8 Pieces of Equipment for Making Small Square Bales

Standing in a sweet-smelling field of waist-high grass under a clear summer sky is the ultimate dream for many small-scale landowners. Yet, turning that standing forage into high-quality winter feed requires a precise sequence of machinery and timing. Having the right tools on hand transforms a stressful race against the rain into a rewarding, manageable weekend project.

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Why Small Square Bales Work Best for Hobby Farms

Large round bales might dominate commercial agriculture, but they require heavy, specialized machinery just to move them from the field to the barn. For a small acreage or hobby farm, the classic small square bale remains the gold standard of convenience and manageability. These compact packages, typically weighing between 40 and 60 pounds, can be easily lifted, stacked, and fed by a single person without any hydraulic assistance.

Storage efficiency is another major advantage of the small square format. They stack tightly in traditional lofts, small sheds, or even the corner of a garage, maximizing every square inch of available shelter. Furthermore, feeding small squares allows for precise portion control, which is essential when managing a small herd of goats, sheep, or a couple of horses.

Planning Your Hay Harvest Around the Weather

Making hay is a high-stakes dance with the local weather forecast. Cut grass needs at least three consecutive days of hot, dry, and slightly windy weather to cure down to a safe moisture level before baling. Rushing the process and baling damp forage risks mold growth, ruined feed, and even spontaneous combustion in the hay mow.

Monitoring relative humidity and soil moisture is just as critical as watching the sky. Even if the sun is shining, high humidity or damp ground will slow down the drying process significantly. A successful harvest requires a flexible schedule, a reliable local meteorological report, and the readiness to drop everything when the ideal three-day window opens.

Compact Tractor – John Deere 3032E Utility Tractor

A reliable tractor is the beating heart of any haying operation, providing the pulling power and PTO (power take-off) energy required to run mowers, rakes, and balers. Without a capable utility tractor, the entire process of cutting and gathering forage grinds to a halt. The tractor must be heavy enough to handle the momentum of a shifting baler plunger while remaining nimble enough for tight paddock corners.

The John Deere 3032E Utility Tractor strikes the perfect balance for small-scale hay production. Its 31.2 horsepower liquid-cooled diesel engine provides ample power for light-duty baling, while the hydrostatic transmission makes maneuvering in tight spaces incredibly intuitive. The Category 1 three-point hitch and independent 540 RPM PTO ensure seamless compatibility with standard small-scale hay implements.

• Engine Power: 31.2 HP
• Transmission: Hydrostatic (2-range)
• PTO Power: 25 HP
• Best Use: Flat to rolling pastures under 20 acres

Before purchasing, consider that while the 3032E is highly maneuverable, its lighter frame weight means operators must exercise caution on steep slopes when pulling a loaded hay wagon. Regular maintenance of the hydraulic fluid levels and radiator screen is essential, especially when working in dry, dusty field conditions.

This tractor is ideal for landowners managing 5 to 20 acres of flat to gently rolling pasture. It is not suitable for those looking to run heavy, commercial-grade double-action disc mowers or large round balers that demand high-horsepower hydraulic flow.

Sickle Bar Mower – Maschio Gaspardo Fiore Mower

The first step in the haymaking process is cutting the standing crop cleanly at the base. A sickle bar mower uses a reciprocating series of triangular blades to slice through grass with a clean, scissor-like action. This clean cut preserves the plant’s root health for future growth and lays the forage down in neat, even swathes for drying.

The Maschio Gaspardo Fiore Mower is an outstanding choice for hobby farms due to its low power requirement and exceptional cutting precision. Its double-action blade movement ensures a vibration-free operation, reducing wear on both the tractor and the mower frame. The lightweight design allows it to operate efficiently on lower-horsepower compact tractors without tipping hazards.

• Cutting Width: 5.5 to 6.9 feet
• Power Required: 20+ HP
• Blade Action: Double-reciprocating
• Best Use: Clean, rock-free meadows

Operators must pay close attention to blade sharpness and guard alignment, as dull sections will tear the grass rather than cut it, leading to slower drying times. This mower requires manual greasing of the eccentric drive mechanism every few hours of operation to prevent premature wear.

This mower is perfect for property owners cutting clean, rock-free meadows and seeking high-quality forage. It is not recommended for rough, stony pastures or brush clearing, as hidden rocks can easily shatter the delicate sickle sections.

Rotary Hay Rake – Kuhn GA 3201 G Single-Rotor Rake

Once the grass is cut, it must be turned to dry evenly and then gathered into fluffy windrows for the baler to pick up. A rotary rake uses spinning tines to gently lift and sweep the crop, creating well-aerated windrows that encourage fast drying. Proper raking preserves the highly nutritious leaves of the plant, which can easily be lost with rough handling.

The Kuhn GA 3201 G Single-Rotor Rake excels at creating uniform, breathable windrows on smaller acreages. Its enclosed gearbox design protects the internal components from dust and debris, ensuring years of trouble-free operation. The gentle sweeping action of its tines preserves delicate legume leaves, keeping the nutritional value of the hay intact.

• Working Width: 10.5 feet
• Rotor Diameter: 8.5 feet
• Tine Arms: 9 (removable)
• Best Use: Creating fluffy, dry windrows

Setting the working height correctly is the key to using this rake successfully; setting it too low will scrape dirt into the hay, while setting it too high leaves valuable forage behind. The folding arms make it easy to transport through narrow farm gates, but they do require manual adjustment before entering the field.

This rake is ideal for hobby farmers prioritizing feed quality and operating on uneven terrain. It is not the right fit for large-scale operations looking to rake multiple swaths simultaneously, as its single-rotor design is built for modest working widths.

Small Square Baler – New Holland BC5050 Baler

The baler is the machine that compresses the loose, dried windrows into tight, transportable packages bound with twine. It is the most complex piece of machinery in the haying lineup, relying on a precise sequence of pickups, packers, plungers, and knotters. A reliable baler ensures that the hard work of mowing and raking results in stable, stackable bales.

The New Holland BC5050 Baler is a legendary performer in the small square category, renowned for its consistent knotter reliability and durable construction. Its super-sweep pickup clears the field clean, while the rotary feeding system ensures even flake distribution for perfectly shaped bales. The heavy-duty plunger operates smoothly, minimizing the jarring feedback felt in the tractor cab.

• Bale Size: 14 x 18 inches
• Plunger Speed: 93 strokes per minute
• Minimum PTO Power: 35 HP
• Best Use: High-density small square production

Operating a baler requires a solid understanding of mechanical timing, and the knotter system must be kept clean and properly lubricated to prevent missed ties. It requires a tractor with a minimum of 35 PTO horsepower for optimal performance on hilly ground, making it a close but workable match for compact utility tractors.

This baler is the ultimate choice for small-scale growers who want dependable, commercial-grade bale density and shape. It is not suited for budget-conscious hobbyists with very small plots who might find its physical size and initial cost prohibitive.

Hay Moisture Tester – Farmex HT-PRO Probe Meter

Guessing the moisture level of hay by feel is a recipe for disaster, as external dryness can mask dampness deep inside the stems. A moisture tester provides immediate, digital readings of the internal moisture content of a windrow or a finished bale. This simple check is the single best defense against moldy feed and barn fires caused by wet hay.

The Farmex HT-PRO Probe Meter is a highly reliable tool featuring a 20-inch stainless steel probe that easily penetrates dense bales. It provides rapid moisture readings ranging from 8% to 44%, alongside temperature displays to monitor the curing process over time. The calibration clip included with the meter ensures the unit remains accurate season after season.

• Probe Length: 20 inches
• Moisture Range: 8% to 44%
• Power Source: 9V battery
• Best Use: Verifying safe baling and storage moisture

For accurate results, operators must take multiple readings throughout different parts of the bale and across different areas of the field. The probe tip must be kept clean of sap and organic residue to prevent false readings.

This tool is a must-have for any livestock owner or hay producer who prioritizes animal health and barn safety. It is not necessary for those who only purchase pre-cured, certified dry hay from commercial dealers.

Baling Twine – Bridon Max Cord 170 Plastic Twine

Twine is the unsung hero of the hayfield, holding hundreds of pounds of compressed forage together under immense tension. If the twine breaks during handling or storage, the bale falls apart, turning valuable feed back into a loose, unmanageable mess. Choosing high-quality twine prevents frustrating knotter jams and broken bales during transport.

Bridon Max Cord 170 Plastic Twine is engineered to withstand the rigorous demands of modern small square balers. Its 170-pound knot strength ensures that even the tightest, most dense bales remain securely bound during rough handling. The UV-resistant formulation prevents the plastic from degrading under the harsh summer sun, preserving bale integrity during outdoor storage.

• Knot Strength: 170 lbs
• Length per Carton: 9,000 feet
• Material: UV-treated polypropylene
• Best Use: High-tension square baling

While plastic twine is incredibly strong and rot-resistant, it does not decompose naturally in the pasture, requiring diligent cleanup after feeding. Operators must ensure the twine tensioners on the baler are adjusted correctly to accommodate the specific thickness of this heavy-duty cord.

This twine is perfect for farmers who stack their hay multiple times or transport it over long distances. It is not ideal for those who prefer biodegradable options like natural sisal twine, despite sisal’s lower rot resistance.

Hand Bale Hook – Seymour Midwest Structron Hook

Moving hundreds of small square bales from the field to the wagon, and then into the barn, is physically demanding work that takes a toll on the hands and back. A hand bale hook acts as an extension of the arm, providing a secure grip on the bale without relying solely on the twine. This simple tool dramatically reduces fatigue and prevents the painful finger cuts associated with grabbing tight twine.

The Seymour Midwest Structron Hook features a high-carbon steel hook that bites securely into the hay without slipping. Its lightweight, fiberglass handle offers exceptional strength while absorbing the shock of repeated impacts. The bright orange color ensures it remains highly visible in dusty fields or dark barn corners.

• Overall Length: 11 inches
• Handle Material: Structron fiberglass
• Hook Material: Heat-treated carbon steel
• Best Use: Manual bale stacking and transport

Using a bale hook safely requires a specific technique; always hook into the ends of the bale rather than the middle to maintain balance. Users must also be careful not to accidentally hook the baling twine, which can cut the cord and ruin the bale.

This hook is an essential ergonomic tool for anyone manually loading, unloading, or stacking square bales. It is not needed for operations that utilize fully automated bale accumulators or mechanical grapple systems.

Heavy Duty Tarp – Kotap Heavy-Duty Poly Tarp

Even the best-made hay will quickly spoil if it is exposed to rain, dew, or intense sunlight during storage. When barn space is limited, a heavy-duty tarp is the primary line of defense against the elements for outdoor stacks. A high-quality tarp keeps moisture out while preventing the sun from bleaching the nutrients out of the outer layers of hay.

The Kotap Heavy-Duty Poly Tarp is built to survive harsh outdoor conditions, featuring a 12-mil thickness and a woven polyethylene construction. The reinforced corners and heavy-duty grommets spaced every 18 inches allow for secure tie-downs that won’t tear out in high winds. Its reversible silver and white coating reflects heat, keeping the stack cool and reducing condensation buildup underneath.

• Thickness: 12 mil
• Grommet Spacing: Every 18 inches
• Color: Reversible silver/white
• Best Use: Temporary outdoor stack protection

To prevent mold, the tarp must be secured over a stack that is elevated on pallets to allow airflow underneath. Regularly checking the tie-down ropes for tension is crucial, as loose tarps can flap in the wind and wear out prematurely.

This tarp is an indispensable asset for hobby farmers lacking indoor barn storage or those needing temporary field protection during a busy harvest. It is not a permanent replacement for a well-ventilated, dry hay shed.

Best Practices for Stacking and Curing Fresh Bales

Stacking fresh hay is an art form that directly impacts the final quality of the feed. Freshly baled hay continues to sweat and release moisture for several weeks after harvest. To facilitate this curing process, bales should be stacked on their sides with the cut edges facing up, which allows heat and moisture to escape more easily.

Elevating the bottom layer of the stack on wooden pallets is critical to prevent the hay from drawing moisture directly from the ground or concrete floor. Stacking in a crisscross pattern—alternating the direction of the bales with each layer—creates a stable, self-supporting structure that resists tipping. Leave small gaps between the stacks to encourage air circulation, especially during the first critical month of storage.

Maintaining Your Haying Equipment for Longevity

Haying equipment sits idle for most of the year, only to be subjected to intense, high-stress use during a few short weeks of harvest. This seasonal cycle makes preventive maintenance absolutely vital to avoid costly breakdowns in the middle of a dry weather window. Before the season starts, all grease points must be lubricated, drive chains tensioned, and gearboxes checked for proper oil levels.

Once the harvest is complete, blow off all dust, chaff, and crop residue using compressed air, as accumulated organic matter holds moisture and promotes rust. Store the machinery indoors, away from the elements, and spray exposed metal surfaces with a light coat of protective oil. Taking these steps ensures that when the sun shines next summer, the equipment is ready to roll without delay.

Successful small-scale haymaking relies on the perfect harmony of reliable machinery, smart weather planning, and proper storage techniques. Equipping a hobby farm with these essential tools ensures a smooth, efficient harvest that protects both the land and the livestock. With the right preparation, the rewarding tradition of putting up high-quality winter feed becomes a manageable and satisfying reality.