6 Best Pto Hay Tedders For Small Hayfields That Old Farmers Swear By

You just finished mowing your best-looking stand of orchardgrass, but the forecast shows a 30% chance of a pop-up shower in two days. Leaving it in a dense windrow is a gamble against mother nature and a recipe for moldy hay. This is the exact moment a reliable hay tedder proves it’s not a luxury, but a necessity for making quality small bales.

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Why a Tedder is Crucial for Quality Small-Bale Hay

A hay tedder’s job is simple but critical: it fluffs and scatters the mown hay. This action breaks up the dense windrows left by the mower, exposing more of the crop to sunlight and air circulation. The result is dramatically faster and more even drying.

Without a tedder, the top of the windrow dries while the bottom stays damp, creating a perfect environment for mold and nutrient loss. You can try flipping windrows with a rake, but it’s a clumsy, incomplete solution. A tedder gives you control over the curing process, which is everything when you’re trying to beat the rain.

Faster drying doesn’t just reduce the risk of getting rained on; it preserves the quality of the forage. The less time hay spends curing in the field, the more sugars and proteins it retains, and the less it bleaches out from the sun. For anyone serious about making high-quality feed, a tedder is a non-negotiable tool.

Kuhn GF 222 T: The Gold Standard for Durability

If you see an old, sun-faded red tedder still working perfectly after 30 years, there’s a good chance it’s a Kuhn. These machines are legendary for their durability. They are simple, overbuilt, and designed to last for generations, not just a few seasons.

The heart of a Kuhn tedder is its DigiDrive finger coupling system. Instead of using universal joints between the rotors, which can wear out, Kuhn uses case-hardened steel fingers. It’s a remarkably simple and robust design that requires virtually no maintenance and provides reliable power transfer year after year.

Finding a used two-rotor Kuhn GF 222 T is one of the safest bets in used farm equipment. There isn’t much to go wrong. As long as the gearboxes have oil and the frame isn’t cracked, it will likely outlast your tractor. It’s the definition of a "buy it once, cry once" piece of equipment.

New Holland 163: The Simple, American Classic

The New Holland 163 is the workhorse you’ll find in barns all across the country. It’s the small-farm equivalent of a classic pickup truck: not fancy, but dead simple and endlessly reliable. Its straightforward design means fewer potential points of failure.

What makes the 163 so beloved is its simplicity and parts availability. The manual-fold arms are easy to operate, and the belt-drive system on some models is forgiving and easy to service. If a tine breaks—and they will—you can find replacements at nearly any tractor supply or dealership without a special order.

This isn’t the machine with the latest technology, but that’s its strength. It does one job—tedding hay—and does it well without fuss. For the farmer who values easy repairs and common parts over complex features, the New Holland 163 is an unbeatable classic that just keeps working.

Claas Volto 52 T: Top-Tier Fluffing Performance

Claas has a reputation for making some of the best hay tools in the world, and the Volto series is a perfect example of why. These tedders are engineered for one thing above all else: maximum fluffing performance. If your primary goal is the absolute fastest drying time, a Claas is hard to beat.

The key is their MAX SPREAD crop flow design. The tine arms are angled in a way that spreads the hay wider and more evenly than many competitors. This creates a perfectly uniform, light, and airy mat of forage that dries incredibly fast. It’s a noticeable difference in the field.

While a used Claas might command a slightly higher price, the performance can justify it. By shaving hours or even a full day off your drying time, it can be the difference between getting hay in the barn dry or watching it get rained on. It’s a premium tool for those who want premium results.

Vicon Fanex 524: Engineered for Uneven Ground

Not all hayfields are perfectly flat. If you’re working with rolling hills, terraces, or bumpy ground, a Vicon Fanex tedder is your best friend. These machines are specifically designed for superior ground contour following.

The rotors on a Vicon are mounted to allow for significant flex and movement, independent of the main frame. This means as the tedder moves over uneven terrain, the tines stay at a consistent height, fluffing the hay without digging into the soil. Keeping dirt out of your hay is crucial for animal health and the longevity of your baler.

This feature prevents you from scalping high spots and missing hay in the low spots. The result is cleaner hay and fewer broken tines. For anyone farming on less-than-ideal ground, the clever engineering of a Vicon makes a world of practical difference.

Fella TH 450 DN: A Reliable German-Made Tedder

Alongside Kuhn, Fella is another German brand known for its heavy-duty construction and engineering excellence. A Fella tedder is a lifetime investment. They are built with robust frames, enclosed gearboxes, and strong tine arms designed to handle heavy, wet crops without complaint.

The attention to detail is what sets them apart. Features like heavy-walled tubular steel tine arms and high-quality bearings mean they stand up to years of use. They may not be as common as some American brands, but those who run them swear by their reliability and the clean, consistent job they do.

Like other European brands, a Fella might have a higher upfront cost, but its longevity makes it a sound investment. If you find a well-maintained used one, it’s a fantastic alternative to a Kuhn, offering the same level of durability and performance that serious haymakers appreciate.

Sitrex ST-520H: Value Pick with Hydraulic Fold

For the hobby farmer looking for modern convenience without the premium price tag, Sitrex is a name to know. An Italian manufacturer, Sitrex offers a great balance of features, performance, and value. The ST-520H is a standout for small operations.

Its biggest selling point is hydraulic folding at a price point where most competitors are still manual. Hopping off the tractor to fold and unfold the arms gets old fast, especially if you have to move between several small fields. This feature alone is a massive quality-of-life improvement.

While it may not have the overbuilt, heirloom quality of a Kuhn or Fella, a Sitrex is a capable and reliable machine that gets the job done. It’s a smart, practical choice for farmers who need good performance and modern features but are working with a tighter budget. It proves you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a highly functional tool.

Key Features to Check on a Used Hay Tedder

Buying used is a smart way to get a great tedder, but you need to know what to look for. A quick inspection can save you from a pile of headaches and repair bills. Focus on the areas that see the most stress and wear.

Before you buy, give any used tedder a thorough once-over, paying close attention to these points:

• Tines and Tine Arms: Check for cracked, bent, or missing tines. A few are expected, but many indicate neglect. Wiggle the tine arms themselves; excessive play can mean worn-out bushings.
• Gearboxes: Look for oil leaks around the seals of each rotor gearbox. A little grime is normal, but fresh, dripping oil is a red flag for a costly repair. If possible, check the oil level.
• Frame and Pivot Points: Carefully inspect all welds for cracks, especially where the main frame connects to the hitch and where the rotor arms pivot for folding. Stress cracks are a dealbreaker.
• PTO Shaft: Ensure the plastic safety shields are intact and spin freely. Grab the shaft and check the universal joints for any slop or play. A worn-out U-joint is a safety hazard and will fail under load.
• Tires: Look for deep cracks from dry rot. A blowout in the field is a major hassle you don’t need while trying to make hay.

Ultimately, the best tedder is the one that fits your acreage, your tractor, and your budget. Whether it’s a 30-year-old Kuhn or a newer Sitrex, the right machine will help you make better hay faster, giving you a crucial advantage in the timeless race against the weather. Choose wisely, and you’ll be rewarded with a barn full of sweet-smelling, high-quality bales every season.