Krone/Niemeyer Tedder

meyer743 · May 7, 2020

Looking at purchasing a Niemeyer HR301 2 basket Tedder. I知 new to all this, so trying to pick up cheap equipment to help in the hay work. I致e come across this Tedder for about $700...which seems like a good price. Everything else I致e found is $1000 or more. Thoughts on this Tedder? It is missing the 努ings that are over the baskets. Are these really necessary? Seem like their just a frame?

Any input is appreciated. Thanks

DJ54 · May 8, 2020

I'll assume you're meaning the safety frames over top of the baskets. Their only real purpose is to keep someone from walking into the spinning baskets. And yes, it has happened...

I'd be more concerned with parts. If the gearboxes seem to be tight, I wouldn't be too afraid of it. Might be an idea to look on the net, and see if you can find parts like the arms, and tedder teeth. Teeth may be generic, and used on several other brands, the arms may be a different story. If you get it, order some spare teeth, you'll need them. I've broken 5-6 in the 15 or so years I've had mine, by simply dropping in a groundhog hole I didn't see. Goughing in the ground will snap them in a heartbeat.

Just go over it before every use, and check the bolts in the arms, and make sure they are tight. I've had them loosen up, even with the nylon type lock nuts on them. I've seen more than several tedders at auctions with arms missing, and more than likely, because the user didn't go over the machine, checking to make sure bolts are tight.

Otherwise, they are a great tool to have. Especially if you are in an area like where I live, and you may only have a 3-4 day window of no rain, and you need to get heavy hay dried to bale. I wouldn't be without one now.

5030 · May 8, 2020

I have a Kuhn but rarely use it. U's a just in case implement for me. Stays in the barn all the time, but there if needed. Last couple years, no use.

meyer743 · May 8, 2020

Appreciate the input. Picked it up today. Seems pretty heavy duty and in decent shape. Dealer just down the road...so was able to pick up some teeth as well as spares. We値l see how it goes. Thanks again.

5030 · May 8, 2020

meyer743 said:
Appreciate the input. Picked it up today. Seems pretty heavy duty and in decent shape. Dealer just down the road...so was able to pick up some teeth as well as spares. Weå€¤l see how it goes. Thanks again.

I get all my rake, tedder and disc mower blades and hold down bolts from Shoup. They have about the best prices anywhere and nice to deal with too.

5030 · May 8, 2020

If it has no guards, just be careful. Those arms if they wack your leg will break it. or at least will really hurt.... The guards are there for a good reason. Never could figure out why people remove them.

Hay Dude · May 8, 2020

meyer743 said:
Appreciate the input. Picked it up today. Seems pretty heavy duty and in decent shape. Dealer just down the road...so was able to pick up some teeth as well as spares. Weè›Ÿï½¤l see how it goes. Thanks again.

Niemeyer made good stuff. It should be ok. Best if you could have spun it up before you bought to listen for noises or check for wobbling.
The guards are primarily for keeping people safe, but they also have saved me a time or 2 when tedding from wrecking a basket while operating right next to a utility pole. I run a Pequea TT6100 6 star. Couldnt make dry hay without it...

5030 · May 8, 2020

The one issue with tedders and rotary rakes is tine loss in the field. The tines are metal and can play heck on a square baler if the get sucked into the bale chamber and get crossways in the bale knives. The knifes aren't made to cut steel tines. What I suggest you do is either purchase a set of tine savers which are nothing more than steel straps with radius cut outs that match the tine width and bolt across the tines, tying them together at the top, just below the circular wrap. Most times, one tine will break off and the other won't, so with tine savers, the intact tine holds the broken one and keeps it from dropping in the hay and eventually winding up in the baler.

Because I run a rotary rake, tine savers are a must for me. I have them on my rake and tedder. Made them myself in the shop. Pretty easy cut and machine job but they are available commercially as well.

All it takes is one broken tine in your square baler and you'll want a set. Bale knives are not easy to replace. Not so much of an issue with a round baler but tines are still not digestible by livestock....:laughing: