6 Best Hay Bale Elevators for Farm Use

Moving hay from the wagon to the loft is the most physically demanding part of any harvest, often turning a productive afternoon into a grueling marathon. A reliable bale elevator transforms this bottleneck into a smooth, efficient process that saves both time and significant back strain. Choosing the right equipment ensures that the winter’s forage is stored safely before the first rain clouds appear.

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My-D Han-D 16-Foot Conveyor: Best for Small Barns

The My-D Han-D 16-foot model is a quintessential choice for the hobby farmer operating out of a traditional small-scale barn. Its compact length allows for easy maneuvering in tight quarters where longer units would be impossible to pivot. You will find that the lightweight frame doesn’t sacrifice structural integrity, making it easy to shift by hand between the wagon and the loft door.

This unit excels when space is at a premium and the total volume of hay moved per season is manageable. It is designed specifically for standard square bales, providing a steady, reliable rhythm that won’t overwhelm a small crew in the loft. Because it is shorter, the motor doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain chain speed, which typically leads to a longer lifespan for the drive components.

If you are working with a single-story loft or a raised shed, this is the most practical investment you can make. It avoids the “over-tooling” trap that many part-time farmers fall into when buying commercial-grade equipment for a small herd. This conveyor is the right choice for anyone who needs to maximize every square inch of their workspace without breaking the bank.

Little Giant 20-Foot Elevator: Most Durable Pick

Durability on a farm is measured by how well a machine handles a mistake, and the Little Giant 20-foot elevator is built for those inevitable mishaps. The heavy-gauge galvanized steel construction resists the rust and corrosion that typically plague equipment stored in humid barn environments. Its boxed-track design ensures that the chain stays on course even when the elevator is positioned at a steep angle.

The drive system is engineered to handle the “start-stop” nature of small-scale haying, where bales might be loaded sporadically. You can feel the stability in the base, which prevents the unit from wobbling or “walking” during operation. This rigidity is crucial for maintaining a consistent flow and preventing the chain from jumping the sprocket during heavy loads.

For the farmer who views equipment as a multi-decade investment, this is the clear winner. It is built to survive seasons of hard use and the occasional bump from a tractor tire or a heavy bale. If you want a machine that you can pass down to the next generation with nothing more than basic maintenance, this is the one to buy.

EZ Trail 24-Foot Heavy Duty Conveyor: Top Capacity

When the hay crop is heavy and the loft is high, the EZ Trail 24-foot conveyor provides the reach and power necessary to get the job done. The extra length allows for a shallower incline, which prevents bales from tumbling backward—a common and dangerous problem with shorter units pushed to their limit. Its wide-trough design accommodates slightly oversized or loose bales that might jam in narrower models.

This elevator is designed for high-throughput scenarios where speed is the primary objective. The reinforced chain and heavy-duty flights can carry weight that would stall smaller motors or bend lighter frames. It is particularly effective for farmers who deal with high-moisture alfalfa or heavy grass hay that requires more mechanical “grunt” to move.

Choose this model if your storage involves high-clearance lofts or if you frequently harvest large quantities of hay in a single weekend. It provides the professional capacity needed to clear a field quickly before the weather turns. This is the heavy-hitter for the serious hobbyist who doesn’t want to be limited by their equipment’s reach.

H&S Manufacturing 18-Foot Elevator: Easiest Setup

The H&S Manufacturing 18-foot model is specifically tailored for the farmer who often works alone or with minimal help. Its standout feature is the intuitive balance point, which makes it remarkably easy to tip into place and hook onto a loft ledge. You won’t spend half your afternoon fighting with the landing gear or struggling to align the motor mount.

The simplicity of the design means there are fewer parts to fail during the heat of the harvest. It uses a straightforward tensioning system that allows for quick adjustments in the field without a full toolbox. This “no-nonsense” approach to engineering makes it a favorite for those who value their time and want to avoid mechanical frustration.

This is the ideal elevator for the part-time farmer who needs to get the hay in after a long day at a primary job. It removes the friction of setup, allowing you to go from the field to the loft in minutes. If ease of use and rapid deployment are your top priorities, this unit will not disappoint.

Maxey 16-Foot Portable Conveyor: Best Mobile Option

The Maxey 16-foot portable conveyor is designed for farms where hay is stored in multiple locations or moved frequently. Equipped with a robust wheel kit and a hitch system, it can be towed behind an ATV or a small tractor with ease. Unlike stationary models that require a crew to move, this unit can be repositioned by one person in a matter of seconds.

The frame is engineered to withstand the vibrations of transport across uneven pasture or gravel driveways. It maintains a low center of gravity when folded or lowered, which prevents tipping during transit—a common hazard on hilly farmsteads. This mobility makes it a versatile tool for moving more than just hay; it is often used for firewood or grain bags in the off-season.

This is the correct choice for a farm with several small outbuildings rather than one central barn. It provides the flexibility to bring the equipment to the hay, rather than the hay to the equipment. If your operation requires high mobility and versatility, this portable unit is the best tool for the job.

Owatonna Model 20 Bale Elevator: Best Classic Build

The Owatonna Model 20 is a nod to the era when farm equipment was designed to be simple, accessible, and infinitely repairable. It utilizes a classic open-trough design that is exceptionally easy to clean and inspect. This transparency allows you to spot a failing link or a worn sprocket before it causes a total breakdown in the middle of a stack.

The chain timing on the Model 20 is notoriously smooth, providing a consistent pace that is easy for the stacker in the loft to follow. Because the design has remained relatively consistent for years, finding replacement parts or technical advice is much easier than with newer, proprietary models. It represents a “set it and forget it” philosophy that many modern machines lack.

This is the elevator for the farmer who prefers to do their own wrenching and appreciates a proven design. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of modern conveyors, but it performs its one job with absolute consistency. If you trust mechanical simplicity over modern complexity, the Owatonna is your best bet.

Selecting the Right Length and Width for Your Loft

Measuring for a bale elevator is not as simple as checking the height of your loft door; you must account for the angle of operation. A bale elevator should never exceed a 45-degree angle, as anything steeper risks the bale falling backward or the unit tipping. To achieve a 45-degree angle, you generally need an elevator that is roughly 1.5 times the vertical height of the loft opening.

• 16-foot elevators are best for loft heights up to 8 or 9 feet.
• 20-foot elevators are ideal for heights between 10 and 12 feet.
• 24-foot elevators are necessary for high lofts reaching 14 feet or more.

Width is equally important, especially if you produce large, “heavy” square bales. Most standard elevators are 18 to 20 inches wide, which fits a standard 14×18 bale perfectly. However, if your baler is older and produces slightly irregular shapes, or if you use 16×18 “three-tie” bales, you must ensure the trough has enough clearance to prevent side-wall friction from burning out the motor.

Choosing Between Electric Motors and Gas Engines

The choice between an electric motor and a gas engine often depends on the infrastructure of your barn. Electric motors are the standard for most hobby farms because they are quieter, produce no exhaust in enclosed lofts, and require significantly less maintenance. They are ideal for barns with existing 110V or 220V outlets near the loft door, providing instant power at the flick of a switch.

Gas engines offer the advantage of total independence from the power grid, which is essential for stacking hay in remote sheds or “field-loading” onto high wagons. However, gas engines bring the added burden of oil changes, fuel stabilization, and the risk of spark-induced fires in a dry hay environment. If you choose a gas engine, it is vital to ensure the exhaust is directed away from the hay and the unit is positioned in a well-ventilated area.

For most indoor applications, the reliability of electric power is hard to beat. You avoid the frustration of a “cold start” when you’re already tired from bucking bales in the sun. If you have the option to run a dedicated circuit to your loft, the electric route will almost always be the more pleasant long-term experience.

Crucial Safety Tips for Operating a Bale Elevator

Bale elevators are deceptively dangerous because they appear to move slowly, but the high torque of the chain can easily trap limbs or clothing. Never wear loose clothing, dangling jewelry, or un-tucked shirts while standing near the intake of the elevator. If a glove or sleeve gets caught in the chain or a sprocket, the machine will not stall; it will pull the operator in before they can react.

• Always use a grounded extension cord for electric models to prevent shocks in damp conditions.
• Keep bystanders and children at least ten feet away from the base and the area directly under the elevator.
• Never attempt to clear a jam while the motor is running; always kill the power and wait for the chain to stop.

Stability is the other major safety concern, as a top-heavy elevator can be caught by a gust of wind or shifted by an uneven load. Ensure the base is on level, firm ground and, if possible, anchor the top of the elevator to the loft ledge with a heavy-duty strap. A falling elevator can cause catastrophic injury to the person on the ground and significant damage to the barn structure.

Maintenance Advice to Prevent Chain and Motor Wear

The longevity of a bale elevator is almost entirely dependent on the health of its chain. At the beginning of every season, you should inspect the chain for “stretch” and adjust the tension bolts at the top or bottom of the unit. A loose chain will slap the trough and eventually jump the sprocket, while a chain that is too tight will cause premature wear on the motor bearings.

Lubrication is a point of contention among farmers, but a light application of specialized chain lube or non-detergent oil is generally recommended. Avoid heavy grease, as it tends to attract hay chaff and dust, creating an abrasive paste that grinds down the metal. Apply the lubricant sparingly to the rollers of the chain and wiped off any excess to keep the hay clean.

When the season ends, do not leave the elevator outside or leaned against the barn. Store it horizontally in a dry area to prevent water from pooling in the trough and rusting the bottom of the chain. If you have a gas engine, drain the carburetor or add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the gasoline from turning to varnish during the winter months, ensuring a smooth start next summer.

By selecting an elevator that matches your barn’s dimensions and your personal physical limits, you turn a grueling task into a manageable chore. Proper maintenance and a focus on safety will ensure that this piece of equipment remains a reliable partner on your farm for many years. Successful haying is about pacing and efficiency, and the right elevator is the heart of that strategy.