|
John : I have 37 acres, and I hay about 10. My tractor is a Jubilee (30 hp), which is very similar to your 640 except that mine has the live PTO option. If yours is truly a 640 and doesn't have a live PTO, you will probably have trouble in heavy first cutting hay. I sometimes forget to use the hand clutch on mine, and have always been able to launch the baler and tractor at the same time as long as not much hay is in it. You may want to consider a baler with an engine. I'm not sure what is absolutely best, but my equipment consists of the following, and works for me : New Holland 66 baler ($320) - has worked very well, and only needed about $45 in repairs when a chain broke on it (which also cracked the wadboard). Sitrex RP-4 Wheel rake ($450) - has worked well, but doesn't handle corners very well - has never broken down (doesn't have much to break). International 2A Conditioner ($150) - this was meant to use a hydraulic cylinder, but I have a ratchet jack on it. It is a bit of a pain to adjust the height, but works pretty well. Hasn't broken down yet. You don't need this if you can be sure that you will have an extra day or 2 for your hay to dry (or if your hay is all grass). Massey Ferguson 32 7 ft Sickle Bar Mower ($350) - this works well and is very convenient compared to other sickle mowers (it is 3 point mounted, and fairly compact), but has broken the most of any piece of equipment that I own. I have spent over $200 in parts to fix it when pieces have broken. It is much easier to attach and remove than the Ford 501 I borrowed once. You will also need some type of hay wagon. Mine is 8 by 14 feet with John Deere running gear which I got for $300 at an auction. All I've had to do to it is replace 1 tire. You will probably get people telling you to hire it out, as it is more cost effective. That's up to you. I like doing it myself. I hope this helps ... Bob : I have a small place (21 acres) and may want to do my own haying in the future. What is the minimum amount and type of equipment that I should start learning about? I have a Ford 640, about 32 HP, which should work ok for most implements. Recommendations on brands or on what to look out for would be most appreciated.
| 
