How to Choose the Right Hay Equipment—Matching Tools to Your Operation
When it comes to hay farming, the equipment you use can make or break your efficiency—and your profit margin. Whether you're managing 10 acres or 1,000, choosing the right hay tools means finding a balance between your field size, crop type, storage goals, and budget.
The right equipment setup not only improves yield and quality—it also saves time, fuel, and wear on your machinery (and you).
Start with Your Operation Size and Scope
Your equipment needs will vary based on:
Acreage (Are you cutting 10 acres or 300?)
Labor availability (Is it just you or a team?)
Number of cuttings per year
End-use (Feeding your own livestock or selling to customers?)
Bale type preference (Small square, large square, or round?)
These variables should guide your purchasing or leasing decisions—not just brand loyalty or what your neighbor uses.
The Basic Haymaking Equipment Setup
Regardless of size, most hay producers will need some version of the following core tools:
1. Mower
Used to cut the hay crop.
Sicklebar mowers are affordable but slower and require careful maintenance.
Disc mowers are faster and better for thicker crops or uneven ground.
Mower-conditioners (also called “mo-co” units) cut and crimp hay to speed drying, ideal for large-scale or multiple-cutting operations.
2. Tedder
Fluffs and spreads hay to improve drying and reduce moisture unevenness. Especially useful in humid regions or after a light rain.
3. Rake
Gathers hay into windrows for baling.
Wheel rakes are affordable and easy to maintain, but less gentle on leafy crops.
Rotary and parallel-bar rakes offer better quality for delicate forages like alfalfa.
4. Baler
Compresses hay into manageable bales.
Small square balers are ideal for horse owners and small-scale operations.
Round balers offer lower labor needs and are excellent for feeding cattle or long-term storage.
Large square balers are best suited for commercial-scale operations with proper handling and storage capabilities.
5. Wagon or Bale Handler
While not always required, wagons, bale spears, and bale wrappers (for silage or high-moisture hay) can greatly improve efficiency and protect hay quality.
New vs. Used Equipment
Many small and mid-sized producers benefit from buying used equipment, especially for implements like rakes or tedders. Be sure to:
Inspect moving parts, bearings, and hydraulics
Check for frame rust or cracks
Ask for service records if available
High-wear equipment like balers and mower-conditioners may justify newer models for better reliability and warranty support.
Tractor Compatibility Matters
Your equipment is only as useful as the tractor that powers it. The size of tractor needed for haymaking depends primarily on the size and weight of the hay bales, as well as the terrain and the type of equipment used. Generally, a tractor with at least 40-50 horsepower is considered a minimum for hay operations, but larger bales and challenging terrain may require more powerful tractors. In our opinion, always buy a little more tractor than you need because you’ll always find a need! Check:
Horsepower requirements
PTO compatibility
Hydraulic hookups
Weight and lift capacity
Oversizing implements to an underpowered tractor can lead to poor performance—or worse, costly damage.
Equipment Financing and Custom Hiring
If you’re just starting out or managing limited acreage:
Consider custom hiring hay services for mowing or baling to save upfront investment.
Explore financing options or leasing programs through local dealerships or farm co-ops.
Prioritize buying the equipment that adds the most value per hour worked.
Conclusion
The best hay equipment for your farm is the setup that fits your land, labor, livestock, and goals. Don’t let flashy machines or big-name brands distract from what really matters: reliability, compatibility, and efficiency. With smart choices, your equipment becomes a long-term investment—not just a line item.
