8 Pieces of Equipment for Summer Haying and Storage

The heat of summer brings the critical window for haying, where timing and execution dictate the quality of your livestock’s winter feed. For the hobby farmer, balancing a tight weather forecast with limited weekend hours makes having reliable, right-sized equipment absolutely essential. This guide covers the key machinery and tools needed to cut, dry, bale, and store high-quality hay without the stress of commercial-scale overhead.

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Planning Your Summer Hay Harvest for Success

Successful haymaking is a dance with the weather, requiring a clear three-to-four-day window of dry, sunny conditions. For part-time operators, monitoring local humidity levels and wind speeds is just as crucial as watching the rain forecast. Cutting too early in a wet spell leads to ruined crops, while waiting too long results in overmature, woody forage with low nutritional value.

Before the first blade of grass is cut, map out the logistics of the entire harvest. Ensure storage space is cleared, labor is lined up for stacking, and every piece of machinery is greased and tested. A breakdown in the middle of a tight weather window can ruin an entire cutting, making pre-season preparation the most valuable step in the process.

Disc Mower – New Holland Durabine 416

The disc mower is the starting gun of the haying process, tasked with slicing through thick, tangled summer forage quickly and cleanly. Unlike old sickle bar mowers that clog easily in heavy dew or lodged grass, a disc mower uses high-speed rotating discs to slice through material without stopping. This speed is vital when trying to beat an incoming rain cloud.

The New Holland Durabine 416 stands out for its rugged build and clean-cutting performance on small to medium acreages. It features a low-profile cutterbar that glides over uneven terrain, reducing dirt contamination in the windrow while leaving a clean, uniform stubble height. Its shock-protection system protects the internal gears if you strike a hidden rock, which is a common hazard on hobby farms.

• Cutting width: 16 feet, matching the capacity of mid-sized tractors.
• Conditioning options: High-contact roll conditioning to speed up dry-down times.
• Hydraulic requirements: Dual rear remotes for easy lift and swing control.

Operating this machine requires a tractor with a robust hydraulic system and a steady hand during tight headland turns.

This mower-conditioner is ideal for landowners with moderate acreage who need to knock down heavy crops fast and want the added benefit of conditioning to speed up dry-down time. It is not suitable for ultra-compact utility tractors under 100 horsepower, which will struggle with its weight and power demands.

Rotary Hay Tedder – Kuhn GF 502 Digidrive

Once the hay is cut, the clock starts ticking to get the moisture level down to safe baling levels. A rotary tedder lifts and scatters the green crop, exposing the damp bottom layers to sun and wind for rapid, even drying. Skipping this step often results in damp pockets that can rot or combust once baled.

The Kuhn GF 502 Digidrive is a legendary performer in the small-farm category, offering a four-rotor design that balances compact size with excellent ground coverage. Its patented Digidrive finger drive coupling provides reliable power transfer even when folding the machine for transport. The heavy-duty, hook-style tines lift the crop cleanly without scraping dirt into the hay.

• Working width: 16 feet 5 inches, perfect for matching mower swaths.
• Tractor requirement: Minimum 25 PTO horsepower, making it highly compatible with smaller utility tractors.
• Transport width: Folds down to 9 feet 10 inches for narrow farm gates and road travel.

Keep an eye on the tine height adjustments; setting them too low will contaminate your hay with dirt and accelerate wear on the tines.

This tedder is the perfect fit for small-to-medium acreage farmers who need reliable dry-down in humid climates. It is overkill for tiny, flat horse paddocks where a simple dump rake might suffice, but indispensable for anyone serious about putting up high-quality forage.

Wheel Rake – Vermeer VR820 Carted Rake

After the hay has dried, it must be gathered from a scattered mat into neat, uniform windrows for the baler to ingest. A wheel rake uses the forward motion of the tractor to spin ground-driven wheels, gently sweeping the crop together without the need for PTO power. Well-formed windrows ensure the baler feeds smoothly, preventing clogs and uneven bales.

The Vermeer VR820 Carted Rake is a stellar choice for small-scale operations due to its simple, rugged carted design and ease of adjustment. Its rubber-mounted rake teeth offer excellent durability and flex over uneven ground, ensuring you clean the field without picking up rocks. The independent wing suspension allows the rake to hug ridges and ditches that would leave other rakes skipping over valuable crop.

• Raking width: Up to 19 feet, adjustable to match your baler’s pickup width.
• Transport width: Folds to a compact 8.5 feet for easy transport.
• Number of wheels: 8 high-capacity raking wheels.

Proper setup is key; adjusting the ground pressure too heavy will wear out the teeth prematurely and drag dirt into the windrow.

This rake is perfect for hobby farmers looking for a low-maintenance, PTO-free raking solution that handles moderate acreage with ease. It is not ideal for heavy, wet silage crops, which can clog the wheel design and are better handled by a rotary rake.

Square Baler – John Deere 328 Square Baler

The square baler is the heart of any small-scale haying operation, transforming loose windrows into tight, stackable packages. Small square bales remain the gold standard for horse owners and small livestock holders due to their ease of handling and feeding. A reliable baler ensures that once the hay is dry, it is packaged quickly before the evening dew sets in.

The John Deere 328 Square Baler is highly regarded for its consistent bale shape and legendary knotter reliability. Its deep-tooth pickup gently lifts the crop, while the offset design allows the tractor to run alongside the windrow rather than directly over it. The precision gear-driven knotters are designed to work flawlessly with both sisal and plastic twine, reducing skipped ties that ruin a long day’s work.

• Minimum PTO power: 35 horsepower, suitable for most mid-sized utility tractors.
• Bale size: Adjustable length from 12 to 50 inches to fit your storage needs.
• Plungerhead speed: 80 strokes per minute for smooth, high-capacity feeding.

Regular lubrication of the knotter assembly is non-negotiable, and operators must learn to monitor the shear bolts to prevent mechanical damage when hitting heavy crop clumps.

This baler is the ultimate choice for the serious hobby farmer producing premium horse hay for storage or sale. It is not meant for high-volume commercial contractors, nor is it suitable for sub-compact tractors that lack the weight to handle the lunging motion of the plunger.

Moisture Tester – Delmhorst F-2000 Hay Meter

Baling hay at the wrong moisture level is the single biggest mistake a hobby farmer can make. If the hay is too dry, the leaves fall off, leaving you with nutrient-poor stems; if it is too wet, mold will ruin the feed, or worse, internal heating can cause spontaneous combustion in the barn. A reliable moisture tester takes the guesswork out of this critical decision.

The Delmhorst F-2000 Hay Meter is a rugged, digital probe-style tester that provides highly accurate readings directly in the windrow or inside a finished bale. Its clear digital display shows moisture percentages instantly, allowing you to make fast decisions in the field. The heavy-duty steel probe is built to withstand the pressure of being shoved into dense, tightly packed bales without bending.

• Moisture range: 6% to 40% accuracy, covering all critical baling thresholds.
• Probe length: Available in 10-inch or 18-inch options to reach the center of the bale.
• Storage: Comes with a protective carrying case to shield the electronics from barn dust.

Be sure to take multiple readings throughout the field, as low-lying areas or shady edges will always hold more moisture than sunny hilltops.

This tool is an absolute necessity for every single hay producer, regardless of scale, who wants to protect their livestock and their barn. It is not for those who prefer to rely on the "hand-twist" method, which is notoriously inaccurate and risky.

Hay Hook – Weaver Leather Wooden Grip Hook

Even with modern machinery, small square bales still require a significant amount of manual handling to get them from the field into the barn. A quality hay hook acts as an extension of your arm, providing a secure grip on the bale without tearing the twine or straining your wrists. This simple tool saves immense physical energy during a long day of stacking.

The Weaver Leather Wooden Grip Hook features a classic, ergonomic design that fits comfortably in the hand, reducing fatigue over hours of use. The cold-rolled steel hook is sharpened to the perfect point, easily penetrating dense bales while releasing smoothly when you lift. The varnished hardwood handle is securely fastened to prevent twisting, ensuring a stable grip under heavy loads.

• Material: High-strength steel hook with a durable hardwood handle.
• Length: Standard hand-held size, optimized for close-quarters stacking in trailers or lofts.
• Safety: Requires careful handling and storage to avoid accidental puncture wounds.

Always keep the tip clean and lightly oiled to prevent rust, which can make the hook stick inside the bale.

This is a must-have tool for anyone stacking square bales by hand on wagons, trailers, or in the barn loft. It is not needed for operations that are fully mechanized with bale accumulators and squeeze lifts.

Hay Tarp – Inland Tarp Super Duty Cover

Not every hobby farm has enough indoor barn space to store an entire season’s hay harvest. Leaving hay exposed to the elements leads to leaching of nutrients, rot, and significant spoilage on the top and outer layers. A high-quality hay tarp acts as a protective shield, preserving the feed value of your stack through autumn rains and winter snows.

The Inland Tarp Super Duty Cover is engineered specifically for agricultural use, utilizing a heavy-duty, UV-resistant polyethylene weave that resists tearing in high winds. It features built-in tie-down loops and reinforced pockets that allow you to secure the tarp with pipes or weights, preventing the wind from whipping it loose. The silver outer coating reflects sunlight to prevent heat buildup, while the black inner layer blocks light penetration.

• Material weight: Heavy-duty 15 mil thickness for multi-season durability.
• Sizing: Available in various sizes optimized for standard stack dimensions.
• Securing system: Requires heavy-duty ropes, straps, or PVC pipes to weigh down the sides properly.

When installing, ensure the stack is built with a peaked top row to allow rainwater to shed off the sides rather than pooling in the middle.

This tarp is the perfect investment for farmers who must store their hay outdoors and want to minimize spoilage loss. It is not a permanent replacement for a well-ventilated barn, but it is the next best thing for budget-conscious operations.

Bale Spear – Titan Attachments 49-Inch Spear

If you transition to handling large round bales or heavy mid-sized square bales, manual lifting is out of the question. A front-end loader or skid steer equipped with a bale spear allows you to lift, transport, and stack heavy bales safely and efficiently. This tool saves your back and speeds up the feeding process during the cold winter months.

The Titan Attachments 49-Inch Spear is a robust, highly versatile attachment that fits standard skid steer quick-attach systems. It features a forged steel main spear with a 3,000-pound capacity, allowing it to pierce the densest bales without bending or breaking. Two bottom stabilizer tines prevent the bale from spinning or shifting on the spear during transport over rough pasture.

• Main spear length: 49 inches, optimal for penetrating deep into standard round bales.
• Weight capacity: 3,000 lbs, exceeding the lifting capacity of most compact utility tractors.
• Connection: Universal skid steer style quick-tach for fast mounting and removal.

Always carry bales low to the ground to maintain a low center of gravity, preventing dangerous tractor rollovers on sloped terrain.

This spear is ideal for tractor owners who handle round bales or large square bales for winter feeding. It is not suitable for small sub-compact tractors that lack the front-end loader lift capacity to safely handle heavy loads.

How to Test and Monitor Hay Moisture Levels

Testing moisture starts in the windrow before the baler ever enters the field. Grab a representative handful of hay from the thickest part of the windrow, twist it like a rope, and look for moisture breaking through the stems. While this physical test gives a rough estimate, always follow up with a digital probe tester to get an accurate numerical reading.

Insert your probe tester at various points across the field, focusing on low spots, shady areas, and the dense center of the windrows. For small square bales, the target moisture range is 14% to 18%; anything over 20% requires a preservative applicator or more drying time. Large round bales are even more sensitive and should be baled at 13% to 16% moisture to prevent heat buildup.

Once the bales are stacked in the barn, the monitoring does not stop. Check the internal temperature of the stack daily for the first three weeks using a compost thermometer or a dedicated hay temp probe. A temperature below 120°F is normal, but if readings climb toward 140°F, monitor the stack hourly, and prepare to move the bales if temperatures exceed 150°F.

Essential Rules for Safe Barn Hay Storage

Proper barn storage is about maximizing airflow and protecting your investment from moisture rising from the ground. Never stack hay directly on bare dirt or concrete floors, which act as sponges for ground moisture. Instead, lay down a thick layer of dry straw or place the bales on wooden pallets to create an insulating air gap.

When stacking square bales, use a crisscross pattern to lock the stack together and prevent collapses. Leave small gaps between the bales to allow heat and moisture to escape during the initial sweat period, which lasts about two to three weeks after baling. Keep the cut sides of the bales facing down or to the side, as this allows moisture to vent more freely than the smooth, packed sides.

Ensure your storage barn has excellent ventilation, with open eaves or ridge vents to carry away the warm, humid air generated by curing hay. If you suspect a stack is heating up, do not enter the barn without a plan, as moving hot bales can suddenly expose them to oxygen and trigger a flash fire.

Maintaining Your Haying Equipment for Next Year

The work of haying does not end when the last bale is stacked; proper winterization ensures your expensive machinery will start up without issue next summer. Begin by thoroughly cleaning every piece of equipment, using compressed air to blow out accumulated chaff, dust, and crop residue. Leaving organic matter on the metal attracts moisture and rodents, leading to rust and chewed wiring.

Grease all bearings, chains, and moving joints immediately after the final harvest to displace any moisture that entered during the season. Coat bare metal surfaces, such as mower cutterbars and baler knotters, with a rust-preventative spray or a light layer of fluid film. Store all equipment under cover, away from direct sunlight and rain, to preserve tires, belts, and hydraulic hoses.

Take the time to order replacement parts, such as spare mower blades, baler shear bolts, and rake teeth, during the off-season. This proactive approach saves you from the stress of waiting on backordered parts when the next summer hay window suddenly opens.

Putting up your own summer hay is a deeply rewarding task that secures high-quality winter nutrition for your animals while building self-reliance on the farm. By investing in the right tools and mastering the timing of cutting, drying, and storage, you protect both your livestock and your hard-earned investment. With proper preparation and well-maintained equipment, you can face the summer hay season with confidence and peace of mind.