6 Best Used Hay Elevators for Stacking Bales in a Loft

There’s a moment every summer when you stare up at the empty hayloft, then down at the wagon piled high with fresh bales, and your back aches just thinking about it. Stacking hay by hand is a rite of passage, but it’s also a brutal, exhausting job that can drain your energy for days. A good hay elevator transforms this monumental task into a manageable, almost pleasant, part of the haying season.

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Why a Used Hay Elevator is a Smart Farm Buy

For a hobby farm or small-scale operation, buying a brand-new hay elevator is often a poor use of capital. New models are expensive, and their advanced features are usually overkill for someone putting up a few hundred or even a thousand bales a year. A used elevator, on the other hand, represents one of the best returns on investment you can make. These machines are mechanically simple, built from steel and chain, and designed to last for decades with basic care.

The real value isn’t just in the money saved upfront, but in the time and physical labor you reclaim. An elevator can cut the time it takes to fill a loft by more than half, freeing you up for other critical farm chores. More importantly, it saves your body from the repetitive strain of lifting and throwing heavy bales overhead. This isn’t just about comfort; it’s about sustainability—preserving your physical ability to farm for years to come. A used elevator pays for itself in a single season of saved time and spared backs.

New Holland 18 Series: The Reliable Workhorse

When you see a faded red hay elevator tucked behind a barn, there’s a good chance it’s a New Holland. The Model 18 series, and its many variations, became the standard for a reason: they are incredibly reliable and just plain work. Built with a simple, effective design, these elevators have a reputation for running season after season with minimal fuss. Their widespread popularity means that finding parts, whether new or salvaged, is far easier than for more obscure brands.

The New Holland design features a straightforward chain-and-paddle system that handles standard square bales without issue. They were typically powered by a small electric motor or a trusty Briggs & Stratton gas engine, both of which are easy to service. While they may not be the heaviest-duty option available, they strike a perfect balance of durability, portability, and performance for the average small farm.

This is the elevator for you if: you want a proven, no-surprises machine with excellent parts availability. It’s the dependable farm truck of hay elevators—not fancy, but it will always get the job done.

John Deere 400: Classic Green Machine Power

John Deere didn’t just build tractors; they built a whole ecosystem of implements, and the Model 400 series elevator is a prime example of their quality. These machines are instantly recognizable by their classic green paint and are known for their robust construction. The frame and trough are typically made of heavy-gauge steel, giving them a solid, planted feel during operation that inspires confidence.

The 400 series often came with slightly more powerful motor options and a well-engineered drive system that provides consistent torque for lifting bales up steep inclines. The chain and paddles are stout, designed to withstand years of use. While some parts might be a bit more specialized than a New Holland, the John Deere dealer network and enthusiast community provide a solid support system.

This is the elevator for you if: you value heavy-duty construction and may be running a slightly larger operation. If you already appreciate the John Deere standard of quality, this machine will not disappoint.

Little Giant Model 62: Simple and Durable

The name "Little Giant" perfectly captures the essence of these elevators. They are often more compact than their competitors but are famously overbuilt. Many older Little Giant elevators, like the Model 62, were constructed with thick, riveted steel and feature a design that prioritizes mechanical simplicity above all else. There are very few things that can go wrong with one, and when they do, the fix is usually straightforward.

These elevators are true workhorses, defined by their durability rather than speed or features. The trough is often a bit narrower, but the chain is tough and the frame is rigid. Finding a Little Giant in good shape is like finding a piece of farming history that’s still ready to work. They are a testament to an era when equipment was built to be repaired, not replaced.

This is the elevator for you if: you appreciate vintage, over-engineered machinery and want an incredibly simple, almost indestructible tool. If you’re comfortable with basic mechanical repairs, this elevator could easily outlast you.

Kewanee 500: A Heavy-Duty, Built-to-Last Pick

If your operation borders on being more than just a "hobby," or if you simply believe in buying the heaviest-duty tool for the job, the Kewanee 500 is your machine. These elevators are beasts. They are known for their wide troughs, heavy-duty roller chain (often heavier than standard pintle chain), and exceptionally strong frames. They were designed for high-volume farm use, and that build quality makes them a fantastic used buy.

A Kewanee can handle slightly larger or heavier bales with ease and can be run at a steep angle without straining. The trade-off for this brawn is weight; they are not as easy to move around by hand as lighter models. But once in position, they are incredibly stable and can move a massive amount of hay in a short time.

This is the elevator for you if: you handle a significant number of bales, deal with uneven terrain where stability is paramount, or simply want the most robust elevator you can find. It’s overkill for 100 bales a year, but perfect for 1,000 or more.

Mayrath/Hutchinson: Versatile and Tough

Mayrath and Hutchinson are two names often seen on the same style of auger and elevator, and their bale elevators are just as tough and versatile. These machines are well-regarded for their solid engineering and multi-purpose design. Many models feature a trough that can handle not just bales, but also ear corn or bulk materials with minor adjustments, making them a great value for a diversified farm.

The construction is solid, with a focus on a strong, well-supported frame that resists twisting. They are often found in longer lengths, making them ideal for reaching high or deep into traditional bank barns. The design is a good middle-ground, offering more capacity than a lightweight model without the immense bulk of something like a Kewanee.

This is the elevator for you if: you need a versatile tool that can potentially do more than just lift hay. For the farmer who also needs to move grain or corn, a Mayrath/Hutchinson offers excellent two-in-one functionality.

Smoker Farm Lifts: The Lighter, Portable Choice

Breaking from the all-steel tradition, Smoker elevators made a name for themselves with their lightweight aluminum construction. This is their single biggest advantage. An aluminum elevator is dramatically easier to move, position, and store than its steel counterparts. One person can often maneuver a Smoker into place, a task that might take two people and a tractor for a heavier steel model.

While lighter, they are still well-built and perfectly capable of handling standard square bales for a small farm. The aluminum frame won’t rust, which is a significant benefit for long-term storage outdoors. They might feel less substantial than a steel elevator, but for many operations, the trade-off in portability is well worth it.

This is the elevator for you if: you need to move your elevator frequently, have limited storage space, or often work alone. The ease of handling and rust-proof construction make it a practical choice for ultimate convenience.

Used Elevator Inspection: What to Check First

Buying used equipment always requires a careful eye. An elevator is a simple machine, but a few key wear points can mean the difference between a great deal and a project. Before you hand over any cash, give the machine a thorough once-over.

Focus on the most critical components. A little surface rust on the frame is cosmetic, but deep rust or holes in the trough are major problems. Grab the chain and check for excessive slack or stiffness in the links. Worn-out chain and sprockets are the most expensive and difficult parts to replace.

Here’s your pre-purchase checklist:

• Chain and Paddles: Look for broken or bent paddles. Check the chain links for excessive wear, rust, or seizing. Is the tension adjustable and is there room left for adjustment?
• Trough/Bed: Inspect for significant dents that could snag bales. Most importantly, check for rust-through, especially at the bottom where moisture collects.
• Frame and Undercarriage: Sight down the length of the elevator to ensure the frame is straight and not twisted. Check welds for cracks, and inspect the tires for dry rot and the wheels for solid bearings.
• Drive System: If it has an electric motor, ask to see it run. Listen for bad bearings (a high-pitched squeal or grinding). If it has a gas engine, check the oil and see how easily it starts and if it runs smoothly without smoking.

Essential Safety Tips for Operating Elevators

A hay elevator is a massive labor-saver, but it’s also a powerful piece of equipment that demands respect. The moving chain is an unforgiving entanglement hazard. Establishing a safe operating procedure is not optional; it’s essential to preventing serious injury.

First and foremost, ensure the elevator is on stable, level ground before starting it. A tipped elevator is incredibly dangerous. The base should be chocked, and the top end must be securely positioned in the loft opening, unable to slip out. Everyone involved in the process needs to understand the plan, especially the person in the loft who controls the off-switch.

Always keep clear communication between the person loading bales and the person stacking in the loft. Wear snug-fitting clothing and gloves, and never, ever try to clear a jam or adjust the chain while the machine is running. Shut it down completely before putting your hands anywhere near the trough. Treat the moving chain with the same caution you would a PTO shaft.

Maintaining Your Used Elevator for Longevity

The beauty of a simple machine is that it requires simple maintenance. A few minutes of care before and after the haying season will keep your used elevator running reliably for decades. Neglect is the number one reason these old machines fail.

The most important task is lubrication. The chain needs regular oiling to prevent rust and reduce wear on the links and sprockets. A chainsaw bar and chain oil works well, as it’s designed to cling to a moving chain. Also, find and grease any bearings, typically at the drive and idler ends of the elevator.

Before you store it for the winter, clean out any leftover hay and debris from the trough, as this traps moisture and accelerates rust. If possible, store the elevator under cover to protect it from the elements. For gas engines, either drain the fuel or add a stabilizer to prevent the carburetor from gumming up. This small amount of preventative maintenance ensures that when the first hay wagon is ready next summer, your elevator will be too.

Choosing the right used hay elevator is about matching the machine’s strengths to your farm’s needs. It’s more than just a tool for moving bales; it’s an investment in your efficiency, your safety, and your ability to keep farming for the long haul. With the right machine and a little care, you can finally conquer the hayloft without breaking your back.