I don't know how big a
BX22 is, but I am guessing 25HP or less. While many of the old farm tractors of this HP could pull a small hay baler, I would not recommend that you try it. The hay balers we use are New Holland Hayliners that are pulled by one of two 95 horse John Deeres. Like I said, you may be able to find a 30+ year old New Holland 68 or John Deere 14T with a Wisconsin Robin motor on it, but I think your Kubota would be mad at you for doing so.
When I was growing up in the 70's, we used a sickle bar mower, then a tedder (to fluff up the hay), then a rake (to windrow it) and finally, the baler. Sometimes we would ted it twice. The whole process takes about 3 days.
Also, you are looking at alot of equipment to purchase and maintain. However, if a farmer lives near you, and you want to play, get an old Grimm tedder (ground driven) and a pinwheel or side delivery rake. Don't buy a cheap mower unless you know alot about them, actually, take someone with you who knows about mowers. You can end up with something that looks OK, but won't mow-for-crap. The trick with a sickle bar mower is to mow at a decent clip (but not too fast). If the knife is sharp and the fingers are good, you will slice through hay like nobody'd business. If not, your mower will be full of pulled-up grass and you'll have a real mess. Not to mention that the belts will slip and you'll likely break something (done that).
Finally, have the farmer that you want to have bale it, look at the field first. If it's rocky, or muddy, he'll probably say "no thanks." Expect to pay $1.50 or so a bale for him to do it. Then you get to either pick it up off from the ground, or unload wagons.
To be honest, I think you should get a good rotary or flail mower and mow it once a month or so and buy your hay. 2.5 acres isn't a very big field.
Good Luck!!!
