How much HP? Any suggestions for make and mode?

[jenkinsph]

We all talk about what tractor to get, the threads are numerous

I'm going to add one tidbit here, make sure your fences are in good shape before you get the cows! Your new neighbors will certainly appreciate it.

 

[texasjohn]

Welcome to TBN.

Round bales... you will do well to get a trailer type of hay mover. Can use to pick up bales from neighbor using a pickup as well as move on your place using a smaller tractor. Hay forks/spikes only work on a tractor.

If left outside, big round bales lose less to weathering than smaller bales do.

With just a few cows, you will lose quite a bit of hay to spoilage... they can't eat an entire bale before rains come and soak the bale and they don't eat it any more...unless you have a covered hay feed area.

Squares are more manual labor....it's a trade off.

Bottom line, if you are going to use tractor and FEL to move bales, need a 50 hp class tractor.

If using a 3ph spike or fork, about 35 hp will do.

 

[Soundguy]

you will be fighting large rounds using a 3pt spike on a 35hp tractor.. can do it.. but won't be fun for the operator or the tractor.

soundguy

 

[Specop_007]

Except my drum is 55ys old and still starts on the first try and moves 1000# round bales on it's fel.

soundguy

Gonna side with this drum myself. The old stuff was just built heavier and simplier. Less the break and harder to break it.