What equipment is needed to bale hay?

Answer 1

The first piece of equipement to go through the field is a windrower or swather. These are basically the same, the purpose of which is to cut the plant, press it (to help remove moisture), and leave it in a row. You can get either self propelled or pull type. The second piece of equipement is a rake. The rake is used to turn the row after a few days to ensure the hay is drying properly by getting suffient air. Some rakes are known as twin rakes which also push two rows into one. These are almost a necessity for the use of the big square or round balers. And the third is a baler. There are many choices in balers, from the traditional small square to large round (as big as 9' that I know of). Of course at least one tractor big enough to run the baler is essiential. The first decision to make is what kind of bales you want and can handle and build your equipment list accordingly from that. Cost, with most of us is a factor as well, and generally speaking, the bigger the bale, the more you will have to spend.