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Finger plate type hay rake

(24 products available)

About finger plate type hay rake

Types of Finger Plates on Hay Rakes

Finger plates for agricultural sprayers and tools are widely used. The same is true for functional fingers of various rake types that help improve the ability of these tools to manage hay tissues appropriately.

Finger plates can be:

  • Rotary finger plate rake

    The rotary finger plate rake integrates the finger plate inside the rotating rake arms. The fingers grab the hay and help it turn, dry, and flip it over evenly for the desired results of even curing. The design provides extra control over the drying process, allowing users to make quick hay adjustments. The model runs on the power of a tractor and is often used to manage crops in uneven, hilly, or small fields.

  • Wheel finger plate rake

    The wheel finger plate rake has many wheels with finger plates attached to them. As the wheels spin, the fingers comb through the hay, turning and fluffing it. This action helps to dry the hay quickly and evenly. This is commonly used in larger fields due to its simple, strong design. It handles a wide range of hay types from tender alfalfa to tougher grass hay. It's often powered by a tractor or an engine and is simple to maintain.

  • Gear finger plate rake

    The gear finger plate rake uses a gear mechanism to drive its raking action. The gears rotate the finger plates that pick up, pulverize, and deposit the hay where needed. This mechanical design allows the rake to handle tougher raking jobs. For example, it can withstand windy-rains and harsh weather. As it uses gears, it's very strong and durable for repeated yearly use. It's ideal for big farms that need to catch up on tough-haying tasks over and over.

Features of Finger Plate Type Hay Rake

The finger plate type hay rake has unique features that help it function well in fields. The features are explained below:

  • Fingers

    The fingers on the rake are made from strong steel materials. They are made this way to last long and withstand any twisting. The fingers are shaped like flat plates that grab and toss the hay. The shape helps the rake handle any weather conditions without getting stuffed with hay.

  • Raking action

    As the wheels turn, the fingers pull the hay inward toward the center. This action keeps the hay from getting stuck on anything and allows it to flow properly through the machine. The smooth action makes sure less hay gets stuck and more gets processed.

  • Adjusting rake height

    The rake can work at different heights to gather the hay well. It can raise or lower itself to match how tall the hay grasses have grown. The adjustable design means the rake can stay in good shape even as the ground changes. This quality helps it last longer over years of use.

  • Lifting mechanism

    To make it easy to transport the rake between fields, it also has a lifting mechanism that raises the working parts off the ground. This allows the operator to tow the rake without it touching the ground and getting dirtied. This feature really helps when moving from one area to another quickly.

  • Sliding plates

    The sliding plates are designed to be smooth so that they can easily slide past one another. This allows incoming hay to pass through while compressing any leftover material. The smoother the plates, the less debris will get stuck.

Commercial Uses of Finger Plate Type Hay Rake

  • Mechanical hay rakes for large farms

    Many commercial hay-making operations use mechanical finger plate hay rakes to efficiently dry and turn large fields of hay. The speed and capacity of these rakes allow large quantities of hay to be processed quickly while still delivering a quality customer product. Without these mechanical rakes, large commercial operations would struggle to keep up with demand.

  • Organic and conventional dairies

    Dairy farms, both organic and conventional, rely on high-quality hay or grass forage to feed their cows. Finger plate hay rakes help ensure that the hay is properly dried and preserved to maintain nutrients. Healthy hay supports healthy milk production on the farm.

  • Beef farms

    Beef cattle require quality hay or pasture for optimal health on ranches. Just like dairies, beef farms use finger plate hay rakes to properly dry and store their hay supply for feeding cattle all year long.

  • Horse stables and arenas

    Horse trainers and stable owners know that well-preserved hay is vital for horse health. Finger plate hay rakes aid in creating high-quality horse hay by properly drying and turning it during the curing process. This makes preserved hay more sellable to horse owners.

  • Exporters to countries with cold winters

    Some countries with harsh winters rely on imports of hay bales during the chill season. Exporters use finger plate hay rakes to help make bales suitable for shipment by ensuring proper drying and compression. This allows the hay to last longer during transport to overseas destinations.

How to Choose a Finger Plate Type Hay Rake

  • Operation type

    One has to decide between a mechanical and human-operated rake. A mechanical rake is better for big farms that need to rake a lot of hay without any hands. For smaller farms, a person can operate a simple rake.

  • Hay type

    The type of hay grown will also affect the decision. Some hays like alfalfa need a special rake with fine, thin fingers so it doesn't get damaged. Grass hay is stronger and can use a wider rake.

  • Land shape

    The shape of the land will also play a role. If farms have lots of turns or bumps, a small rake that can maneuver well is needed. Large, flat fields can use wider rakes that cover more ground.

  • Engine power

    The power of the engine pulling the rake must also be considered. Stronger engines can pull wider rakes, but smaller engines work better with narrower, lighter rakes. It is important to match the rake and engine together.

  • Budget plan

    The expenses of buying and caring for the rake have to be thought out, too. Some mechanical rakes are rather expensive and harder to fix. Farmers with limited funds should consider simpler, cheaper rakes that are also easy to maintain.

  • Rake quality

    The quality of the rake will also matter. Rakes that are more durable will withstand bad weather far better than cheap ones. Well-made rakes do their job longer without breaking or wearing down.

Q and A

Q1: Which fields are hay rakes suitable for?

A1: Hay rakes work best in flat, smooth fields. They struggle to rake grass hay on steep or rocky areas. Special rakes are needed for uneven terrain.

Q2: Do hay rakes require routine servicing?

A2: Regular servicing is required to keep hay rakes functioning optimally. Basic servicing tasks like oiling parts and checking for wear need to be done frequently to prolong the rake's life.

Q3: Can hay rakes be used in wet conditions?

A3: Hay rakes are typically used in dry conditions for the best results. When the hay is too wet, it can get stuck in the rake, causing problems. It's important to let the hay dry a bit before raking.

Q4: Do hay rakes work on different hay types?

A4: Finger plate hay rakes are designed for both legume hays like alfalfa and grass tees. Special rakes with different finger shapes may be needed depending on the hay type.

Q5: Can hay rakes handle tough operating conditions?

A5: Higher-quality finger plate rakes are made to last longer. They are designed to withstand challenging weather or operating conditions better than cheaper models that might wear out too soon.