6 Best Lightweight Parallel Bar Rakes For Beginners for Hay

You’ve mowed your first few acres of hay, and it’s lying perfectly in the field, curing in the sun. The next critical step is getting that hay into a windrow for the baler, and a good rake is the only tool for the job. For a small operation, choosing the right lightweight parallel bar rake is one of the most important equipment decisions you’ll make.

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Understanding Parallel Bar Rake Mechanisms

A parallel bar rake, often called a side-delivery rake, is designed to gently lift and "roll" the hay into a fluffy windrow. Think of it like rolling up a carpet instead of dragging it across the floor. This action is crucial for preserving the delicate, nutrient-rich leaves on crops like alfalfa and clover, which can be shattered by more aggressive rake types.

Most of the classic models you’ll find are ground-driven. This means the forward motion of the rake’s wheels powers a gearbox, which in turn rotates the bars holding the tines. It’s a brilliantly simple system with few moving parts, making it reliable and easy to fix in the field with basic tools. You just hook it to your drawbar and go.

Some modern, compact rakes are PTO-driven and mount on the 3-point hitch. This gives you independent control over the rake’s speed, which can be useful in very heavy or very light hay. However, it adds the complexity of a PTO shaft and a heavier lift for your tractor’s hydraulics. For most beginners, a simple ground-driven, pull-type rake is the most practical starting point.

New Holland 256: The Reliable, Classic Choice

If there is a universal standard for small-farm hay rakes, the New Holland 256 is it. These rakes have been around for decades, and for good reason: they are simple, effective, and nearly indestructible. They do an excellent job of making uniform, airy windrows that dry well and are easy for a baler to pick up.

The biggest advantage of the 256 is its ubiquity. You can find them in farmyards and at auctions across the country, and parts are still widely available through dealers or aftermarket suppliers. Whether you need a new tine, a bearing, or a tire, you won’t have to search far. This is a massive benefit when a breakdown threatens to ruin your hay.

Because they are older machines, you need to inspect them carefully. Check the gearbox for leaks or excessive play, look for cracked welds on the frame, and spin the baskets to feel for rough bearings. But a well-maintained 256 will serve a small farm for a lifetime, making it a fantastic and affordable investment.

John Deere 640: Durability and Parts Availability

The John Deere 640 is another iconic pull-type, ground-driven rake that stands as a direct competitor to the New Holland 256. These rakes are known for their heavy-duty construction. The frames are robust, and the components are built to last, making them a solid choice if you’re working on ground that isn’t perfectly smooth.

Like New Holland, John Deere has an unparalleled dealer and parts network. This provides peace of mind, knowing that support is readily available. If you’re already running a green tractor, having a matching green rake often simplifies your parts runs and service questions.

The tradeoff for this durability is sometimes a slightly higher price on the used market. People know they are built well and they hold their value. When comparing a 640 to other models, pay close attention to the condition of the tine bars and the main frame, as these are the core of the machine’s strength.

Befco RKG-09: Ideal for Modern Compact Tractors

For those running modern compact utility tractors between 25 and 45 horsepower, a pull-type rake can feel oversized. The Befco RKG-09 is a 3-point hitch, PTO-driven rake designed specifically for this class of tractor. Its smaller footprint and lighter weight make it nimble and easy to maneuver in tight fields or around obstacles.

Being PTO-driven means the rake’s speed is tied to your engine RPMs, not your ground speed. This allows you to slow the tractor down in thick patches of hay while keeping the rake moving quickly for a clean sweep. It’s a level of control you don’t get with a ground-driven model.

The downside is the increased complexity and cost. A PTO shaft, U-joints, and a more involved gearbox mean more potential failure points than a simple ground-drive system. It also places more demand on your tractor’s 3-point lift capacity. This is an excellent option, but only if you truly need the maneuverability of a 3-point implement.

Sitrex RP-4: A Lightweight 3-Point Hitch Option

The Sitrex RP-4 is another popular 3-point hitch rake, often seen as a direct and sometimes more affordable alternative to the Befco. It’s a four-bar rake that is exceptionally light, making it suitable for even the smallest compact tractors with limited lift capacity. If your tractor struggles to lift heavier implements, the Sitrex might be the perfect fit.

This rake is simple by design. It does its job effectively, creating decent windrows in average conditions. It’s a great entry-level choice for someone with a small sub-compact or compact tractor who only makes hay on a few acres once or twice a year.

However, its lightweight construction is also its primary tradeoff. It may not be the best choice for rough, bumpy fields or for raking hundreds of acres a year. It’s a tool designed for a specific scale, and it excels within that context. For the hobby farmer with five acres of smooth pasture, it’s a smart, economical choice.

Massey Ferguson 25: Simple and Gentle on Alfalfa

The Massey Ferguson 25 is a vintage pull-type rake that has earned a quiet but loyal following, particularly among farmers who grow alfalfa. Its design is often praised for being exceptionally gentle on the hay, preserving valuable leaves by creating a fluffy, well-formed windrow with minimal agitation.

This rake is a classic example of simple, effective engineering. It’s a ground-driven model with a straightforward design that is easy to understand and maintain. Like other vintage rakes, its value lies in its solid construction from an era when equipment was often overbuilt.

Finding one might take more searching than a New Holland or John Deere, and parts may require a bit more hunting. However, for the small-scale farmer prioritizing hay quality above all else, the MF 25 is a hidden gem worth seeking out. It proves that the best tool isn’t always the most common one.

Allis-Chalmers 77G: Vintage Quality for Small Hay

Dipping further into the vintage pool, the Allis-Chalmers 77G is a testament to quality manufacturing. These distinctive orange rakes are known for their durability and smooth operation. They were built with high-quality steel and components that have stood the test of time.

This is a choice for the hobby farmer who appreciates classic iron and isn’t afraid of a little maintenance. The 77G is a ground-driven, pull-type rake that is perfectly scaled for tractors from the same era, like a D14 or a Ford 8N, but it works just as well behind a modern 35 HP compact.

The main challenge, as with any less-common vintage equipment, is parts availability. You won’t be walking into a dealer for parts; you’ll be searching online forums and salvage yards. For this reason, it’s best suited for someone who is mechanically inclined and sees equipment maintenance as part of the hobby.

Matching Rake Size to Your Tractor’s Horsepower

Choosing a rake isn’t just about the rake itself; it’s about creating a balanced system with your tractor. A common mistake is thinking that if your tractor can pull it, it can handle it. The real issues are weight, stability, and lift capacity.

For pull-type, ground-driven rakes like the New Holland 256 or John Deere 640, a 30-40 horsepower tractor is more than enough. The main consideration is tractor weight. On a steep hillside, a heavy rake can push a lightweight tractor around, creating a dangerous situation. Ensure your tractor is heavy enough to safely control the rake on all your terrain.

For 3-point hitch rakes like the Befco or Sitrex, the key specs are your tractor’s 3-point lift capacity and overall stability.

• Lift Capacity: Check your tractor’s manual. Can it comfortably lift the rake’s total weight?
• Front-End Weight: Lifting a heavy implement off the back can make the front wheels light, causing a loss of steering. You may need to add front-end weights or use a front-end loader to keep the tractor balanced and safe.

Ultimately, a smaller rake that your tractor can handle safely and efficiently is always a better choice than a larger rake that pushes the limits of your machine.

The right parallel bar rake makes all the difference in turning good forage into great hay. By matching the machine’s design to your hay type and ensuring it’s properly scaled for your tractor, you’ll have a reliable tool that will serve your small farm for years to come.