Disc Mower or get a "Haybine"

[ddivinia]

Disc Mower or get a \"Haybine\"

I am debating getting a simple disc mower getting a "haybine' Is the conditioning worth the extra money? I have a John Deere 5525 - I can't get a huge haybine, but regardless of size- are they work 50-75% more money over a regular disc mower?

Pros?
Cons?
Advice?

Thanks,
D.

 

[rambler]

Re: Disc Mower or get a \"Haybine\"

Depends on what it is you cut (grass, alfalfa, oats, ????) and what climate you have.

Needed for alfalfa, less do for grass, less so in drier climates.

--->Paul

 

[ddivinia]

Re: Disc Mower or get a \"Haybine\"

Coastal Bermuda in Texas

I typically never saw people with the Mo Cos until recently. I am wondering if maybe the custom balers like them better so they can reduce drying time so they can get to the enxt job.

D.

 

[burnetma]

Re: Disc Mower or get a \"Haybine\"

I will not even pretend to be an expert on this subject, but where in Texas are you. I think your answer may depend on where in the state you are (big state with multiple climates).

Intuition tells me that a roller style conditioner will reduce your drying time to about half. If you can not get guidance from anybody on this site, I know you will get a response on Yesterday's Tractor.

FYI, you will enjoy making haying (if there is any such thing) with that tractor.

 

[ddivinia]

Re: Disc Mower or get a \"Haybine\"

Just south of Dallas.

D.

 

[JoeinTX]

Re: Disc Mower or get a \"Haybine\"

Well, dd, I'm just west of Ft. Worth and I've hardly ever seen anyone cut for hay without a moco or "swather" as they're called.

But, haying around here as generally been Sudan or High Gear or Johnson Grass.....large stem plants needing all the help that they can get in drying. Not too much bermuda, but what I see around is usually cut with a swather.

I think you'd do fine with a sickle-mower for bermuda, but a disc-mower is the way to go if you can fit it in the budget.

Used balers are a gamble, though. Squares are a little easier to judge, but round balers are anyone's guess.

Sickle: 7-9'.....$500-1500 used in good shape
Rake: Varies....towed or mounted...2-4 reel...$500-1500
Disc mower: More expensive....7' used for $1500-3000 used
Square baler: ?????..nothing to $5000
Round baler: size? brand? age?......$2500-7500 used

 

[ddivinia]

Re: Disc Mower or get a \"Haybine\"

The Mo Co looks pretty cool, I can get one for my 5525 cab, it is just 2X the money and takes up a lot more room. I am really leaning towards a disc mower. Why not a sickle, I figure I will tear it up with all the river rock I have around here.

A buddy of mine and I have been talking about going in on equipment and a disc mower would be much easier to transport than a Mo Co.

Your comments on sudan vs. bermuda seem really valid. Perhaps I will be ok with a disc mower on bermuda.

I really like buying new equipment (less headaches, but more money). I do this part time, so having broken equipment makes it even harder. Frontier is coming out with a new line of disc mowers that I bet are exact copies of the John Deere ones for 25% less money. I am figuring $6K for a new disc mower.

Square baler - I have found a John Deere 348 that is 3 yrs old and supposedly looks like new. It is a wire baler and it looks like I can get it for rigth around $8500. That seems like a very fair deal to me.

Used round balers scare me to be honest. I am thinking I would like some of the newer features liek cover edge and the electronic controler. I am leaning towards a John Deere 457 megawide with all the bells and whistles. I am thinking of ordering it in the off season (usually cheaper) and they always have excellent financing deals.

Rakes - I am thinking a new 10-12 wheel rake for around $2500.

I am not in a hurry, I just cut the wheat of my place and I am still burning brush off. I am planning on sprigging bermuda late this year early 2007. So, my first crop might be (if we get any rain) in 2007.

Thanks for the info and comments.

D.

 

[dgl24087]

Re: Disc Mower or get a \"Haybine\"

The Frontier disc mowers are manufactured by Sitrex.

 

[ddivinia]

Re: Disc Mower or get a \"Haybine\"

Ah - good info. Are they any good? What is the scoop?

D.

 

[cowboydoc]

Re: Disc Mower or get a \"Haybine\"

Mower conditioners are not as important for your grass as the thicker stemmed hay and alfalfa. How much hay are you doing?