8 Pieces of Equipment for Harvesting Forage on Small Acreages

Standing in a waist-high field of lush orchard grass, the dream of self-sufficiency can quickly turn into an overwhelming chore without the right gear. Harvesting forage on a small acreage requires a delicate balance of efficiency, affordability, and physical stamina. Having the proper tools transforms this demanding seasonal task from a stressful race against the weather into a rewarding, manageable routine.

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Understanding Forage Harvesting on Small Farms

Forage harvesting on a small scale is fundamentally different from commercial haymaking. Instead of massive diesel tractors and wide implement trains, small-acreage farmers must rely on nimble, scaled-down equipment that can navigate tight corners, orchard rows, or sloped paddocks. The goal remains the same: cutting, drying, and preserving high-quality forage at its nutritional peak before the rain ruins the crop.

Relying on custom operators with large machinery is rarely viable for small plots. Commercial crews often bypass tiny acreages because their massive equipment cannot turn around safely, or the small yield does not justify their travel costs. Taking control of the harvest with specialized small-scale tools ensures the work gets done exactly when the weather and the grass are ready.

Sickle Mower – BCS 739 Two-Wheel Tractor

Cutting is the first and most critical step in the forage harvest, requiring a clean slice at the base of the plant to encourage rapid regrowth. A sickle mower is ideal because it shears the grass cleanly at the stem instead of chopping it into wet mulch like a standard lawnmower. This preservation of stem length is essential for proper air circulation during the drying process.

The BCS 739 Two-Wheel Tractor paired with a front-mounted sickle bar attachment is a premier choice for small-acreage cutting. This walk-behind powerhouse features an all-gear transmission and a locking differential, providing the traction needed to harvest on steep banks or uneven ground. The sickle bar slices through thick clover and tall orchard grass effortlessly, laying the forage down in neat, unbroken swathes.

• Engine: Honda GX340 (10.7 HP)
• Cutting Width Options: 30 to 53 inches
• Compatible Uses: Forage cutting, brush clearing, trail maintenance
• Drive System: All-gear oil bath transmission

Operating this unit requires some physical stamina, as the operator walks behind the machine to guide it through the field. Maintenance is straightforward but critical; the individual cutter teeth must be kept sharp, and the slide guides require regular greasing to prevent binding.

This setup is perfect for landowners managing one to five acres of forage who need a multi-purpose power unit that can also run tillers or snowblowers. It is not suitable for those looking for a ride-on, low-effort mowing experience, or for properties with heavily rocky soils that can chip the sickle blades.

Austrian Scythe – Seymour Midwest 41525

For areas under an acre, or steep, rocky banks where motorized equipment is dangerous, manual cutting is the most practical solution. A traditional scythe allows for a silent, meditative harvest that requires zero fuel and minimal storage space. It is a highly efficient tool that, when swung with the correct technique, cuts grass almost as fast as a small weed trimmer without shredding the crop.

The Seymour Midwest 41525 Austrian-style scythe features a lightweight, adjustable aluminum snath (handle) and a sharp, high-carbon steel blade. Unlike heavy American-style brush scythes, this European-style tool is designed to glide parallel to the ground, slicing delicate forage grasses with minimal physical strain. The adjustable grips allow the operator to customize the tool to their height, preventing back fatigue during long sessions.

• Blade Length: 26 inches
• Snath Material: Lightweight aluminum
• Compatible Uses: Mowing lawns, harvesting small grain plots, clearing ditch banks
• Weight: Approximately 4.5 pounds

Users must understand that a scythe is not a swing-and-hack tool; it requires a rhythmic, sweeping motion that utilizes the core muscles rather than the arms. The blade requires frequent honing in the field with a whetstone and occasional peening—cold-hammering the edge—to maintain its razor-sharp slicing ability.

This tool is ideal for homesteaders managing less than an acre of forage, or those needing to clear tight fence lines and orchard undergrowth. It is not recommended for anyone unwilling to learn the traditional sharpening techniques or those facing multiple acres of dense, woody brush.

Wheel Hay Rake – Tar River W-2 Two-Wheel Rake

Once the forage is cut, it must be flipped and gathered into neat rows, known as windrows, to finish drying and prepare for baling. Raking lifts the damp underlayer of grass to the sun and wind while consolidating the crop so it can be gathered efficiently. Doing this manually with a hand rake over an acre is exhausting, making a mechanical rake a massive labor-saver.

The Tar River W-2 Two-Wheel Rake is a pull-behind, ground-driven implement that can be towed by a small sub-compact tractor, an ATV, or even a heavy-duty utility vehicle. Its heavy-duty spring-steel teeth gently lift the hay and roll it into a clean, uniform windrow without gathering dirt or rocks. Because it is ground-driven, there are no complicated PTO shafts or hydraulic lines to hook up, making operation incredibly simple.

• Working Width: 4 to 5 feet
• Tractor Requirement: 15 HP minimum (or standard ATV/UTV)
• Compatible Uses: Raking hay, gathering straw, clearing pine needles
• Tire Size: 15-inch pneumatic tires

Operators must adjust the ground pressure carefully; setting the wheels too low will scrape the soil and contaminate the hay, while setting them too high will leave valuable forage behind. The compact width of this two-wheel unit makes it highly maneuverable in tight spaces, though it requires multiple passes on larger fields compared to multi-wheel commercial rakes.

This rake is an excellent investment for small-acreage growers who have an ATV or small tractor and want to speed up their drying and baling process. It is not suitable for large-scale operations or for those harvesting very sparse, short grass that requires a wider raking swath.

Mini Round Baler – Abbriata M50 Mini Baler

Loose hay takes up an immense amount of storage space and is highly susceptible to mold if exposed to any moisture. Balers compress the dried forage into dense packages that exclude air, preserve nutritional value, and are easy to stack and transport. For small farms, traditional large square balers are too heavy and require massive tractors, making mini balers the perfect alternative.

The Abbriata M50 Mini Baler is a pull-type machine designed to produce compact round bales measuring approximately 20 inches wide by 28 inches in diameter. These mini bales typically weigh between 40 and 55 pounds, making them incredibly easy to lift, carry, and stack by hand without any heavy machinery. The M50 operates efficiently on tractors with as little as 15 to 25 horsepower, opening up baling capabilities to owners of sub-compact utility tractors.

• Bale Dimensions: 20" x 28"
• Bale Weight: 40 to 55 lbs (adjustable)
• Tractor Requirement: 15 HP minimum at the PTO
• Binding Method: Net wrap or twine options available

Operating a mini baler requires careful monitoring of the windrow size; feeding too much material at once can clog the pickup mechanism. Regular maintenance involves keeping the twine-binding mechanism clean of dust and ensuring the tension springs are adjusted correctly to produce tight, uniform bales.

This machine is perfect for small-scale horse owners, goat breeders, or hobby farmers who want to be fully self-sufficient in their hay production. It is not the right choice for those on a tight budget, as mini balers represent a significant capital investment, nor is it meant for high-volume commercial production.

Moisture Tester – Farmex HT-Pro Hay Tester

Baling hay that is too wet is the single most common mistake in forage harvesting, leading to ruined, moldy feed at best, and spontaneous combustion barn fires at worst. Conversely, baling hay that is too dry causes the nutritious leaves to shatter and fall off, leaving only low-quality, fibrous stems. A reliable moisture tester takes the guesswork out of this critical decision, replacing unreliable "hand-twist" tests with precise data.

The Farmex HT-Pro Hay Tester features a rugged, 20-inch stainless steel probe that can easily penetrate deep into a windrow or a packed bale to read internal moisture levels. Its clear digital display provides quick readouts of both moisture percentage and temperature, allowing farmers to monitor the curing process in real-time. The unit also includes a calibration clip to ensure the sensor remains accurate season after season.

• Probe Length: 20 inches
• Moisture Range: 8% to 44%
• Power Source: 9V battery
• Display: Backlit LCD with temperature readout

To get an accurate reading, users must take multiple samples throughout the field, as low-lying areas of a pasture will hold moisture longer than sunny ridges. The probe must be wiped clean after each insertion to prevent sap buildup from throwing off the electrical resistance sensors.

This tool is an absolute necessity for every single forage harvester, regardless of scale, who wants to protect their livestock’s health and their barn’s safety. There is virtually no farm where this tool is not appropriate, as the cost of a tester is a fraction of the price of lost feed or a burned barn.

Hay Fork – Ames True Temper 10-Tine Fork

No matter how mechanized a small operation is, manual cleanup and handling are inevitable parts of the forage harvest. Whether tossing loose hay into a feeder, clearing out the corners of a hayloft, or gathering the last scraps from a windrow, a standard garden shovel or manure fork will not work. A dedicated, multi-tine hay fork is designed specifically to scoop and hold loose, dry plant material without letting it slip through.

The Ames True Temper 10-Tine Fork is built for this exact task, featuring closely spaced, forged-steel tines that act like a giant basket for loose grass. The tines are slightly turned up at the ends to scoop cleanly along the ground or barn floor without digging in and snagging. The strong hardwood handle is paired with a comfortable D-grip, providing excellent leverage when lifting heavy, compacted flakes of hay.

• Tine Count: 10 forged-steel tines
• Handle Length: 30 inches with D-grip
• Head Width: 14.5 inches
• Compatible Uses: Moving loose hay, straw, mulch, or wood shavings

Users should avoid using this fork for heavy digging in rocky soil or lifting wet, packed manure, as the fine tines can bend under extreme, concentrated loads. It is designed for light, high-volume materials, and keeping the tines clean and dry will prevent rust and prolong its life.

This fork is a must-have tool for any small-scale farmer handling loose hay, straw, or bedding materials in barns and paddocks. It is not intended for heavy-duty digging, soil turning, or clearing thick, woody brush.

Heavy Duty Tarp – Dry Top Silver/Black Tarp

Weather is the ultimate adversary of the haymaker, and a sudden summer thunderstorm can ruin days of hard work in minutes. Even after baling, hay stored directly on the ground will wick up moisture like a sponge, causing the bottom layer of bales to rot. Heavy-duty tarps provide an instant, portable roof to shield dry forage from both overhead rain and rising ground moisture.

The Dry Top Silver/Black Tarp is an exceptionally durable option, constructed from heavy-duty, cross-woven polyethylene that resists tearing and punctures. The dual-color design serves a practical purpose: the silver side reflects harsh sunlight to prevent heat buildup under the tarp, while the black side can absorb heat if needed. It features reinforced plastic corners and heavy-duty grommets spaced closely together, ensuring it can be tied down securely against high winds.

• Material: 14×14 cross-weave polyethylene (10 mil thickness)
• Color: Silver/Black (reversible)
• Size Options: 10’x12′ to 40’x60′
• UV Protection: Built-in UV inhibitors on both sides

When using this tarp to cover stacked hay, it is crucial to allow for ventilation; sealing a damp stack completely will trap moisture and cause mold. Creating an A-frame shape over the stack with a few boards allows condensation to run off the sides rather than pooling on top of the bales.

This tarp is perfect for any small-acreage farmer who lacks dedicated indoor barn space for hay storage or needs temporary protection in the field. It is not a permanent replacement for a solid-roofed barn, as even the best tarps will eventually degrade under constant, multi-year UV exposure.

Hanging Scale – Rubbermaid Commercial 100-Lb

Knowing the exact weight of your forage bales is critical for both feeding management and quality control. Guessing bale weight by feel is notoriously inaccurate, leading to over- or under-feeding livestock and making it difficult to calculate total winter feed reserves. Additionally, tracking bale weight helps monitor baler performance and ensures that bales are compressed to the correct density.

The Rubbermaid Commercial 100-Lb Hanging Scale is a rugged, mechanical spring scale that requires no batteries, making it incredibly reliable in dusty barn environments. It features a heavy-duty steel top ring for hanging and a bottom hook to easily snag baling twine. The large, high-contrast dial is easy to read from a distance, even in low-light haylofts or outdoor staging areas.

• Weight Capacity: 100 pounds
• Increments: 1-pound markings
• Material: Heavy-duty steel housing and mechanism
• Compatible Uses: Weighing hay bales, feed bags, produce, or small livestock

Because it is a mechanical scale, it is highly durable, but users should avoid leaving heavy loads hanging on the hook for extended periods to prevent spring fatigue. It should be hung from a secure, load-bearing beam or a sturdy tripod to ensure accurate, vertical measurements.

This scale is an essential tool for small-scale livestock owners who need to weigh daily feed rations or monitor the yield of their fields. It is not suitable for those requiring legal-for-trade certified weights for commercial retail sales, which require specialized digital certification.

Key Timing Factors for High-Quality Forage

Producing high-quality forage is a dance with nature where timing dictates everything. The nutritional value of grass peaks just before the plant flowers—a phase known as the boot stage. Once seed heads emerge, the plant shifts its energy into fiber and lignin, making the resulting hay woody, less palatable, and significantly lower in protein and digestible nutrients.

The second timing factor is the weather window, which typically requires three consecutive days of dry, sunny weather with low humidity. Cutting should begin as soon as the morning dew has evaporated from the standing grass, maximizing the first day’s sun exposure. Raking should occur when the top layer is dry but before the leaves become so brittle that they shatter during the process.

How to Safely Store Small-Scale Hay Bales

Proper storage is what keeps hard-earned forage safe and nutritious throughout the winter months. Bales should never be stacked directly on dirt or concrete floors, as they will draw moisture from the ground; instead, always stack them on a bed of wooden pallets. Leaving a few inches of air space between the stack and the barn walls encourages vital air circulation that carries away residual moisture.

Stacking bales in an alternating, interlocking pattern—similar to bricklaying—creates a stable stack that is unlikely to topple. For the first few weeks after harvest, monitor the stack’s temperature daily by inserting a compost thermometer or a metal rod deep into the center of the pile. If internal temperatures rise above 130°F, the stack must be monitored closely; if they exceed 150°F, the bales must be moved outdoors immediately to prevent a fire.

Choosing the Right Setup for Your Acreage

The ideal equipment setup depends entirely on the physical size of the acreage, the available labor, and the existing machinery on the farm. For a quarter-acre paddock, a manual scythe, a hand rake, and a quality tarp are all that is needed to harvest a few dozen loose bales’ worth of feed. This low-cost, high-labor setup keeps overhead minimal while providing high-quality feed for a few small animals.

Once the harvest area approaches one to three acres, transitioning to a walk-behind tractor with a sickle mower and a pull-behind rake becomes a necessity to save time and physical labor. For operations larger than three acres, investing in a sub-compact tractor with a mini round baler represents the ultimate setup for self-sufficiency. Matching the equipment to the physical reality of the land ensures a sustainable, enjoyable harvest year after year.

Harvesting your own forage on a small acreage is a deeply satisfying endeavor that connects you directly to the seasonal rhythms of the land. By selecting the right tools for your specific scale, you protect both your physical health and the nutritional quality of your winter feed. With careful planning, proper timing, and reliable gear, you can confidently secure a high-quality harvest for your animals.