8 Supplies for Preparing Your Hay Baler for the Season

The smell of fresh-cut grass and the ticking clock of an approaching rain cloud are familiar pressures for any hobby farmer preparing to put up hay. When the weather window opens, there is no time to spare for preventable equipment breakdowns or snapped shear bolts. Having the right maintenance supplies on hand before pulling the baler into the field ensures a smooth, uninterrupted harvest.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Why Pre-Season Baler Maintenance Matters

Balers are complex machines packed with high-tension springs, rapidly spinning chains, and precise timing gears that must work in perfect harmony. Letting a baler sit in the barn all winter allows condensation to build, grease to harden, and rust to seize up critical moving parts. Skipping pre-season prep almost guarantees a breakdown during the first critical cut of the summer.

For the small-scale farmer, a broken baler is more than an annoyance; it can ruin an entire season’s feed supply if rain hits the cut crop while the machine is down. Spending a few hours in the farm shop before the hay is ready pays off in reliable knotter performance and clean, tight bales. It is the cheapest insurance policy available for protecting both the crop and the machinery investment.

Grease Gun – Lincoln 1134 Pistol Grip Gun

Every baler relies on dozens of grease zerks to keep high-friction bearings and pivot points moving freely under heavy loads. Without regular lubrication, these joints quickly overheat, leading to seized bearings and costly shaft damage. A dependable grease gun is the single most important tool for preventing premature wear on these hard-working components.

The Lincoln 1134 Pistol Grip Gun stands out because it delivers up to 7,500 PSI of pressure while allowing single-handed operation. This design is crucial when crawling under a pickup header or reaching deep into a chamber where one hand must guide the coupler onto a stubborn zerk. Its heavy-duty cast pump head and robust spring ensure consistent grease delivery even in cold morning temperatures.

When using this gun, keep in mind that the standard flexible hose might require a locking coupler upgrade if dealing with recessed or clogged zerks. It uses standard 14-ounce grease cartridges, making refills straightforward and widely compatible with standard farm shop supplies.

This tool is ideal for part-time farmers who want a durable, professional-grade tool without the high cost or battery maintenance of cordless electric models. It is not the right choice for large-scale operations running multiple commercial balers daily, where battery-powered guns save significant physical effort.

Gear Lubricant – Lucas Oil Red "N" Tacky

Baler gearboxes and sliding components endure extreme pressure and constant vibrations during operation. Standard grease can quickly squeeze out of these high-load areas, leaving bare metal rubbing against bare metal. A specialized gear lubricant is required to stay in place and cushion these heavy-contact zones.

Lucas Oil Red "N" Tacky is a lithium-complex grease fortified with rust and oxidation inhibitors that excels in agricultural environments. Its key features include:

• Water resistance that prevents washout during sudden summer downpours
• An exceptionally tacky texture that clings to gears and sliding slides
• An 80-pound Timken OK Load rating for superior heavy-pressure performance

Because this grease is incredibly sticky, it can attract dust and chaff if applied too heavily to exposed surfaces. Use it sparingly on open gears, and clean off any excess to prevent abrasive paste from forming. It works best inside sealed gearboxes or on shielded pivot points.

This lubricant is perfect for farmers running older, vintage balers that require extra wear protection on worn gears. It is not recommended for high-speed, precision bearings that specify a low-viscosity, non-tacky grease.

Baler Twine – Bridon Max Cord 170 Twine

Twine is the literal thread that holds the entire haying operation together. Weak or inconsistent twine leads to missed knots, burst bales, and wasted time restacking loose hay in the field. Choosing a high-quality twine ensures that the knotter mechanism can run smoothly without slipping or fraying.

Bridon Max Cord 170 Twine is engineered specifically for small square balers requiring high knot strength and reliable runnage. It offers a 170-pound knot strength, which provides the perfect balance of flexibility for tight knots and toughness to withstand heavy bale density. The consistent diameter of this synthetic twine prevents tension issues within the twine box and tension plates.

Synthetic twine is highly resistant to rot and pests, but it must be stored away from direct sunlight before use to prevent UV degradation. Ensure the twine tensioners on the baler are clean and free of rust grooves before threading this cord, as rough surfaces can fray the synthetic fibers.

This twine is excellent for small-scale producers storing hay in lofts where bales are handled multiple times. It is not suitable for farmers whose customers demand natural sisal twine for organic feeding practices or easy decomposition.

Moisture Tester – Delmhorst FX-2000 Hay Meter

Baling hay at the wrong moisture level is a recipe for disaster. If the hay is too dry, the leaves shatter, leaving behind dusty, low-nutrient stems; if it is too wet, the bales can mold or even self-combust in the barn. A reliable moisture tester takes the guesswork out of deciding when to start baling.

The Delmhorst FX-2000 Hay Meter is a highly accurate digital tester that can be mounted directly in the tractor cab or used as a hand-held probe. It features a clear digital display that provides continuous readings as the hay enters the bale chamber. This real-time feedback allows the operator to adjust speed or stop baling immediately if moisture levels spike in low-lying areas of the field.

Operating this unit requires proper calibration before the season starts, and the sensor pads must be kept clean of sap buildup. The continuous-monitoring setup requires routing cables from the baler chamber to the tractor cab, which takes some initial installation time.

This meter is a must-have for serious hobbyists who sell premium horse hay and need to guarantee moisture levels to buyers. It is likely overkill for a casual farmer baling a few acres of rough pasture mix for their own hardy livestock.

Penetrating Oil – PB B’laster Catalyst

Farm machinery stored in damp barns or exposed to the elements inevitably develops rust on exposed threads and adjustment bolts. Trying to force a rusted bolt or tension adjuster can easily result in sheared heads and hours of drilling. A powerful penetrating oil is essential for breaking the bond of rust before applying mechanical force.

PB B’laster Catalyst is an industry-standard penetrant that uses a unique capillary action to draw itself deep into rusted threads. Its formulation includes a non-evaporating lubricant that remains on the metal to prevent future rust from forming immediately after loosening. It quickly breaks down rust, corrosion, and grease buildup on tension springs and pickup height adjusters.

This product has a very strong, distinct odor and should be used in well-ventilated areas or outdoors. Give the chemical at least ten to fifteen minutes to work its way into the threads before attempting to turn the stuck bolt.

It is the perfect tool for restoring older, secondhand balers that have sat idle for several seasons. It is less necessary for brand-new, shed-kept equipment, though still handy for general farm maintenance.

Chain Lubricant – CRC Tac Free Chain Lube

Baler drive chains operate in incredibly dusty, dirty environments where regular oil can do more harm than good. Standard oils attract fine dust and chaff, creating an abrasive grinding paste that rapidly wears down chain rollers and sprockets. A dry or tack-free chain lubricant is designed to protect the metal without trapping debris.

CRC Tac Free Chain Lube goes on wet to penetrate deep into the chain pins and rollers, then dries to a clean, non-tacky protective film. It features a high-temperature formula that resists thermal breakdown during long, hot days in the field. This dry barrier repels dust, dirt, and chaff, significantly extending the life of expensive drive chains.

For best results, apply this lubricant at the end of the day while the chains are still warm from operation, allowing it to cure overnight. Ensure the chains are thoroughly cleaned with a wire brush before the first seasonal application to remove old, crusty grease.

This lubricant is ideal for farmers operating in dry, dusty regions where airborne chaff is a constant issue. It is not the best choice for wet-weather storage protection, where a heavier, wet grease barrier might be required to prevent rust.

Baler Teeth – John Deere OEM Pickup Teeth

The pickup header is the baler’s first point of contact with the windrow, relying on flexible metal teeth to lift the hay cleanly into the feed chamber. Bent, broken, or missing teeth leave valuable hay behind in the field and cause uneven feeding into the chamber. Replacing worn teeth before the season starts ensures clean fields and consistent bale shape.

John Deere OEM Pickup Teeth are manufactured from high-tensile spring steel designed to flex over rocks and rough ground without snapping. Key benefits include:

• Consistent spring tension that maintains its shape over thousands of cycles
• Exact OEM dimensions for hassle-free installation on compatible headers
• Corrosion-resistant coating to prevent premature rusting in damp conditions

Always check the specific model compatibility before purchasing, as tooth spacing and mounting bolt sizes vary widely between baler brands and models. It is wise to keep a half-dozen spare teeth and mounting hardware in the tractor toolbox for quick field repairs.

These teeth are the gold standard for owners of John Deere square balers who want factory-spec performance and durability. They are not suitable for other brands unless the specific dimensions and mounting configurations match perfectly.

Blow Gun – Coilhose Pneumatics Typhoon Gun

Hay dust, dry leaves, and chaff accumulate rapidly in every nook and cranny of a baler, creating a serious fire hazard and hiding mechanical issues. Leaving this debris on the machine traps moisture, accelerates rust, and interferes with the delicate knotter mechanism. A high-volume blow gun is the fastest and most effective way to clean the machine after a day’s work.

The Coilhose Pneumatics Typhoon Gun is a high-volume blow gun that delivers a powerful blast of air while remaining compliant with OSHA safety standards. It features a tapered tip that multiplies the airflow, allowing it to clear heavy piles of packed chaff with minimal effort. The lightweight, ergonomic trigger design reduces hand fatigue during extended cleaning sessions.

This gun requires a high-capacity air compressor to run effectively; a small, portable trim compressor will quickly run out of air volume. Always wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using this tool, as it will kick up a large cloud of fine hay dust.

This is an essential tool for any farmer who wants to maintain their equipment properly and prevent barn fires. It is not useful for those without access to a decent-sized workshop air compressor.

Essential Safety Steps Before You Begin

Working on a hay baler presents serious safety risks due to the massive stored energy in springs, flywheels, and hydraulic lines. Before performing any maintenance, park the tractor on level ground, set the parking brake, and shut off the engine. Always disconnect the PTO shaft from the tractor to ensure the machine cannot be accidentally engaged while hands are inside.

Block the baler wheels to prevent any unexpected rolling, and use mechanical safety locks on the pickup header if working underneath it. Release any tension on the chamber springs and the knotter trip mechanism to prevent sudden, unexpected movement of the needles or packers. Wearing heavy leather gloves and safety glasses is non-negotiable when handling sharp pickup teeth or spraying lubricants.

How to Test Your Baler Before Hitting the Field

Once all maintenance is complete, a controlled dry run in the farmyard is essential to verify that everything is functioning correctly. Hook the baler to the tractor, connect the PTO, and slowly engage the drive at low idle speed. Listen carefully for any unusual knocks, squeals, or vibrations that could indicate a dry bearing or misaligned chain.

Watch the packer arms and the pickup reel to ensure they are timed correctly and moving smoothly without binding. Manually trip the knotter mechanism at low speed to observe the needle stroke and knotter hook rotation, ensuring the twine wraps and cuts cleanly. This yard test allows for safe, easy adjustments before the pressure of a looming rainstorm makes field repairs stressful.

Keeping Your Hay Equipment Ready All Season

Maintenance does not end once the first bale drops; keeping the equipment ready requires a consistent daily routine throughout the haying season. At the end of every baling day, use a blow gun to clear off accumulated chaff and dust, focusing on the knotters and gearboxes. This simple habit prevents moisture-trapping debris from sitting on the metal overnight and reduces fire risks for the next run.

Give the grease points a quick pump of fresh lubricant while the bearings are still warm, which helps push out any dirt or moisture that entered during operation. Check twine levels, inspect the pickup teeth for damage, and look for any fresh oil leaks under the gearboxes. Taking fifteen minutes at the end of the day ensures the baler is always ready to roll when the next weather window opens.

Taking the time to properly prep and maintain your hay baler is the difference between a stressful, breakdown-plagued harvest and a smooth, satisfying weekend in the field. With these eight essential supplies in your farm shop, you will be fully prepared to handle whatever the hay season throws your way. Keep your chains oiled, your bearings greased, and enjoy the reward of stacking tight, high-quality bales in your barn.