5614 Tec Drive Avon, NY 14414
(585) 226-9680
Open today at 7:30am
  • View all hours
    • Monday 7:30am to 5pm
      Tuesday 7:30am to 5pm
      Wednesday 7:30am to 5pm
      Thursday 7:30am to 5pm
      Friday 7:30am to 5pm
      Saturday 7:30am to 12pm
      Sunday Closed all day
4540 W. Saile Dr Batavia, NY 14020
(585) 948-5261
Open today at 7:30am
  • View all hours
    • Monday 7:30am to 5pm
      Tuesday 7:30am to 5pm
      Wednesday 7:30am to 5pm
      Thursday 7:30am to 5pm
      Friday 7:30am to 5pm
      Saturday 7:30am to 12pm
      Sunday Closed all day
7689 Ridge Road West Brockport, NY 14420
(585) 637-3700
Open today at 8am
  • View all hours
    • Monday 8am to 5pm
      Tuesday 8am to 5pm
      Wednesday 8am to 5pm
      Thursday 8am to 5pm
      Friday 8am to 5pm
      Saturday 8am to 12pm
      Sunday Closed all day
110 Summer Lane Centre Hall, PA 16828
(814) 364-1421
Open today at 8am
  • View all hours
    • Monday 8am to 5pm
      Tuesday 8am to 5pm
      Wednesday 8am to 5pm
      Thursday 8am to 5pm
      Friday 8am to 5pm
      Saturday 8am to 12pm
      Sunday Closed all day
9570 County Rd Clarence Center, NY 14032
(716) 741-9115
Open today at 8:30am
  • View all hours
    • Monday 8:30am to 5pm
      Tuesday 8:30am to 5pm
      Wednesday 8:30am to 5pm
      Thursday 8:30am to 5pm
      Friday 8:30am to 5pm
      Saturday 8:30am to 12pm
      Sunday Closed all day
8926 W. Main Street Clymer, NY 14724
(716) 355-4236
Open today at 8am
  • View all hours
    • Monday 8am to 5pm
      Tuesday 8am to 5pm
      Wednesday 8am to 5pm
      Thursday 8am to 5pm
      Friday 8am to 5pm
      Saturday 8am to 12pm
      Sunday Closed all day
49290 State Route 14 East Palestine, OH 44413
(330) 426-2166
Open today at 8am
  • View all hours
    • Monday 8am to 5pm
      Tuesday 8am to 5pm
      Wednesday 8am to 5pm
      Thursday 8am to 5pm
      Friday 8am to 5pm
      Saturday 8am to 12pm
      Sunday Closed all day
13521 Cambridge Springs Rd. Edinboro, PA 16412
(814) 734-1552
Open today at 8am
  • View all hours
    • Monday 8am to 5pm
      Tuesday 8am to 5pm
      Wednesday 8am to 5pm
      Thursday 8am to 5pm
      Friday 8am to 5pm
      Saturday 8am to 12pm
      Sunday Closed all day
7852 RT 66 Fairmount City, PA 16224
(814) 764-5159
Open today at 8am
  • View all hours
    • Monday 8am to 5pm
      Tuesday 8am to 5pm
      Wednesday 8am to 5pm
      Thursday 8am to 5pm
      Friday 8am to 5pm
      Saturday 8am to 12pm
      Sunday Closed all day
1756 Lindquist Drive Falconer, NY 14733-9720
(716) 665-3110
Open today at 7:30am
  • View all hours
    • Monday 7:30am to 5pm
      Tuesday 7:30am to 5pm
      Wednesday 7:30am to 5pm
      Thursday 7:30am to 5pm
      Friday 7:30am to 5pm
      Saturday 8am to 12pm
      Sunday Closed all day
817 Tobias Road Halifax, PA 17032
(717) 362-3132
Open today at 7:30am
  • View all hours
    • Monday 7:30am to 5pm
      Tuesday 7:30am to 5pm
      Wednesday 7:30am to 5pm
      Thursday 7:30am to 5pm
      Friday 7:30am to 5pm
      Saturday 7:30am to 12pm
      Sunday Closed all day
4751 County Road 5 Hall, NY 14463
(585) 526-6325
Open today at 7:30am
  • View all hours
    • Monday 7:30am to 5pm
      Tuesday 7:30am to 5pm
      Wednesday 7:30am to 5pm
      Thursday 7:30am to 5pm
      Friday 7:30am to 5pm
      Saturday 7:30am to 12pm
      Sunday Closed all day
8011 Paxton St. Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 583-2101
Open today at 8am
  • View all hours
    • Monday 8am to 5pm
      Tuesday 8am to 5pm
      Wednesday 8am to 5pm
      Thursday 8am to 5pm
      Friday 8am to 5pm
      Saturday 8am to 12pm
      Sunday Closed all day
185 Route 31F Macedon, NY 14502
(585) 425-4428
Open today at 8am
  • View all hours
    • Monday 8am to 5pm
      Tuesday 8am to 5pm
      Wednesday 8am to 5pm
      Thursday 8am to 5pm
      Friday 8am to 5pm
      Saturday 8am to 12pm
      Sunday Closed all day
5809 William Penn Highway Mifflintown, PA 17059
(717) 436-5553
Open today at 8am
  • View all hours
    • Monday 8am to 5pm
      Tuesday 8am to 5pm
      Wednesday 8am to 5pm
      Thursday 8am to 5pm
      Friday 8am to 5pm
      Saturday 8am to 12pm
      Sunday Closed all day
13330 Rt.31 Savannah, NY 13146
(315) 594-0115
Open today at 7:30am
  • View all hours
    • Monday 7:30am to 5pm
      Tuesday 7:30am to 5pm
      Wednesday 7:30am to 5pm
      Thursday 7:30am to 5pm
      Friday 7:30am to 5pm
      Saturday 8am to 12pm
      Sunday Closed all day
336 Vaughn Street Springville, NY 14141
(716) 592-4058
Open today at 8am
  • View all hours
    • Monday 8am to 5pm
      Tuesday 8am to 5pm
      Wednesday 8am to 5pm
      Thursday 8am to 5pm
      Friday 8am to 5pm
      Saturday 8am to 12pm
      Sunday Closed all day
4488 Greenville-Sandy Lake Rd. Stoneboro, PA 16153
(724) 376-3740
Open today at 7:30am
  • View all hours
    • Monday 7:30am to 5pm
      Tuesday 7:30am to 5pm
      Wednesday 7:30am to 5pm
      Thursday 7:30am to 5pm
      Friday 7:30am to 5pm
      Saturday 8am to 12pm
      Sunday Closed all day
141 Byers Lane Watsontown, PA 17777
(570) 538-3557
Open today at 7:30am
  • View all hours
    • Monday 7:30am to 5pm
      Tuesday 7:30am to 5pm
      Wednesday 7:30am to 5pm
      Thursday 7:30am to 5pm
      Friday 7:30am to 5pm
      Saturday 7:30am to 12pm
      Sunday Closed all day
3907 Route 19 Silver Springs, NY 14550
(585) 591-1670
Open today at 8am
  • View all hours
    • Monday 8am to 5pm
      Tuesday 8am to 5pm
      Wednesday 8am to 5pm
      Thursday 8am to 5pm
      Friday 8am to 5pm
      Saturday Closed all day
      Sunday Closed all day
LandPro Equipment; NY, OH & PA

New Blog Entry Page8 Key Tips for Selecting the Ideal Tractor for Haymaking Success on Small and Medium Farms

New Blog Entry Page8 Key Tips for Selecting the Ideal Tractor for Haymaking Success on Small and Medium Farms

Posted by Shenna Peters

Choosing the right tractor for haymaking on a small or medium-sized farm can significantly affect your efficiency and success. Whether you're new to haymaking or considering an upgrade, several factors need to be considered to maximize the value of your investment. Below are seven practical tips to guide you in selecting the perfect tractor for your haymaking needs.

1. Understand Your Haymaking Needs

The first step in choosing a tractor is assessing the size of your fields and the volume of hay you need to produce. Horsepower depends on field size, the types of implements you use, and the terrain. Larger operations and significant gradients demand more power. Generally, a tractor in the 50hp to 100hp range works well for small to medium-sized farms.

Pro Tip: Choose a tractor that matches your needs without going overboard on power. Overpowered tractors can result in unnecessary fuel consumption and higher costs. The John Deere 5 & 6 Series tractors are versatile and powerful, suitable for various farming tasks, including hay baling.

2. Match Your Tractor to Your Implements

Your tractor's horsepower is important, but compatibility with your haymaking equipment is crucial. Make sure the tractor’s PTO (Power Take-Off) and hydraulic capabilities meet the requirements of your mowers, balers, and rakes. Properly matched power and hydraulics ensure smoother, more efficient operations.

Pro Tip: Verify that your tractor’s PTO and hydraulics align with your equipment needs to prevent delays and reduce wear. Also, choose a tractor with proper weight balance for better stability and efficiency in the field.

3. Types of Balers

Round Balers:

a) Features: Produce large round bales. It is suitable for larger, flat fields and prioritizes speed and efficiency in bale production, as they are quicker to operate, easier to handle, and suitable for haylage or long-term storage.

b) Models: John Deere 4 and 5 Series (451, 461, 551 and 561 - E, M, and R models)

Small Square Balers:

a) Features: Production of small manageable bales for stacking and transport, a small square baler is a better option. Square balers are also ideal for operations that require more precise bale sizes or if you're selling hay by the bale. Suitable for smaller fields or operations with specific storage requirements.

b) Models: John Deere 3 Series (e.g., 328, 338, 348).

Pro Tip: Both balers can work within the 50-100 horsepower range, but your choice depends on field size, storage, and handling preferences.

4. Prioritize Comfort for Long Workdays

Haymaking often involves long hours, so comfort should be a top consideration. Look for a tractor with features that enhance your workday, such as ergonomic seating, intuitive controls, and a

canopy or cab to protect you from the elements. Comfort will help you stay focused and productive throughout the day.

Pro Tip: Invest in a tractor with ergonomic seating, user-friendly controls, and protective features like a cab or canopy. A comfortable ride will allow you to work longer without fatigue.

5. Consider Maneuverability for Smaller Fields

Maneuverability is key for farms with smaller or irregularly shaped fields. A utility tractor with a tight turning radius allows you to navigate narrow paths and corners, saving time and improving efficiency.

Pro Tip: A tractor with a tight turning radius is ideal for navigating tight spaces, allowing you to maximize efficiency in smaller or fields with unusual angles.

6. Choose a Versatile Tractor for Multiple Tasks

Farming isn’t just about haymaking—your tractor will likely need to perform a variety of tasks. Whether moving feed, hauling equipment, removing snow or performing general farm chores, a versatile tractor adds value by handling multiple responsibilities throughout the year.

Pro Tip: Opt for a multi-purpose tractor that can handle multiple farm tasks, providing year-round utility and better return on investment.

7. Think About Long-Term Maintenance

A tractor is a big investment and long-term reliability is crucial. During hay season, the last thing you want is a breakdown disrupting your work. A low-maintenance, dependable tractor, like John Deere, ensures you're always ready for the job.

Pro Tip: Choosing a reliable brand like John Deere ensures access to an extensive network of LandPro service centers, making repairs, parts and maintenance more convenient. With John Deere’s reputation for durability and reliability, you can minimize downtime and keep your operation running smoothly.

8. Test Drive and Compare Your Options

Before making a final decision, take the time to test drive a few tractors and compare their performance. Consult with a professional or dealer to discuss your specific needs. A hands-on trial will give you insight into the tractor’s comfort, performance, and ease of use, ensuring you make an informed choice.

Pro Tip: Test drive a few options, talk to a dealer about your farm’s unique needs, and assess comfort and performance to ensure you choose the best tractor for your operation.

With these tips, you can be well-equipped to select the right tractor for your haymaking needs. The right tractor can greatly enhance your farm’s efficiency and productivity whether you’re just starting or upgrading equipment. Happy farming!

 

 

Tags: , , ,