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Mike (WA)
11-30-2004 08:11:05
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That was one of the most comprehensive replies I've seen for some time. And what's more, I agree with most of it, which makes it even better! Only minor points I would add are: You can do it with an 8N, if you get a sickle bar mower and a baler with engine. I agree that JD or NH are the way to go- both for quality and parts/repair support. I haven't seen a hay wagon in my country in years- I think most of the folks in the midwest use a thrower, or pull a wagon behind the baler. If you are dropping the bales on the ground, a flatbed trailer (like a car trailer) pulled with a pickup is better, IMHO. Lower and easier to buck onto, and if you use the pickup, you can probably get mama to help, which adds to the "quality family time" angle of the whole thing. Finally, you need to be sure you have the time to do this, and can be timely. When it's ready, and the weather's right, you've gotta go ahead on it. I depended on vacations for years, and as often as not, sat through a week or two of rain, and ended up "burning the midnight oil" getting the hay put up on weekends and nights after the vacation was over. Bummer. Now I'm self employed, and no workee, no monee- so I quit haying 3 years ago. Could no longer justify the time. Now I buy for $1.50 per bale, and the kids and I can get the 600 bales in in two evenings, and we're done. I think part of it was, as I get older, haying's just not as much fun anymore.
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