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A small hay rake is a piece of farm machinery used to lift and gather hay into windrows for easy drying and collection. It is an essential tool for farmers who harvest hay for livestock feed, especially in regions where machinery efficiency influences production economics. Several types of hay rakes are available, which vary according to size and functionality.
Rotary rakes
Rotary rakes are fitted with circular raking heads that rotate and gather hay into windrows beneath them. They are often towed behind a tractor and operated through hydraulic controls. These rakes closely manage the hay and can be adjusted to change the size and placement of the windrows. Rotary rakes are well-suited to large-scale hay harvesting operations and can handle a wide variety of crops. Their speed and efficiency make them ideal for use in expansive fields. Additionally, the adjustable windrows they produce can facilitate subsequent hay collection and storage processes.
Wheel rakes
A wheel rake features multiple wheels with flaps mounted on an arch. The flaps sweep the hay and gather it into windrows as the wheels rotate and roll across the ground. Wheel rakes operate well over uneven terrain and marshy grounds making them ideal for topographically challenging fields. They are also well-suited to damp or wet soil conditions where other types of rakes might struggle to perform effectively.
Vertical beat rakes
Also known as axle rakes, Brant vertical rakes feature several vertical rotating discs with curved teeth that beat the hay into a windrow. The speed of the beating action helps to fluff the hay, making it suitable for collection by balers. Beat rakes are particularly useful for handling lush alfalfa fields, where clean raking is essential to prevent contamination of the hay.
Finger rakes
Finger rakes are manually pushed on three-point hitches and feature many curved fingers on a rotating shaft. The curved fingers sweep the hay into windrows as the shaft rotates. Those kinds of rakes are better suited to small-scale operations and are mostly used in home gardens and small fields.
Small hay rakes require regular maintenance and have specific specifications to ensure the equipment works properly. It is crucial to familiarize with the specifications and maintenance requirements of the hay rake machine to achieve desired results.
According to a report by Statista, as of 2022, the global market size of agricultural machinery had reached 142.32 billion U.S. dollars and is projected to grow progressively in the coming years.
The working width of a small hay rake generally varies depending on the model. Most machines have a width of about 5 to 10 feet, which enables them to gather hay into windrows of that same width. The entire machine is designed to accommodate a range of crops and field sizes. Working with an unsuitable width may result in incomplete hay gathering or overlapping windrows.
The wheel assembly has a varying number of wheels based on the rake type. The wheel assemblies typically range from three to six, with each wheel spaced evenly along the rake frame. The more wheel assemblies, the more support for the rake. The support wheels gather the flattened hay and support the rake as it is towed along.
Generally, the wheel diameter determines how much hay the rake can handle and the maximum speed at which it can be towed. Smaller diameter wheels are used for dry hay, while bigger wheels are used for green or wetter crops. The wheel diameter of a small hay rake usually ranges from 14 to 24 inches.
Small hay rakes are pulled behind tractors that have a hitch with different categories. Category 1 hitches are mostly used for small-scale farming applications with tractors that have a horsepower of up to 45. They are compatible with implements that have a universal mounting hitch and mostly used for small square balers. Category 2 are suitable for larger tractors with a horsepower between 40 and 100, and they work well with implements used in mid-sized to large-scale farming.
It is crucial to perform regular maintenance to keep the equipment in good shape and working properly. Maintenance may vary depending on the rake type and model, but it may include periodic inspections and adjustments, lubrication, cleaning and occasional repairs.
Routine inspections should focus on crucial areas such as tires, wheel bearings, chains and belts. Look out for any signs of unusual wear and tear, looseness, damage, or drop. Additionally, operators should ensure hydraulic functions are working properly with no leaks or kinks in the hoses. Checking and adjusting tire pressure to match the specific requirements is also necessary to ensure even wear and proper function. During inspections, the hydraulic system should be cleaned of any debris and dried thoroughly.
Depending on the guidelines provided by the manufacturer, some parts of the hay assembly machine may require lubrication use of grease. Regularly washing the hay rake is essential as it removes dirt and mud. Water can easily penetrate the gear boxes, and this prevents rust buildup.
Occasional repairs may be needed especially if parts are damaged or worn out. The first step would be to refer to the manual and identify the damaged parts. Only a trained technician should do the repairs to avoid accidents and injuries. If damages are extensive, it may be necessary to replace the entire small hay rake.
Small hay rakes can be used in various scenarios for managing hay or straw. In addition to the aforementioned applications, small hay rakes are also useful for cleaning and maintaining farm equipment, such as milking and feeding areas in barns or livestock manure. After livestock is fed in these areas, milk spills tend to make the barn floor slippery. Using a small hay rake to collect the dried, spoiled portions of the barn floor can create a safer environment for walking around.
Small hay rakes, particularly smaller versions, can be handy for landscape and gardening work. They can be used in flower or vegetable gardens to evenly distribute fertilizer or compost. A small hay rake can also be used to gather grass clippings after mowing, which can be applied to the lawn or saved for use as mulch.
Small hay rakes enhance the beauty of flower gardens and paths by collecting fallen leaves and debris. This prevents the growth of fungi and other plant diseases. Raking leaves away while they are still dry makes the job easier. Another gardening use of the small hay rake is to gather bean or pea vines after the crops have finished growing. Using the small hay rake to gather the vines makes the garden look tidier and makes it easier to prepare the soil for the next crop.
Small rotary rakes, which are powered by the tractor's PTO, can also be used to collect leaves in the fall. One option is to use the rake to gather the leaves into a pile. Then, a shredder can be used to shred the leaves before applying them to the lawn. Smaller rakes are also useful for gathering leaves and debris under trees, such as fruit and nut trees, where larger rakes may not fit.
When traveling, small hay rakes are commonly used on farms with lawns. The rake gathers clippings after mowing, and doing this with a small rake reduces the need to collect clippings and the number of trips to the compost pile.
Small, manual hay rakes are useful in public areas, parks, and paths. They can be used to gather hay swaths that are too small for large rakes without compaction in valuable turf areas. In confined areas where large rakes cannot access, small rakes are beneficial, and many parks use small rakes to collect and pile hay for easier disposal.
The right rake can make a significant difference in how fast hay can be turned and how much time is saved. In this case, farmers' needs are the top priority. With that in mind, here are a few questions that neds to be asked when selecting small hay rakes:
What row does the hay rake needs to work with?
Basically, what width can the hay rake work on is an important factor to consider. Before selecting a suitable hay rake, it's vital to determine the width of the area that needs to be covered and the number of rows to be raked. A machine with the right width and sufficient rake rows can be chosen to address these specific requirements effectively.
What type of hay rake is preferred?
Consider the type of hay needed for selection. A new or used round hay rake can be chosen based on personal preferences and budget constraints.
What is the preferred method of pulling the hay rake?
Determine whether an towed or tractor-mounted hay rake is preferred before selecting the hay rake. Depending on the choice, a suitable hay rake that matches the preferred configuration can be selected.
What is the required speed of operation?
Every hay rake has a different operational speed. If a specific operational speed is desired, it's essential to consider this requirement when selecting a hay rake. Choose a hay rake to achieve the desired work speed and efficiency during hay raking operations.
Q1: How are small hay rakes powered?
A1: They can be powered by hydraulics, electricity, or tractor power take-off (PTO). Rakes that use tractor PTO are called tractor-driven hay rakes. They are connected to the tractor with a PTO shaft. Other rakes, like the ones driven by wheels, are known as self-driven or ground-driven rakes. The rotation of the wheels pushes the rake arms to move the hay.
Q2: What is the difference between a small hay rake and a large one?
A2: Small hay rakes are better suited for smaller fields and farms, while large rakes are intended for large-scale farming and more extensive areas
Q3: What is the difference between a small hay rake and a hay toucher?
A3: A small hay rake gathers scattered hay into small piles or windrows for easier collection, while a hay toucher lightly contacts the hay to preserve its nutritional quality and prevents the hay from being disturbed too much.
Q4: What safety precautions should users of small hay rakes take?
A4: Users should keep their hands and feet away from moving parts, ensure proper lighting and visibility, follow the manufacturer's operating guidelines, and rake only suitable types of hay.
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