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A pto driven hay rake is an implement that collects, straightens, and fluffs dried forage or grass in the field. There are many types of pto-driven hay rakes, including:
Wheel rakes:
This rake type features multiple wheels with curved tine rows mounted on an adjustable frame. As the wheels rotate, the tines hit the ground and collect the grass. It is an economical choice for farms with smaller fields. These hay rakes are easy to use and provide good value for money. However, they may leave some grass behind when working in uneven areas.
Cylinder rakes:
A cylinder rake collects grass using a rotating cylindrical spool with flexible tines. It mounts on a three-point hitch and is powered by the tractor's PTO. Cylinder rakes are ideal for operations that handle high volumes of grass. They are built for durability and leave the pasture clean. However, the cylender rakes are more expensive than wheel rakes. Their maintenance may also require professional help.
Bar or drum rakes:
Bar or drum rakes are grass collecting implements powered by the tractor's PTO. They use a series of horizontal bars or drums with tines to gather the grass into rows. While bar rakes tend to be more affordable, drum rakes offer a more efficient grass collection option. Both types have their pros and cons. Bar or drum rakes work well in various field conditions. They are suitable for different pasture types and can be used to make hay either on flat or uneven surfaces.
Rotary rakes:
Rotary rakes operate by gathering grass with their tines and flufing it for minimal decomposition. This type of rake is suited for operations that produce high-quality hay. Rotary rakes work well in various grass types and do not create dirt in the hay. However, the rakes tend to be costlier than drum and wheel rakes. Buying a rotary rake may require a large investment. Additionally, they can be complicated to maintain and operate.
Diamond rakes:
A diamond rake uses wider tines arranged in a diamond shape to gather grass efficiently. It is suitable for use in larger fields. The grass collected by a diamond rake dries faster, resulting in high-quality hay. Additionally, the design enables them to work well in uneven areas without leaving any grass behind.
The specifications of a tractor-driven hay rake vary depending on the type and model being considered. However, here are some common hay rake specifications.
Working Widths
Usually, working widths for tractor-driven hay rakes vary depending on the type but typically range from 3 meters to 8 meters.
Pto Speed
For proper functionality, the hay rake PTO (Power Take-Off) speed must be compatible with the tractor's PTO. Most tractors have a PTO speed of 540 RPM (Revolutions Per Minute), which translates to the rake working at about 6 to 8 miles per hour.
Number of Raking Teeth
The number of teeth in a hay rake also varies depending on the type. However, most tractor-driven hay rakes have between 30 to 60 teeth, each with its unique adjustment.
Weight
A tractor-driven hay rake's weight will affect the raking operation. Generally, lighter rakes can be from 400 to 600 kg, while heavy-duty ones can be up to 1000 kg.
Like most farming equipment, a tractor hay rake requires regular maintenance to keep the equipment in top shape. Here are some maintenance tips.
Daily Inspection
Check the rake before using it and examine the bolts, nuts, and hitch components. Look for signs of wear and tear, especially for the moving parts and tires. Ensure all moving parts are oiled and lubricated as needed.
Tire Maintenance
For pneumatic tires, ensure they have the right pressure. Check for any signs of damage and for proper tread depth. For solid tires, check the wear pattern and adjust as necessary.
Lubrication
Raking machinery has many moving parts, including gear systems that require constant lubrication. Lubricate all moving parts according to the manufacturer's manual. This will ensure the equipment runs smoothly and for many years.
Periodic Adjustment
A tractor hay rake has adjustable components suited for different soil types and crop residues. Regular adjustments may be needed from time to time based on conditions. Also, periodic adjustments according to the manufacturer's manual are critical to proper machinery function.
Harvesting hay in open pastures
PTO-driven hay rakes are used in open fields, especially where grass grows unchecked. These locations are often too large to manage without machinery. Farmers use these rakes after mowing the grass to prepare it for baling. The rake gathers the grass into neat rows. Using a tractor-powered rake makes this job faster than doing it by hand.
Dealing with grass in awkward places
PTO-driven hay rakes can manage grass in tough-to-reach areas, like along fence lines or the edges of fields. Their design and the power from the tractor make them useful in these confined spaces. Raking grass in these areas prepares it for baling quickly. It also stops unwanted plants from spreading into fields.
Raking wet grass after rain
Some grass may stay damp after rain, which prevents drying it for hay. A flexible rotor PTO hay rake can collect this wet grass without tearing it. It moves slowly and boosts production. Wet grass may not be worth the effort to dry and bale for hay. However, if an abundance of it is lying in the field, it is better to use a flexible rotor PTO hay rake to prepare it for storage as silage or letting the animals graze on it directly.
Raking tough, thick grass and clovers
Tough crops that grow densely, like clover or other legumes, need special treatment. The flexible rotors on the PTO hay rakes let them glide over the soil. They carefully gather the crops into windrows without damaging them. This method also prevents soil from being tossed into the windrows, which might lower the quality of the hay.
Raking grass after mowing with a disc mower
PTO hay rakes efficiently prepare grass for baling when a disc mower is used. They collect the mowed grass into windrows to speed up drying. By using a hay rake after mowing, the grass gets ventilated. This process helps it dry quicker to become good quality hay.
Working width:
The width of the rake determines how much area one can cover in a single pass. A wider width can potentially reduce working time but may also require a more powerful tractor to drive it effectively.
No. of teeth bars:
Pto hay rakes with more teeth bars can cover more area and ensure better hay turning. However, they will also be more complex and require more maintenance. For small operations, 3-4 teeth bars might be sufficient, while larger farms might opt for 5-6 teeth bars for better efficiency.
Rake wheel quantity:
More rake wheels can provide better coverage and ensure proper hay spreading. However, they will also make the machine bigger and heavier. One can consider the balance between the number of rake wheels and the machine's overall size.
Raking method:
The type of hay one deals with and the desired outcome can influence the preferred raking method. A circle rakes are suitable for open fields and can handle various grass types, while a stick rdkes are better for heavier crops and those seeking more thorough gathering. Whatever the method, choose the rakes that ensure effective hay collection with minimal crop damage.
Adjustment Options:
Different kinds of hay require varying raking techniques. The ground condition and the desired quality of the hay also influence the raking adjustments. One can consider the adjustment options provided and ensure the rake can be set to suit specific needs.
Durable structure:
A durable frame can withstand the rigors of regular use and various field conditions. It will also ensure long-term performance and reduce maintenance costs. Opt for durable frames made from high-strength materials with suitable designs for stability and load-bearing capacity.
Q1. What is the difference between a hay rake and a hay tedder?
A1. The primary difference between a hay rake and a tedder is how they operate. A hay rake uses a series of rotating wheels to gather hay into rows, while a tedder uses arms with spaced-out forks to knock the hay to the surface for drying. Moreover, PTO hay rakes are primarily used for gathering hay into windrows to facilitate harvesting, while tedders are used for spreading out grass to accelerate the drying process.
Q2. How fast should a hay rake go?
A2. When using a PTO driven hay rake, the goal is to gather hay efficiently without causing excessive loss or damage. Generally, a driving speed of 4 to 5 mph is optimal. At this speed, the machine can effectively gather the hay into windrows without overlapping or skipping areas.
Q3. How long does it take to rake hay?
A3. The process of raking hay takes about 20 minutes per acre. However, the time varies depending on several factors including the size of the hay area, the number of rakes used, the type of grass, the skill level of the operator, and the equipment's condition. Many farmers use rakes to comb hays into neat rows for easier collection, thus accelerating the process.
Q4. How many times can hay be raked?
A4. In most cases, grass can be raked two to three times before the first cutting in a typical year. The playing conditions, the management goals, and the species of grass can influence the number of times the rake touches the turf. With proper practices, moderate raking can improve the hay's quality and make the harvest more efficient.
Q5. What are the safety tips for using a hay rake?
A5. Always follow the manufacturer’s manual during installation and operating. Take the necessary precautions to ensure the surrounding area is clear before starting the rake. Wind-rowing in a safe manner will prevent injuries. Maintain a safe speed limit while taking caution on rough terrains. It’s always wise to wear the appropriate PPE.
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