8 Pieces of Equipment for Cutting Hay on a Small Farm

Standing in a waist-high field of sweet-smelling orchard grass, the dream of self-sufficiency feels incredibly close. Yet, transforming that standing forage into tight, dry bales requires a clear strategy and the right set of tools. Navigating the machinery market can be overwhelming for a small-scale operator, but selecting the proper equipment ensures a successful, stress-free harvest.

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Planning Your First Small-Scale Hay Harvest

Small-scale haymaking is a balancing act between weather windows, tractor horsepower, and storage capacity. Attempting to manage a five-acre field with industrial-sized implements leads to broken fences and wasted fuel, while under-equipping results in ruined crops when the rain rolls in. Success starts by assessing the available tractor’s horsepower (HP) and hydraulic capacity to ensure it can handle the implements safely.

It is also vital to map out the logistics of the harvest before the first blade of grass is cut. Consider the turning radiuses in tight paddocks, the width of access gates, and where the finished bales will be stacked. A realistic plan matches the equipment to the physical limitations of the property, keeping the workflow smooth and manageable for a part-time crew.

Sickle Bar Mower – BCS 620 Walk-Behind Mower

A sickle bar mower is the ultimate entry point for micro-scale hay production, designed to slice through tall grass at the base without shredding it. Unlike standard lawnmowers, it lays the forage down in neat, intact swaths, preserving the leaf structure which holds the majority of the plant’s nutrients. For properties under two acres, or those with steep slopes and tight orchards, this tool is indispensable.

The BCS 620 Walk-Behind Mower stands out because of its rugged all-gear drive transmission and independent working speeds. Equipped with a professional-grade sickle bar attachment, it glides through heavy weeds and thick orchard grass without clogging. Its low center of gravity and agricultural tires provide exceptional traction on hillsides where a traditional tractor would risk tipping.

Operating this machine does require physical stamina, as the operator must walk behind the unit to guide it. Maintenance is straightforward but critical; the individual cutter teeth must be kept sharp, and the slide play must be adjusted regularly to prevent tearing the grass.

• Engine: Honda GX270 (approx. 9 HP)
• Cutting width options: 30 to 45 inches
• Ideal for: Micro-farms, steep slopes, and orchard undergrowth

This setup is perfect for the homesteading purist or part-time farmer managing small paddocks. It is not suitable for anyone looking to harvest more than three acres, as the walk-behind nature makes large-scale cutting physically exhausting.

Drum Mower – Tar River DM-135 Drum Mower

Drum mowers are built for speed and sheer cutting power, utilizing heavy spinning drums with small, free-swinging blades to slice through thick forage. They are virtually impossible to clog, making them ideal for cutting damp, tangled, or lodged hay that would stall other mowers. For small farms with utility tractors, they offer a highly reliable, low-maintenance cutting solution.

The Tar River DM-135 Drum Mower is specifically engineered for compact tractors, requiring a modest 25 minimum PTO horsepower. It features a heavy-duty frame, simple belt-driven mechanics, and quick-change blades that can be swapped in seconds with a simple tool. This simplicity means fewer moving parts to break down in the middle of a tight weather window.

Buyers must be aware of the implement’s weight, as drum mowers are notoriously heavy and put significant leverage on the tractor’s three-point hitch. Counterweights on the front of the tractor are often necessary to maintain steering control during transport.

• Working width: 53 inches (4.5 feet)
• Minimum tractor size: 25 HP
• Weight: Approximately 780 lbs

This mower is the ideal match for the hobby farmer with a small utility tractor who wants a bulletproof cutting tool. It is not recommended for sub-compact tractors under 25 HP, which will struggle to lift and transport the heavy unit safely.

Disc Mower – Kuhn GMD 16 Light Utility Mower

Disc mowers utilize multiple small, high-speed rotating discs mounted on a flat cutter bar to deliver an exceptionally clean, fast cut. They slice through heavy yields effortlessly and allow for high ground speeds, which is crucial when trying to beat an incoming rainstorm. They represent the gold standard for clean cutting on established pastures.

The Kuhn GMD 16 Light Utility Mower brings professional-grade engineering down to a scale that fits smaller utility tractors. It features Kuhn’s legendary Series 100 cutter bar and a break-away safety system that protects the machine if it strikes an obstacle like a rock or fence post. The design ensures an even cut height across uneven terrain, promoting rapid crop regrowth.

Because disc mowers operate at high RPMs, they require a tractor with a stable hydraulic system and a minimum of 35 PTO horsepower. Operators must commit to routine gear oil checks in the cutter bar and inspect the individual discs for wear to maintain cutting efficiency.

• Working width: 5 feet, 3 inches
• Minimum tractor size: 35 HP
• Number of discs: 4

This machine is perfect for the dedicated smallholder managing 10 to 20 acres of high-quality hay ground. It is too heavy and power-demanding for sub-compact or light compact tractors, which should stick to drum or sickle options.

Hay Tedder – Kuhn GF 222 T Small Tedder

A hay tedder is the secret weapon for beating the weather, designed to spin and scatter the cut grass to maximize air exposure. By fluffing the green crop, it allows trapped moisture to escape from the bottom of the swath, cutting drying time in half. Without a tedder, thick hay can rot on the ground before it ever dries enough to bale.

The Kuhn GF 222 T Small Tedder is a pull-type, two-rotor machine that works beautifully behind small utility tractors. Its asymmetrical tines lift the crop cleanly without scraping dirt or debris into the clean forage, preserving feed quality. The compact transport width allows it to navigate narrow farm gates and winding lanes with ease.

While highly effective, the tedder must be operated at the correct PTO speed to avoid shattering the delicate leaves of legume crops like alfalfa. Adjusting the tine angle based on crop density is key to achieving a uniform spread without damaging the plants.

• Working width: 10 feet, 6 inches
• Rotor count: 2
• Hitch type: Pull-type (drawbar)

This tedder is a must-have for farmers in humid regions where drying windows are short and unpredictable. It is not necessary for those in arid climates where hot, dry winds dry the crop naturally within 24 hours of cutting.

Wheel Rake – Tar River W-02 Two-Wheel Rake

Once the hay is thoroughly dry, a rake is used to gather the scattered forage into neat, uniform windrows. This step prepares the crop for the baler, ensuring a consistent feed rate that prevents the baling chamber from clogging. A well-formed windrow also protects the dry hay from ground moisture while it awaits collection.

The Tar River W-02 Two-Wheel Rake is a ground-driven, pull-type rake that requires no hydraulics or PTO power to operate. Its simple design relies on the movement of the tractor to spin the tines, which gently roll the hay into a clean windrow. The heavy-duty steel frame and spring-steel teeth are built to handle rough pastures without breaking.

Because it is ground-driven, the raking speed must be matched to the field conditions; driving too fast can cause the wheels to bounce and leave hay behind. The height of the rake wheels must be adjusted carefully to avoid scraping up rocks and dirt, which can ruin animal feed.

• Number of wheels: 2
• Working width: Up to 4 feet per pass
• Power requirement: Any small utility tractor or ATV

This rake is the ultimate budget-friendly tool for small-scale operations with limited tractor horsepower. It is not suitable for large, wide windrows required by high-capacity round balers, as its capacity is tailored specifically for small square balers.

Square Baler – New Holland BC5050 Baler

The square baler is the heart of any small-scale haying operation, compressing loose windrows into dense, easily stackable packages. Small square bales are highly prized by horse owners and hobbyists because they are easy to handle, store, and feed by hand. Investing in a reliable baler is the difference between a successful harvest and a field of ruined forage.

The New Holland BC5050 Baler is a legendary machine known for producing consistent, tightly packed square bales under varying field conditions. It features a wide pickup to gather scattered windrows cleanly and a dependable knotter system that rarely misses a tie. Its rugged construction ensures it can handle thousands of bales per season with minimal downtime.

Operating a square baler requires a tractor with at least 35 to 40 PTO horsepower and sufficient weight to prevent the baler’s plunger from pushing the tractor around. Regular lubrication of the knotters and maintaining proper tension on the twine are essential daily tasks during harvest.

• Bale size: 14 x 18 inches (adjustable length)
• Minimum tractor size: 35 PTO HP
• Knotter type: Heavy-duty double knotter

This baler is the gold standard for small-scale commercial growers and serious hobbyists who demand top-quality bales. It is not suitable for sub-compact tractors or operations on a shoestring budget, where a mini-round baler might be a better fit.

Tractor Bale Spear – Titan Attachments 39-Inch

Moving and stacking bales by hand is exhausting work that can quickly wear out even the most enthusiastic farm crew. A tractor-mounted bale spear utilizes the tractor’s front-end loader or three-point hitch to lift and transport heavy bales effortlessly. It turns a back-breaking chore into a quick, one-person operation.

The Titan Attachments 39-Inch Bale Spear features a high-strength, replaceable spear prong and two stabilizer spears to prevent the bale from spinning during transport. It utilizes a universal quick-tach system, allowing it to mount to most modern tractor loaders in under a minute. The robust steel frame is designed to handle both round bales and stacked square bales safely.

Operators must always be mindful of the tractor’s lifting capacity and rear stability when carrying heavy loads on the front loader. Using a rear counterweight or ballast in the rear tires is essential to prevent the tractor from tipping forward on uneven ground.

• Main spear length: 39 inches
• Weight capacity: 3,000 lbs
• Mounting style: Skid steer style quick-tach

This attachment is an essential time-saver for any farmer who handles round bales or moves large quantities of square bales on pallets. It is not necessary for micro-scale operations producing only a few dozen small square bales that can be moved with a hand cart.

Moisture Tester – Delmhorst F-2000 Meter

Baling hay at the wrong moisture level is a recipe for disaster, leading to moldy, unpalatable feed or, worse, spontaneous combustion in the barn. A digital moisture tester takes the guesswork out of the harvest, providing instant, accurate readings of the crop’s internal moisture content. It is the single most important quality-control tool on the farm.

The Delmhorst F-2000 Meter is a highly accurate, ruggedly built tester designed specifically for agricultural use. It features an easy-to-read digital display, a durable probe that penetrates deep into the bale or windrow, and the ability to average multiple readings for a more accurate overall picture. Its robust design ensures it can withstand the dusty, bumpy environment of a working hay field.

To get accurate readings, operators must test multiple areas of the field and take several probes per bale, as moisture levels can vary significantly between low-lying areas and sunny ridges. The meter must be calibrated periodically according to the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain its accuracy.

• Moisture range: 6% to 40%
• Probe length: 18 inches
• Power source: 9V battery

This meter is an absolute necessity for any farmer who stores hay in a barn or sells feed to discerning customers. It is not optional; skipping this tool risks losing an entire crop—or a barn—to moisture-related issues.

Timing Your Hay Cut for Peak Nutritional Value

The nutritional value of hay is directly tied to the growth stage of the plant at the moment of cutting. As grasses and legumes mature, they develop more structural fiber (lignin) and less digestible protein and energy. Cutting too early results in low yields, while cutting too late yields "straw-like" hay that livestock will reject.

The sweet spot for most cool-season grasses is the late-boot to early-head stage, just as the seed heads begin to emerge from the sheath. For alfalfa and other legumes, aim to cut when about 10% of the field is in bloom. This timing maximizes the balance between total yield and high nutritional content, ensuring premium feed for your animals.

Weather forecasting is the final piece of the timing puzzle. Monitor multi-day forecasts closely, looking for a clear three-to-four-day window of low humidity, sunshine, and gentle breezes to ensure complete drying before baling.

Critical Safety Practices for Small-Scale Haying

Haying equipment relies on high-speed rotating shafts, sharp cutting edges, and immense hydraulic pressure, making safety the absolute top priority. Never attempt to clear a clog, adjust a belt, or service any machine while the tractor is running or the PTO is engaged. Always shut down the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop before approaching the implement.

Power Take-Off (PTO) shafts must always be covered by intact safety shields to prevent loose clothing or hair from becoming entangled. When operating on slopes, track your path carefully, use appropriate wheel weights, and avoid sharp turns that could cause a tractor rollover. Keep bystanders, especially children and pets, far away from the field during cutting and baling operations.

How to Store Your Hay Safely After the Harvest

Proper storage preserves the nutritional value of your hard work and prevents the catastrophic risk of barn fires. Hay should be stacked in a dry, well-ventilated barn or shed, ideally on wooden pallets to prevent moisture from wicking up from the ground. Stack the bales in an alternating pattern to create a stable pile that won’t shift or collapse over time.

Newly baled hay undergoes a natural curing process during the first three weeks, during which it releases heat and moisture. Monitor the stack’s temperature regularly using a compost thermometer or a dedicated probe; temperatures above 140°F (60°C) require close monitoring, while anything over 160°F (71°C) indicates an active fire risk.

If storing hay outdoors is unavoidable, use heavy-duty, UV-resistant tarps designed specifically for hay stacks, and secure them tightly against the wind. Elevate the outdoor stack on gravel or pallets to ensure drainage, and shape the top of the stack to shed rainwater efficiently.

Equipping a small farm for hay production is a significant investment that pays dividends in self-reliance and high-quality winter feed. By matching your machinery to your tractor’s capabilities and practicing careful harvest timing, you can confidently secure your own forage year after year. With the right tools in hand, the rewarding rhythm of the summer hay harvest becomes a highlight of the farming calendar.