8 Supplies for Maintaining Haying Season Equipment

The smell of fresh-cut alfalfa is one of the greatest rewards of hobby farming, but a broken baler in the middle of a hot afternoon can quickly ruin the magic. When the weather window is tight, every minute spent searching for tools or dealing with preventable breakdowns costs money and ruins feed quality. Having the right maintenance supplies on hand before the tractor engine starts is the secret to a stress-free, successful hay harvest.

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Getting Your Haying Gear Ready for the Field

Preparing for haying season is all about beating the weather. Small-scale farmers cannot afford to wait for a service technician when rain is on the horizon. Getting equipment ready before the cutting starts ensures that mowers, rakes, and balers run smoothly when the grass is at its nutritional peak.

Pre-season prep involves more than just a quick walk-around. It requires a systematic check of all moving parts, lubricating dry bearings, replacing worn sickle sections, and ensuring tensioners are properly set. Taking the time to service gear in the comfort of the workshop saves hours of frustrating field repairs under a blazing sun.

Grease Gun – Lincoln 1134 Pistol Grip Grease Gun

Hay equipment is packed with high-friction moving parts, from mower cutterbars to baler plunger tracks. A reliable grease gun is the single most important tool for preventing catastrophic bearing failures that can halt a harvest. Without consistent lubrication, metal-on-metal wear will quickly destroy expensive components.

The Lincoln 1134 Pistol Grip Grease Gun stands out because of its heavy-duty cast-iron head and robust pump mechanism. It delivers up to 7,500 PSI, which is more than enough pressure to clear out clogged grease zerks that have sat idle all winter. The pistol grip design allows for easy one-handed operation, leaving the other hand free to keep the coupler locked onto stubborn fittings.

When using this tool, remember that it requires a standard 14-ounce grease cartridge and benefits from a flexible whip hose to reach awkward angles.

• Max Pressure: 7,500 PSI
• Delivery: 1.5 oz per 40 strokes
• Design: Pistol grip with variable stroke mechanism

This grease gun is ideal for the hands-on hobby farmer who needs a durable, dependable tool that won’t leak in the toolbox. It is not meant for those who prefer battery-powered electric grease guns, though for small-scale operations, this manual option offers superior control and reliability without needing a battery charger.

Gear Lubricant – Lucas Oil 85W-140 Heavy Duty Gear Oil

Baler gearboxes and mower cutterbeds operate under extreme pressure and high temperatures for hours on end. Standard motor oil cannot withstand these shear forces, making specialized gear lubricant essential. This fluid cushions gear teeth and dissipates heat, preventing premature gear pitting and costly failures.

Lucas Oil 85W-140 Heavy Duty Gear Oil is formulated specifically to handle the shock loads common in agricultural machinery. It contains special anti-wear agents and lubricity additives that maintain a protective film even under intense heat. This high-viscosity oil also helps seal worn gaskets, reducing slow leaks that can drain a gearbox unnoticed.

Before pouring, ensure the gearbox is thoroughly drained of old, contaminated oil and moisture.

• Viscosity: 85W-140
• Formulation: High-performance mineral base with Lucas additives
• Application: Agricultural gearboxes, differentials, and manual transmissions

This heavy-duty gear oil is perfect for older, hard-working balers and mowers that need maximum protection against wear and heat. It is not suitable for modern gearboxes that specifically require synthetic, low-viscosity oils, so always check the equipment manual first.

Baler Twine – Bridon Cordage Maxigrip 170 Twine

Baler twine is the literal thread that holds your entire hay crop together. Low-quality twine breaks under tension, leading to exploded bales that must be re-baled by hand. Choosing a strong, consistent twine ensures that your square bales survive the trip from the field to the hay loft.

Bridon Cordage Maxigrip 170 Twine offers exceptional knot strength and consistency, which prevents mis-ties in the knotter mechanism. This synthetic twine is treated with UV inhibitors to prevent degradation when bales are stored or transported in direct sunlight. Its high tensile strength of 170 pounds handles tight, dense bales without snapping.

When loading this twine, ensure the tension plates on the baler’s twine box are clean and free of rust.

• Knot Strength: 170 lbs
• Material: Polypropylene with UV stabilizers
• Length: 9,600 feet per carton

This twine is the perfect choice for small square balers operating in demanding conditions where tight, heavy bales are required. It is not suitable for round balers or older machines designed strictly for natural sisal twine, as the synthetic material can sometimes wear out older, softer knotter billhooks.

Moisture Tester – Delmhorst FX-2000 Hay Meter

Baling hay that is too wet leads to moldy, unpalatable feed, and can even cause spontaneous combustion in the hay barn. Conversely, baling hay that is too dry causes leaf loss, stripping the crop of its nutritional value. A reliable moisture tester takes the guesswork out of deciding exactly when to drop the tailgate.

The Delmhorst FX-2000 Hay Meter is a highly accurate digital tester that provides real-time moisture readings. It features a rugged probe that penetrates deep into the bale or windrow to give an accurate average reading. The clear digital display is easy to read in direct sunlight, allowing for quick decisions on the go.

Users should calibrate the meter regularly and take multiple readings across different areas of the field to account for damp spots.

• Moisture Range: 6% to 40%
• Display: Digital LCD screen
• Power Source: 9V battery

This tool is indispensable for any small-scale farmer who prioritizes hay quality and barn safety. It is not necessary for those who only bale dry straw, but for high-quality horse hay, it is an absolute must-have.

Rivet Tool – Kondex Sickle Section Rivet Tool

Sickle bar mowers and windrowers rely on razor-sharp sections to cut grass cleanly without clogging. When a section hits a stone or a thick weed, the rivets can shear off, requiring immediate replacement. A dedicated rivet tool makes this common field repair quick and painless.

The Kondex Sickle Section Rivet Tool is designed to easily punch out old rivets and swell new ones into place with minimal effort. Its heavy-duty forged steel construction ensures it won’t flex or bend under pressure. This tool creates a perfect, tight fit that prevents the new sickle section from wobbling or coming loose during operation.

Operating this tool requires a solid bench vise or a sturdy flat surface to hold the sickle bar steady during the riveting process.

• Material: Forged tool steel
• Function: Removes and installs sickle section rivets
• Compatibility: Standard agricultural sickle rivets

This tool is a lifesaver for farmers running older sickle-bar mowers or combine headers. It is not needed for modern disc mowers that use bolt-on rotary knives, so verify your cutting system before purchasing.

Penetrating Oil – PB B’laster Penetrating Catalyst

Hay equipment sits idle for most of the year, often in damp barns or outdoor storage. This leads to rusted bolts, seized chains, and stuck adjustment levers that refuse to budge when haying season arrives. A high-quality penetrating oil is crucial for breaking these parts free without snapping bolts.

PB B’laster Penetrating Catalyst is an industry standard for a reason; its unique capillary action allows it to seep deep into tight threads and dissolve rust. It leaves behind a thin, protective lubricating film that helps prevent future corrosion. This fast-acting formula saves hours of frustration when trying to adjust tensioners or remove worn parts.

Keep in mind that this spray is highly flammable and should never be used near open flames or hot welding areas.

• Formulation: Non-evaporating lubricant and rust solvent
• Application: Aerosol spray with directional straw
• Target: Rusted nuts, bolts, shafts, and chains

This is a staple product for anyone maintaining older farm machinery prone to rust and corrosion. It is not a replacement for heavy-duty grease or gear oil, but rather a specialized tool for disassembly and freeing stuck parts.

PTO Lubricating – John Deere Special Purpose Grease

The Power Take-Off (PTO) shaft transfers immense rotational energy from the tractor to your hay equipment. If the telescoping splines or universal joints of the PTO shaft seize up, it can damage the tractor’s PTO drive or destroy the implement’s input shaft. Regular lubrication of these high-stress points is vital for safe operation.

John Deere Special Purpose Grease is engineered to withstand the extreme shock loads and high rotational speeds of PTO systems. It features excellent water resistance, ensuring the grease won’t wash away during wet field conditions or equipment washdowns. This lithium-complex grease clings to spinning parts, providing long-lasting protection.

Always clean the grease fittings on the PTO shaft before applying to avoid pumping dirt and grit into the needle bearings.

• Base Type: Lithium complex
• Water Resistance: Excellent
• Temperature Range: -15°F to 350°F

This grease is highly recommended for any farmer operating PTO-driven implements like balers, rakes, and conditioners. It is not intended for high-speed wheel bearings that require specialized wheel bearing grease, so keep its use focused on driveline components.

Wire Brush – Osborn Heavy Duty Carbon Steel Brush

Before you can lubricate, adjust, or repair hay machinery, you must clear away the accumulated dirt, grease, and chaff. Built-up debris hides worn parts, clogs grease fittings, and holds moisture that promotes rust. A stiff wire brush is the simplest and most effective tool for cleaning metal surfaces before servicing.

The Osborn Heavy Duty Carbon Steel Brush features densely packed, high-tensile carbon steel wire tufts that easily scrape away hardened grease, rust, and packed hay dust. The durable wooden handle provides a comfortable, secure grip, allowing you to apply significant leverage. It is built to withstand aggressive scrubbing without losing its bristles.

Wear safety glasses when using this brush, as loose rust particles and wire fragments can fly off during vigorous scrubbing.

• Bristle Material: Carbon steel
• Handle: Hardwood with ergonomic grip
• Use Case: Rust removal, weld prep, and debris cleaning

This wire brush is an essential, low-cost tool for every farm workshop toolbox. It is not suitable for delicate surfaces like polished aluminum or painted panels where scratching is a concern, but it is perfect for rugged agricultural steel.

Essential Daily Maintenance Checks for Balers

A baler is a complex machine with dozens of synchronized moving parts that must work in perfect harmony. Performing a quick, systematic check every morning before heading to the field can prevent major breakdowns during the heat of the day. This routine should focus on the pickup assembly, the knotter system, and safety shields.

Start by clearing out any leftover hay dust and chaff from the knotter area, as this debris can cause mis-ties or even spark a fire. Check the tension on all drive chains and apply a light coat of chain lube if they appear dry. Inspect the pickup teeth to ensure none are bent or missing, as damaged teeth will leave valuable hay behind in the windrow.

Finally, check the oil level in the main gearbox and grease all daily lubrication points. A quick tug on the PTO shaft shields ensures they spin freely and are not bound up, protecting you from dangerous entanglement hazards.

Safety Practices During Hay Equipment Service

Haying equipment is inherently dangerous, featuring sharp cutting edges, high-tension springs, and powerful spinning shafts. Safety must be the top priority whenever you perform maintenance or repairs. Never attempt to service, adjust, or unclog any piece of machinery while the tractor engine is running or the PTO is engaged.

Always shut off the tractor, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop before stepping off the operator’s platform. Use mechanical safety locks or heavy-duty jack stands when working under raised implement components, such as a baler tailgate or mower deck. These simple steps prevent accidental drops that can cause severe injury.

Additionally, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, heavy leather gloves, and steel-toed boots. Keep a fully charged fire extinguisher mounted on the tractor or baler, as dry hay and hot bearings are a common recipe for field fires.

Keeping Your Hay Tools Running All Season Long

Consistent, proactive maintenance is the key to surviving haying season without major headaches. By establishing a daily routine and keeping the right supplies on hand, you protect your investment and ensure high-quality feed for your livestock. Taking shortcuts might save five minutes in the morning, but it can cost you days of sunshine when a critical part fails.

At the end of the season, do not just park the equipment in the back of the barn and forget about it. Clean off all organic matter, grease every fitting to displace moisture, and store the machinery under cover. This post-season care ensures that when next spring arrives, your gear will be ready to roll without delay.

Keeping your haying equipment in peak condition is a commitment that pays off in beautiful, green bales and stress-free summer afternoons. With these eight essential supplies in your farm workshop, you are fully prepared to handle whatever the hay field throws your way. Invest the time in maintenance now, and your machinery will reward you with reliable performance all season long.