Which tractor for haying 15-20 acres?

[flusher]

I do small bales on 6 acres using a 2008 Mahindra 5525 (54 hp engine, 45 hp pto, 2WD, power steering, gear tranny 8F/2R) with the ML250 FEL (6-ft wide bucket, 2950 lb lift to 10.5 ft height, SSQA on the bucket). Use old haying equipment (7 ft MF 31 sicklebar, JD 350 5-bar side delivery rake, MF124 baler). Plant oats with a restored Minneapolis Moline P3-6 grain drill (20 drops, 10 ft wide, single disc openers). Till with an old 6.5 ft wide Towner offset disc with homemade drag.

 

[dmay]

I used to small square bale 80 acres for horse hay. It can be great fun. It can be a great PITA.

The $$$ investment you have to put out, even on used tractor and haying equipment, compared to amount of hay produced on a good year haying 15-20 acres may not be cost effective. And dont forget the time investment to cut, bale, pick the hay two to three times during hay season. All hoping the weather cooperates. The equipment doesnt fail. The 'help' shows up.

Have you considered getting someone to do the hay for you on a share basis?

Now if you have the time, the money and just want to hay yourself. GREAT! Let us know what type of hay (square/round - small/med/lrg) and we can assist in pointing out all the equipment you'll need.

 

[Briana03]

I moved your thread to the new Haying forum!