Looking at buying a new tedder...

[drdoolittle]

After looking around at all the used equipment that seems to run between $1000 -$2500 for a two basket tedder, I'm considering purchasing a two basket tedder from Ranch Rite, their HT-10 product. It seems very basic, fairly easy to fix mechanically if something happens and parts are not easy to find, and it's $1750 new including shipping to me over here in Louisiana. I've got about 9 acres I'm looking to square bale - I've just been cutting it that last 2-3 years and would like to get something out of it for "pocket change"

Does anyone have any experience with the Ranch Rite products?

Thanks,
Eric

 

[Bigfoot62]

Here's the link to Ranch Rite

Never heard of them, but that means nothing. The only tedder that I've ever used is Vermeer. I don't own one, but I've borrowed one several times, and that's the only brand that any of my neighbors have. You didn't say how many acres that you produce hay on, but I wouldn't even look at a 10' tedder. I bale 52 acres.

From where you are, it's just a short drive over to Tarver Sales at Folsom. They are a Fella dealer. Mr. Tarver has been in the business for a long time, and is very knowledgeable about hay equipment.

 

[drdoolittle]

I did drop by Tarver's the other day. They do not sell used equipment and my budget is not in line with new. As far the acreage - it's just 9 acres and I think the two basket would be fine based on the haying done around me. I can borrow a tedder, but the biggest issue with that is when the weather's good for haying, it's good for haying for my neighbors as well... :laughing:

 

[Bigfoot62]

I did drop by Tarver's the other day. They do not sell used equipment and my budget is not in line with new. As far the acreage - it's just 9 acres and I think the two basket would be fine based on the haying done around me. I can borrow a tedder, but the biggest issue with that is when the weather's good for haying, it's good for haying for my neighbors as well... :laughing:

Understand

 

[HayDR]

The Ranch Rite tedder is a Chinese copy of a Sitrex.

 

[5030]

I don't Ted much at all. I run the NH wide / thin kit on my NH discbine and that has eliminated 90% of my Tedding. My Kuhn rotary rake converts to Tedding if I need to, rarely.

 

[Bigfoot62]

The Ranch Rite tedder is a Chinese copy of a Sitrex.

I'm shopping for a tedder, and I'd like to know what you think. (and other opinions as well)

Is the Ranch-Rite a GOOD Chinese copy of the Sitrex, or should I stay away and pay another $1000+ for the Sitrex?

 

[birddog0304]

Seems like every time I have gone the way of saving a buck (regarding equipment), I end up with more down time and repairs. That's including new Chinese equipment. Eventually I spend the money on the better equipment, and a few years later look back and say why didn't i do that in the first place. Buddy of mine once said," it doesn't cost that much more to go first class."
My 2 cents.

 

[Bigfoot62]

Seems like every time I have gone the way of saving a buck (regarding equipment), I end up with more down time and repairs. That's including new Chinese equipment. Eventually I spend the money on the better equipment, and a few years later look back and say why didn't i do that in the first place. Buddy of mine once said," it doesn't cost that much more to go first class."
My 2 cents.

Birddog,
Thanks for reminding me of that.

I have to keep reminding myself of a principal that I figured out long ago:
Buy the best that you can afford, and keep it a long time. That beats saving a few bucks up front and regretting it later.

 

[RickB]

I can't imagine a knockoff of a Sitrex being very appealing. Tedders don't come much lighter or cheaper than Sitrex. Getting parts for a Chinese tedder is probably a lot like getting parts for Chinese tractors.

 

[sixdogs]

Buy a used two spinner Kuhn/New Holland for the money you have and you'll be light years ahead. It will work, is a proven design, parts you'll rarely need are available everywhere and resale is never a problem. Chinese stuff will likely cost far more in the long run than the right thing up front.

 

[zzvyb6]

I have a Kuhn GRS-25 that works as a tedder or a rake after a simple change-over. Parts available from my local JD dealer. I find myself using the tedder function all the time now instead of just after a rain or a heavy dew.

No more clumps and baler complaints. All I've ever done to it is put new tires and wheel rims on it. If you turn very short and don't pick up the unit, the tires and wheels get a big side load.

 

[Bigfoot62]

Going to look at a Krone 4 basket this week. Found a used one for $5k. It belongs to a dealer who uses it in his own hay fields. I'll let y'all know.