Volunteer small grain in soybeans

I'm getting frustrated with the amount of volunteer oats I'm getting in my double crop beans. I have already made 2 separate applications of roundup and I thought that would be all of it. Well I went and looked at my beans today and there is another flush of oats coming up......I sure hate to drive over these beans again since they are waist deep and will knock a bunch down but I don't guess I have any choice. What could I have sprayed to give me residual control of the volunteer oats but allow me to replant oats or wheat after soybean harvest in November?

Volunteer small grain in soybeans

Timothy Grass in dry climate

We farm in northern Utah and have raised alfalfa for a long time and would like to branch out into the horse feed market.  We have heard good things about Timothy grass.  We are fortunate enough to irrigate from May to Sept and our soil ranges across the spectrum from sand to clay.

 

We want your opinions if

 

It is good horse feed?

 

It will yield and grow well in the dry climate?

 

And what is the longevity of the grass?

 

What type of soil does it do best in?

Timothy Grass in dry climate

john Deere 1327 discbine

New to the forum, first post. Looking at purchasing the stated discbine. This would be my first discbine and was wondering if anyone had any experience with this specific model and discbines in general, what to watch out for, minimum horsepower to run it ect. Any help would be appreciated.

john Deere 1327 discbine

Alot of damage from Stem Maggots will 12% Lamba-Cyhalothrin work?

I knew I had a little damage when I checked Friday but wow I cant believe how much more today.I just sprayed 3 oz. per acre of Silencer which has 12% lamba-Cy.The worst damage is in rows and it looks like I had a frost.I have the Vaughns variety.

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Alot of damage from Stem Maggots will 12% Lamba-Cyhalothrin work?

Massey 9635 Troubles

Got a new to us 9635 that bogs down after it's been running a while. It's very intermittent. The dealer we bought it from has been out all summer trying to figure it out. First they thought it was some sensors. They replaced them and it didn't fix it. It will cut great for an a few hours then get crappy. Anyone have any thoughts? Of course it never happens when the mechanic is here.

Massey 9635 Troubles

John Deere 260 and 265 Loaders

Needing some help finding out if these two loaders can use the same frames.  Buckets, forks, etc. have the same part numbers so those should work but need to know about the actual loader on the tractor.  I can't find much info online but am fairly certain the 265 is heavier built. 

 

Further complicating my findings are 265 utility vs row crop mounts and 260 rear vs mid mounts. 

 

The most help would be finding a 265 loader (the one at Hardinsburg has been sold ). 

 

Thanks,

Shelia

John Deere 260 and 265 Loaders

2015 1100's

in thread below I discussed overheating issues with my 2013 1100 - dropped it off today at dealer and talked to mechanic awhile - hopefully it is an easy fix. While there I looked at the 2015's - independent suspension, power steering - but also noticed they repositioned the radiator - it is in the same area but rather than the coils facing the front of the buggy they turned it to face the outside of the buggy. I am thinking this can help prevent grass and seeds etc. from accumulating as much on the coils. They also look like they cut the seating down from 3 people to 2.

I have the camo with full cab - does anyone know what they are asking for the 2015's ?

2015 1100's

Disc mower

This subject has probably been beat to death already but here goes. I have been mowing my hay the past couple of years with a MF sickle bar mower which worked pretty good. I replanted last fall with orchard grass. Now the mower clogs quiet often. Looking at used disc mowers but my question is about the cutting height. Every thing I read says "don't cut it too close" So how do you set the height on a disc mower other than tilting the disc with the center link? Thanks

Disc mower

Hay field cover crop

Hey guys - I'd value some input here.

 

I've got a small field I'm reclaiming - only about 3 acres.

 

Normally I'd take the no-till approach, but it's kinda rocky with a lot of small tree roots - I decided to just plow it, pick the rocks and roots, and disk it smooth.

 

Now I'm staring a nice flat field of dirt wondering what I should do.

 

The ph/fertility will be a joke, I don't even have to do an analysis - I'm very familiar with the land in this area - ph will be well below 6, so it's going to take some time to bring it up to where it needs to be.  

 

I plan to do orchard grass here.

 

I'll hit it with lime of course, But - I'm thinking I may do a cover crop now and orchard grass seed in the spring   Thought process being to improve the soil as much as I can before creating what will be a weak stand of orchard grass.

 

I don't do this kind of thing very often, so I'm a little unsure of myself.

 

IF you were to use a cover crop - what would you use, and why?    I see winter rye used a lot, but I'm wondering if white clover (or maybe some other cheap legume) might be a better choice to help the soil out a little bit.    

 

I may be over thinking it - but I would like to know what others think.

 

Oh - I'm in Massachusetts.

 

Thanks.

Hay field cover crop

Vertical TMR. Whole bales vs grinding hay?

So guys lets talk about this. I just purchased a jaylor vertical mixer wagon and I'm wondering for you guys that have vertical wagons do you run all round bales in your wagon or just ground hay or both or what? I've hear people say that they run bales through all the time an have no Trouble some others say that it wears on your mixer a lot. Tell me what your opinion is on this topic. For all brands of vertical tmr's jaylor especially. Thanks guys

Vertical TMR. Whole bales vs grinding hay?

Vertical TMR. Whole bales vs grinding hay??

So guys lets talk about this. I just purchased a jaylor vertical mixer wagon and I'm wondering for you guys that have vertical wagons do you run all round bales in your wagon or just ground hay or both or what? I've hear people say that they run bales through all the time an have no Trouble some others say that it wears on your mixer a lot. Tell me what your opinion is on this topic. For all brands of vertical tmr's jaylor especially. Thanks guys

Vertical TMR. Whole bales vs grinding hay??

Two tie and three tie bale sizes and stacking

I've been looking up old topics on different sizes of bales and stacking and hope someone wants to talk about it one more time.

I have a New Holland BC5070 baler (14x18) and I bale about 7500 wheat straw bales per season. They go to a feed store and for erosion control.

I pick them up with a NH 1085. The stacks need to be moved and loaded with a squeeze. 

I make two stack patterns. I put the bottoms on edge and then put a regular 7 high squeeze block (two tie tiers) for once customer who has low trailers. The rest I do a seven high with bottom and fifth layers on edge. This makes a really stable block. 

I always tie the tops before dumping.

Here's the problem.

It just seems to take way too long.

I go from the Hesston three-tie to the little two-tie and all of a sudden I'm baling and stacking in slow motion, or at least that is how it seems.

 

Has anyone used a Freeman 270 with a 15" chamber?  

 

Or...

My straw customer says that if I came up with a three-tie bale under a hundred pounds that were tight. I know there were Freeman 370 balers that had 15" or 14" chambers but I think they are pretty rare. Plus, I have a lot of painful memories of bent bales, random knotter problems, and bull gear grease all over everything and I just do not want to go back to a Freeman. (We have two 200's setting in the back pasture)

 

What about converting a Hesston 4690 to a fifteen inch chamber? Or better yet, a 14" chamber?

 

I realize there are several different topics here, but I'm interested in any opinions...

 

 

 

Two tie and three tie bale sizes and stacking

Baler noise while wrapping

When wrapping bales, I notice my BR 7060 baler makes a rhythmic creak, creak, creak, sound. Pretty noticeable. I grease my baler regularly. It's 3 yrs old and only 2100 bales on it.
Any ideas what the sound is?

Baler noise while wrapping

Round Bale Spears

How many spears does your front end loader attachment have? I have been using a single spear, but after popping the spear, am thinking about going to two. Your thoughts?

Round Bale Spears

Discbine Breakaway????

3pt sickle mowers and disc mowes have a breakaway, so when you hit something, it will not damage the mower.

What about a discbine or sickle haybine? Hit something solid, destroy the mower?

Discbine Breakaway????

1100 radiator flush

Have any of you done a radiator flush on your 1100? I have had a lot of dust seed and grass get in through my coils. Will a radiator flush clean this stuff out? I am having overheating issues

1100 radiator flush

New era in hay-- mini big square balers??

It's a whole new era... mini big square bales...

LOL:)

Later! OL JR

New era in hay-- mini big square balers??

New Bale Feeder Prototype

Here's our new bale feeder design. It's 102" X 84" should accomodate big rounds and most big squares.

It's the first ever potential production model we've ever built (we have built a few custom setups for local guys).

There are a few things I'll change the next go around. Namely,the skirted sides will go up a bit higher, and I think we'll tighten up the slant bars a bit.

Other than that, it'll be pretty much what you see here.

I incorporated pockets to make it easily moved with pallet forks or twin tine bale spears (works good with the forklift too).

It's on skids, so there's a chain loop to drag it as well.

It's got a fold down door on one end so that you can load it with a three point or even a pickup truck spear. (might come in handy for removing that one pesky calf that always manages to find their way into the feeder as well).

The bars make a cradle to keep the bale off the ground. (1/4" wall tube with knee braces for that part)

Planning on doing a 2 bale feeder and maybe some on wheels eventually as well.

What do you guys think?

New Bale Feeder Prototype

Anybody got one of these??

I'd love to have one... If I ever win the lottery... LOL:)



Course, this one is kinda cool too, but nowhere near as fast...



Later! OL JR

Anybody got one of these??

John Deere Unveils Broad 2016 Lineup

Looks like they took the 459 Standard Round Baler and added a netwrap option and calling it a 459E. The video says "for the farm that bales a couple hundred bales per year", I think a 459 Std. would handle more than a couple hundred bales per year, we're doing 600-700/year with a 448.

 

http://ift.tt/1LHVGzu

John Deere Unveils Broad 2016 Lineup

Large Gopher State Consignment Auction

Something for everyone.

 

Regards, Mike

 

http://ift.tt/1IrlJU4

 

 

Large Gopher State Consignment Auction

Move along here; Nothing to see here

I took a leak outside today--does that come under the new EPA water way rules?

 

http://ift.tt/1JnVShx

 

Ralph

 

Move along here; Nothing to see here

Trouble with 1033 new holland bale wagon

I have a 1033 wagon that I bought a month ago and never used. I hooked it up to a tractor and kicked the pto in and the bale pickup header will not drop to the ground. With the pto running the feeder Chain is running. When I pull up on the leaver the chain stops. I unhooked the hydraulic hose from the cylinder and it still will not drop down. There is nothing else holding it up except for the cylinder I have looked it over good. Any ideas

Trouble with 1033 new holland bale wagon

New Kubota Baler

Review to come...

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New Kubota Baler

Planting hay in harvested corn field

Hi All,

New to the forum and new to haying.

 

I have 11 acres on my property that was a mis-mash of assorted grasses, clover, weeds etc. that was being cut and baled by a local beef farmer.  It was getting pretty tired and production was starting to drop off.  This year we leased it to another farmer and he's planted corn.  We're planning on taking back a couple of acres for next year and planting a grass mixture for our not so active horses.  I'm looking for advice on what I should be doing and when.  Times for corn being harvested in my area is a little hit and miss because of the fall weather and the last few years some farmers haven't gotten it off until the following spring.  If the corn gets harvested in the fall without any delays what steps should I be taking to have hay for next year.

Thanks

Dave

Planting hay in harvested corn field

Case Puma 130 or Maxxum 125?

I'm looking at a 2012 1,000 hour Puma 130 full powershift with multicontroller joystick and loader. For 82.

 

Or they have a brand new Maxxum 125 semi powershift with loader for 92.

 

I've already got a Maxxum 125 and have been pleased with it, but we need another one for hay work.

 

Both have 3 remotes and don't have bar axles.

 

Which tractor would you guys go with? They're bringing the 130 out today for me to demo this weekend.

Case Puma 130 or Maxxum 125?

Raking wet hay?

A guy down the highway cut hay on Monday. On Thursday we got about 3/4" of rain. A couple hours after the rain I drive down the highway and see him out raking it. Short of stopping and asking him what he was doing, anyone have any thoughts on what he was thinking?

Raking wet hay?

Whats a good RVF?

SO, after taking it in the shorts on some 2nd cutting 70% Alfalfa 30%OC at the hay auction(needed to make room for 4th cutting), I decided to turn to hayexchange.com to list some hay, and just see what happens.  Ive never had much luck there, but what the heck, its free.  Anyhow, I see A LOT of untested hay for sale, which suprises me.  But what surprised me even more, was the low, or what I THINK is low RFV on 1st cutting hay, and or just hay in general.  I have some 1st cutting that I tested, and it was a 108 RVF.  Based on what I saw on hay exchange, my 1st cutting is great!  Though I suspect that's not the case, as much as theres just a good bit of hay that's not very good. Looking for some thoughts. 

Whats a good RVF?

We Need Help Supporting Small Farms... Video

Farming Speaks Life: Farmers come in all different variation of styles and budgets.  We Need YOUR support keeping smaller farming operations going.  After watching, please hit the thumbs up button to approve or subscribe.  Thanks in advance! https://youtu.be/9a16A1-IDEs

We Need Help Supporting Small Farms... Video

John Deere 2955 for sale

Looks good, is it a little high or just my opinion?



http://ift.tt/1VfQeWf

John Deere 2955 for sale

Brillion seeder opening clogging.

I have a older 12' brillion 3pt seed. I am currently seeding orchard grass in the front box with the wire cages. There are two 6' boxes that make the 12' seeder. The center 6 holes the on each side of each box are pretty much clogging there is a small amount of seed but not much coming out. have made sure the hole opening are the same and nothing besides seed in the boxes. Any ideas? Have 20 more acres to plant tomorrow.

Brillion seeder opening clogging.

Krone EC320. Burned Clutch. Plugged.

You guys all raved about these and so does everyone at the dealership so I got one a couple months ago. Everything ran great until Monday. We cut about 3 hours on it then the first disc got all wrapped with hay. Mower was stopped within 10'. I pulled everything out and sent the mower back around. It got all wrapped again and the clutch was super hot. All the discs were locked up pretty good. Great dealer support had the mower picked up within a couple hours and in their shop. They put a new clutch in it and pulled the discs apart. They were all plugged with hay. Service man said to set the mower to cut lower and see if that changes anything.

 

Anyone had this issue with hay getting under the discs and smoking the clutch?

 

Shop mentioned that you can smoke the clutch in these pretty easy if you plug it and said one customer has 3-4 mowers and has burned a couple clutches.

 

Picture one is with it halfway plugged. It was a big ball and wrapped around that first disc pretty bad.

 

Picture two is from the dealer showing everything under the turtles.

 

Picture three is original cutting height.

 

Picture four is original cutting height again. Not sure I want to set it lower?

 

We cut this field last year with a NH 617 and didn't have any issues. Granted we've had more rain this summer, but not much difference.

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Krone EC320. Burned Clutch. Plugged.

A Copy and paste on drying hay.

A copy and paste on speeding hay drying.

When a high yield crop is laid in a narrow swath, the swath tends to be most limiting because the moisture cannot readily move out of the swath. When forage is spread in a thin swath, the movement of moisture out of the plant can become limiting. Under these circumstances, conditioning of the crop is most beneficial in allowing moisture to leave the plant more easily.

Of all weather influences, solar radiation level is the most important (Rotz, 1995). This energy from the sun is required to evaporate and move moisture out of the plant.

Dry matter losses and quality changes occur while the crop is wilting or drying in the field. These include plant respiration, rain, and machine induced losses. Plant respiration is a natural process that continues after the plant is cut. Respiration converts carbohydrates stored in the plant tissue to carbon dioxide, heat, and moisture that leave the plant causing a DM loss. Plant respiration ceases when the crop dries to a moisture level below 40%

Read http://ift.tt/1MRGJtcfor a more complete explanation.

A Copy and paste on drying hay.

Stem maggots

I definitely have stem maggots . I am in Fairfield county in SC. I only detected them in a small part of my field as I have been cutting in small sections. also saw a few army worms in the same section.

Stem maggots

Herbicide Resistant Weeds By State

Palmer Amaranth is the most troublesome as to be expected....

 

Regards, Mike

 

http://ift.tt/1MRmwnt

 

 

Herbicide Resistant Weeds By State

Trouble getting the right sized bales.

I have a case square baler SB541. I am having trouble getting my bales to come out 3' even. Can anyone give me any suggestions? I've got the win-rose correct, but that's not it. Has anyone else had this problem? Is there something I could adjust?

Trouble getting the right sized bales.

Can I Fit a 4 Basket Tedder on Truck?

Bought one about 30-40 miles away. Don't really want to pull it that far. Think it will fit fine on an 8 ft flatbed?

Can I Fit a 4 Basket Tedder on Truck?

Ford 530 help

I went to use our new to us Ford 530 baler yesterday and it worked fine for about 20 bales and then both needles broke. The arm that goes up and kicks the needles to tie was completely out of the slot (between the large washers). I dont understand how it got out. I am assuming that is why the needles are broke. How do I tell if the baler is still in time? I have a manual but pages 21-36 are missing. Any help would be great. Thanks

Ford 530 help

Hay mower

I have a john Deere 925 moco with impellers and I'm having a awful time with it not cracking the stems like it should and it's taking longer for the hay to dry. Anyone have any suggestions

Hay mower

Stressed red top cane?

Made a really good first cut of round bales this year, decided to turn cows out and let them graze and forego 2nd cut, now it still looks good at the end of August and acquired a few more cows, how can you tell if it is stressed before turning new cows out on it?

Stressed red top cane?

Rebaling Rounds into Squares... Not what you think!

Somehow ran across this on YouTube and found it strange. Check this setup out.



Rebaling Rounds into Squares... Not what you think!

ground leveling

the Rancher I bale for has this idea that heavy thatch and matting is GOOD for the ground, even when I show him areas of 1-1.5 ft sq that have NO plan life.....

 

and the Pocket Gophers are causing serious roughness, to the point where I can't steer due to the front wheels being off the ground

 

I suggested harrowing in the spring and after baling (remove bales quickly and hammer the field with the harrows.

 

He balks at the idea of harrows, thinking ONLY Heavy harrows are called for, but I suggest even the lowly diamond harrow set will do better than just talking about it like has been happening for the last 5 years.

 

He tried using a DT cultivator with sweeps set at 1/2" above the ground once, but tore up so much ground that he felt he lost a lot of grass.

 

I am a fan of basic harrows, diamond ot tine, I don't care.... as long as we get them drug across the field twice a year.

 

We only get one cut up here, a second cut is rare due to the wet springs we have been having, so a before and after is the best option for my thinking

 

just wondering what other do.

any thoughts?

ground leveling

Deflector shield position on haybine

I don't know why I never saw this before, but in my NH 7450 manual it says to run the deflector shield mid position and the hay will not bunch in the windrow.  I have always ran with the shield in the highest position creating sort of a fantail with the hay.  Where do others position the shield.  Full width spread or making a windrow depends on quantity of hay and soil moisture, 

Deflector shield position on haybine

Current Hay Stocks And Outlook

From DTN...

 

Regards, Mike

 

http://ift.tt/1DL7b3J

Current Hay Stocks And Outlook

VSV Continues To Affect US Livestock

Continues showing up.....

 

Regards, Mike

 

http://ift.tt/1Jphnlk

VSV Continues To Affect US Livestock

Kubota M7040SUHD Running Rough

I've got a M7040 with 1600 hours on it and it started running rough.  I thought maybe there was water in the fuel so I drained the water separator, put in a new screen filter as well, put on a new fuel filter, and drained the fuel tank just for good measure.  Went back out to the field this afternoon and all seemed fine but then it started acting up again.  Reading the manual, there could be air in the line so I will try to purge the fuel system of air in the morning.  That said, when i do start the tractor, i notice that the fuel level in the fuel separator will fluctuate and it looks like there are air bubbles as the fuel flows into the separator.  I would think that the fuel separator should be full of fuel at all times whether at idle or at full power.  I was just wondering if any of you Kubota owners have had this issue.  I did talk to the dealership and they think it is water in the fuel but they are looking at two weeks just to get to work on it.  Being 1 tractor deep i would like to fix it If I can since I'm trying to get a field ready for alfalfa.

Kubota M7040SUHD Running Rough

RTV 500 reverse issue / question

Hi Just new to 2009 RTV 500, has 165hrs on it only had it about a month, had 158hrs on it when I got it. The question I have I have noticed a few times in reverse it sound like it is not fully engages like a gear was slipping doesn't always make the noise, seems like when you are under load ie backing up a slope. Is this an adjustment issue or something more
Thanks
Kevin

RTV 500 reverse issue / question

NH extended warranty

Just got a letter in today's mail from CNH offering me an extended warranty on my new round bailer.  I haven't inquired as to the price but I need some input as to if it's worth looking at?

 

They are offering me an additional 5 years.  Should I l,ook at it or not and would it be worth the cost, whatever that is........

NH extended warranty

Grass Silage.

Anyone doing this? I'm really considering trying this within a year or two. Ryegrass would be my first attempt. The biggest thing would be to get the bunker built. A friend is going to buy the chopper and wagons, so I would hire him for that aspect of it.

Grass Silage.

baler on a budget recrimping set up

Hi, I'm fairly new to haytalk and have never posted. Thought I might pitch this one out for some brainstorming. I currently run a jd 820 moco with roll crimpers. Would it be beneficial to get an old school steel on steel crimper to recrimp alfalfa right after the initial cutting. I see these 20k plus machines for reconditioning but let's get real. If you're not full time that just doesn't add up to own one. We do around 10ac going up to 15 ac next year and do quite well with our little set up making small squares.Itd be nice to invest a little more to dry the hay faster. Is there a happy medium there between cost and making sense? Another piece of food for thought, would it be beneficial if a crimper did make sense to fabricate a ground drive row fluffer behind it to spread the crop more? Just some brainstorming, let's hear good or bad what you guys think?

baler on a budget recrimping set up

Baling dew into hay

I struggle to make dry hay that's still green. I'd say it's "semi-green". Lol
Yesterday I was looking at some small bales grown about 100 miles from here. Couldn't believe it. Greener than green. Limp, soft and what blew me away is they were almost "moist" inside. Yet my friend who bought them said they were baled weeks ago and stored indoors. How is this art mastered?
Is this what I'm seein dew baled into the hay?
Obviously a skill I haven't obtained or even tried! Moisture in a bale seems like a recipe for disaster!

Baling dew into hay

How do i adjust this slip slutch on Nh 1412 Discbine?

The manual shows a very different looking clutch with 6 bolts.This one has 8 and has a plastic ring between the bolts.I loosened it yesterday and slipped it.I tightened it back up and left them at about 10 ft lbs.on the torque wrench.I marked it and cut about 7 acres yesterday and it did not slip.I need the correct way to set it.   

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How do i adjust this slip slutch on Nh 1412 Discbine?

What's the best bull for Texas heat to cross with Longhorns?

My plan:

 

I am going to cross my Longhorn heifers for the first 2 or 3 years, and if the horn and heifer look great switch to my Longhorn A.I. program

 

Therefore I am looking for:

 

1. Young bull 5 to 10 months in age
2. Low birth weight
3. Can handle the Texas heat
4. Forage raised bull

I have heard good things about Brangus.   Any recommendations?   Or anyone out there selling one?

 

Thanks,

 

 

Mark

What's the best bull for Texas heat to cross with Longhorns?

ANY INFO ON GAMAGRASS????

Hi, folks. Does anyone out there know anything or have any experience with gamagrass? being from south Louisiana, we can't grow alfalfa because it doesn't get cold enough for the pests (or so I'm told - I've never seen it grown around here). So to get premium quality hay, we have to have alfalfa trucked in. I have been looking into gamagrass for a while now but there is very little info out there other than a few seed companies and some Ag Extension Service notes. I am looking into doing a small, part-time operation, small square bales. Anyone have any experience? I have lots of questions! Thanks!

ANY INFO ON GAMAGRASS????

Sudan Grass

I was just given an 18 acre field of sudan grass.  Currently most of it is between 24-30" height range and I am planning on wrapping all of it.  It is more than I will need this year as I already have a bunch of grass wrapped, however I don't want to miss out on future opportunities.  What is the best time/height to cut this stuff?

 

Sudan Grass

claas 1320 trailed tedder

Was wondering if anyone on here uses one as there is a,second hand one close by that we would be interested in.
Regards tinto

claas 1320 trailed tedder

choosing the right irrigation

Currently just aquired a 300 arce hay farm. which has been sitting for the last couple years from the last owners. I'm looking to bring it back to life and currently stuck on what type of irrigation to invest in? Most of the land is on rolling hills with a slight grade to it. My question is what would you guys use on terrain like this?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

choosing the right irrigation

Hay Testing and Supplement

This article was sent to me today.

 

Testing hay can save supplement dollars

Glenn Selk, Oklahoma State University Emeritus Extension Animal Scientist

 

During a recent drive in Northeast Oklahoma, the abundance of hay in big round bales was quite evident.  Producers are glad to have adequate supplies of hay as fall and winter approaches.  Cattle producers must remember that quantity and quality of hay are independent characteristics of their hay crop.

 

Forage analysis can be a useful tool to remove some of the mystery concerning the hay that producers will feed this winter.  Testing the grass hays this year for protein and energy content will help the producer design winter supplementation programs most appropriate for the forage supply that is available.  Any of the potential nitrate accumulating hays should be tested for nitrate concentration.

 

Forage quality has two important benefits to cows or heifers.  First higher quality forages contain larger concentrations of important nutrients so animals consuming these forages should be more likely to meet their nutrient needs from the forages.  Secondly, and just as important, animals can consume a larger quantity of higher quality forages.  Higher quality forages are fermented more rapidly in the rumen leaving a void that the animal can fill with additional forage.  Consequently, forage intake increases.  For example, low quality forages (below about 6% crude protein) will be consumed at about 1.5% of body weight (on a dry matter basis) per day.  Higher quality grass hays (above 8% crude protein) may be consumed at about 2.0% of body weight.  Excellent forages, such as good alfalfa, silages, or green pasture may be consumed at the rate of 2.5% of body weight per day.  The combination of increased nutrient content AND increased forage intake makes high quality forage very valuable to the animal and the producer.

 

The value of forage testing can best be illustrated by comparing the supplement needed to meet the nutrient needs of cows in the winter.  Assume we are feeding hay to a 1200 pound spring-calving cow in late gestation.  She needs 1.9 pounds of crude protein to meet her needs and that of the growing fetus.  If she consumes 2.0% of her body weight in a low quality grass hay (4.0% Crude Protein) she will receive 0.96 pounds of protein from the hay leaving a deficiency of 0.94 pounds of protein needed from the supplement.  To meet her protein needs with a 30% crude protein supplement would require 3.13 pounds of supplement each day.  However, if the same cow was consuming a higher quality grass hay (7.0% Crude Protein), then she receives 1.68 pounds of protein from the hay and must be given enough supplement to meet the 0.22 pounds that is lacking.  Now, to meet her needs the cow only needs 0.73 pounds of the same supplement per day.  Because of the difference in hay quality the supplement needs vary by 4 fold!

 

There are several good methods of sampling hay for forage analysis.  Most nutritionists would prefer to use a mechanical coring probe made specifically for this purpose.  The coring probe is usually a stainless steel tube with a serrated, cutting edge.  It is 1 inch in diameter and is designed to fit on a 1/2 inch drill or brace.  Cordless drills make these tools quite mobile so that the hay bales to be tested do not have to be hauled to be near an electrical outlet.  The hay samples are place in paper or plastic bags for transfer to a forage testing laboratory.  Cores are taken from several bales at random to obtain a representative sample to be analyzed.

 

Grab samples can also be obtained and tested (although core sampling is recommended).  To receive the best information, grab several samples by hand from about 6 inches into the open side of the bale or the middle third of a small round bale.  Place all of the sample in the bag.  Do not discard weeds or stems, just because they look undesirable.  They are still part of the hay that you are offering to the livestock.  Be certain to label the forage samples accurately and immediately, in order for the laboratory analysis to be correctly assigned to the proper hay piles or bales.  Obviously the more samples that are sent to the laboratory for analysis, the more information can be gained.  Just as obvious is the fact that as the number of samples increase, the cost of forage testing increases. 

 

Samples can be taken to your local Extension office and then sent to a forage testing laboratory to determine feed value (TDN, Crude Protein, etc.)

 

Hay Testing and Supplement

Plastic Film Instead of Net Wrap

Just wondered if anyone on haytalk has ever used plastic film, almost like a bale wrap in place of net wrap in a New Holland round baler? Was reading the manual a bit and I noticed it mentioned about moving a smooth roll to accommodate the film. Thanks

Plastic Film Instead of Net Wrap

Can a soft-core valve be added to a Hesston 946 round baler?

I'm looking at purchasing a used 2006 Hesston 946 round baler. I know their newer balers have the option of a soft-core valve kit - was/is this option available for this older model baler?

 

This is the option that allows you to start a bale with a soft core, then kicks the pressure on after the bale reaches a certain size so the rest of the bale is more compressed like normal. Mostly used when baling hay that is a bit damp so that the center of the bale can breathe and dry out.

Can a soft-core valve be added to a Hesston 946 round baler?

Queens Anne lace in grass hay field?

Hay fields of grass hay (Timothy, blue grass, orchard, broom and bits of clover and alfalfa ) are FULL of Queens Anne lace flowers!

Fields were largely untouched last 15+ years until we bought 2 years ago.

Our front field of 3 acres was cut week after memorial day this year and now covered in Queens Anne lace. Don't remember this problem last year. I even went through 3 weeks ago with haybine set to cut those and foxtail (?) Off before going to seed. No regrowth on foxtail (?) But have just as much queens Anne lace as before (although cut stems have no regrowth).

Back hay field of 10 acres was lightly fertilized early june, first cutting around mid june. (Need to do soil and hay test before fertilizing again )
Back hay field had the lace too, but not as bad.

Should I keep clipping off the lace heads, or should I not worry? Again I do plan to fertilize later, but am worried about more weed seeds taking hold?
Probably have another 2 weeks before second cutting on front field. 3 to 4 for back field.

Thoughts or advice?

Thanks!

Queens Anne lace in grass hay field?

Liners over flail rotor on NH 1412 Discbine

My 2 sheetmetal liners over my flail rotor are worn through.They actually bolt on to the top of the rotor hood and hay rubs between them and the flails.NH sells 2 different ones a smooth one for $172 X2 or a textured one for $270 X2.Does anyone here have the textured ones and will they be worth $200 more than the smooth.  

Liners over flail rotor on NH 1412 Discbine

Hydraulic twin rake questions

So, looking at buying a used rake this winter, starting my research early. Have been running a vermeer R23, and love them. Have been looking at R23a's, and R2300's. My question is about other twin rakes, what are the advantages of them? I am not familiar with the NH216, the Allen's, or the twinstars. Are any of them worth considering over the vermeers? I like the keep it simple, stupid ruggedness of the vermeers

Hydraulic twin rake questions

John deere 724 mulch finisher

Hi guys...just starting out and I have one of these mulch finishers available to me and was wondering if anyone has used them in plowed sod before...and what kind of results they had. I am looking to reseed right back to a grass mix. I believe they are supposed to be for corn to corn work or something similar, but I haven't found a good set of disc close to me yet. Any and all advice is appreciated! Thanks


Jordan

John deere 724 mulch finisher

Water in the transmission and hydrolics

I have water in my transmission and hydrolic system. When I drain the fluid do I need to flush the system or let it dry and refill? If I need to flush the system what would I use to flush it?

Water in the transmission and hydrolics

Sunflower Baleage

Possible?  Just tossing idea's around for next year when I am working on some fields.  My plan was to put them into teff or pearl millet for the summer.  Make some baleage then put back into grass hay.  However doing some reading on protein levels and such with sunflowers as silage close to corn silage would it be possible to just mow it, bale and wrap?  Thought I might give it a try on a smaller field close to a road for aesthetics!

 

-Matt

Sunflower Baleage

New Holland 1112 Header

 I have a New Holland 1112 used for many years. The other day mowing hay it came up with a new problem. The header kept raising not floating but raising up you had to keep lowering the header to keep it on the ground. I checked the spring tension it should be about 55lbs and that's what it seemed to be. I'm going to take some spring tension off and see if that helps unless some one has a better idea.The header valve hasn't want to work just right this year but it has been a problem with making the header float not a problem with the header staying down.  

New Holland 1112 Header

Huge linup of hay equipment video

All I can say is wow!  Dusty Standlee looks like he has his hands full.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjZzXg8lwH8&feature=youtu.be

Huge linup of hay equipment video

McKee 875 Round Baler

I just picked up a McKee round Baler which I believe is a model 875. It is a 4'x5' fixed chamber belt baler.  Looks to be in operating condition, grease everywhere, old and new.  I was selling a piece of equipment and the guy wanted to barter for this in the deal, I sold him the piece for what he could have bought it for without trade so I figure I got nothing to lose.  I would only do 50 bales per year or less, stored inside for my own feeding.  I have always hired out my rounds, or just square baled everything.  I figure this is my chance to save a little back strain, for very little investment.  If anyone has any info, links, experience, or advice I could use it.

 

Thanks

Jason

McKee 875 Round Baler

New Idea Mower Part for (30?)

Where could I get a pittman stick for a New Idea sickle bar mower (7 foot cut )? Be nice if there was someplace near NE Ohio or NW Pa. that would be great.

I think they were bought by ARGO , but not sure cause that Website was very very hard to even find a dealers, I email them , noanswer ,

I'm grateful for any help .

New Idea Mower Part for (30?)

Slipping update

Got everything back together on the RTV 900. Replaced pivot shaft, bearings and seals. The machine is still acting like a brake is hung up inside on the right side. I unhooked the brake linkage as there was still some pressure on it, applying the brake a little. I have noticed the brake cylinder on the RT side is not returning to home. How long it has been on a little?, I don't know. If the brake was always on, could it have gotten hot over time and welded the brake disc's somewhat? Also wondering if the spline on the shaft coming out of the tranny is bad........ Care to continue the challenge....

Slipping update

Speaker swap out

Has anyone swapped out the speakers in their RTV Cab? Looking to upgrade to something better that don't sound like their gonna explode.

Attached Images

image.jpg (82.3 KB)

Speaker swap out

Another newbie with questions. Any advice much appreciated!

Heya folks.

I've read extensively here. MANY thanks for all of your input/experiences/advices. It does make wading through such a purchase a bit easier. (a bit...LOL) Even so....you know how it is sometimes. The more ya read...the more confused ya sometimes get...

Scenario: I'm on the brink of a purchase. 2 options sit before me at present.

Option #1- I found a very lightly used 2013 rtv900 for sale that has about 50 hours on it. The owner says it was purchased to plow snow but shortly after the purchase a B35 (I think that was the model) came available and they went that route instead. As a result, the 900 has sat unused for most of it's life. The owner has stated to me that it has never even been "off road". It LOOKS very clean from the pics. (it's 2.5 hours away so I've yet to see it in person) The unit comes with a winch/windshield & vinyl doors that were never installed...has a brush guard, rear screen & black metal canopy. It hasn't even had the 50 hour oil change yet. From the pics it appears to be in mint condition. Asking 10K.

Option #2 - Buy a new 1120D w/turbo. 'nuff said.

I live at 7000 ft. Slight concern about overall power with the 900. (could add a turbo? Good idea? Bad idea?) Nothing here runs all out. I go back to the Midwest in my truck and chirp the tires at every stop sign. Here...nope. No way. Those of you living at altitude know what I'm sayin'.

Thoughts? I've read the thread(s) that speak to loose tolerances on suspension and rubber bushings...oil leaks...yadda yadda yadda on the new X models. Might as well go ahead and mention I'm not a real gearhead...don't enjoy working on vehicles...but can do it if I HAVE to. (would rather write a check at this point in my life) Also should say that the nearest dealer is about 90 miles away. SWAG is about 150. REALLY don't wanna spend 20K+ to end up under the damn thing with a wrench in my hand.

The thread about the wheel concerns on the "X" models never really came to a conclusion/faded out...so I have no clue what happened to all the folks yakkin about their concerns in March 2014. Was this resolved..or is it just the way it is/a wait and see kinda thing? Any input appreciated.

Concerns with the 900....power. My land isn't uber hilly....but I have a couple of small hills coming out of the creek bank (where I wanna build a bridge) that I wanna negotiate...and everything/all use will be at 7000 ft and above. I will be using this machine to plow snow in Winter and haul firewood out of the woods in Summer....along with a bit of joyriding next to the Arkansas river/general putzing around. Will it do what I expect it to do?

No problem affording either unit. Just "retired"...and dang it...it's time for me to get some TOYS. Just wanna make the most informed purchase possible.

So what would YOU do...and why? I would love to hear your thoughts either way. (or the third option..."run the other way"!

Other makers (Polaris/Arctic Cat/Massey ferguson) have dealerships closer to me than Kubota...but...um....yeah.... kinda really wanna go orange...

Help me stop using my wheelbarrow so much....please!

Any input appreciated!

Another newbie with questions. Any advice much appreciated!

Tedding Pure Alfalfa

Does anyone out there have experience tedding pure alfalfa? What can you tell me about it? Wondering if it is a waste of time to try or not. We cut with a 14' head, condition, and drop in a 7-8' windrow.

Tedding Pure Alfalfa

Krone 4 Basket Tedder for sale

Not sure what it's worth but looked like a decent price. I have no clue who owns it and don't need it just thought I would pass along..

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Krone 4 Basket Tedder for sale

planting bermuda in the sprng

Hello all. New to the site and to hay farming. I am looking to start a small hay operation in the spring. About 25 acres. I have spent countless hours studying and im learning a bunch. I was wondering what you all would recommend planting in the west tennessee area. I have read a bunch about vaughns#1 but I cant seem to wrap my mind around planting from clippings and not seed anyone know anything about new stands and there success rate of this variety. Thanx in advance

planting bermuda in the sprng

Slipping..... continued rtv 900

Finally got the parts for the reinstallation of the pivot shaft, bearings and seals. Dealer ordered the wrong shaft the first time. I am having a hell of a time getting the bearings pushed in. I rigged up a threaded 5/8 rod so I could push them in with a impact wrench. The bearing (outer) went in very hard to almost half way. It seems to be too tight. I turn the bearing with my fingers and it feels a little tight. Numbers all match up. do they need to be pressed in? or what......

Slipping..... continued rtv 900

David Brown comes back after 28 years.

Todays she is back to home.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5qHwJx27-U

David Brown comes back after 28 years.

JD 348 gearbox

Took my JD 348 square baler to the dealer for some work on the plunger. The mechanic working on it noticed it making a funny noise. He took the gearbox apart and discoverer two missing teeth on one of the main gears and a damaged shaft. Wondered if anybody knew where I might find used parts or a complete gearbox .

JD 348 gearbox

Oliver 76 drill

I was wondering if the old Oliver's worth it and parts still available ? I have found a few for sale. One is an older Oliver 76 model .

Thanks

Oliver 76 drill

Favorite Grease

Bought my first tractor last week.  Changed oil last night.  4 gallons of Rotella T Triple 10w-30.

I'm new to equipment maintenance but very mechanically inclined and pretty much do all vehicle repairs on my own.

Up until this point Dad did most of the farm maintenance.

 

Anyway, long story short - I'm looking to stock up on an all-purpose grease and wondering what everyone's favorite kind is?

Small square and round baler, rollabar rake, haybine, tractor - will an all-purpose cover my needs?

 

 

 

 

Favorite Grease

Tub Grinder

I am looking into feed grinders. Are most of the grinders just for dry hay? What might we look at for mixing baleage? I see a variety of listings on tractorhouse that seem resonable. 

Tub Grinder

x300

I have a x300 mower with a blown engine ,hole in block,Kawasaki FS54...,What engine can I replace it with,where to find new/used?

x300

Jet Post Pounder

Does anyone have any experience with a Jet 3 pt post pounder?  I just picked one up local and am having a little bit of a hard time figuring out exactly how the "release" works on it.  The 1 sheet owners manual doesn't help nor did talking to Jet themselves. Just wondering if anyone happens to own one of these relics?

 

The larger square obviously drives the pounder up, but I can't figure out how it releases to let it fall back down and pound the post?  The Jet guy said there is some type of trip which I assume is what the smaller square stock piece is for but I'm thinking something is missing somewhere?  Just allowing the hydraulics to flow back into the reservoir is not fast enough to pound anything!

 

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Jet Post Pounder

Looking at a NH 1038 stacker wagon

The local NH/CaseIH dealer has a NH 1038 that just showed up on their lot.  It has all the options I would want, so I'm considering trading in my 1033 on it,  we'll see what the sales guy says tomorrow.  It looks like it is in good shape, but judging by the rust on the 1st and 2nd tables, it hasn't been used in a while.  I used to the 1033, so I've check all the trouble spots I know from that model (pickup condition, frame for cracks, tables for being square, etc.).  Are there any other spots I should check?The serial number is 11522, does anyone know what year that it would have been made?

 

Thanks in advance, Josh.

Looking at a NH 1038 stacker wagon

Timothy - One More Question

Firstly - I much appreciate everyone's replies to my hay growing, equipment, - everything hay questions - most helpful info.

Timothy - I read where it is a relatively short lived grass, sometimes 1-3 years. Susceptible to traffic, over grazing, drought, etc.

You got a prime stand of pure timothy hay and each year you begin to loose some of the crop.

How to you keep a stand of timothy populated over time? Broadcast overseed, drill in some amount each year?

I understand the lime and fertilizer side of timothy - but to keep the field going - timothy only, is it a reseed thing or a - you get to a point and kill down or and or plow under your old stand after 4 or 4 years and start over.

Any advice is much appreciated.

Thanks,
Bill

Timothy - One More Question

Hauling a Kuhn SR 600 rake

Anyone know if a Kuhn SR 600 rake can be loaded and hauled on a 8' wide trailer? Specs show about a 9'-10' transport width, but not sure where wheel base width is.

Also would be traveling through Illinois, Indiana and Ohio mostly on interstate. Any permits needed or concerns with a "lowly" farmer with a crappy trailer hauling through these states.

Or can anyone recommend a good shipping company?

Thanks.

Hauling a Kuhn SR 600 rake

For you guys that have trouble drying hay

http://ift.tt/1Jkh7UW

Say this on cl this afternoon thought I'd share.

For you guys that have trouble drying hay

Drop Values

The rest of the story.....

 

Regards, Mike

 

http://ift.tt/1DL7b3J

Drop Values

slightly off topic

Anyone know how well messics is for phone help and trouble shooting questions???are they willing to help or do they give you the Ol MIchigan run around???

slightly off topic

Alfalfa recovery ?

I have a ? about the recovery of my alfalfa. As I have said my alfalfa got way to much rain right after planting. Then it turned of hot and it all turned yellow, so I cut it to get it some releif. And all the stubble stayed yellow for about a month. Now for the last 4-5 days the heat has let of and I was out looking at it today. It looks like most of it is starting to turn back green, a lot of it has put on leafs. This is my first year trying to grow alfalfa and I thought it was all dead. So ? is we dont get our first frost here untill around mid Nov. We just got our first rain in 51 days, so should it recover and put on a good stand? There are some spots where it got drown so I will reseed those spots in Sep and try to some where it is bad thin.

Alfalfa recovery ?

Armyworms

Well after a few weeks of high heat and no rain the fall army worms have appeared here in central Arkansas. Hope they hate getting wet as we just received 2 inches of rain with possibility of more in the next few days!

Armyworms

Hay to Baleage Weight

I am trying to get an estimate of feed needs for this winter. We are doing a lot of baleage, alfalfa and sorghum/sudan. The bales are 1500 pounds plus. What do you deduct for the water weight to figure your hay totals? Just figure what a dry bale of the same size would weigh? Thanks, Mike

Hay to Baleage Weight

Gehl 1865

Has anyone out there had experience with a Gehl 1865 round baler? There is one for sale at a good price nearby. It has always been sheded and appears to be in field ready condition. The owner commented that although it has a kicker he still backs up a bit before unloading. This isn't neccesarily a deal breaker, but I'd rather not have to do that if the kicker can work well enough without my assistance.

Gehl 1865

Round Bale Movers

Does anyone have experience with different kinds of hay hikers or round baler movers that pick up the round bales with an arm and put them in rows when you unload the bales? I have a Pro-Ag hay hiker that hauls 14 bales and love it but it has hauled LOTS of bales and having problems keeping it welded together. Am looking for another mover and was wondering how some of the other brands compare and hold up.

Round Bale Movers

Jd 2840

I have a 2840 john Deere. I changed the hyraliuc fluid and filter screen. I also changed out the control value o-rings and the gaskets and o-rings on the gear shift housing. Put new fluid in. Now after bush hogging for a bout 30 min or when fluids get hot, fluid is coming out of the gear shifter leavers. It's not pressure it like it's over filled. Just going down hill. I have talked to a couple of dealers and they just want to start changing parts. Oh and everything works like it should

Jd 2840

vermeer vr1224 wheel rake

Is anybody running a vr1224 rake? I am going to demo one in the next day or so (depending on weather) any tips on operating the rake such as raking the way it's cut, or going against the cut? I've never had much love for wheel rakes, but I watched a neighbor use a 10 wheel carted frontier rake and it impressed me. I understand that the vermeer or kuhn are about the best. I currently use a twin rotor krone rotary rake that is awesome but pulling all the tines for transport sucks. I'm looking to use this for small fields and as a backup rake. Dealer says it will rake 24.5 feet and I measured my swaths from hw340 and they are 22 ft from edge of swath to edge of swath. I have a good vermeer dealer near me, and I'm really not interested in kuhn. Any feedback would be much appreciated.

vermeer vr1224 wheel rake

Three Ways To Set Your Pasture Up For Failure

From Progressive Forage Grower...

 

Regards, Mike

 

http://ift.tt/1Limzqy

Three Ways To Set Your Pasture Up For Failure

The Seed Destructor

A new weapon in the tool box from the good folks from "down under"... by PFG.

 

Regards, Mike

 

http://ift.tt/1MBR2mP

The Seed Destructor

Insights On Hay Pricing

A good read from Progressive Forage Grower

 

Regards, Mike

 

http://ift.tt/1LijKWA

Insights On Hay Pricing

Horse Hay Help

We own and operate a horse boarding facility.  We grow our  own hay as well .  We feed large round bales so the horses have free choice hay. The problem we are having the horses are obese . We are looking for a grass type hay with higher yield but lower on the nutritional scale.  We live in southwestern Ontario  on a light to very light sandy loam.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. 

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Horse Hay Help

Grille for an IH 230 Swather - what would work?

Greetings friends -

 

I picked up, and am refurbishing a 230 swather, working on the reel now, but also need a grille (missing completely).  Is there a grill that would work (E.g. from a tractor), or should I be looking for the same application?  Or, is a 210 grille the same etc.??

 

Also, I picked up some 'fish' - those steel arms that hold the wood bats with the plastic bushings on the end, from the slavage yard, but they were too long (from a old combine).  I need them to be 11 1/2" inches long... Any ideas?  The Shoup catalogue appears to only have one size...

 

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

~ Mark

Grille for an IH 230 Swather - what would work?

Kuester Implement Ohio?

Looking at a used rake from far away (internet only).
Some of the details seem off or unknown on the rake but the dealer (Kuester Implement) says it is in generally good to very good condition.

Has anyone dealt with Kuester Implement or have any reviews or info about them that might be helpful. Kuester Implement is located in Bloomington Ohio. Thanks

Kuester Implement Ohio?

Short Term Hay Field?

What would you plant for hay in an irrigated field that is rotating out of a non hay crop but will be needed for that crop again after two seasons? In the past I've just planted various cover crops and disced them in. My hay experience is limited to alfalfa and OG.
Oats come to mind but I'm not sure there's a market for oat hay around here. What hay I grow is for cash, I don't feed anything.

Short Term Hay Field?

Transmission Pressure test

Does anyone have the procedure for testing the pressure settings in the transmission? I have raised my pressure way up and it drives great but would like to see the actual pressures if possible.

Transmission Pressure test

jiggs in central arkansas ?

CAN ANYONE TELL ME IF JIGGS WILL GROW THIS FAR NORTH ?  HAS ANYONE TRIED IT IN ARKANSAS??

jiggs in central arkansas ?

How to handle the floor in new addition to barn.

I'm getting ready to put an addition on the side of our existing barn to use for storing hay as well as equipment.  I've got the building itself lined up with a local Amish builder, but I am on the hook for doing the floor myself.  The addition will be a "lean-to" on the side of our existing barn and will be 20 feet wide, 72 feet long and have a clearance of 15 to 16 feet inside.  The back wall and side of the addition will be enclosed, but the front will be left open for now.  I figure I can hang a tarp for the time being if I really need to.  The ground is fairly level with a slight slope towards the back of the barn and is clay soil.  I know I would like to get gravel in there for the floor, but I wanted to get the advice of all of you before I pull the trigger.  I'm thinking of getting screened gravel that is a mix of 2 inch stone on down to sand so that it will drain well, but will also pack down nicely.  Is this good or should I look at other stuff too?

 

For this winter, I'm only going to be storing some round bales and equipment in the addition and I don't think I have to have the floor in right away for that.  The round bales have been sitting on the field for just over a week, so I'm not too worried about getting the floor put in just for them.  Next summer, I plan on using this addition with my NH stacker wagon and bale grab to make haying a lot easier, so I'll definitely want the floor in by then.

 

I do have a big sheet of plastic that I bought for our greenhouse roof (supplier ended up cutting it a few feet too short) that I can use under the gravel, but if I put the gravel in now, I think it would be harder to get the plastic turned up at the sides and back of the barn when the walls go in.  The up side to this approach is that I won't have the building in my way when the gravel is delivered or when I'm getting it spread out.  The other thing that worries me about this approach is that the plastic will act like a big bucket until the building is put up and I'll have a bunch of trapped water in the gravel.

 

I could also wait and put the gravel in after the building is up, but that makes dumping and spreading it a bit more tricky.

 

Thanks in advance for all of your help.  I know this is kind of a rambling bunch of information.

 

Josh

How to handle the floor in new addition to barn.

Rusty body parts replacement source??

Have noticed some pics on here and mentions of floors, panels, and other body parts rusting through. I try to rinse mine off on a pretty regular basis but:

Fertilizer, nitrogen, has pretty much gotten to my tailgate. I use a "Bumper Buddy" fert spreader mounted to my tailgate. The RTV does a great job on my property to get around trees, up and down slopes, and at times across some pretty hairy slopes.

Of course the tailgate gets a pretty good dose of exposure to the granules. Over time now, though I make sure to totally rinse and wash the stuff off, the fertilizer has gotten inside the double wall construction and has eaten the spot welds. The rust is coming through from the inside and the tailgate is soon gonna fall apart.

Has anyone seen a salvage place, replacement body parts or supplier of beds, tailgates or other body parts???????? Have looked on ebay, Craig's List, or just plain searched with zero results, Am afraid to look at Kubota;' but that is what is perhaps is gonna have to happen......Thanks........God bless....Dennis

Rusty body parts replacement source??

Lots of grass growing on 2nd year alfalfa please help

Okay so one of my buddies planted some round up ready alfalfa last fall and it started off yielding good nice hay but this season more and more grass has been popping up over the alfalfa and not letting it regrow properly. What should i suggest he should do about this problem? What can he spray to make the alfalfa come back? It's only the 2nd year of it and it has tons of grass. Thanks for the advice in advance

Lots of grass growing on 2nd year alfalfa please help

Let's talk about round balers

Well I'm starting to get serious about buying a round baler but not sure what baler to get and would like to hear some opinions on which is the best and why. Would be open to JD, vermeer, NH, MF/Hesston. I have no brand loyalty and dealer support isn't outstanding for any brand so that is not a factor for me. I have only ran one round baler before for a single season and absolutely hated it.....it was an older Vermeer.....I'm sure the newer Vermeers are much improved and look really heavy duty so I'm going to try and not hold that against them.

As much as I like the idea of a 5 foot wide baler because I would have less bales to handle I have been told that here in the east it is a problem to transport them over the interstate due to the law enforcement........local law wouldn't be a bother so it would not be a problem for me but it could be a problem for the buyer if they are traveling on the interstate. For 4 foot wide balers I guess a 4x5 would be as big as I could make because 4x6s tend to fall over on our hillsides. If I'm only going to make a 4x5 would there be any sense in buying a 4x6 baler or would I be better to leave the extra cash in my pocket?

A few things that are a must have on my list......wide pickup, net wrap, hydraulic pickup lift. It also needs to be able to handle silage hay because I'm considering a bale wrapper in the future.

Also I do not want to turn this into a color war......if you don't like a particular brand of baler I want to know.......but I need the reasons why you don't like it......not just that it is junk.

Hayden

Let's talk about round balers

R450 Hydraulics Overheating

After upgrading this spring to the R450 it's been nothing but a nightmare, problem after problem. Since I've had it it seems like it has run a little on the warm side to me and now that it has got hot out the alarm sounds for hydraulic overheating and the machine shuts down. According to the computer the engine temp is in the 215° range but I believe that is because the oil cooler is before the radiator. According to the manual the hydro overheating alarm doesn't go off until they hit 210°. We have done all the simple things, pressure washing radiator and oil cooler, new thermostat, new water pump, has new hydraulic filters and new oil with 250 hours on it. We have checked what DTAC says and cleaned an orfice but Deere has no solution and no more ideas (service truck has been out 12 times). I know a few of you have these 450's, any ideas?

R450 Hydraulics Overheating

2008 rtv 900

My 2008 rtv 900,is a different machine now,cut spark arrested off, raised air intake 36 inches,turned screw on servo valve in two rounds,installed turn signals: Thank,s for all the good information on hear. Whitebus:

2008 rtv 900

Bushhogging a steep pond levee

I want to bushhog a pond levee that has about a 40 degree slope , it's about 1/4 mile in length. I've bushhogged it before with my old 806 international and a 15 foot batwing bushhog but now I have a new 4 wheel drive John deere, 100 h.p. engine, 85 p.t.o. h.p. I've spread the front and rear wheels as wide as possible and I'm gonna fill the tires half full of water before I get on the levee. I failed to mention the J.D. was kinda tippy before I widened its stance. I don't wanna flip my new tractor before I make a payment on it. Any suggestions ?

 

Bushhogging a steep pond levee

468 and 469 John Deere baler

I have a 469 with the bale push bar.What will cause the bale pusher to go over or under the bale.When it does this the bale gets hung up and will not roll out of the way.It would be easy to mess the tailgate up if you do not catch this.I think this is a problem with the baler.

468 and 469 John Deere baler

Tree watering system for young newly planted trees

Hello,

 

I am looking for ideas on how to water trees I planted last November and the year before as well...  After talking with a tree nursery I have found 1 to 2 year old trees need water daily to put them into there growth stage.   He explained anything less and they would fall into a mature growth stage where they would shut down and show little growth.   Believe he said around a gallon or 2 per day.

 

Some of the trees are around my 1 acre lake and a couple of other areas as well on the property.   None of them are close enough to a hose.   I built 8 by 8 square enclosure to keep my longhorns from taking them out.   The trees I planted are Mexican Sycamores for they are highly recommended for Fort Bend County Texas since they are hardwood and grow fast.  

 

Currently I am filling a 55 gallon drum up and watering by hand and then refill and water, this takes a lot of time for 10 trees... 

 

I have around 50 acres where I am planting trees, and my well is on the edge of the 50 acres, so running lines may make sense to trees near say 200 feet, but anything further just doesn't make sense to me?   Having to deal with cattle breaking the lines... 

 

Ideally, I am thinking of placing 2, 55 gallon drums in each 8 x 8 enclosure where the faucet is adjusted to dripping over weeks... Then my problem is how do I fill these 55 gallon tubs in the middle of the pasture?

 

For the trees around the pond was thinking of a portable water pump and get the water straight from the lake into the 55 gallon drums? 

 

I hope I painted a picture enough for ideas...   I did mention to the tree nursery guys about 5 gallon buckets dripping (he said not enough water) and the Gator system that's advertised an his feedback was they water too quick for 10 hours only...

 

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

 

Thanks,

 

 

Mark

Tree watering system for young newly planted trees

NH discbines - flails vs. rollers

Upgrading discbines may be next on the list over the next year. Currently run a NH 1410 with flails. Been a good machine, but it just seems to me that the flails do not dry out hay as good as the old NH 411 with rollers we had way back when, or the old 489 haybines we had long ago. But have never done a side by side comparison, just seems that way but I could be imagining things. Mainly do grass hay - OG and Timothy.

 

I know the flails are supposed to reduce drydown time in grass hay compared to rollers, at least that's how they are marketed. What are some of your opinions and experience with this? I know several people locally who went to NH flail discbines, and then traded them off on rollers because they weren't happy with drydown time. But a lot of them are also still putting up at least some alfalfa, and I just wanted as many opinions as possible.

 

Also, pull the 1410 with a 2955 usually and it doesn't even know it's back there, and we have some hills and typically very thick hay. If I moved up to the 10' cut machine would I notice much of any difference? I can't imagine adding an extra foot would require but so much more horsepower, but have read on old posts here and other forums where people like a lot more than 85 hp to run these machines, didn't know if it was really needed or not. Maybe to run it 10mph but I wouldn't be doing that anyway.

NH discbines - flails vs. rollers

windrow clumping

I have a new Macdon 205 swather, swathing alfalfa we are getting clumps in the windrow.  This causes the hay not to dry down evenly.  We have tried a lot of solutions but haven't been able to clean it up.  Has anyone been able to clear up this problem on a Macdon 205?

windrow clumping

NH 276 driveline noise

New to me baler. Bales great and eats up the hay. A huge improvement over the old 270.
One problem is on turns I get an awful racket. The U-joints are good but it sure sounds like that. But I suspect it is the over running clutch. I'm waiting on books from previous owner so bear with me.
Should the clutch assembly have any play at all when pto is not running/tractor off? You can turn it a little each way.
Do I need to tighten up the nut under the grease fitting ? Is that a bushing?
Thanks,Lee

NH 276 driveline noise

Massey 1837 drive line disconnect?

I am replacing the clutch disc in my Massey 1837 baler. In the manual it shows a quick disconnect on the baler end of the driveline. Mine doesn't have one and I have not clue how to disconnect the drive line. There is the overrun clutch then the splines that connect to the slip clutch shaft but not disconnect. Anybody got any ideas?

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Massey 1837 drive line disconnect?

New Krone Ec cut 280 cutter

Anyone use one of these on a MF 281 xe?  Having a few issues with cutter not lining up same as my old New Holland 453. Any suggestions?

New Krone Ec cut 280 cutter

New Holland BC5070 and 575 Questions

Recently saw a used New Holland BC5070 sell for what I thought was a low price. Man was retiring and sold his equipment,

I think I asked a similar question regarding a JD 348.

While our hay yield is quite low, once we whip our fields into shape, we should see a much greater yield - just not baling as many acres as you folks typically bale.

We are getting along fine with my New Holland 68, but I think a back-up baler is in order or a newer primary baler, with the 68 as the back-up.

Right now, capacity wise, the 68 is fine. We can only bale as fast as the stacker on the wagon and the 68 can bury them if I push it. But as we grow, we'll probably move to thrower wagons or some kind of accumulator/grapple system - especially as my kids age into adulthood, out of the house and I'm a one man show.

I know the BC5070 and the 575 are similar balers and high capacity balers too.

Question is, if I find a deal on one, how's it going to do cranking out 32 inch, 40 lb bales of hay - which is our goal, like the 68? Our windrows maybe fat sometimes, but maybe thin too. If we are wagon stacking, again the limit is the stacker, not the baler, so I'd have to slow down.

I've read, the these balers like to be full and at capacity or bale shape/length problems occur. Not sure I understand though, just like my 68, there is a 14 x 18 bale chamber, hay dogs and wedges and a plunger.

What makes the BC5070 and 575 not desirable for lighter duty/less acreage baling - or have I got this all wrong? Anyone making 40 lb, 32ish inch bales with these balers?

If I see a deal - is this simply not a baler I should consider?

Any experiences, tips and sage advice on the BC5070 or 575 is much appreciated.

Thanks!
Bill

New Holland BC5070 and 575 Questions

vermeer 605L baler

I've got a vermeer 605L baler. When you start it up and get the belts moving, it makes a howling noise but as soon as you start opening the end gate it quits making the noise. Would that be something to do with the hydraulics or what could it be?

vermeer 605L baler

Straw Operation

Saw this on the Kuhns website....

 

Regards, Mike

 

Straw Operation

Diggind pond on miniexcavator - Project continues

Today I Finally continue My pond digging project with My mini excavator.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKXhAVmVgwg

.

Diggind pond on miniexcavator - Project continues

I need some advise

I'm having trouble getting a good tight bale I just bought a Vermeer 5400 rebel twine tie trying to start custom hay and I cannot make a tight bale I've tested the self contained cylinder it was ok tightened the density all the way down adjusted the string and made not so pretty bales was in some pretty thin Bermuda grass tried low rpm going a little fast high rpm going fast and slow low rpm slow only I'm running out of options so any help on this would be greatly appreciated

I need some advise

Timothy - Weeds and Dormant Question

2015 hay is in the barn. Pretty much broad leaf weed free - but still some "grassy" weeds that 2,4-d or Pasturegard won't touch.

The plan is to spray the fields dead with roundup and no-till in new grass hay. Tillage is not possible as we are the Saudi Arabia of rocks. My concern is - I'll spend a ton of $$$'s reseeding, lime and fertilizing and end up with a ton of good hay, but also a ton of "grassy" weeds too as there must be a bazillion seeds on and in the ground.

However, if I plant timothy, I get a high yielding, essentially one cut hay and then it goes dormant as the summer heat comes on. I'm thinking that I use this dormancy to my advantage. As the summer grass weeds come on and shoot up through the dormant timothy and grow taller, I come along with a weed wiper and selectively take them out. For all other broadleaf weeds, they would get sprayed. Perhaps over several seasons, we can "use up" the remaining grassy weed seeds and have a nice field of timothy - and if later, choose to plant something else that is summer active, the weeds are no longer a problem.

What do you think?

Thanks!
Bill

Timothy - Weeds and Dormant Question

Used baler parts for a NH 311 and 70 thrower

I hope you forgive my laziness for not searching the forum for business's that sell used baler parts, but if you have any knowledge where I could find parts for a 311 and a 70 thrower I would appreciate it.  What I need in particular is a long tongue for the baler and the drive shaft for the thrower along with some sheet metal and possibly the main axle.  Bad things happen when you jack knife a baler.

 

Thanks

Mike

Used baler parts for a NH 311 and 70 thrower

New Holland 315 tying issue

Had some trouble with the old 315 baler last season.... Am I correct in saying the twine is pulling from the twine holders? See the attached photo.

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New Holland 315 tying issue

Let's see your hay wagon loaded by grapple

Hey everyone, Id like to see some trailer/wagons that were loaded using a grapple. (Steffens, kuhns, ect...) I'm only able to go 4 tiers high back to the barn with the bales being stacked on edge. Really like to see how some of you set up your trailers with backboards, straps and so on. Thanks everyone

Let's see your hay wagon loaded by grapple

Damped round bales/ grass hay (advice/help wanted)

I had a semi load of round bales lined up at a real fair price. But the seller had to bale straw before he could ship to me. Would't you know it the day the straw is done it rains. Heavy mist for 6 hours and some small showers, cool and damp for a day. It got the bales wet a little in the field and now they are loaded on a trailer. Now my seller is wanting to ship them to me. I am feeding horses and it's my winters worth of hay. I told him I wanted to see if they dry before I buy them of it stays too cool and they mold. I figure if it gets hot out right away they will be fine. But now they are on a trailer so they won't get air flow either.

 

 I only have money for one shot at getting good hay for winter.

 

So I am asking the people of this forum for advice.

Damped round bales/ grass hay (advice/help wanted)

LS 72 hp

Can anyone tell me where the temp sending unit is on a LS 72 hp tractor is located?

LS 72 hp

Which color of paint fades the fastest?

Thought this would be a good topic in as much as I own some faded implements (and tractors).

At least with me, JD stuff fades the quickest, turning from a deep green to a chalky white overlayed green. Next up is the NH yellow. That also gets lighter and chalky. NH red seems to hold up pretty well.

Finally, both my Kubby's are suffering from faded fendres. the M9 is the worst. The fenders have become mottled with white spots... and I wax my stuff too.

My vehicles don't do the fade-chalk scenario at all and my '97 Ford in Oxford White looks as good as new. Everything sits outside in the summer but the square bailer, that includes my truck and the cars.

Finally, the paint on my new NH round bailer is very poor. I expect it will not only fade, but rust too.

What happened to a good coat of paint?

Which color of paint fades the fastest?

How's everyone's equipment holding up?

I like to see what ppl have problems with and how many acres/ bales they covered. Helps others decide on new equip more than you think.

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How's everyone's equipment holding up?

Massey Ferguson 698T

Hi Can any one help me im looking at a Massey Ferguson 698T
To buy but im a bit weary as it is listed as a Turbo.
But IT has the 3182 Engine in it .
As fare as im aware these Massey Ferguson 698T did not come with this engine.
The turbo version came with the 236 engine.
Any help advise or info would be much appreciate
Thanks Rors

Massey Ferguson 698T

Refractometer

We have a refractometer that is used to check sugars in beer and wine grapes. We began testing our sudan/sorghum (Super Sugar). The scale is brix and we got readings as high as 19 when the plant is just heading out, boot stage was lower, around 12-13 cut regrowth is under 10. Trying to develop an organized plan/timing as the first cuttings are all baleage for our herd. It is obvious the higher the number the more sugar, our Malbec grapes go around 22. Just trying to figure how to maximize our hay quality. I know you dairy guys know how!

Refractometer

Help with irrigation

I need to find a way to irrigate my Alfalfa. I have a water source, just need to figure out not just the cheapest but a good way to do it. I was thinking a pto pump and a sprinkler  type head that I can move around.

Help with irrigation

New Holland D1010 Large Square Baler. Safety Nut breaking

I am using a New Holland D1010 Large Square Baler with a 100HP Fiat Tractor for baling Rhodes Grass Hay.

The safety nut next to the "weight" where the PTO shaft coming from the tractor end, keeps on breaking. Sometimes 3-5 times every 2-3 Acres. We are currently using it at level 50 (Bale compressing level) and making 7'2" bales.

Can someone please point out the reasons why this happens and any precautions we could take to avoid this. Furthermore, what is the average baling capacity of this baler per day.(12 hour working shifts) Thank you

New Holland D1010 Large Square Baler. Safety Nut breaking