Rotary Rakes - looking ahead

powerscol · Aug 20, 2016

I am beginning my search for my last piece of hay equipment. Each year I try to improve on what I have. This year it may be time to retire my Ford 503 side delivery rake that tends to rope as it rolls the hay - not good for drying. I am looking to find a KUHN rotary GA 3201 GM with the removable tines. These seem to be a bit better made than some and I have parts available.

Any thoughts on this model and are there others in this size (10' to 12' dia) I should try and look at. My local dealer has several in his rental fleet and so far I have had good luck buying used equipment from them at the end of the season, or should I look at going new? Kuhn has a few sales during the year.

Thanks for any thoughts.

sweettractors · Aug 20, 2016

powerscol said:
I am beginning my search for my last piece of hay equipment. Each year I try to improve on what I have. This year it may be time to retire my Ford 503 side delivery rake that tends to rope as it rolls the hay - not good for drying. I am looking to find a KUHN rotary GA 3201 GM with the removable tines. These seem to be a bit better made than some and I have parts available.

Any thoughts on this model and are there others in this size (10' to 12' dia) I should try and look at. My local dealer has several in his rental fleet and so far I have had good luck buying used equipment from them at the end of the season, or should I look at going new? Kuhn has a few sales during the year.

Thanks for any thoughts.

If you were not so far away, we have a used New Holland 254 Tedder/Rake very reasonably priced. Link below. Ken Sweet
New Holland 254 Hay Rake Tedder Can SHIP $1 85 per Loaded Mile | eBay

RickB · Aug 20, 2016

sweettractors said:
If you were not so far away, we have a used New Holland 254 Tedder/Rake very reasonably priced. Link below. Ken Sweet
New Holland 254 Hay Rake Tedder Can SHIP $1 85 per Loaded Mile | eBay

Apologies to Ken, but I doubt anyone can get far enough away from a 254.

sweettractors · Aug 20, 2016

RickB said:
Apologies to Ken, but I doubt anyone can get far enough away from a 254.

Any brand Tedder/Rake combo has lots of moving parts and in my opinion only work for farmers with less than 25 acres per year to tend to. Tks, Ken

powerscol · Aug 20, 2016

Ken I wish I was closer, but being in God's country does have it downfall - you have to drive a ways to get stuff, but the area I live in makes up for the drive. I found a 1 year old one here for $5800 - seems a bit stiff on the price. Kuhn's web site will not show dealers in my area, so tomorrow I will call them to get dealers and pricing on new. Their Fall sale will be here soon.

cabinhollow · Aug 20, 2016

Ken,
On the drum mower, do you have a 210?
My 185 is getting old and I want to move up a size.

rnh1 · Aug 26, 2016

cabinhollow said:
Ken, On the drum mower, do you have a 210? My 185 is getting old and I want to move up a size.

What brand do you have and how do you like it?
How much do you use it?

cabinhollow · Aug 26, 2016

rnh1 said:
What brand do you have and how do you like it?
How much do you use it?

I have a app 15 year old ztr 185, it replaced a 15 year old 165.
The 185 will cut as much hay/hour as a 9' disc mower will. Takes 4-5 min to change all the knifes.
I bale 4-6000 small sq bales each year.
I got a 74 hp tractor this summer and it will handle a 210 and the 185 is getting old.