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Implement Alley Discussion Forum

Best way to cut Alfalfa/Hay

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Joe in IN

09-10-2004 07:42:04

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My sickle is giving me fits..... Assuming the funds are available what is the best/most efficient way(assuming no operator error) to cut hay.

Mower Conditioner
Disc Mower
Disc Conditioner
Drum
Any others??

I heard great things about a disc mower but no crimping occurs. Right now I am thinking disc conditioner is the best? But I am not that knowledgable. Any thoughts out there?

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Leland

09-11-2004 19:57:46

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Re: Best way to cut Alfalfa/Hay in reply to Joe in IN, 09-10-2004 07:42:04

Joe with only 15 acres you would be money ahead to hire someone with a haybind to cut it for you. Then all you would have to do is turn it over then bale.

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Cliff Neubauer

09-11-2004 10:07:03

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Re: Best way to cut Alfalfa/Hay in reply to Joe in IN, 09-10-2004 07:42:04

Three years ago we went from a 9' sickle mower conditioner to a 9' disk mower and even if alfalfa or clover we have seen almost no difference in drying time by loosing the conditioner (this is in Iowa so we do have humidity to deal with). I think a disk mower will cut just as clean as a sickle mower as long as you keep the blades sharp, the problem is unlike a sickle mower a disk mower will still mow with dull blades so alot of people don't change them as often as they should. Since we have gone to a disk mower we have cut our mowing time by at least half and in some conditions by as much as two thirds. Around here mowing hay was a dreaded job until we got the disk mower and now it is actually a fun job.

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Richard K. Muntz

09-12-2004 06:56:04

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Re: Best way to cut Alfalfa/Hay in reply to Cliff Neubauer, 09-11-2004 10:07:03

I could not agree more on the discbine/haybine issue. I have 26 acres of hay, so I can't justify a high dollar machine. I started with a Hesston PT10 9 footer I bought at an auction for $600. It took 8-10 hours to mow, with my JD4020D in 2nd gear with frequent jams. I found a Deutz Allis SM70 10 foot discbine at an auction for $1200. It will mow the field in 6 hours in 3rd or 4th gear, and I have not jammed it yet. It goes over partial windrows without plugging. Parts are a challenge, since everything is metric. I have replaced all the hydraulic hoses and rebuilt one wheel cylinder in the last three years. (total $500). The blades are reversible and last for two seasons, one on each side. New blades are about $30 a set. Disc mowers take a lot more horsepower to run, (70+) so if you have the power, it is the way to go. The only reason I would part with mine is if I found a great deal on a swing discbine. You have to shop hard to find one cheap, but if you do, grab it. The savings in time and frustration is worth the money.

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Can't even use my name

09-12-2004 10:20:20

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Re: Best way to cut Alfalfa/Hay in reply to Richard K. Muntz, 09-12-2004 06:56:04

Get yourself a bigger horse and that 26 acres will be mowed down in about 3 hours!

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kyhayman

09-10-2004 11:10:42

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Re: Best way to cut Alfalfa/Hay in reply to Joe in IN, 09-10-2004 07:42:04

In this area, the best and most efficient method would be a disc mower/conditioner. As far the most economical approach is to use a disc mower followed with a tedder. I cant tell any difference in the product out, but equipment cost is 30-50% of the disc cond. I keep an old sickle haybine (NH474) to cut soybean hay with (beans do not do well in a disc mower, too bushy, wont flow over the bar right.) Main advantages for me, almost no plugging of disc mower, even in down hay, cheaper repairs ($36 and 21 minutes with an impact wrench replaces every blade and bolt) vs guards at $10 each and sections at a$1, plus the time to change them.mower

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RickL

09-10-2004 09:46:09

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Re: Best way to cut Alfalfa/Hay in reply to Joe in IN, 09-10-2004 07:42:04

Joe; I use a disc mow conditioner,in fact if this would help the unit I am currently using is for sale if that would help. I am just going to a larger unit. It is a 1460 JD disc mow conditioner needs nothing.

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Stan

09-10-2004 12:08:51

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Re: Best way to cut Alfalfa/Hay in reply to RickL, 09-10-2004 09:46:09

Rick...I am looking for a disc mower conditioner...what have you got, and where are you...thanks

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RickL

09-10-2004 13:47:59

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Re: Best way to cut Alfalfa/Hay in reply to Stan, 09-10-2004 12:08:51

Stan; I am located in southeast Iowa. I have a JD 1460 disc mower condition for sale. It needs nothing am still using and am just going to a larger unit. IT is a early 90 model. $5500.00 will deal. Also have friend who wants to sell 8312 caseIH unit,has new bar last summer not used much since,is center pivot machine $13250.00 Rick. Have truckers available also if thats problem

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RickL

09-10-2004 09:45:33

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Re: Best way to cut Alfalfa/Hay in reply to Joe in IN, 09-10-2004 07:42:04

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Jim@concordfarms

09-10-2004 09:10:04

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Re: Best way to cut Alfalfa/Hay in reply to Joe in IN, 09-10-2004 07:42:04

Joe, I'll give you these as a fellow hoosier. I'm near Bloomington. I use a mower/conditioner for the following reasons.

High humidity, so I need to crimp.

No rocks, so I can use a sickle bar.

Alfalfa is too valuable to use a flail mower on, as it always strips off so many leaves.

I have a neighbor who cuts with a disc mower and then has to ted it at least twice to get it dried.

I'm also leaning toward getting one of those big V wheel rakes to save some time and gas in the field. Currently using a NH 256.

Just my opinions. Jim.

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Can't even use my name

09-11-2004 07:47:52

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Re: Best way to cut Alfalfa/Hay in reply to Jim@concordfarms, 09-10-2004 09:10:04

A discbine if properly set is just the same as a haybine when it comes to drying time. We have used one ever since NH made them with no problems with drying time. In a normal year (and this hasn't been even close to normal) we can mow it one morning and ted it the next and be baling it that afternoon. But again, these babys are expensive but when you have 300 acres per cutting you have to be able to mow it really fast.

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Joe in IN

09-10-2004 13:48:06

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Re: Best way to cut Alfalfa/Hay in reply to Jim@concordfarms, 09-10-2004 09:10:04

Thanks Jim (and all others),

Sounds like the best value is a mower conditioner/haybine. I need the crimping that I am currently not getting. I will end up with 15 acres of alfalfa mixed with some grasses.

Someone asked if I had priced disc conditioner. Yes, and much more than I am willing to spend.

I am looking at the V rakes as well. But a new cutter is first on the list. 18 feet would cover some ground in a hurry.

BTW I'm just outside West Lafayette or as some people call it 'God's Country'..... .:)

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Richard K. Muntz

09-12-2004 07:10:44

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Re: Best way to cut Alfalfa/Hay in reply to Joe in IN, 09-10-2004 13:48:06

Go Boilers!!! Spent several years at Purdue 30 years ago getting my BS. I have two sons in LaFayette. I am in "amish country" of Indiana (Northeast). I have a v rake as well as a disc bine, and the v rake is great, if you are using a round baler. On first cutting, the double windrow is just too much for a square baler. My disc mower has a conditioner, and the hay dries as well with that as it did with the hesston. I have had great luck at farm auctions up in my area finding decent equipment at reasonable prices. The spring and fall auctions in Topeka are a great source for machinery, if you don't mind driving up here.

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Oliver farmer

09-10-2004 08:46:07

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Re: Best way to cut Alfalfa/Hay in reply to Joe in IN, 09-10-2004 07:42:04

Crimping will increase the quality of the hay, and decrease the drying time. It is best to use a mower with conditioning rolls, rather than impellers because the impellers are rough on alfalfa leaves. That makes the choice either haybine or discbine. Discbine is faster, haybine is cheaper. I have a haybine.
Josh

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Allan in NE

09-10-2004 08:23:42

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Re: Best way to cut Alfalfa/Hay in reply to Joe in IN, 09-10-2004 07:42:04

Hi Joe,

Just from my reading the differing posts here for the past year, I would have to say that it really depends a lot on your location.

What works great for me may be absolutely totally wrong for you.

Out here in the great american desert, a swather equipped with a cripmer really shines because it seldom rains here. Drop it and put it up; no hassle.

Check your neighbors; what are they using?

Allan

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Allan in NE

09-10-2004 08:33:54

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Re: Best way to cut Alfalfa/Hay in reply to Allan in NE, 09-10-2004 08:23:42

Why do these things double? I know darned well that I didn't hit the send button twice.

Seems like the darned format here has a life of it's own. Geeeze! That's scary! :>)

Later

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Allan in NE

09-10-2004 08:20:43

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Re: Best way to cut Alfalfa/Hay in reply to Joe in IN, 09-10-2004 07:42:04

Hi Joe,

Just from my reading the differing posts here for the past year, I would have to say that it really depends a lot on your location.

What works great for me may be absolutely totally wrong for you.

Out here in the great american desert, a swather equipped with a cripmer really shines because it seldom rains here. Drop it and put it up; no hassle.

Check your neighbors; what are they using?

Allan

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paul

09-10-2004 08:16:15

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Re: Best way to cut Alfalfa/Hay in reply to Joe in IN, 09-10-2004 07:42:04

Disc conditioner is most through-put, probably the best. You have priced them????? You need a lot of acres to make one pay...

Mower conditioner might cut a little cleaner, some prefer the way it cuts, feel alfalfa regrows better. It's slower, but certainly a great way to go.

Disc mower is fast, no conditioning.

Drum mower is generally smaller, doesn't get much done.

For the conditioners, you want a roll conditioner, NOT the impeller types for alfalfa.

--->Paul

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