6 Best Refurbished Hay Elevators For Small Barns

Loading square bales into a loft by hand is a quick way to turn a sunny afternoon into a grueling, back-breaking workout. Investing in a refurbished hay elevator transforms that seasonal chore from a major ordeal into a manageable one-person job. These machines represent the backbone of efficient small-scale forage storage, saving precious time and physical stamina during the critical window of hay season.

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Little Giant 26′: The All-Around Workhorse

The Little Giant 26′ remains a staple in the hobby farming world because it strikes the perfect balance between reach and portability. Its aluminum construction keeps the weight manageable for one person to move, yet it maintains enough rigidity to handle a steady flow of dense, heavy bales without buckling. This is the ideal choice for a standard two-story bank barn where ceiling heights are moderate but require extra length to clear the door threshold.

For those who prioritize versatility, this elevator is the go-to recommendation. It handles standard square bales with ease and is forgiving if a bale is slightly out of square. If the goal is a reliable piece of equipment that is easy to find parts for at a local farm supply store, the Little Giant 26′ is the definitive winner.

Smoker 24′ Elevator: Built Like a Tank

When the primary concern is durability over decades, look no further than a refurbished Smoker 24′. These machines were manufactured with a heavier gauge steel and a robust drive system that simply refuses to quit. While the weight makes them harder to reposition in the barn, the structural integrity provides peace of mind when moving heavy, high-moisture, or oversized bales.

This elevator is best suited for the farmer who values longevity and doesn’t mind a bit of extra effort to maneuver the equipment. It is not designed for frequent transport between fields, but for a permanent fixture in a barn, its heavy-duty chain and drive assembly are unmatched. Choosing a Smoker means choosing a machine that will likely outlast the barn itself.

New Holland 155: Reliability You Can Trust

The New Holland 155 is the gold standard for those who demand precision and consistent performance. Its design focuses on smooth material movement, reducing the risk of bale jams or chain slippage that can plague lesser models. Because New Holland equipment was produced in such high volume, refurbished units are easier to source, and the aftermarket for replacement parts is exceptionally healthy.

This unit is perfect for the serious hobbyist who values a clean, efficient workflow. It runs quieter and vibrates less than many of its contemporaries, which makes a noticeable difference during long days of stacking. Investing in a New Holland 155 is a safe, smart choice for anyone who wants a “plug-and-play” experience without needing to tinker with the mechanism every season.

John Deere 350: The Classic Green Machine

For many farmers, the John Deere 350 represents the pinnacle of vintage agricultural engineering. These elevators were built to move thousands of bales a year, and their modular design makes them easy to service or extend. While the green paint might be faded on a refurbished unit, the underlying drivetrain is typically bulletproof.

A John Deere 350 is the right fit for the collector or the farmer who takes pride in maintaining classic equipment. Its wide track helps stabilize bales that might otherwise tip or tumble during the lift. If the farm layout requires a reliable, heavy-duty machine that maintains its resale value, this is the machine to hunt for.

Mayrath 24-Foot: Lightweight & Versatile

The Mayrath 24-foot elevator shines in barns with tighter footprints or challenging layouts. Its lighter frame makes it significantly easier to hang from rafters or pivot into specific corners of a loft compared to heavier steel alternatives. The design prioritizes ease of use, making it a favorite for solo operators who need to move the elevator frequently.

While it may not handle the extreme weight of oversized alfalfa bales as comfortably as a Smoker or New Holland, it is more than capable of managing standard grass hay. For the hobby farmer working with limited space and needing a machine that doesn’t require a second person to position, the Mayrath 24-foot is the most practical solution.

Local Custom-Build: Best Budget-Friendly Find

Sometimes the best elevator in the area is one fabricated by a local mechanic or former farmer. These custom-builds often utilize repurposed conveyor tracks or modified industrial motors, resulting in a machine that is over-engineered where it counts. While they lack a brand name, they often feature clever modifications that address specific barn-loading headaches, such as wider chutes or custom mounting brackets.

Before purchasing a custom-build, look closely at the welds and the motor housing. If the construction looks solid and the chain moves smoothly under power, it can represent a significant value over brand-name units. This is the perfect option for the budget-conscious farmer who is comfortable doing a bit of basic mechanical inspection before the sale.

What to Inspect Before Buying a Used Elevator

When inspecting a potential purchase, the chain condition is the primary indicator of health. Look for excessive rust or frozen links, as a worn chain will eventually snap under load, causing a dangerous situation. Ensure the drive sprockets still have distinct teeth and haven’t been worn down to nubs by years of friction.

Check the motor mounts for stress cracks and verify that the belt tensioner still functions properly. Spin the rollers by hand to ensure the bearings are not seized; if they sound crunchy or feel tight, the cost of replacing them should be deducted from the asking price. Finally, always ask to see the elevator run under power for at least five minutes to listen for unusual grinding or erratic movement in the chain.

Essential Safety Checks for Hay Elevator Use

Safety starts with the power source. Always use a grounded, outdoor-rated extension cord of the appropriate gauge to prevent the motor from overheating or causing an electrical hazard. Never operate the elevator without the safety covers over the drive chains or pulleys, as loose clothing or fingers can be drawn in instantly.

Ensure the elevator is firmly anchored at the top and the base to prevent it from shifting while under load. If the elevator is set at a steep angle, install a small wooden cleat at the bottom to prevent bales from sliding backward. Finally, never stand directly behind a moving bale; if a chain breaks, gravity will send that bale back down the track with significant force.

Yearly Maintenance to Keep Your Elevator Running

Maintenance should always happen before the first load of hay hits the barn. Start by cleaning out old chaff and debris from the motor housing, as this is a fire hazard if it builds up near an overheating motor. Lubricate all chains and bearings with a high-quality agricultural grease or chain wax, ensuring the lubricant penetrates the pins of the chain rather than just sitting on the surface.

Check the belt tension to ensure it isn’t slipping, but avoid over-tightening, which can prematurely wear out the motor bearings. If the elevator uses a gearbox, check the oil level and look for any signs of leakage. Taking these small steps annually prevents catastrophic failure in the middle of a hot, humid harvest day.

Positioning Your Elevator in a Small Barn Loft

Efficiency in a small loft depends on how the bale discharge is managed. Aim to position the top of the elevator so the bales drop onto a slide or a set of rollers, rather than dropping directly onto the floor. This preserves the integrity of the bale and reduces the physical effort required to move it into the final stack.

If possible, place the elevator near the center of the loft or on a movable track to distribute the hay evenly across the barn. Use temporary plywood boards underneath the discharge point to prevent the hay from crushing the floorboards and to make cleanup easier. Proper positioning ensures the elevator acts as a bridge, minimizing the distance between the discharge point and the furthest stack.

Refurbished hay elevators provide the best path to efficiency for any small-scale farm. By selecting a machine that matches the barn’s physical constraints and maintaining it with routine care, the labor of hay season becomes a streamlined, manageable task. Investing in the right equipment now secures the success of every harvest to come.