NH BR770A baler

We are trying to get our hay in and of course the Baler is not cooperating. It is making shaggy bales and baler is throwing hay out the top. We have never seen it do this. Any ideas? I have attached a pic of a bale

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NH BR770A baler

fertilizing and baling

Is there any time after you fertilize that it's safe to cut and bale hay? I fertilized a week ago and we have gotten two rains since then (2.2") I had a small area that I didn't get cut prior to it raining and had to get fertilizer down. The hay would be for horses. Square bales.

fertilizing and baling

Last Weekend of 2019

Finished most of my last hay. 4th for most third for the rest.. not many bales but the stubble looks really good. Moisture on the BH 2 was all over the place but the handheld was running 13-15%. Bales felt fine. Dang crabgrass just won’t cooperate.

Last Weekend of 2019

Dies at Full Speed

So last night had a strange thing happen with the 1100c, it just died while driving down a paved road at wide open throttle ... twice. The RTV had been running for about 10 minutes. Water temp was normal. Ambient temp was in low 90's and had the A/C on. So I drive down the road to go check on something. On the way down there I am only going between 10~12mph and everything is fine. I get to my turn around point to start heading back towards the shop and floor it. I accelerate right up to 22mph then 23mph and then I suddenly start loosing power. I release the throttle and quickly decelerate to a stop and die. This is only about 150 yards from the point I applied full throttle. I restart the motor. It takes a little bit of cranking, about 6~8 seconds, nothing excessive. Typically I just have to bump the starter to get it to fire. Started this morning as if nothing had happened.

So I continue to head back towards the shop. Starting off slow and listening for anything different but all seems normal. I continue to apply more throttle as I listen and look for anything out of the normal. All is normal. So I am not quite at full throttle as I approach the driveway so I decide to turn around and try a full throttle run again. Again I quickly accelerate up to 22mph then 23mph and holding. Then it happens again. This time about 200 yards from when I first applied full throttle. Same thing, I can get it restarted but takes a little bit of cranking and working the throttle to get it to fire. It runs rough at first but settles out after about 8~10 seconds. I run back to the shop at about 3/4 throttle with no problems or anything odd.

Of course when I get back into the shop I don't have time to tear in to it. The wife is waiting on me for dinner and it will take another 10 minutes to put all the tools and other stuff still in the bed of the RTV away. (option just dump on to shop floor but that would be even a bigger mess then the mess in the bed)

So my first thought was fuel. I had a similar thing happen last December but I had ran the tank almost dry then. So I was figuring as I accelerated what little fuel was in the tank was sloshing to the other side and the pick-up was sucking air. This time I have 3/4 tank of fuel.

Possibly dirty fuel filter. Not even sure where the filter is. The RTV operators manual only says to service it every 500/hrs and to contact Kubota service for the task. The more I think about it the less I think it is fuel/filter. Symptoms just don't match past fuel/filter experiences and I am have burned 3x as much of the is batch of fuel in the tractor with out any issues. The tractor fuel filter & bowl look like they have just been serviced with just over 30hrs since being serviced/replaced.

Other thought that crossed my mind was a dirty hydraulic suction filter. Currently unable to get a visual on it but did run my hand around it and it does not appear to have caved in or anything. Just dirty, no moisture or grease/oil. It has Kubota filters for the hydraulic system and K2 synthetic oil.

Any thoughts on what could be causing this? Currently the RTV has 310 total hrs and 1304 miles. 5% of that time is hard working (moving dirt or similar) with the remaining 95% of time of just lightly used for fun running thru the woods and such.

Thanks!

Dies at Full Speed

How long will hay prices hold uo

https://www.agweb.com/article/farmers-loyalty-trump-tested-over-new-corn-ethanol-rules

How long will hay prices hold uo

Batwing Mower with a weak cylinder

Hey. I own a Rhino 3150, batwing 15 foot mower. The left wing has got where it sags down when mowing, When I fold it up, if I dont take it all the way up, it will sag back down fairly quickly and when I get it folded up, it struggles to push the wing back down.

 

Unfortunately, I'm not great at diagnosing and fixing problems with my equipment. I was wondering if any of you guys knew what to do.

Batwing Mower with a weak cylinder

Hesston 5585 Baler

Does anyone know how to take the inside rollers out of a 5585 baler?

Hesston 5585 Baler

Removing Crankcase Cover

Hello Everyone, I'm trying to get the crank case cover off my 1100, I have all the bolts off but I cant get the thing out, does anyone have any pointers or tricks, it wiggles a little but that's about it. It's on pretty good

Removing Crankcase Cover

New toy!!!!

Mitsubishi mt372. 15 hp 2 cyl diesel. It came with a finish mower also.
Now I need a box blade and tiller. Cute little thang. :17875:

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New toy!!!!

Massey /Heston 2756a

Hi I'm new to this Forum.
Having problem with our 2756a round baler.
Parked it last night after baling all day without any problems.
Wanted to bale again today and the monitor shows The big stop sign and it says " bale size limit with the number 082 ".
And the clutch will not kick in.
Any help would be appreciated.

Massey /Heston 2756a

A big square baler video--and a bit of a mystery

 

It’s always fun to watch a good baling video, and this guy has some good ones.  Does anyone see something unusual about the baler?  I’ll give you a hint--take a particular look at the bale size.

A big square baler video--and a bit of a mystery

Baling Sudan grass dry

I had a bunch of preventative plant ground this year. Planted Sudan grass on 200 acres with the hope of baling it dry. It’s currently 3-4’ tall and stems are roughly 1/8” thick. Admittedly did this without a plan to get it dry. I’ve been reading older comments on the impossibility of getting it fit very fast. Weather here is dicey. Looking for advice. Was wondering if running it through a flail shredder (normally used on corn stalks) would be an option?

Baling Sudan grass dry

Hay Quality Considerations

Thanks to SDSU

https://extension.sdstate.edu/hay-quality-considerationsI’ll

Hay Quality Considerations

Organic alfalfa/orchard grass questions

I have an opportunity to farm 50 acres of organic ground. He wants alfalfa orchard grass planted on it. There is no crop in it right now. Foxtail and cheatgrass is really thick. He has brush hogged it twice this summer. No soil analysis. He applied chicken manure on it two years ago and then planted soybeans. He wasn’t able to plant anything on it this spring because of the weather. The years prior he had alfalfa on it and it did fine.
My questions are,
What are the going rates for organic alfalfa og small squares?
If we apply chicken manure how long until the yields suffer from the lack of fertilizer?
What to do about insect pressure?
Is it worth the extra management?
What are definite do’s and dont’s of organic farming?
There’s a great wealth of knowledge here and I appreciate any bits you would be willing to share. I’m still new to haying but I’m really enjoying it. Even with this horrible season so far!!

Organic alfalfa/orchard grass questions

New x1100C

I've been a member for a while now, reading and wishing. Finally got my machine.

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New x1100C

Thanks for the updates!

Thanks bordercollie for posting updates about your roxor experiences! We are following along!

Thanks for the updates!

Farmhand Accumulator questions

New guy here and I just picked up a Farmhand Accumulator with three grapples for pretty cheap. I have never used an accumulator and grapple before so this will be all new to me.

My first question is what size hydraulic pump did this accumulators use? Would a farmhand PTO pump from a loader put out enough flow? Mine was unfortunately missing this and I would prefer to run it off a separate pump instead of the tractor due to using several different tractors to bale with.

My next question is what kind of pump to go with, PTO or off the flywheel? My current baler is a John Deere 14T so I'm concerned if I use a PTO pump that the PTO shaft on the baler will become too short while turning and cause damage. I have seen the pumps attach to the flywheel with either belts or somehow to the main shaft of the flywheel as well.

And my final question is what were the differences between the F100A, B, C, and D? I can find manuals for the B's and C's but not the D's which is what mine is? Would one of those manuals be good enough?

Any help or insight to these would be extremely helpful!

Farmhand Accumulator questions

Round Bale Temperature.

Every year the question is posed about what is safe round bale temperature. This will be pinned and used as a reference. From the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative. 

 

Regards, Mike

 

Round Bale Temperature.

John Deere Bale-Trak Plus Monitor....Is it broke?

Picked up what I think is a real nice Deere 854 silage baler.  I am having problems with the monitor. Most everything seems to function as it should.  When I tried to calibrate the bale diameter and bale shape sensors, the monitor will not accept the new values.  I press the plus and minus at the same time and wait for the double beep but hear none.  Am I missing a step?

John Deere Bale-Trak Plus Monitor....Is it broke?

NH 270 timing problems

I have a new Holland 270 square baler that I'm having problems with it jumping time. I had been clear through this Baler several years ago and it usually runs like a sewing machine. Normally bale 500 to a thousand Bales a year with it. This year I replaced the main and knotter drive chains. It had got to the place where after about 200 or 300 Bales it would break a shear pin and I'd have to put it back in time. Dad went to bail some straw yesterday and today and now it will Bale about three or four bales, and then break a pin. I haven't had a chance to look at it yet, but I'm wondering where to start on it. Will definitely take a look at the tension on the drive chains. I counted the links off of the chain that I replaced so it is exactly like what was on it. I think that they were still the original chains. Just wondering where else I can look for a problem.

NH 270 timing problems

Horse Hay customers become friends?

I have a few customers that range from 4 to 10 bale a couple times a year to the one that gets maybe 10 bales every month or two, Any way 2 years ago I was glad to have them but this last spring hay price more then doubled up to $100 TO $120 PER 3X3X8 and it seems hard to raise the price from $40 or $50 dollars a bale although I was able to push it up a little. It wouldn't be such a big deal if it was just 1 or 2 bales but when you do the math on 50 bales at an extra $50 it helps pay the bills. We even went to Thanks-giving at the one couple he likes the same brand antique tractors as me. Talking with my large baler guy and he said it should be no different then when you rent land and the land owner raises your rent because some one else in the neighborhood gets more.It looks like this year the hay price should be good but you get that price swing from when everyone has hay in August to when people are running out in March thru May

Horse Hay customers become friends?

No till drill in rolling terrain

Currently my front runner for a no till drill is a Great Plains 1006. I like that the end wheel design helps keep side load off the coulters and openers on my rolling pastures. To sum it up I'm comfortable with it and not hesitant to buy one.

My problem is I'm also looking at Deere 1560 and 1590. I understand I can rebuild a 750 to the updated version. I've come across a few 10 and 15 footers that were reasonably priced. Even an inexpensive 20 but my concern is missing dips and such. What issue will I have with uneven terrain with these? Do they dig into the rise as the tractor is headed back down hill? Is it true you can run half of the machine for 15" rows?

No till drill in rolling terrain

Morris pro ag 14 bale gatherer

Has any one had one of these? Just got a used one and so far it's a net wrap cuttin sob! I'm sure there is learning curve but seems like there should be a trick to something. The bearings on the rear of it seem to be whats cutting my net wrap can't even tell it's doing it til we go to load trucks and have a pile of broken bales. Just curious if anyone has any ideas how to get bales over then. We re-engineered the spreader bar on the back seems to help some

Morris pro ag 14 bale gatherer

Life of propionic preservative

I have some (Fresh Cut Plus Liquid) preservative that has been in the tank on the baler since the summer of 2017 .

Didn't need to use any on '18 or so far this year. 

Label says 61% propionic acid with total acid 73%.

Is there a way to check if this is still effective?

TIA

Fred

Life of propionic preservative

Oats Greenfeed. Haybine vs discbine

I I purchased a discbine this year for haying and I have 40 acres in oats to cut for greenfeed. I'm wondering which would be better for cutting, a new Holland 489 haybine, or a new Holland 1411 discbine. Don't have a swather. Any other advise with cutting is appreciated.
Thanks.

Oats Greenfeed. Haybine vs discbine

where can I buy DDGs

Does anyone know where I can buy DDG  in bulk by the semi load. We got them from Vickburg Miss in the past but are no longer available. The closer to north Louisiana the better. Thanks

where can I buy DDGs

Claas 700 liner rake lift problem

I'm trying out a Claas 700 twin rotor rake that a local dealer has on consignment and I'm having a problem getting the hydraulics to work. The front rotor will raise and lower fine but the rear rotor won't lift at all. The dealer wasn't given a manual and isn't a Claas dealer, so they aren't a whole lot of help. Any ideas?

Claas 700 liner rake lift problem

RR

I Rent a 16.5 acre field, we  had strait oats there this year. Cant get a real long term commitment on the land but I am going to take a chance on alfalfa and would plant  in next 5   days . Cheap seed is necessary due to the rental term risk. Can get a good blend out of DEKALB for $150ish . Roundup Ready Seed would make life much easier at this place, and I would go that way depending on price  . Anyone hear any good prices on RR Alfalfa Seed .     

RR

john deere 640 rake

I have a J.D. 640 rake that stopped working.The reel stopped turning.When pulled,the shaft from the wheels no longer turn. If the problem was in the gearbox,would the shaft from the wheels to the gearbox still turn?  Any help would be appreciated. Dan

john deere 640 rake

Tedder question

Does the outside tines always pull hay inward?I presume so but just asking.

Tedder question

Good cutter?

I currently use a New Idea 5409 9’ 3-pt mower, pulled with JD 5525 (75 pto hp).
I like how easy this mower is to maintain but it’s getting some age on it. 1990 - cuts 70 ac of pretty heavy grass twice a year.

Has any used the new Massey version of this mower with the wire flails?

Any other ideas on a replacement cutter?
In my grass I not sure I need or want rollers?
Thanks!!

Good cutter?

Not Surprised

https://www.agweb.com/article/breaking-china-announces-tariff-hike-us-products   

Not Surprised

Wet wrapping corn stalks

I’d like to try baling wet cornstalks right behind the combine then wrapping them to ensile lightly. Curious if anyone has any tips/tricks?

Wet wrapping corn stalks

Skid steer alert. Good deal?

https://baltimore.craigslist.org/hvo/d/pikesville-bobcat-s300-skid-steer/6961724237.html

Skid steer alert. Good deal?

Vermeer 40 series disc mower problems

I have a Vermeer 7040 Disc mower that binds up on me after cutting an hour or so.  It is 3yrs and 2months old and Vermeer said they will not stand behind there product and pay for repair.  I just got it from the Dealer who charged me over $1,200 to repair it and it is doing the same thing.  Was told the Pulley on the gearbox came apart and wallered out the keyway.  So the shaft and pulley needed to be replaced.  Has anyone else had any problems with this series of mowers?

Vermeer 40 series disc mower problems

? for Mike10 on 499 Haybine

The 540 splines on the gearbox for the PTO pump are getting very worn, it will survive this year but will be replaced before next. I’m assuming the planetary setup is pretty self explanatory but just wanted to make sure there isn’t something else in need to do when I replace the shaft. Pump sits properly on the tractor and all, doesn’t wobble or anything, I’m just figuring this is just a wear and tear thing as this machine has cut thousands of acres.

? for Mike10 on 499 Haybine

NH 1431

Having major problem with the 1431 cutter bar. It snapped off a couple of weeks ago. Decided to bite the bullet and repair it. 2 drive shafts; 1 lower gear module rebuild; 2 upper top gear units; one small connector shafts; both hanger spacers; 1 cage and 2 installation kits. $4K+. did 40 acres and the right spacer broke off taking a drive shaft with it. New Holland was good and covered the parts. Today after 60 acres the left side snapped off. The drive shaft looks OK. There is a problem here that we can not figure out. This is the third time it broke. Doing 5 miles an hour. Not fast. Hay was not heavy.   A few mole hills but not excessive. Any tips out there?

NH 1431

Kuhn mower conditioner nightmare

Kuhn conditioner (steel rollers) sold by JD dealer can't handle heavy johnson grass. Any of you guys attempted to condition heavy johnson grass or similar crop (video attached). The dealer and rep was no help, just blowing me off after the sale?  Bought this machine new, used it for three days and sent back to dealer after being informed by Kuhn rep. thru dealer that there is no mower conditioner sold that can handle the crop shown in the attached video. Travel speed was 1.3mph 11000 rpm with crimper tension and rollers wide open. Traveling any faster would shear the roller shear bolt, replacing about 16 shear bolts. Finally, after feeling that I was getting no service or help from dealer and rep. had enough and told them to take it back. How are you guys handling this issue with heavy grasses.

Can't upload my video, apparently not permitted to upload this kind if video. 

Kuhn mower conditioner nightmare

Seed Drills?

  Will a regular seed drill work to plant winter cover crop (Black Oats) in a grass hayfield? I am looking online at a well kept International Harvester 5100 soybean special.

  I currently rent a friends Tye no-till drill. I think it actually only plants 7 feet, could be 6 feet. It takes a while to get much done. I own an old Deere 8200 drill. I have used the old 8200 with fair success scratching the ground and dropping ryegrass seed in pastures. That seemed good enough with rye grass seed which I believe would grow on asphalt.

  I am wanting to drill some hayfields in Black Oats this year as a cover crop. The Black Oat seed is long and needs more soil contact than rye grass would. I want a good stand.

  Should I just keep renting the no till or can I get a good stand with something like the IH 5100? Are drills like the IH 5100 and may old 8200 Deere called semi-till drills?

I plead my ignorance in advance.

 

Seed Drills?

Biodegradable Twine

Wondering if anyone is using Field Ready twine? Looking at the flyer in Lancaster Farmer it says it is biodegradable and based on knot strength (small squares) guessing it is plastic? Reason I am asking is we currently use blue plastic twine with zero knotter problems and see all those tails lying around drives us nuts and every baler knotter mechanic we talk to says if we switch to sisal expect knotter problems.

 

TIA

Biodegradable Twine

Roxor on the Cattle Farm

We worked cows today and had to move a few with the trailer so the Roxor and it's heavy duty bumper was put to work blocking the chute and trailer door. It made an impressive reinforcement to guide the cows straight in and left no options to a possible troublemaker but to go straight ahead. I was sure glad because we did have one silly one that hesitated on getting on the trailer. I was on the other side - holding open the headgate - and being ready to close the trailer gate asap. Dixie was in her seat watching and ready to help. bordercollie

Attached Images

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Roxor on the Cattle Farm

Oat hay)weed advice needed

We recently moved to Eastern Wyoming and I planted forage oats this spring on 35 acres of fallow farmland. I was in the process of getting my irrigation pump back up and running when I planted with hopes to have it running by the time I needed to water. We had lots of spring moisture so my oats were up about 16" with minimal weed pressure on the 4th of July, without supplemental water. On the 5th of July my crop got hailed out (back to 3-4" stems). Since then I have extensive weed pressure, along with my electrician not getting my pump put together until Aug 1. As of right now I have dormant oats in the late dough stage that are 2' tall, wild sunflowers that are 3-5' tall, kochia that is 3' tall, and sand burrs that are 12" tall. I need to do something with the field but with all those sand burrs I'm not sure if I should cut and bale it or try to graze it with ???

Oat hay)weed advice needed

Starting on my own!

This will be a little bit of a long post, so bear with me. I’ve had two dream jobs since I was a boy. I wanted to be a soldier and a farmer. I have spent the last 15 years on active duty and now have only 5 to go till retirement. After I retire I plan on getting some land back in my home area of Central Texas (Temple area to be exact). I want to get into the haying business because nothing brings back childhood memories for me like the smell of fresh cut hay, the sweat and grind of working long hours in the field stacking square bales, or the sight of green rolls of hay as far as the eye can see.

Here’s my plan. Starting out I only intend to have about 40-50 acres in hay production. I’m going to buy very basic used equipment starting with 4x5 rounds. After 5-8 years of working my own land and gaining the experience I want to start branching out and doing custom work in my area. I plan to have a full time job in those years to keep a decent cash flow coming in to help myself build up and use what little profits if any I can get off my land to start upgrading and adding to my equipment for when I go into custom operation. If I have enough customers on a regular basis I hope to go full time custom work.

Now I know there will be a lot of nay sayers out there to this, but hear me out. I love to work. It’s just what I do. I currently work another job other than the Army mowing the RV campground where I live and also doing the golf course and horse stables on base with a 20’ batwing. I’m so dedicated to this it has actually made me quit smoking so I can turn that extra money into more capital when I go to purchase equipment and land. I grew up working on a 5,000 head pig farm during the school year, and worked a 500 acre tobacco and dairy farm up in Kentucky with family during my summer breaks. From the age of 7 I was the one usually cutting and raking hay up in Kentucky. I wasn’t allowed to run the baler.

I have been researching everything I can from this site and others to broaden my education and general knowledge on producing the best quality hay possible and where and when to sell said hay. I plan to use the next 5 years to continue to expand my knowledge of soil management, fertilizing, creating good stands, and ensuring that I cut, ted, rake, and bale in the most efficient and productive way possible to hit the ground running as best I can. As of now this will be a solo operation. I don’t have a wife or kids. Never had the time or the right woman to get married. I will have a few friends from the army in the area that have already volunteered to help me as they can while I get my business up and running. Plus I will have 7 nephews in their early to mid teenage years I’m sure I can have come out during the summers and help as needed. Doing squares solo will be no picnic, but I figure with a little more upfront cost of an accumulator and grapple with some extra time thrown in I can make it happen.

I have a few questions for y’all to start off with. Does anyone know if there is a decent market for a custom operation in Central Texas? I know doing 50 acres of small squares is a tall order, but would I turn a better profit and have a broader market doing small squares? Would there be any benefit to doing large squares versus rounds? Why don’t more people do large squares? I know the upfront cost and maintenance cost of a large square baler is more, but it seems to me it would save a lot of time in the field which over time could turn into profit by reducing labor, raising production, and being easier to load and stack than rounds. What would be some good warm climate grasses to start with in my region? Mostly I see coastal Bermuda. Is this an easier one to produce? Alfalfa seems to be king of the hay world if you can grow it and bale it well. Is Alfalfa ok to do in my climate? I was thinking I would start with a more basic grass mix for my first 5 years or so and then transition over to Alfalfa as I gain experience.

Sorry for the long read and if you made it this far thank you for sticking with it. All tips, tricks and advice are welcomed and encouraged. You can try to talk me out of it, but I’m in this for the long haul.

Starting on my own!

Waterproof camera monitor for open station tractor

I'm getting old and constant turning to look back is causing me neck problems. I want to use a camera but can't find one with a waterproof monitor for open station tractors. One tractor has a roof over the romps so I can probably get by if I mount it high up and park under a shed roof. But the other tractors are wide open and often left out in the rain. Has anyone found a reasonably priced waterproof monitor.

I know I could make it moveable, but I am sure to forget and leave it on in the rain. Also has anyone used swivel ball camera mounts for backup camera adjustments? Will they hold up to the constant vibration of tractor work?

Waterproof camera monitor for open station tractor

Hesston 4750

We are having trouble with soft bales and the monitor is beeping overload. We did change the little plum pressure control  ( this screws in to the valve and has 2 wires on the end ) in the valve on the baler> Made no difference

 

 

Hesston 4750

Putting together my business plan for a loan I have a question

In a general way how long does it take you to cut 80 acres of good crop alfalfa? How long to square bail it? Small bails? I need tractor time so I can estimate fuel, I know there are a lot of variables here but I just need to be close not exact. Thank you for the input.

Putting together my business plan for a loan I have a question

Grazonnext Supplemental Label to Expire April 7, 2020...

For those of you using Grazonnext and selling hay off the farm under the supplemental label, I just noticed the supplemental label that allows it is set to expire April 7, 2020.



Question is - will a new label replace it with more states added (hopefully VA) ?

Anyone hearing anything on the next Grazonnext supplemental label?

Thanks!
Bill

Grazonnext Supplemental Label to Expire April 7, 2020...

Change

Should you change what you grow?

 

https://hayandforage.com/article-1863-changing-it-up.html

 

Change

Gazeeka Colt 180 problems

I just installed a Gazeeka Colt 180 moisture meter on my NH BC5080. Can’t get it to work. Keeps saying there’s no bale present when there certainly is one.
Anyone have one and can offer suggestions?

Gazeeka Colt 180 problems

Fertilizing for 3rd cutting of orchardgrass

With all the rain first cutting as well as second cutting was late. Second cutting not done till August 10th
I'd really like to push for a 3rd.
Would just Urea at 50lbs an acre be alright? P levels are well. I was hoping to add K later, or would K make a difference as well?
Ph is good, and no legumes in field.
This is in Rhode Island.
Thank you, Lee

Fertilizing for 3rd cutting of orchardgrass

baler not making a clean cut side

what am i doing wrong?  may bales do not have a clean cut side and a folded side.  a normal has a clean cut side and a folded side.  My bales have a few cuts showing but most of the bale is folded on both sides.  I tried going slower and feeding less but it doesn't help. I must have some thing going wrong.  Any ideas. for me to check out Thanks

baler not making a clean cut side

How well does a NH bale wagon work without side boards?

Hello folks,

 

There is a NH 1034 bale wagon coming up at an auction nearby soon. It has no side boards. The owner says he took them off because they got in the way and he has never had a problem running without them. And now he says he does not know where the side boards are. His ground is fairly flat. So is mine, but my ground can be rough. I know the earliest bale wagon models were sometimes run without side boards but I have never seen one run without them myself. The owner's father bought the machine new and it seems to be in good condition.

 

What do you think? Am I going to come to grief trying to run without side boards?

 

Thanks,

Roger

 

How well does a NH bale wagon work without side boards?

BTO Forage Maker.

New Mexico......from Progressive Forage Grower. 

 

Regards, Mike

 

https://www.progressiveforage.com/forage-production/harvest-and-storage/the-head-scratch-tracking-multiple-operations-multiple-fields

BTO Forage Maker.

Dogbane, grazon, and tank mixes

I’ve about convinced myself that I’m ready to deal with the manure restriction on the grazon next HL but want to make sure I get this done right. I’ve seen some suggest adding Remedy if spraying milkweed and while they are related plants I have not seen the same suggestion for dogbane. If you’ve sprayed ‘bane with grazon and had success, was it with another product in the cocktail and if so what?

Dogbane, grazon, and tank mixes

4995 windrower and 995 head problems

My platform shoots up way to fast and jerks the windrower like crazy no matter what my float is at. Anyone know what would be causing this? Thanks

4995 windrower and 995 head problems

Boiling weeds

https://krvn.com/agricultural/boiling-weeds-in-saskatchewan/

Boiling weeds

To late to fertilize ??

Bermuda pasture for cattle in Oklahoma. we've had a flash drought and its ate down pretty low, is it to late to apply N.if rain is expected ?

To late to fertilize ??

Converting hydr. Motor to PTO drive on swathinverter????

Hi there, I'm new to the forum. 

Question: We have a Matador 7900 swath inverter, it runs the pick up via a hydraulic motor, it's own speed valve and is hooked into the tractors Hydraulic system.

We have the thing since quite a few years and it's all great, but the hydraulics on the tractor heat up too much with the swath inverter working for a period of time. Tried it with two different JD tractors, same story.

 

How much work would be involved to replace the hydraulic motor on the swath inverter with a PTO drive hydraulic motor. 
Is it 'do-able' and how would figure out which PTO drive motor would be equivalent to the hydraulic motor currently on the machine?

 

Or, how can we keep the tractors hydraulic system cool while running the inverter, if we can't convert it to PTO drive?

 

Thanks for your input. 

Converting hydr. Motor to PTO drive on swathinverter????

John Deere 535 Belt sizing

Good Afternoon Everyone, 

 

New here, and honestly I know this is probably a dumb question but...

 

On my John Deere 535, the manual calls for 4- 525" belts and 4- 531" belts. I have a belt that is tearing slightly and looking at JD's parts manual is slightly annoying as it doesn't show which belt is which. Do they alternate? Are the longer ones on the outside? Shorter ones in the middle? What am I missing here? Is there a sequence these belts were in? I will probably add a piece in for now, but there is a few new belts in this machine and i'm not really interested in changing every single one. I've looked all through the manual, online and everywhere and I can't seem to find any answer as to what they should be. Is there a diagram floating around that will tell me what they were supposed to be from factory?

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks!

 

J

 

 

John Deere 535 Belt sizing

New Holland 1499 swather sickle bar timing

I have a NW 1499 swather with dual sickle bars. I did some work on the drive line and I think the sickles may be out of timing as they do not align perfectly at the center and do not move in unison out to sides or into the center.  Is this an issue that could cause problems?  Seems to work OK but leaves a tuft of grass in the center while cutting?

 

Thanks for any input.

New Holland 1499 swather sickle bar timing

Vermeer 504L

I have a 504L soon as the baler gets a 3 ft bale it has a deafening squeal to it. I have checked chain, sprockets ,and bearing. The belts are not in that good of shape is it possible that’s the cause?

Vermeer 504L

bale sweeps

Has anyone ever used a rocky mountain bale sweep? Do they work and does it save labor? Are the hydraulic ones work better?      Thanks 

bale sweeps

brome hay

My boss has 15 ac of brome. I told him i would put it up for him. It's fairly thick, does it take any longer to dry than fescue hay? Would you ted it? 

                                                    Thanks

brome hay

Brake lights on JD 5525 not working

Last Saturday was backing tractor undershelter late in the day and realized the brake lights were not working. Oh that is great, had been on major highway just minutes earlier. 

 

It is a cab tractor.  The turn signals do work. Does anyone know if they use the same light for turn signal as brake lights? If not does anyone know where the brake light fuse is?  Can anyone tell me where the brake light switch is? Thanks. 

Brake lights on JD 5525 not working

Vermeer 5500 Rebel

Does anybody have a service manual for a Vermeer Rebel 5500 and can tell me where the hydraulic tension should run? This baler is new to me and have baled about 80 bales with good luck so far. Mine did not come with a hydraulic pressure gauge for the hydraulic tension cylinder. It has the holes drilled for the gauge, but apparently all did not come with that option. I would like to increase tension on the bales, but figured a gauge would be nice so I actually know where i am at. I ordered the baler specific kit from Vermeer. I thought the gauge would have green-yellow-red "ranges" on the gauge, but it is a standard gauge 0-3000 psi. I have the operators manual which isnt any help, and i created an account on MyVermeer, but it only gives me access to the parts manual. Surely there are recommended pressure ranges and a "dont go there" limit.

Thanks in advance.

Vermeer 5500 Rebel

X1100c won't move

Just bought a 2015 x1100c with 2000hrs.

If I put my foot to the floor, you can feel the machine just barely try to move.
With the wheels jacked up off the ground they do turn.

Main hyd tank was low on oil. Added some. Changed hst and suction filters. Checked unload valve wasn't pressed, but still no change.

What's next....check relief valves?

The fact that the wheels do turn makes me think the pump/motors are intact. No contamination noted in the filters that I took off.

X1100c won't move

Farmhand Bale Accumulator

I have a Farmhand Bale Accumulator and every time I bale, it doesn't shove the 2 bales over in time for the next set of bales to line up, which is causing the succeeding bales to turn sideways and mess the order all up. Any help on this spacing/timing issue would be much appreciated. Thank you!

Farmhand Bale Accumulator

horsenettle taking over my pasture

What do others use to control it besides mowing.  I need some herbicide that won't restrict grazing and won't break the bank.  I have typical mid west pasture, white clover, fescue, orchard and other grasses.  I'm not sure they have ever been sprayed with anything, if so it was 50 plus years ago.  Let me know what you all use.  I raise Angus and plan to slaughter a few this fall off the pasture.

 

Thanks!

 

Derek

horsenettle taking over my pasture

Value of alfalfa in rotation

Shamelessly stolen from another Ag website.

https://uknowledge.uky.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://www.google.com/&httpsredir=1&article=1049&context=ky_alfalfa

Value of alfalfa in rotation

Re-baling old round bales back into round bales??

Just curious if anyone has ever took old round bales, and rebaled them into round bales again. If you did how did it work, or how did you make it work. We have a about 50 older round bales 5x5 where the twine is junk, and if you try to move a bale it just falls apart. We were thinking of re-rolling them (we know we are going to lose some hay in the process of re-baling). We tried wrapping one in plastic, but it falls apart doing that. I was wondering if our newly acquired 2011 JD 568 mega-wide (with only 11,000 bales on it) could do the job of picking up the un-rolled bales with a 100 pto hp tractor, or would it be better to rake it with our pto driven rol-a-bar rake after unrolling the bales. 

Re-baling old round bales back into round bales??

rain on my alfalfa windrows.

It's been pretty dry here but cutting my hay always makes it rain. This is a straight alfalfa field, mowed it yesterday, raked this morning and started baling around 3pm. Got about 6 round bales done and .2 inches came down on it from 4-5pm. Trying to figure out a schedule to get it done because I might need to take time off of work to do it and am going out of town in three days. Right now I'm thinking do nothing tomorrow(day 1), flip the windrows with the bar rake on the 2nd day and bale that afternoon. As of right now my forecast is calling for a 1/10th of an inch late PM between day 1 and 2, although the rain does skip me a lot. All the grass around me is pretty much dead. If it doesn't rain tomorrow any chance it will be dry and I can flip and bale tomorrow? Essentially let the top dry, flip it, wait a few hours and the other side will dry. Or do you think it will take two days?  Neighbor suggested tedding first thing in the AM but I'm concerned about leaf loss at this point if I ted and then rerake at some point.

 

 

rain on my alfalfa windrows.

Hay Report.

Progressive Forage Grower.

 

Regards, Mike

 

https://www.progressiveforage.com/news/hay-market-reports/forage-market-insights-school-is-still-out?utm_source=Progressive+Publishing+Notifications&utm_campaign=1279c1fbe6-08152019_pf_hay_report&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_67d5f32817-1279c1fbe6-87278301

Hay Report.

2008 1100 rtv front drive shaft removal

I tried to use search for this information but I guess I don't have enough skill to do it. I have a torn boot on front of the front 4 wheel drive shaft. wanted to get some info for removal before starting, it is the one piece shaft. also I have not bought a shop manual for this machine, would this be a wise investment?

thanks in advance

2008 1100 rtv front drive shaft removal

NH BR7060 continuous cycling of the autowrap

Its a twine only machine. Everything works well but after it's made the bail and finished the auto wrap cycle it will trip and cycle again, and again, and again. I get out and tighten or loosen the bolts for the belt and eventually it catches and stops cycling. Not sure what to do to fix the problem. Something to do with the timing of the clutch deal catching the plate? Help please.

NH BR7060 continuous cycling of the autowrap

Round baler

I’m using JD 469, and looking out from back of machine the right side of bales are always being over twined. I had set the numbers on the monitor as per JD tech settings and still deal with twine rotating off the edge of the bales.

Round baler

Results with Quinstar and Sledgehammer on Orchard Grass

I had a local coop spray my orchard grass with quinstar for foxtail and crabgrass at the rate of 1/2 pt per ac and I spot sprayed nutsedge at the recommended rate.  The quinstar was applied on 8/6, the sledgehammer on 8/9.  Since there has been a fair amount of interest in the topic I thought I would post my results to date.  

 

Weather/moisture

First of all it is fairly dry but there is moisture in low flats draws and other likely places.  On 8/6 weeding was still fairly easy.  There was guaranteed rain on 8/7 which did not occur, and highly probable rain on 8/10 which also did not occur.  We got a decent rain finally last night so things may look different in 4-5 days from now.

 

Nutsedge

Sledgehammer was applied at the recommended strength to wet but not running off on isolated clumps of nutsedge.  As expected, all the nutsedge is in areas with better soil moisture and non treated areas of orchard grass are not showing any signs of stress from lack of moisture.  Within 2 days of application the nutsedge started turning yellow without any visible sign of change to the surrounding orchard grass.  As of today, the same conditions were observed.  Pic included.  Sorry for the lighting, it was evening when I took it  .  Also noticed from the other pics I took that it is really difficult to show what is desired even with a good camera and lens.  So borrowing any significant reversal, the sledgehammer appears to be a real success and I can gradually eliminate the nutsedge a little at a time.

 

Quinstar

Not such great news with the quinstar.  Where there is still adequate soil moisture, the impacts on the orchard grass appear minimal but the impacts on the crabgrass are highly varied even over very short distances.  There will be crabgrass that is clearly stressed and looks to be fading and 5 feet away it is still going strong.  Makes no sense to me.  The foxtail does not appear to be rapidly fading but does not appear to be growing either.  So I am not sure if it is arrested as it was or what is going on.  Perhaps after the rain we just had it will be clearer in 4-5 days.    In the areas where soil moisture was becoming or had become limiting, some of the orchard grass is stressed and some appears to be dying off.  Now it may come back with rain, it may not.  There appears to be more control on the crabgrass areas in the moisture stressed areas than in the adequate moisture areas.  

 

So, if I was making a decision at this point, the quinstar should not be applied at this time of year when moisture stress happens frequently.  Perhaps right after first cutting after a rain is a better strategy.  Will report more as I see it.

Results with Quinstar and Sledgehammer on Orchard Grass

First time trying to dry alfalfa / heavy red clover mix

Monday I did a second cutting on neighbors 12 acres using my PZ 170 mower. Alfalfa and especially the red clover were very heavy. In fact my neighbor and I have never seen it this heavy for a second cutting. Yesterday (Tuesday) I ran my tedder through the windrows to spread it out. Temps are in the high 80 with an interment wind, I'm in SW Colorado, Current humidity is about 25%. Forecast shows 0% possibility of rain for the next 4 days.

 

If it was grass I would windrow late this afternoon and be baling tomorrow afternoon, but from reading I will take at least 1 or possibly 2 extra days for this mix to dry.

 

Question - Should I windrow today and not touch until baling time, or let it lay flat until almost dry then windrow. I am concerned about leaf loss if I wait to windrow. I have a Kubota rotary rake.

 

I normally do a twist test on my grass (breaks at 4 to 6 revolutions and good to bale), but how do you tell the alfalfa and clover are dry enough?

 

Thanks for any help

 

 

PS: on my grass I bale at 10 to 14% moisture to prevent mold, etc.

First time trying to dry alfalfa / heavy red clover mix

Rear Differential Cover R

2004 RTV900G Owner bought at auction and said the seal on the right side rear propeller shaft was pouring out transmission fluid. He asked me if I would change it and I agreed taking him at his word. When I started taking it apart I discovered that someone before had changed the propeller shaft and had attempted to screw in the three bolts with an impact wrench. They were totally stripped out. They bolt into the right side diffsupport cover. I ordered one and it is turning into a real bear to get the old one off. Anybody have any experience or advice? :pat:

Rear Differential Cover R

Kubota DM2028 hay mower

Are there any instructional videos out there on replacing inner bearings on gears inside cutterbar on Kubota DM2028 hay mower

Kubota DM2028 hay mower

Boom sprayer newbie questions

So as you may or may not know I have a 30ft boom sprayer that I completely rebuilt and I finally had a chance to use it but I have a few questions about the operation... according to the tag I got with the nozzles it says 4 miles an hour at 20 psi gives you 21 gallons in acre, which is about what I need for libertylink beans. But my field is way too bumpy to go 4 miles an hour. The booms are bouncing all over the place and I feel something may break. Not only that but 20 psi doesn't come out very well but 30 at 5mph works well but is way to fast... So my question is 1. Can I spray more gallons per acre and go slower and good coverage? 2.5 to 3 miles an hour gives you a nice ride. And 2. is it advisable to add a couple of pounds of weight Midway across the booms to keep them from bouncing? I'm all new to this and am trying to learn. I was told 36 Oz to the acre of the chemical. 30 to 40 psi seems to give the best pattern. Can someone help me to get a understanding of how this works?

Boom sprayer newbie questions

New hay baler opinions

   Our local federation of ag has a machinery rental/share/cooperative type deal. Currently we have a nice diversity of equipment ranging from tillage/seeding/planting to hay/silage equipment, and utility/dump and cattle trailers, and much more.

I'm part of the committee that ensures maintenance and good repair of the equipment, and also help in the decision making process when it comes time to purchase/trade in equipment.

Planning on making some change ups next year, mostly looking to trade in troublesome/costly equipment.

Looking to replace our NH BR 7060 silage special. It's been very costly the last few years, I blame it on the silage part, guys are baling at way higher moistures than they should even though rules are in place limiting moisture content...

 

We purchased a Kuhn VB3160 this year and it was used by everyone making baleage while the NH was only used for dry hay. So I'm thinking we should phase out the costly NH silage baler and replace it with a model that is best suited for hay (or at least we could advertise it as such) to reduce wear and tear.

We also have a JD 449, it's been good, pretty low maintenance and almost no downtime in probably 6-7 years,dealer is painful to work with but baler has been reliable.

 

I'm thinking either a new 449 (or similar), a new Massey/Hesston 2946, or something similar to these balers. 4' wide is a must, and not many guys make bales bigger than 5'. NH is out...not good dealer support... no krone or vermeer dealers for 1000miles.

 

This baler will see 3000+ bales/year, stays in a 10 mile radius most years and run by 65-90hp tractors,netwrap and twine both preferably, run on hills, oh..and must be simple to operate/set up....

I'm liking the Massey but also partial to Claas because I personally run a 23 year old rollant, but new ones might be a bit heavy.

 

Looking for recommendations on a baler. What you have/had, likes/dislikes, features....

 

Sorry for the long post, thanks for all and any suggestions/thoughts.

-Foz

New hay baler opinions

Hay Boss 400T preservative sprayer

Hey there. I purchased a Heston 1836 small square baler. Can anyone give me an idea of what the Hay Boss 400T preservative sprayer system costs? I contacted my Heston Dealer and I don’t think they priced me the correct one. It was quite a few thousand $$$. They said they did not much info on the Hay Boss systems...

Hay Boss 400T preservative sprayer

Grass fed

Interesting.

https://www.hayandforage.com/article-1363-Grass-finished-beef-need--high-energy-forages.html

Grass fed

Electric Sprayer Controls.

Are the solenoids on  these fairly reliable? I'm considering changing my manual controls for a Tee Jet or Remcor for my sprayer, and I don't have much faith in electronic stuff but am tired of having to get out of the cab to adjust pressure and shutting the pto off on turnarounds. 

 

 

Electric Sprayer Controls.

Leafhoppers in alfalfa

Anyone else seeing a leaf hopper explosion in alfalfa this year? 

 

I just did some alfalfa fields one field had LH resistant alfalfa one field didn't.  Cut 1st and 2nd cuttings same day on these fields.  3rd cutting, almost a 15 bale an acre difference in yields.  In the no LH resistant field, discbine started looking like a Krone or JD, with those little critters covering the machine.

 

Larry

 

PS yes, I'm experiencing an extremely dry period.

Leafhoppers in alfalfa

New holland 660 rd baler tie arms won’t go to center

My 660 when it goes to tie the arms won’t go clear to center

New holland 660 rd baler tie arms won’t go to center

John Deere 336 Small Square Baler.

Hi. I’m thinking on going to look at a John Deere 336 small square baler. What can anyone tell me about them?

John Deere 336 Small Square Baler.

Lost my rake tines in the field.

When getting ready to rake I noticed that the rake was missing two tines. They always are secure with a lynch oin. What is the best way to search for them on a 40 acre field? Run atv around, use a metal detector or just buy new tines?

Lost my rake tines in the field.

Problem baling dry hayg happened again.

I tried to role 40 acres of hay today when the temp was 101 and by noon the bales stopped rolling. About twenty acres went well and by the afternoon bales will not grow more than 40 in, the hay picked up by intake appear to pour back on the intake. I emptied the first chamber manually but the same thing happened again. Not sure if the hay is too dry and powdry or something gone wrong with the 5 years old baler? Effort to cut and windrow 20 acres is wasted. The grass is mostly blue stem and does not have much length to it when dry. Any thoughts?

Problem baling dry hayg happened again.

New to TMR's What should i know before buying one?

Been thinking about getting one for our sheep in order to get more economical feed rations.  It may also get used for feeding calves away from the barns on nice winter days.   Don't want a big one, it only needs to hold about 2500 lbs of hay/straw mix and some grain.  Doubt i will be adding water.   Any advice appreciated.

New to TMR's What should i know before buying one?

457 John Deere baler

The twine arm drops down to tie like it should.Then when it gets down it comes back to home position.You can manually tie it ithen.What might cause this.

457 John Deere baler

Krone 283 Disc mower question

Krone Mower 283 question. I am a new member and have an issue. I purchased a used mower for a really cheap price that had the first hub ripped out of the cutter bar. I had a local welder weld it back, and replace the pinion shaft and gear. Mower was working great, very quiet, no vibration and was cutting easy grass field. I did not hit anything, but the same thing occurred again. The pinion gear and hub was raised out of connection with the spur gears and ripped different place out of the cutter bar. The first weld held. Any idea why it is doing this? I only cut about 10 acres for my own use, so cannot afford a new one. Trying to determine why this happened. Any ideas out there and is it worth trying to weld it again or not?  Thanks

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Krone 283 Disc mower question

MF 1233 Oil Pan removal

I am having to remove the oil pan to fix the leak and fix the drain plug.

Question is this.

To remove the drive shaft from the 1233 tractor do you have to pull the front end loose and separate or does the shaft come off another way?

Thanks
Landon


Scooping more MF foreign made :shit:

MF 1233 Oil Pan removal

Nh1431 long distance transport

Hi blokes and blokettes,
Quick question re moving a 1431 mower several hundred kms. Have just purchased one and not sure how to move it. It’s approx 4m wide so issues with wide load requirements. Do you need to remove drawbar so the mower body can sit lengthways along truck? Any ideas/knowledge/experience appreciated.
Cheers. Sean.

Nh1431 long distance transport

Kubota vs Sitrex tedders

Kubota TE4052 or the Sitrex RT5800. I'm looking for feed back, pros and cons on these tedders. This appears to be to only brands available in the area at the moment. Both have 4 rotors.
Thanks.

Kubota vs Sitrex tedders

Rtv excessive black smoke and loss if speed

A couple weeks back I picked up a used RTV 900, 920 hours on it. Its also much louder than my other RTV 900 and puffs black smoke upon start up and also when drive around. I searched these forums for a week or so and have done everything I’ve read and could think of. All new filters, oil, cleaned out fuel tank checked intake, remove spark arrester, cleaned out the muffler. Still black smoke and speed still limited. Engine bogs down at 3/4 or more throttle untill i pull back and engine rpms climb again. What now

Rtv excessive black smoke and loss if speed

Ford 5000

I have a ford 5000 it seem to blow the side pump gasket when I pull out the selective knob. Building pressure in the based!!

 it seem all air vents are clear.  Very Odd to me.

Thank for any help.

Ford 5000

Case IH 190 year 2003

Posting for someone else.

Case year 2003 model 190. Huge problem with tractor. Dealer let's him know that the problem is. Electronic control module for the remotes is bad. Than tells him no longer available. He is searching all over and can't find used.

That's why I'm posting for him. I can't imagine this can't be resolved some how. He is not the only one this has happened to. Can anyone help???

Case IH 190 year 2003

Rock Guard for NH Hydra Swing

I use to have a NH 1475 with a 2300 series header.  Between the auger and the crimper there was a bunch of little spring tines that the hay would slide over to get to the crimper, but rocks would fall through because they were to heavy for the tines to support.  This year I bought a 7150 with the HS header.  It doesn't have this rock feature, instead it has a solid piece of metal between the auger and crimper.  I'm now getting rocks up against the crimper.  My dealer says this is an after market part.  Is anyone familiar with this part, and know where I could find it?  A friend was turning around on the headlands when the crimper threw a rock out.  It broke the side window of his cab and ended up by his feet.

Rock Guard for NH Hydra Swing

How much should I charge

I have just under 6 acres of alfalfa. Good field well managed. The guy I'm renting to got 9 bales off first cutting. So I would like to know how much I can charge and should I do an by acre or just for the year or no different. Thanks.

How much should I charge

Bale tension ??

Wanting to add air tension or hydraulic bale tensioner. I can’t find where to buy air tensioner. Any help ??

Bale tension ??

Vermeer 554 XL net wrap problems

I am considering buying a vermeer 554 xl silage special with net wrap, it has 11,000 bales on it, the dealer said they are selling it as is the net wrap doesn't work but it ties twine fine, they've tried the talcum powder on it and then it wraps sometimes.. any help or advicewould be appreciated, thanks
Pete

Vermeer 554 XL net wrap problems

Rejuvenating Neglected Hay Field

Greetings all,

A few months ago I had the good fortune to buy from a retiring gentleman a 70-acre timothy hay farm containing all the equipment, supplies and facilities needed to jump right into full production. Unfortunately (you knew there would be an "unfortunately"), the fields had been slowing deteriorating through neglect for several years and are sorely in need of rejuvenating to re-establish a thick stand of timothy. As I was haying the first cutting in June I noted numerous areas, some as large as several acres or more that were heavy to weeds, such as dandelions and horsetail, and sprouting brush, some areas almost 100%, and teeth-shattering ruts. I helped hay on my uncle's ranch in Minnesota when I was a teenager but I have no farm management experience so I am a bit lost as to where and how to start rejuvenating these areas. Any ideas and experiences with re-establishing the timothy and with smoothing the ruts? 

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Rejuvenating Neglected Hay Field

Oat hay

Howdy guys, looking for some opinions here;

I have around 30 acres of oats, seeded as a cover crop for a reworked hay field.

This is common practice around here, in a typical year you can cut the oats and what grass has grown,

and bale it as hayonce it has dried sufficiently. (we call it oat hay)

 

This has been far from a typical year though, lots of rain through June (normal) but also July (usually hot and dry last 2 weeks of July)

We just managed to get our dry hay in before another week of rain, now I'm worried we won't get the weather to dry the oat hay.

 

Usually I wait to cut the oat hay until the oats are in the milk stage. As of this morning, I estimate 1 -2 more weeks for milk stage.

 

What are the possible results if I cut now, as we have a stretch of good hot weather that started today.

Will the benefits of having oats in the hay be negated by cutting it too green?

Will it even dry enough to be safe to bale up?

Oat hay

Maybe getting into the game??

My wife and I bought our first farm last year, a rolling 16 acres of paradise, if you ask us. We have had some cattle on the 7 acres of pasture since we have moved in. I just bush hogged a few of the acres I couldnt get the calves to in time last year, but this year I got a neighbor to round bale two of the acres. He did a great job making me happy by entertaining me, but hes expressed that hes not interested in doing it again. So, it looks like something that would entertain myself for a while, and really baling some of it each year would really be something good for the ground too. I know that buying machinery to do this to try to come out ahead financially isn't a possibility but I'm interested in looking at some equipment anyways. I have a 50 hp Zetor 5211 tractor to start with. I would think I'd need a mower, a rake, and a baler to get going. Where should I start? My paddocks are less than an acre each, so maneuverability is important.

Maybe getting into the game??

Grasshoppers how many is too many

My son and I were out walking Orchard grass Timothy fields tonight sometimes there were as many as 25 to 30 small green grasshoppers bouncing around our feet. I was talking to a guy a few miles from me and he mentioned he had trouble with them one year. There are some spots where I feel the grass should be looking better then it is. What do you guys think and what kills them if I do have a problem and when do I spray. I do have a pesticide license.

Grasshoppers how many is too many

x900 exhaust broke

Has anyone modified the stock ex to keep it from breaking again.JOE

x900 exhaust broke

Looking for someone who loves "old iron" to write a column

Hey folks,

Lance Phillips has done a great job for Progressive Forage in providing 5 or 6 columns a year titled "Old Iron" where he talks about old equipment, some he's fixed up, some he likes, some that's just interesting. He's going to take a break after December. Do you know of someone who might have a bent for this kind of thing? If so, please put them in touch with me. It is paid. I'd be happy to hear your thoughts.

 

Lynn

editor@progressiveforage.com

Looking for someone who loves "old iron" to write a column

Twin Rotory Side Delivery hay Rake Users

I cut with a ten foot cutter. Sometimes just rake two separate windrows into two. But now have 6 basket  Krone tedder. Still want to rake two separate windrows. Small squares mostly.

 

This year first cutting tedded field. I use a Kuhn GA6002. The trailing rotor rakes up half the size windrow as the first one. the only way to try to stop this is to take have a pass with first rotor.  Now this is unacceptable in my eyes. 

 

I talked to one guy with a Claas 800 twin. said in two windrows raked ok but in tedded field he also gets uneven windrows. 

 

It this a common issue with this type of rake? If so why bother changing brands? The Claas looks to me the trailing rotor is way farther back. that should stop most of the hay stealing. pluss looks like it moves over farther. 

 

Can you guts please clarify! 

 

No machines around hear for me to demo. The one dealer wont let me take out new rake because than it would be used. I understand that. 

Twin Rotory Side Delivery hay Rake Users

Sizing Mowers and Tedders

Probably a stupid question - Do you have to size your tedder to be the same width as your mower? Looking at a 40ft tedder and a 30ft mower. Fields are rectangular. Anybody foresee issues with that?

Sizing Mowers and Tedders

Kuhn gmd 700 disc cutter help!

Bought a kuhn gmd 700 disc cutter and it doesn't have the stop lock on it and was gonna make one but dont know how long it is from the pivot bolt to the end. Anyone have one they can measure for me? Thanks

Kuhn gmd 700 disc cutter help!

Gallons per acre for effective broadleaf control

I am setting up a new  ( to me) 20 ft boom sprayer for pastures and grass hay fields. When I calibrated it at 20psi, and a reasonable spraying ground speed, it was putting out 11 gallons per acre.  This is great for minimizing refills and with fan jets it should get decent coverage. But what have you learned in your experience? I will be using Grazon Next HL on pastures and Crossbow on Hay, both with surfactants. Will 11 gallons get the needed leaf coverage? I am using 20psi to minimize drift.

Gallons per acre for effective broadleaf control

new holland L180 help please

Good morning, I have a 2005 new Holland L180. The EIC panel shows SETUP and Will not let me release the break for the hydraulics to function. Loader functions all work and I believe that is only because I bypassed the soleanoids a couple years ago when they were acting up. When I scroll through the options in the EIC, is there anyway that the hydraulics need unlocking? There is no password on this machine that I’ve ever used in the last three years. I have read that this boards fail often, I would just like to confirm that it is the board before I spend $800. Also, when you take the key out of the machine it flashes SETUP for a few seconds and then turns off and then flashes set up again for a few seconds. Does that mean anything? I assume my seatbelt is working because you cannot start the machine unless it is buckled. Thank you very much in advance and please let me know what other helpful information is needed

new holland L180 help please

Vermeer 605k

My K baler doesn't seem making a tight bale. The hydraulic gauge is barely moving even with the adjustment all the way up. Any help about what to look for would be greatly appreciated.

Vermeer 605k

Need to Hire Hay Baler in Howard County, Maryland

Hi everyone! I need to bale about 10 acres in Howard County Maryland and am looking to hire someone for top dollar asap to help with this. If you are interested please let me know or if you know a person/service I would be greatly appreciate that too. Thank you in advance!

Need to Hire Hay Baler in Howard County, Maryland

New Holland Baler BR770A string round bale

I purchased a used string New Holland BR770A baler a few years back.  It has auto wrap and command box with it.  I have found that each bale the auto wrap does something different.  It may wrap string every few minutes, it may go into auto wrap mode and never shut off, it may not trip at all, and sometimes it works as it should.  I have read the books I could find on the baler and have tried several adjustments.  I am not sure what else I need to do, but I have another hay cutting coming up in a month and would really like to resolve this issue.  Has anyone seen this issue or have suggestions on what I need to do?

New Holland Baler BR770A string round bale

946 Deere Windrow Width

How wide of a windrow will a 13' 946 swing tongue lay out? The conditioner rolls are about 9' wide - can you lay a 9' windrow?

946 Deere Windrow Width

Seeding failure,head scratcher

Neighbor seeded 2 fields with Alfalfa and a grass mix.
One field was beans last yr and other corn.
Seed was mixed with fertilizer and spread with airflow and rolled in.
He got a good stand and it was 3-4” tall and nice and green then leaves turned tan/brown and dried up.
Wind storm came threw and blew all the leaves off.Stems left standing.
The grass that was seeded was a lot thinner then should of been.
They have gone over all chemical application records and shouldn’t be issue with any carryover.Also the 2 fields had totally different chems last yr.
The dieing off of the plants was even across the entire field was no different in low ground or higher ground.So that pretty much rules out plant diseases.
I think it could be a screw up at fertilizer plant and to me the only thing that makes any sense.They said no way it could happen.
They looked into testing soil for chems but you have to test for specific chemical groups and no way of knowing what to test for.Testing for everything possible would cost over $1000.IIRC about $200 per test.
They want to reseed it.
They dug it up because waterhemp was coming in spots.
Sure seems risky to me to seed it again but that’s what they want to do.
Sure is a head scratcher.

Seeding failure,head scratcher

New Holland 575 baler help

We traded our NH 315 baler with a pan kicker for a 1990 NH 575 with a 72 belt thrower so we could get more capacity and have a newer baler. I want to change the gear box oil- can anyone tell me what the capacity is as the end of the  level check plug is broken off and I have no idea if there is the right amount of gear oil in the gearbox now?  I also want to change the oil and filter for the 72 thrower- will it self prime after the change or is there some procedure I have to go through?

 

TIA

New Holland 575 baler help

What do I have here?

I have aquired this 8 acre field recently. My goal is to put up hay from it.  I don't have a lot of experience in reclaiming a field and weed control.  What do I have here and what should be my best plan of attack?  Burning is out here.  I was going to knock it down with a stout flail mower that I have.  Should I spray before? after?  As of yet I do not know what the PH level is.  I'm assuming it is way out of wack. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.

What do I have here?

The cost of second cutting OG

So, I have to admit that I cut my second and then third cutting in og before I wanted to to control the foxtail and crabgrass seed heads.  Made 13 bales to the acre on second, 10 bales to the acre on third.  Beautiful hay heavy bales.  No weeds, all leaf.  So many want it I decided to figure out exactly what it cost me.  5-6$/ bale for topdressing fertilizer, another 3-4$ machine cost including fuel meaning it's 9-10$ a bale just to cover my costs but not my labor.  I will be testing the market response to that today and tomorrow. 

 

The intangibles are I would have had the cost of bushhogging it twice for weed control and the grass would not have been in nearly as good a shape for the fall run on the first of August.  The fields are lush and dark green and growing.  Spraying the fields early next week for post-emerge foxtail and crabgrass control  and topdressed today with 250# CAN per acre.  Hopefully we will get some rain in August and have a nice later cutting with better math.

The cost of second cutting OG

Reclaiming hay field

My wife and I just bought a small 30 acre farm that will have a few horses.  I plan on putting up my own hay.  However, there is a 10 acre field that I must reclaim. I need some advise as t how to go about it.  I have attached a few photos showing what I am up against.  I'm not sure of the variety of weed that covers the whole field...but the bottom line is that it is a weed.  Burning is out of the question here.  I have a pretty stout flail mower that can bring it right down.  Should I do it now?  Spray?  Any and all suggestions will be appreciated.

Reclaiming hay field

Massey 2846 low voltage issue

My buddy has a 2846a massey baler. Its hooked to a JD 7400. He will ocasionally get a low voltage alarm on his monitor. Normally while it was trying to tye a bale with net. Recently it has gotten worse I had him run a #10 wire from his battery straight to his harness plug constant 12 volts. He said it worked perfect for 30 bales and now he gets the alarm while baling as well. At any point while watching the monitor voktage is always 13.6 +/- brand new batteries. All conections have been checked. My next move is to have him run another wire for ground and another one temporarily for switched side straight to battery to see if that gets it so we can eliminate the factory wiring. Ive been told the 12 volt constant side was too small from the factory anyway. Maxzillion if you read this does the ecm monitor the voltage on constant hot side or switched pwr side of the harness. If that doesnt get it im pulling his alternator off and having it tested at a local rebuild shop. They should be able to load test it. Whats funny is he has never seen his voktage dip at any point which makes me wonder if factory harness ground wire is too anemic. Can anyone think of something i am missing. I have issues with my 1086 as well with my baler a new alternator resolved the issue for a while.

Massey 2846 low voltage issue

They Want to Buy a Square Baler

A good friend of mine, life long farmer, has a free hay lease on some bottom ground. The new owner bought the property and it was pasture, had the tenant move the cows.. He told my friend he could cut for hay to keep it nice. Friend cleaned it up, dressed a half mile dirt road, limed and fertilized with a 5 year free agreement. There are 2 years left, which will not be renewed. My friend is going to apply just enough fertilizer the next two years to grow some hay. He already bales 400+ acres with out the 75 of bottom land.

Get this.
The owners grown son has convinced his (80 yo) dad they can make a killing square baling it themselves. They are city folks and just come out to look around. The grass is mixed and cow hay my friend feeds himself. The son says they can make squares and get rich. They do not own any equipment, even a tractor. They have no barn or shed. They have never made hay. They did not know you had to store squares out of the weather.

They plan to buy equipment over the next 2 years.

 

We just smile and go on. Sure must look easy from the road.

They Want to Buy a Square Baler

Wonder if I'm getting a good deal

Hi all,

 

I'm not sure if I'm getting a good deal on my hayfield and hope someone can chime in.

 

I have about 40 acres that is hayed. It is all just non-fertilized natural grass. My neighbor cuts and round-bales it twice a year. I don't know if they are 5x5 or 4x6 bales. I don't do anything, he supplies all machinery, fuel, labor, removal, everything. I have no animals so he gets all the bales for his cattle. It's been hayed for a long time, but we've only owned the place for a few years.

 

Each cut, there's about 55-65 bales from the land. Our cut is about $400. That's only about $6 per round bale for us. Doesn't sound right. Round bales on craigslist are going for about $50 a bale.

 

Am I getting a fair price for not lifting a finger, or am I getting screwed?

 

Thanks for reading!

 

gottahay

Wonder if I'm getting a good deal

Pro's and Con's on new ActiveMow Krone disc mower.

I just bought a new 9' R280 Krone mower. There is a couple of cons in my opinion only. I aint been over but about 20 acres and it looks 3 years old. I aint crazy about the way it folds up and breaks over center. It is a pretty good jolt when it breaks over and stops.

The canvas seems alot thinner than the older ones. And it flops around alot like a flag when cutter is folded up and going down the road.

And if you have the cutter down in the cutting position and raise the front canvas up to do something to cutterbar. You  better pin it up because it will fall. It almost broke my back when it fell on me while under it.

But it does have alot of Pro's. I think everybody knows them. I tried to post pics. but my work computer will not let me.

Pro's and Con's on new ActiveMow Krone disc mower.

Improve cut pattern with older mower/conditioner?

Mower is a international 1190 so it only swings out to the right. Ideally I'd get the headlands completely baled, then I can come back and do nice straight lines down the middle. With the weather it's been more ideal to cut all in one shot so I've been doing a race track pattern and I end up missing strips in the turns, especially as the cut pattern gets smaller and smaller as you get to the middle of the field. It also leads to more work when baling because I've been following my cut pattern with my rake(except counter clockwise) and it's hard to get everything with the baler while in a turn so I have to go back later to scoop up the scraps. So aside from getting the headlands done first is there any better ways to do this when I'm trying to get it done before the next rain shower.

Improve cut pattern with older mower/conditioner?

krone tedder question

I have a Krone KW 5.50 tedder that the tilt cylinder has stopped working... Ive read the other threads where people say to loose the accumalator or make it into a dual cylinder. Mine wont stay down in the tilt position. Talked to the guy at the hydraulics shop and he thought it was the accumalator. So I seperated the hydrolic system and added other hoses to the tilt cylinder to make it a dual. Works fine for about 5 seconds then it acts like it looses pressure and tilts back. i even have put @ cutoff valves on the hydro. hoses with same results. Im thinking its the cylinder seals now but looking for some advice....what are your thoughts???

krone tedder question

BLOAT BLOCK

I have , and really like , a lot of red clover in the pastures . I keep a bloat block with them at all times . Im wondering if someone has a , easier , way of bloat prevention ?

example being , I was thinking of putting a baking soda compartment in the mineral feeders . I just cant find much info on this subject  .  Blocks are starting to get a little pricey , atleast at the local feed mill , and just looking for a alternative . Thanks

BLOAT BLOCK