7 Best Side Delivery Rakes for Windrowing Hay That Small Farms Trust

Why it matters: Side delivery rakes transform loose hay into neat windrows that dry faster and feed better into your baler — making them essential for efficient hay production.

The big picture: You’ll find dozens of rake models on the market but only a handful deliver the durability and performance needed for consistent windrowing across different field conditions.

What’s ahead: We’ve researched and analyzed the top performers to identify seven side delivery rakes that’ll maximize your hay quality while minimizing your headaches this season.

09/16/2025 09:30 am GMT

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Understanding Side Delivery Rakes and Their Importance in Hay Production

You’ll discover that understanding rake mechanics and features directly impacts your hay quality and harvesting efficiency.

What Are Side Delivery Rakes

Side delivery rakes use rotating tines to gather cut hay from multiple swaths and deposit it into a single windrow alongside the machine. This design allows you to create uniform windrows while keeping the rake operator positioned away from dust and debris.

The rotating action lifts hay gently, promoting better air circulation compared to wheel rakes that can compress material. You’ll find these machines particularly effective when working with heavy or damp hay that needs additional drying time.

Benefits of Using Side Delivery Rakes for Windrowing

Side delivery rakes create fluffy, well-ventilated windrows that dry 30-40% faster than compressed rows from other rake types. You’ll reduce leaf loss significantly since the rotating tines handle hay more gently than aggressive wheel rake systems.

The consistent windrow placement improves baler pickup efficiency and reduces plugging issues. Your hay maintains better nutritional value when dried quickly in properly formed windrows that allow maximum airflow through the material.

Key Features to Look for in Quality Side Delivery Rakes

Adjustable tine pressure lets you adapt to different hay types and field conditions without damaging delicate legume leaves. Look for machines with spring-loaded tine arms that flex over obstacles and maintain consistent ground contact.

Durable gearboxes and sealed bearings reduce maintenance requirements during busy haying seasons. Choose rakes with replaceable tine options and easily accessible grease points to minimize downtime when you’re racing against weather windows.

Kuhn GA 4121 GM Side Delivery Rake

The GA 4121 GM represents Kuhn’s commitment to building side delivery rakes that handle tough field conditions while maintaining consistent windrow quality. This four-rotor design delivers reliable performance for operations managing 50-200 acres of hay ground.

Technical Specifications and Design Features

The GA 4121 GM features four rotors with a 13.5-foot working width, powered by a 50-hp gearbox system. You’ll find cam-track tine control that adjusts tine pressure automatically as rotors turn, reducing crop damage on uneven terrain. The hydraulic lift system raises all rotors simultaneously, while individual rotor height adjustment lets you match ground contours precisely.

Performance in Various Field Conditions

This rake excels in moderate to heavy hay crops where consistent windrow formation matters most. You’ll see excellent results in timothy and orchard grass mixtures, though it struggles slightly in extremely light crops like fine fescue. The rotor spacing handles uneven ground well, but rocky fields require careful speed management to prevent tine damage.

Pros and Cons for Hay Operations

Strengths include robust construction that handles years of hard use, excellent parts availability through Kuhn dealers, and windrow quality that improves baler efficiency. Limitations involve higher initial cost compared to simpler designs, increased maintenance requirements with four gearboxes, and the need for adequate tractor hydraulic capacity for optimal operation.

Vermeer R2800 Twin Side Delivery Rake

The Vermeer R2800 stands out with its twin-rake configuration that handles challenging conditions where single rakes struggle. This design approach delivers consistent windrow formation across varying hay densities and moisture levels.

Innovative Twin Rake System Benefits

The twin-rake system creates superior windrow consistency by processing hay through two separate units working in tandem. This configuration reduces plugging in heavy crops while maintaining gentle handling that preserves leaf retention.

Each rake operates independently, allowing you to adjust settings for different field sections. The system excels in mixed hay stands where crop density varies significantly across your acreage.

Durability and Build Quality

Vermeer’s robust gearbox design handles the increased workload of twin operations without premature wear. The reinforced frame construction distributes stress effectively, reducing maintenance costs over the rake’s operational life.

Heavy-duty tines resist bending in rocky conditions, while sealed bearings extend service intervals. The hydraulic system components are sized appropriately for continuous operation in demanding field conditions.

User Experience and Maintenance Requirements

Daily maintenance involves basic grease points and visual inspections that take 15-20 minutes. The twin-system design requires more attention than single rakes but remains manageable for part-time operators.

Access panels provide clear sight lines to critical components during field checks. Tine replacement procedures are straightforward, though you’ll need twice the inventory compared to single-rake systems.

New Holland ProRotor 3223 Side Delivery Rake

New Holland’s ProRotor 3223 brings sophisticated engineering to mid-size operations, combining proven reliability with advanced features that adapt to your specific hay conditions. This single-rotor rake delivers consistent windrow formation while keeping maintenance requirements manageable for busy farmers.

Advanced Rotor Technology

The ProRotor 3223 features New Holland’s cam-track tine control system that automatically adjusts tine pressure throughout the rotation cycle. This technology ensures optimal hay pickup without excessive ground contact that damages roots or collects debris.

Each tine follows a precise path that lifts hay gently while maintaining proper windrow density. The system reduces leaf shatter by 15-20% compared to fixed-tine designs, preserving valuable protein content in your finished hay.

Adaptability to Different Hay Types

This rake excels across diverse hay crops from delicate alfalfa to tough grass mixtures. You can adjust working height and tine pressure hydraulically from the tractor seat, adapting quickly as field conditions change.

The 10.5-foot working width handles varying crop densities effectively, while the floating rotor design follows ground contours smoothly. It performs particularly well in mixed stands where different hay types require different handling approaches within the same field.

Cost-Effectiveness and Value Proposition

At roughly $18,000-22,000, the ProRotor 3223 offers solid value for operations handling 75-150 acres annually. Parts availability through New Holland’s dealer network keeps long-term operating costs predictable.

The rake’s durability typically extends service life beyond 15 years with proper maintenance. Lower fuel consumption compared to multi-rotor units and reduced wear on your tractor make it an economical choice for medium-scale hay operations.

Krone KW 8.82/8 Swadro Side Delivery Rake

The Krone KW 8.82/8 Swadro represents the pinnacle of German rake engineering, delivering exceptional performance for operations requiring consistent windrow quality. You’ll find this four-rotor rake handles challenging conditions with remarkable precision.

German Engineering Excellence

Krone’s attention to detail shows in every component of the KW 8.82/8. The heavy-duty gearboxes feature sealed bearings that extend maintenance intervals to 500 hours under normal conditions.

You’ll appreciate the precision-engineered cam tracks that provide smooth tine movement across varying terrain. The reinforced frame construction uses high-tensile steel that resists flexing even in rocky conditions.

Superior Windrow Formation Capabilities

This rake creates consistently fluffy windrows that dry 25-35% faster than compressed formations. The four rotors work in perfect synchronization to gather hay from a 28-foot swath into a single windrow.

You’ll notice improved baler pickup efficiency with the Swadro’s precise tine timing. The adjustable working height allows you to adapt windrow density based on hay type and moisture content.

Long-Term Reliability and Performance

Expect 15-20 years of reliable service with proper maintenance on this German-built rake. The replaceable tine tips and accessible grease points minimize downtime during busy harvest seasons.

You’ll find parts availability excellent through Krone’s dealer network. The rake’s robust construction handles heavy timothy and alfalfa crops without excessive wear on critical components.

Claas Liner 2700 Side Delivery Rake

The Claas Liner 2700 represents German engineering at its finest, delivering consistent windrow quality that matches the precision you’d expect from this manufacturer. This single-rotor rake combines advanced ground-following technology with gentle hay handling to maximize both crop quality and operational efficiency.

Precision Ground Following Technology

The Claas Liner 2700 features an advanced four-point suspension system that keeps tines consistently positioned just above ground level across varying terrain. Individual rotor sections adjust independently to field contours, maintaining optimal pickup while preventing dirt contamination in your windrows. This precision ground following reduces leaf loss by up to 15% compared to fixed-frame designs, particularly valuable when working with delicate alfalfa crops.

Gentle Hay Handling Features

Claas engineered the Liner 2700’s cam-track system to create smooth tine movement that lifts hay without aggressive tumbling or compression. Variable tine pressure settings accommodate different crop types, from light grass hay to heavy legume stands. The rake’s curved tines work at consistent angles throughout their rotation, preserving leaf integrity while creating fluffy windrows that dry 20-30% faster than conventional rake patterns.

Integration with Modern Farming Systems

The Liner 2700 connects seamlessly with ISO-compatible tractors through its ISOBUS system, allowing you to adjust working parameters directly from your cab display. Hydraulic folding reduces transport width to 9.8 feet for easy road travel between fields. GPS-ready mounting points enable precision farming applications, while the rake’s consistent windrow placement improves subsequent baler efficiency and reduces fuel consumption during harvest operations.

Massey Ferguson RK602 Side Delivery Rake

The RK602 stands out as Massey Ferguson’s entry-level side delivery rake that doesn’t compromise on essential performance features. You’ll find this rake delivers reliable windrow formation at a price point that makes sense for smaller operations.

Budget-Friendly Option with Quality Performance

Your initial investment stays between $12,000-15,000 for the RK602, making it accessible for hobby farms and smaller acreage operations. The rake features proven cam-track tine control and a sturdy single-rotor design that handles 20-75 acres annually without breaking your budget. You’ll appreciate the solid construction that rivals more expensive models while keeping maintenance costs reasonable.

Ease of Operation and Maintenance

Daily maintenance takes just 10-15 minutes with easily accessible grease points and simple mechanical systems. The RK602’s straightforward design means you won’t need specialized tools or extensive mechanical knowledge for routine service. Tine replacement requires basic hand tools, and parts availability through Massey Ferguson’s dealer network keeps your rake running season after season.

Suitable Applications and Farm Sizes

Small to medium hobby farms managing 20-75 acres find the RK602 perfectly sized for their operations. You’ll get excellent results with timothy, clover, and mixed grass hay while maintaining manageable operating costs. The 8.5-foot working width handles narrow fields efficiently, and lighter weight requirements work well with compact tractors starting at 35 horsepower.

Choosing the Right Side Delivery Rake for Your Hay Operation

The rakes you’ve seen perform differently based on your specific operation’s needs and constraints.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing

Acreage drives your decision more than any other factor. Operations under 50 acres work well with single-rotor models like the Massey Ferguson RK602, while 75-200 acre farms benefit from four-rotor systems like the Kuhn GA 4121 GM.

Consider your hay types carefully. Timothy and orchard grass handle aggressive raking better than delicate crops like alfalfa, which require gentler cam-track systems to preserve valuable leaves.

Matching Rake Size to Tractor Horsepower

Your tractor’s hydraulic capacity matters as much as horsepower. The Kuhn GA 4121 GM requires adequate hydraulic flow for its lift system, while simpler models like the RK602 work with compact tractors starting at 35 horsepower.

Match working width to your field size and tractor power. Wider rakes increase productivity but demand more hydraulic capacity and PTO power for consistent performance.

Maintenance Tips for Optimal Performance

Daily checks prevent expensive repairs down the road. Spend 15-20 minutes each morning inspecting tine condition, gearbox oil levels, and bearing grease points before heading to the field.

Replace worn tines immediately rather than waiting for complete failure. Bent or broken tines create uneven windrows and stress other components, leading to cascading maintenance issues throughout the season.

Conclusion

Selecting the right side delivery rake transforms your hay operation from struggling with inconsistent windrows to achieving professional-quality results that boost your bottom line. Whether you’re managing a small hobby farm or a commercial operation these seven proven rakes offer the durability and performance needed to handle diverse field conditions.

Your investment in quality equipment pays dividends through faster drying times reduced leaf loss and improved baler efficiency. Match your rake choice to your specific acreage and crop types while prioritizing features that address your biggest operational challenges.

Remember that even the best equipment requires consistent maintenance to deliver peak performance. With the right side delivery rake and proper care you’ll create windrows that dry efficiently feed cleanly into your baler and ultimately produce higher-quality hay that commands better market prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a side delivery rake and how does it work?

A side delivery rake is a hay-making implement that uses rotating tines to gather cut hay from multiple swaths and deposits it into a single windrow. The rotating tine mechanism creates fluffy, well-ventilated windrows that promote better air circulation and dry 30-40% faster than traditional wheel rakes, while reducing leaf loss and improving baler pickup efficiency.

How much faster do windrows dry with side delivery rakes?

Side delivery rakes create windrows that dry 25-40% faster than those made by wheel rakes. The rotating tine design produces fluffy, well-ventilated windrows with better air circulation, significantly reducing drying time and helping farmers get hay baled sooner with less risk of weather damage.

What key features should I look for in a quality side delivery rake?

Look for adjustable tine pressure systems to handle different hay types, durable gearboxes with sealed bearings for extended service life, and easily accessible maintenance points. Cam-track tine control systems and hydraulic lift capabilities are also important features that enhance performance and operator convenience in the field.

What acreage is best suited for single-rotor vs. four-rotor rakes?

Operations under 50 acres work well with single-rotor models like the Massey Ferguson RK602. Mid-size operations managing 75-200 acres benefit from four-rotor systems like the Kuhn GA 4121 GM or Krone KW 8.82/8. Larger operations may require twin-rake systems like the Vermeer R2800 for maximum efficiency.

How much maintenance do side delivery rakes require?

Most single-rotor rakes require 10-20 minutes of daily maintenance for basic checks. Four-rotor and twin systems need slightly more attention but still manageable upkeep. Key maintenance includes checking tine condition, lubricating grease points, and inspecting gearboxes. Proper maintenance extends service life beyond 15 years for quality models.

What’s the price range for side delivery rakes?

Entry-level single-rotor rakes like the Massey Ferguson RK602 cost $12,000-15,000. Mid-range four-rotor systems like the New Holland ProRotor 3223 run $18,000-22,000. Premium models with advanced features typically cost more but offer longer service life and better performance in challenging conditions.

Can side delivery rakes work with smaller tractors?

Yes, many side delivery rakes are designed for compact tractors. The Massey Ferguson RK602 works with tractors starting at 35 horsepower. However, larger four-rotor systems require adequate hydraulic capacity and higher horsepower. Match your rake size to your tractor’s capabilities for optimal performance.

How do side delivery rakes reduce leaf loss compared to wheel rakes?

Side delivery rakes use rotating tines that gently lift and move hay rather than dragging it across the ground like wheel rakes. This gentle handling, combined with cam-track tine control systems, can reduce leaf loss by up to 15% while creating better windrow formation for improved hay quality.