I've made the switch from a JD 1217 mower conditioner to a used Zetor drum mover and it cuts fast and clean. I have a Hesston 530 baler, which does a good job.
The drum mover leaves a windrow behind in the center of the drums. I've been using my tedder the day after cutting and getting good results. I can ted in the late morning rake and bale by afternoon, usually.
The problem I have is getting the drum mover, the tedder and the rake to the fields. I have one 10 acre field close to the house, but the other fields are a 20 to 30 minute tractor ride on local roads one way.
I currently use a 3pt JD bar rake. I have been looking at rotary rakes and rake/tedders. There is a NH 255 for sale close by, I've heard good and bad things about them.
My real question is could I just use a rotary rake the day after the drum mower and still get the hay to dry? I have heard rotary rakes make a fluffy window and help dry hay.
I'm trying to reduce field passes and equipment hauling.
Thanks,
Ken
The drum mover leaves a windrow behind in the center of the drums. I've been using my tedder the day after cutting and getting good results. I can ted in the late morning rake and bale by afternoon, usually.
The problem I have is getting the drum mover, the tedder and the rake to the fields. I have one 10 acre field close to the house, but the other fields are a 20 to 30 minute tractor ride on local roads one way.
I currently use a 3pt JD bar rake. I have been looking at rotary rakes and rake/tedders. There is a NH 255 for sale close by, I've heard good and bad things about them.
My real question is could I just use a rotary rake the day after the drum mower and still get the hay to dry? I have heard rotary rakes make a fluffy window and help dry hay.
I'm trying to reduce field passes and equipment hauling.
Thanks,
Ken