Managing my CREP

[AGB]

I need to manage my CREP ground (about 300 acres). This was planted with a variety of grasses and clovers and is really thick. I rented an old whipped out NH haybine but the thing is really junk and having a hard time getting through this stuff. I looked at a gigantic discbine at at dealer (a 16 ft KUHN). I was surprized to find out the they only wanted $8500. I don't know anything about hay equipment. I have a couple of questions for you hay guys. Is this brand any good? (the thing looks like it's in great condition to me). Can I use this thing for anything else but mowing my CREP (such as mowing cornstalks?) And is $8500 a good buy (I have no idea what year it is). I'd appreciate any feedback.

 

[H.D.Tool]

The Kuhn discbines will cut a lot of hay fast but can be real expensive to repair. If you hit something and chip a gear tooth in the gear train that turns the disc it will take out about 15 gears and bearings ~$2000.00 the gear box case ~$3000.00 In one Kuhn I replaced transmission it cost ~15000.00. I don't I would by a used one. With a 16 foot cut your tractor will have to be over 100 hp

Eric

 

[AGB]

The Kuhn discbines will cut a lot of hay fast but can be real expensive to repair. If you hit something and chip a gear tooth in the gear train that turns the disc it will take out about 15 gears and bearings ~$2000.00 the gear box case ~$3000.00 In one Kuhn I replaced transmission it cost ~15000.00. I don't I would by a used one. With a 16 foot cut your tractor will have to be over 100 hp

Eric

If you were going to buy one, which one would you get (used)?

 

[MarkV]

AGB welcome to the forum. Are you planning to bale what you are cutting? If not I am wondering why not a bat wing mower.

MarkV

 

[H.D.Tool]

They are all built pretty much the same way the Kuhn FC4000RG that I worked on replaced a Case discbine that never gave a problem. If you are looking to mow corn stalks you might want to look at a different mowing attachment.

Eric

 

[AGB]

AGB welcome to the forum. Are you planning to bale what you are cutting? If not I am wondering why not a bat wing mower.

MarkV

No I am not baling this stuff, just maintaining it as the Soil Conservation suggested. I checked into a batwing deal and everyone said that it would be way too slow for what I have (this stuff is hard to walk through). Everyone told me discbines or sidemounted disc cutters (like roadside mowers) are the ticket.

 

[redharley]

AGB welcome,here in Pa. I mow about 200 acre's of crep ground once a year with a 18Ft bat wing [a bushhog] and a 110hp tractor,Take's me about 8 day's.Some days I spend 3hr's some 6hr's.If you stayed at it could mow 40acres a day with out much problem I think.

 

[chadincolo]

No I am not baling this stuff, just maintaining it as the Soil Conservation suggested. I checked into a batwing deal and everyone said that it would be way too slow for what I have (this stuff is hard to walk through). Everyone told me discbines or sidemounted disc cutters (like roadside mowers) are the ticket.

One thing to keep in mind, it is considered harvested if it is put into a windrow and penalties can and will be accessed...doesn't matter if you bale it or not, in a windrow is the same as cut and baled.

 

[pitt_md]

If the land is CREP why not leave it alone?

 

[redharley]

If the land is CREP why not leave it alone?

Someday I'll most likly put it back into farming since my contract is for 10 years,it's about to run out and no new worthwhile programs as of now.With ag rent per acre going up that may be the way I'll go. I mowed once a year to keep the thistle and shumac at bay or it would be a real chore now to remove.

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

for you, how did the crep program work for you........i've tried reading about it, but it didn't really make sense to me........

i think around here is for bottom ground/near river or creek........

is the crep for keeping erosion down or creating a habitat?

Someday I'll most likly put it back into farming since my contract is for 10 years,it's about to run out and no new worthwhile programs as of now.With ag rent per acre going up that may be the way I'll go. I mowed once a year to keep the thistle and shumac at bay or it would be a real chore now to remove.

 

[AGB]

One thing to keep in mind, it is considered harvested if it is put into a windrow and penalties can and will be accessed...doesn't matter if you bale it or not, in a windrow is the same as cut and baled.

Thanks for the info but it's too late. It's out there in a windrow. I used an old NH haybine for about 25 acres of the stuff until a bearing went out on the top roller. I guess they are just going to have to penalize me. I'm doing the best I can to meet their recommnedations and it is all I could find. I have 275 more to go however.

 

[Rara Avis]

Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program