|
I think BC's equipment advice is right on the money... For 20 acres you may want to make a decision on if you want to do it yourself or hire it out. Depending on where you are.. Cut/rake/bale .50 to a buck a bale. Getting it in the barn may be another four bits a bale...(depends on how high and how you've got to buck) Used square bale equipment isn't too expensive, but you've gotta have a place to keep it and take care of it... plus your time and labor, fuel etc. Real Rough Numbers on semi-decent used stuff.
Junk will go lots cheaper. Baler $750 - 1000
Mower $500
Rake $700 (one that works)
Hay Wagon $500 - $1000 (or lots of trips in a pickup) Hay elevator $500 (or lots of labor) Total $2,400 or so... Either way you go, good luck and the advice about being safe is the most important parts. The below is just common sense stuff that you may know already 1) Lot of people have been chewed up by bailers. Don't fool with the bailer when anything's still moving. 2) Pets and kids miles away. (Know a fellow who cut all 4 of his dogs legs off mowing.) 3) Take it easy. Bucking hay in hot weather is real hard work. Probably been as many people killed with heart attacks doing this as number 1 and 2 above. bb
| 
