6 Best Kuhn Wheel Rakes for Farms

There’s a narrow window between when the hay is perfectly cured and when the afternoon rain rolls in. In that moment, the last thing you need is a breakdown. That’s why, when you look in the barns of farmers who have been making hay for decades, you often see the same faded red paint on their wheel rakes: Kuhn.

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Why Kuhn Rakes Earn Trust on Small Acreage

Kuhn rakes are built on a foundation of simplicity and durability. They use a ground-driven design, meaning the forward motion of the tractor turns the wheels. There are no complex hydraulics or PTO shafts to power the raking action, which eliminates a major failure point.

This simplicity is a massive advantage for small farms. It means less maintenance, fewer things to go wrong in the field, and the ability to run the rake with a lower-horsepower tractor. You don’t need a 75 HP beast to make good hay; a reliable 35 HP compact tractor can handle most of Kuhn’s small-farm lineup with ease.

The longevity of these machines is legendary. Parts are widely available, even for models that are decades old. This isn’t just about saving money; it’s about knowing that your equipment is a long-term asset, not a disposable tool. When you buy a Kuhn, you’re often buying a tool that will outlast the tractor pulling it.

Kuhn SR 110 GII: The Versatile 10-Wheel Option

The SR 110 GII is the sweet spot for many small-scale hay producers. With ten rake wheels, it offers a working width of about 20 feet. This is enough coverage to make quick work of a 10- or 15-acre field without being too cumbersome to get through gates or around obstacles.

What sets the GII series apart is the independent flotation of the rake wheels. Each wheel arm moves on its own, allowing it to follow the ground’s contours. This results in a much cleaner pickup—gathering more hay and leaving less dirt and rock in the windrow. Better hay quality starts with a clean rake job.

This model is a perfect match for the 30-50 horsepower tractors common on many small farms. It strikes an ideal balance between efficiency and maneuverability, making it a versatile workhorse that can handle a variety of field shapes and sizes. It’s the multi-tool of wheel rakes.

Kuhn SR 108 GII: Compact Raking for Tight Spaces

If your fields are small, oddly shaped, or dotted with old trees, the SR 108 GII is your answer. It’s the slightly smaller, more nimble version of the 110. With eight wheels, it provides a working width of around 17 feet, which is significantly more agile in tight quarters.

Think of it this way: the SR 110 is for open rectangles of land, while the SR 108 excels at navigating the nooks and crannies of an old family farm. It’s easier to turn sharply at the end of a row and requires less space for headlands.

The reduced size and weight also mean it has a lower horsepower requirement. This rake pairs beautifully with tractors in the 25-40 HP range. For hobby farmers running larger compact utility tractors, the SR 108 GII is often the perfect fit, providing professional-grade raking without needing a big, expensive tractor.

Kuhn SR 60: The Simple, Bulletproof V-Rake

You won’t find the SR 60 in a new equipment catalog, but you’ll find them in barns all over the country, still putting up hay. This is an older, classic V-rake known for being virtually indestructible. Its design is brutally simple: a heavy-duty frame, strong wheel arms, and not much else.

There are no fancy features here. It lacks the independent wheel flotation of the newer GII models, so it demands a bit more from the operator on uneven ground. You have to pay closer attention to your speed and the terrain to avoid gouging the dirt.

But what you trade in modern conveniences, you gain in rock-solid reliability. With fewer moving parts, there are simply fewer things to break. For a farmer on a tight budget who finds a well-maintained SR 60 on the used market, it represents one of the best values in hay equipment, period.

Kuhn WR 108: A Carted Rake for Uneven Ground

Most Kuhn rakes for small farms use a three-point hitch. The WR 108 is different—it’s a carted, or trailed, model. This means the rake rides on its own set of wheels, separate from the tractor’s three-point linkage.

The advantage is stability, especially on hilly or rolling terrain. A carted frame allows the rake arms to follow the ground’s contour much more effectively than a three-point hitch model, which is directly influenced by the tractor’s every bounce and tilt. This prevents the rake tines from digging into high spots or skipping over low spots, ensuring a consistently clean sweep.

The tradeoff is maneuverability. A trailed implement is inherently less nimble than a three-point hitch version, making it clumsier in tight corners. The WR 108 isn’t for everyone, but if your hay fields look more like rolling hills than a flat table, it’s a game-changer for making quality hay.

Kuhn SR 112 GII: More Coverage for Growing Farms

The SR 112 GII is the big brother in the small farm lineup. With 12 rake wheels and a working width up to 24 feet, this machine is built for efficiency. It’s the right choice for the hobby farmer whose operation is expanding—perhaps you’ve picked up another 20 acres from a neighbor and your haying window just got a lot tighter.

That extra width makes a huge difference. Raking is often the fastest part of the haying process, and with the SR 112, you can cover ground very quickly. This can be the deciding factor in getting hay raked and baled before an approaching storm.

Be realistic about your tractor, though. While the rake itself is ground-driven, managing the weight and width of a 12-wheel rake requires a stable platform. You’ll want a tractor with at least 40 horsepower, and more is better, especially if you have any slopes to navigate.

Kuhn SR 50: A Classic 3-Point Hitch Performer

Like the SR 60, the SR 50 is an older model that has earned its reputation through decades of reliable service. It’s a compact and incredibly handy V-rake, often with 8 wheels, that was designed for the smaller tractors of its day. That makes it an outstanding option for today’s compact utility tractors.

This rake is all about simplicity and function. It hooks up easily to a standard three-point hitch, is light enough for smaller tractors to handle safely, and is narrow enough in its transport position to fit through almost any gate. It’s the perfect tool for someone managing a handful of acres for their own livestock.

Because they’ve been around for so long, well-cared-for SR 50s are a fantastic find on the used market. They offer access to Kuhn’s legendary durability for a fraction of the price of a new machine. For the farmer just starting out, an SR 50 is a smart, dependable investment.

Matching a Kuhn Rake to Your Tractor and Hay

Choosing the right rake isn’t about getting the biggest one you can afford. It’s about matching the tool to the task. The first and most important factor is your tractor. A rake is useless if your tractor can’t lift it safely or pull it without struggling. Check the rake’s weight and horsepower requirements against your tractor’s specs.

Next, look at your land. Flat, square fields are forgiving and almost any model will work well. But if you have rolling hills, terraces, or rough ground, the superior ground-following ability of a carted model like the WR 108 or a GII series with independent flotation becomes critical for making clean hay.

Finally, consider your scale and time. If you’re putting up 5 acres, the simplicity of an older SR 50 or SR 60 is perfect. If you’re managing 25 acres around a full-time job, the efficiency of an SR 110 GII or SR 112 GII will save you precious hours when every minute counts.

Here’s a quick guide to narrow it down:

• For tight spaces & compact tractors: SR 108 GII, SR 50
• For general-purpose versatility: SR 110 GII
• For maximum reliability on a budget: SR 60 (used)
• For rough, uneven ground: WR 108
• For covering more ground quickly: SR 112 GII

Ultimately, the best Kuhn rake is the one that fits your system. By matching the machine to your tractor, your terrain, and your acreage, you’re not just buying a piece of equipment. You’re buying reliability, peace of mind, and more time to spend enjoying the farm you’ve built.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Kuhn SpeedRake wheel rake designed to do in hay fields?

Kuhn SpeedRake models are high-capacity, trailing wheel rakes engineered to gather cut forage into clean windrows at higher field speeds than traditional rotary rakes. These implements, such as the SR 100 GII or SR 300 series, feature 8 to 18 raking wheels and working widths up to 30 feet. They rely on ground contact rather than a tractor PTO to spin the wheels, which reduces fuel consumption and maintenance. Farmers frequently operate them between 7 and 14 miles per hour.

What does the center kicker wheel do on a Kuhn wheel rake?

The center kicker wheel on a Kuhn wheel rake flips and aerates the unraked strip of forage left directly under the center of the machine. Standard rake wheels move hay inward from both sides, often leaving the center strip undisturbed and damp. Adding an optional center wheel turns this material over so it dries uniformly with the rest of the windrow. This feature prevents wet spots from rotting or spoiling inside baled forage.

How do I adjust ground contact pressure on a Kuhn wheel rake?

Adjust ground contact pressure on a Kuhn wheel rake by altering the flotation spring tension or moving the wheel arm suspension pin locations. Loosening the flotation springs allows the rake wheels to drop heavier onto the ground, while tightening them lightens ground contact to minimize dirt contamination. Check your settings by pulling the rake forward; the tines should gently brush the soil stubble without digging furrows. Inspect tire pressure on the transport cart before setting tine height.

How do you set the windrow width on a carted Kuhn wheel rake?

Setting the windrow width on a carted Kuhn wheel rake requires adjusting the rear frame opening angle using the hydraulic cylinders or manual adjustment turnbuckles. Lengthening or shortening the rear mechanical stop collars dictates how close the rear wheels come together. Set the width between 3 and 6 feet to match the pickup header of your square or round baler. Always adjust both sides evenly so the finished windrow remains centered behind the tractor drawbar.

Is a Kuhn rotary rake better than a Kuhn wheel rake for alfalfa?

Rotary rakes from Kuhn outperform wheel rakes in alfalfa because horizontal arms sweep forage gently without stripping off delicate, protein-rich leaves. Kuhn wheel rakes roll hay across the soil surface, which can knock off brittle alfalfa leaflets and introduce extra ash into the bale. Wheel rakes, however, cover ground twice as fast and require substantially less tractor horsepower. If you produce high-grade dairy alfalfa, choose a rotary model, but choose a wheel rake for larger grass hay acreages.

How much does a new Kuhn wheel rake cost for a mid-size farm?

Pricing for a new Kuhn wheel rake suited for a mid-size farm typically ranges between $9,000 and $25,000 based on frame style and wheel capacity. Entry-level carted models like an 8-wheel SR 108 generally run between $9,000 and $13,000. Larger commercial units, such as 12-wheel or 14-wheel SR 300 series SpeedRakes with hydraulic rake-wheel lift and tandem axles, range from $18,000 to $25,000. Dealer freight, setup fees, and optional kicker wheel packages can add $800 to $2,000 to the total cost.

Why is my Kuhn wheel rake leaving hay behind in the field?

Hay remains behind a Kuhn wheel rake when the rake beam angle is set too wide or the wheel flotation springs hold the tines too high off the ground. Check each rake wheel arm to ensure no suspension springs are broken or seized with rust. Next, reduce tractor ground speed slightly if raking through exceptionally thick, lodged forage that floats over the tines. Finally, measure tine wear across all wheels, replacing any bent or shortened wire teeth that fail to reach the stubble base.

Is a Kuhn wheel rake worth buying for small acreage livestock operations?

Purchasing a Kuhn wheel rake is worth the investment for small acreage livestock operations that need a dependable, low-horsepower machine to harvest dry grass hay quickly. Compact models such as the Kuhn SR 108 require only a 30- to 50-horsepower utility tractor and operate without PTO hookups, eliminating gearbox maintenance. Because wheel rakes have few moving parts, small-scale producers face minimal repair costs over decades of seasonal use. However, if your acreage is mostly steep, rolling hills or wet silage ground, a mounted rake may be more suitable.