and they kept nine.

bgott · Jun 26, 2002

http://www.barracudamagazine.com/turbine.html

Chillimau · Jun 28, 2002

Thanks CowboyDoc and Bird.

I am probably still a year out from buying but am wavering between buying something bigger, but used so that maybe I could do hay in the future or buying what I feel like I need for now and worry about the future when it gets here. I have the my hay baled right now. I can't justify the equipment for just my place, just the savings account interest off the money not spent on equipment would pay to bale my hay. Had a friend who baled many places as a father son team, but I am a ways off from that. My son is only two! and who is to say he would be interested or me either depending on what life does between now and then. Probably looking too far ahead at this, but nevers hurts to think about the future.

Anyway, current question. What is an average hp requirement per foot of disc. What could I pull with say a 5220 4wd deere (45hp) or say a 6200 to 6400 deere (65hp-85hp). The 5220 would do mowing and help with house building , but what about improving the pasture. I know the 5220 is too small for a moco or a round baler. My guess is the 5220 will work the pasture just slower!

cowboydoc · Jun 28, 2002

Chillimau,
That 5220 will do just fine pulling a mower conditioner, esp. the older ones. You will probably need more horses for the round baler though. That 6200-6400 will do everything you need to do with regard to haying. As far as a disc goes you could pull a 14' disc easily with either one. You could pull a 16 or 18' disc with the 6200-6400.

jimg · Jun 11, 2003

For lack of a better place Im going to jump in here w/ a question on mower conditions and CUTs:

Around my area there are a goodly number of fields unused and Ive thought about renting them to take the hay. I think in some cases the owner would give the hay just to keep the field mowed. Anyway a mower condition is a requirement here b/c of the summer weather. My question is will a CUT handle a sicklebar mower conditioner? Ive looked at used equipment and there seem to be a good supply of used units. ALl I need my CUT to do is mow, ted and rake. jimg