6 Best New Holland Rakes For Small Hay Fields

The unpredictable nature of weather in a small-scale hay operation means that every window of opportunity for drying must be exploited to the fullest. Selecting the right rake often determines whether a crop reaches the barn in prime condition or spoils in the field due to uneven moisture. These six New Holland rakes offer the versatility required to turn cut forage into perfectly windrowed gold.

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New Holland Rolabar 216: The Classic Workhorse

The Rolabar 216 is the quintessential choice for small operators who prioritize reliability and simplicity over complex automation. Its twin-basket design allows for significant width adjustment, making it ideal for those who toggle between different mower-conditioner widths. This rake excels at creating uniform, airy windrows that promote rapid moisture evaporation.

Because it relies on a proven bar-rake mechanism, it is incredibly gentle on delicate legume crops like alfalfa. Unlike high-speed wheel rakes that can be aggressive, the 216 lifts the hay cleanly, minimizing leaf shatter and preserving the highest possible feed value. It is a workhorse that keeps maintenance costs low for the part-time farmer.

This machine is the definitive choice for the farmer who values longevity and crop preservation above all else. If the hay acreage is modest and the goal is to produce high-quality, nutrient-dense forage, the Rolabar 216 deserves a place in the machinery shed. It is an investment in simplicity that pays dividends in bale quality every single season.

New Holland ProRotor 3110: For Best Hay Quality

When the primary objective is pure hay quality, the ProRotor 3110 rotary rake is unmatched in the New Holland lineup. By gently sweeping the crop rather than dragging it across the stubble, it prevents the introduction of dirt and debris into the windrow. This results in cleaner hay with significantly lower ash content, a critical factor for equine or high-end dairy markets.

The rotary action creates a consistent, fluffy windrow that allows air to circulate right through to the bottom. This uniform fluffiness is vital for even drying, ensuring that when the baler arrives, the hay is consistently cured from top to bottom. It turns a messy field into a tidy, manageable operation with minimal effort.

If the operation caters to discerning buyers who demand pristine hay, the ProRotor 3110 is the clear winner. While the initial learning curve for setting up a rotary rake is steeper than a standard bar rake, the output quality justifies the effort. This is the ultimate tool for those who prioritize premium forage over sheer volume.

New Holland ProCart 1022: For Maximum Raking Speed

For the farmer who occasionally battles aggressive weather fronts and needs to clear fields in a hurry, the ProCart 1022 delivers high-speed performance. This wheel rake design is built to cover ground quickly, allowing for rapid windrowing before a storm hits. Its robust frame handles varying terrain with ease, ensuring productivity even in less-than-perfect conditions.

The ProCart 1022 features a unique design that allows the operator to adjust the windrow width from the tractor seat. This adaptability is essential when transitioning from a smaller baler to a higher-capacity one, or when field conditions change throughout the day. It provides the flexibility required for time-constrained, part-time operations.

This rake is for the farmer who values efficiency and speed as the primary metrics of success. It is not designed for the most delicate crops, but for the producer who needs to get the job done right before the rain starts. The ProCart 1022 is a high-output solution that saves precious time when the pressure is on.

New Holland DuraVee 1022: An Efficient V-Rake Pick

The DuraVee 1022 represents the pinnacle of wheel-rake efficiency for those managing slightly larger, multi-acre plots. Its V-design allows for massive coverage in a single pass, significantly reducing the number of hours spent in the tractor seat. This efficiency is a massive advantage for the part-time farmer with limited windows of time to get chores completed.

Despite its size, the DuraVee 1022 is surprisingly nimble and easy to maneuver in smaller, irregular fields. The rake arms are built for durability, ensuring that they stand up to the rigors of seasonal use without constant mechanical intervention. It offers a balance of scale and simplicity that is hard to find in larger commercial equipment.

If the goal is to increase productivity without moving to a full-scale commercial operation, the DuraVee 1022 is the logical upgrade. It turns a labor-intensive task into a quick, systematic chore. It is recommended for those ready to move away from smaller, single-basket rakes toward a more streamlined, high-capacity workflow.

New Holland Rolabar 256: Handling Wider Hay Swaths

The Rolabar 256 remains a favorite for its ability to handle wider swaths with precision. As a single-basket bar rake, it provides excellent control over the windrow shape and density, allowing the operator to craft the perfect pick-up profile for the baler. It is a balanced machine that thrives in tight quarters where larger equipment might struggle.

Maintenance on the 256 is straightforward, making it an ideal candidate for owners who handle their own repairs. Parts are widely available, and the mechanical logic is easy to grasp for anyone with basic shop skills. This ease of service is a major advantage for hobby farmers who cannot afford to wait on external technicians during a busy harvest week.

Choose the Rolabar 256 if the farm layout is complex and requires maneuvering around obstacles or through narrow gates. It is a reliable, no-nonsense tool that consistently produces a well-formed windrow. This rake is perfect for those who want a proven performer that won’t require a master’s degree in mechanics to keep running.

New Holland H5420 Merger: For Delicate Forage Crops

The H5420 merger is the specialized choice for farmers working with high-value, delicate forage. Rather than raking the hay, the merger lifts the crop and deposits it onto a conveyor, moving it into a windrow without dragging it along the ground. This preserves the valuable leaves and prevents soil contamination, making it essential for premium alfalfa production.

This technology is particularly effective for those dealing with heavy crops where standard rakes might struggle with tangling. By cleanly transferring the forage, the H5420 ensures a perfectly uniform windrow that balers can easily ingest. It is a sophisticated piece of equipment that takes the guesswork out of field-curing delicate cuttings.

For the hobby farmer focused on specialty hay production, the H5420 is a transformative investment. It may represent a higher initial cost, but the improvement in feed quality is undeniable. This tool is best suited for those who treat their hay production as a high-precision enterprise where every leaf counts.

Rake Type: Wheel, Bar, or Rotary for Your Farm?

Choosing the right rake type requires an honest assessment of both the crop and the tractor. Wheel rakes are high-speed and cost-effective, ideal for simple haying operations where time is the limiting factor. Bar rakes are the middle ground, offering a perfect blend of gentle handling and reliable windrow formation.

Rotary rakes represent the gold standard for high-quality, leafy forage, but they come with higher price tags and more moving parts. The choice should ultimately be guided by the target market for the hay. If the crop is going to livestock that don’t mind a little dust, a wheel rake is fine; if it is for high-end equine boarding, a rotary or merger is preferred.

Consider the field topography as well. Steep, uneven ground can cause some wheel rakes to dig in, whereas bar rakes and rotaries are often more forgiving in variable terrain. Match the rake to the most challenging field on the property to ensure consistent results everywhere.

Match Your Rake to Your Tractor’s Horsepower

Do not overlook the hydraulic requirements of modern rakes. A small utility tractor may have the engine power to pull a large V-rake, but it might lack the hydraulic capacity to lift it or adjust the width on the go. Always check the hydraulic flow rate—measured in gallons per minute—required by the rake’s remote valves.

Weight is another crucial factor. Larger, high-capacity rakes can become unstable during transport if pulled by a tractor that is too light or lacks a sufficiently heavy rear end. Ensure the tractor is properly ballasted to handle the rake’s weight during turns and transport.

Take into account the tractor’s physical dimensions compared to the rake. A very wide rake behind a narrow tractor can be difficult to manage when turning at the ends of rows. Safety is paramount, so ensure the tractor’s frame can comfortably manage the rake’s weight and footprint in all field conditions.

Pre-Season Rake Maintenance and Inspection Tips

A functional rake is the difference between a successful season and a ruined crop. Before the first cut, inspect all teeth or tines for bends, cracks, or excessive wear. A missing or broken tine will leave a strip of hay on the ground, potentially causing spoilage later.

Grease every zerk fitting and check the gearbox oil levels on rotary and bar models. Rakes are subjected to immense vibration, which can loosen bolts, so go over the frame with a torque wrench. Check tires for proper pressure, as uneven inflation will affect the rake’s height settings and overall windrow quality.

Finally, verify that the PTO shafts are clean and properly lubricated. If the rake uses hydraulic hoses, check for dry rot or fraying at the connection points to prevent messy, mid-field failures. Spending two hours in the shed before the season starts often prevents two days of downtime during the peak of the harvest.

Raking Tips for Faster Hay Drying and Baling

Raking at the right time is as important as the equipment itself. Wait until the top of the swath has reached approximately 40% moisture before raking; this prevents over-drying the surface while the bottom remains damp. Raking too early on damp ground can cause the hay to clump, which inhibits drying and promotes mold.

Adjust the height settings to ensure the tines are just barely clearing the stubble. If the rake is set too low, it will drag dirt and stones into the windrow, increasing the ash content and reducing nutritional value. If it is set too high, it will miss a significant portion of the crop, leaving valuable forage on the field.

Observe the windrow density based on the baler’s needs. If the baler is smaller, form a narrower, taller windrow to maximize intake; for larger balers, a wider, flatter windrow is often preferred. Always finish the raking operation shortly before the baler enters the field to minimize the time the hay sits in the windrow and absorbs atmospheric moisture.

Effective hay production is a balancing act between equipment capability and environmental timing. By matching the right New Holland rake to the specific needs of the farm, the struggle of the harvest season gives way to a predictable, professional process. Selecting the proper tool ensures that the labor invested in the fields results in high-quality feed for the long winter ahead.