Selecting the ideal hay rake for your farm is easy when you follow these 5 simple steps. Learn to evaluate crop moisture, terrain, tractor specs, acres, and budget to match the rake capabilities you need.

4 Different Types Of Hay Rakes To Choose From!

# Wheel Rakes – The Simple and Economical Option

If you’re looking for a no-frills, budget-friendly hay rake, the old-school wheel rake may be the perfect fit for your small farm or hobby haying operation. Wheel rakes have remained popular for decades thanks to their utter simplicity and low cost compared to other types of rakes.

Pros of Wheel Rakes

Low Cost

The main claim to fame of wheel rakes is their affordability. With a very simple mechanical design and no need for hydraulic power or complicated gearing, wheel rakes are straightforward and inexpensive to manufacture. You can often find a used wheel rake for under $500, and new models start around $1,000 – far less than most other types of rakes. For small-scale haying, that low price point can be very appealing.

Mechanically Simple

Wheel rakes have very few moving parts or components to break down. The basic design – a frame with freely spinning wheels equipped with spring teeth – has stayed virtually unchanged for generations because of its simplicity and durability. There are no complex timing adjustments or calibrations required, so wheel rakes are easy to maintain and keep running smoothly year after year.

Fast Working Speed

The simplicity of wheel rakes also allows them to operate at fast ground speeds while raking. With no powered internal components, the raking wheels gain speed from contact with the ground as the rake is pulled. This allows wheel rakes to cover ground quickly. Higher working speeds mean you can finish raking your fields sooner.

Cons of Wheel Rakes

However, the straightforward design of wheel rakes also comes with some downsides to consider.

Can Introduce Dirt into Hay

Since the rake wheels directly contact the ground, it’s not uncommon for wheel rakes to scoop up rocks, dirt, and debris as they gather hay. This can introduce unwanted material into your windrows, reducing the quality of your harvested hay. Contamination is a particular concern if raking is done in less than ideal conditions.

Not as Gentle on Crop

The spring-loaded teeth of wheel rakes provide less gentle handling of the hay crop compared to belt or rotary rakes. The tines aggressively grab and roll the hay, which can lead to increased leaf loss. If you’re harvesting delicate alfalfa or grass hay, a wheel rake may be too harsh on your crops.

Can Cause “Roping” of Windrows

Improper adjustment or operation of wheel rakes frequently leads to “roping” or clumping of the finished windrows. This happens when hay is rolled and bundled together instead of being fluffed up. Dense roped windrows dry more slowly. Slow dry down equals lower hay quality.

While cheaper and simpler than other rake types, wheel rakes have some limitations to be aware of. For small and occasional haying needs, they may offer the right balance of affordability and functionality. But for frequent raking or crops requiring delicate handling, other rake options could prove better choices in the long run.

# Parallel Bar Rakes – The Gentle Traditional Option

Parallel bar rakes, also known as basket rakes, represent the traditional option for gently raking hay without damaging the crop. These simple, low-tech rakes have been used for generations to make windrows with minimal fuss. While they operate at slower speeds than newer rake types, parallel bar rakes provide gentle and effective raking.

Pros of Parallel Bar Rakes

Gentle Raking Action

The light, floating action of a parallel bar rake is gentle on hay crops. The spring-loaded bars flex over bumps and contours in the field, preventing digging in. This allows the rake to glide over the cut hay, reducing leaf shatter and crop damage compared to rigid wheel rakes. If your fields are uneven or you grow delicate alfalfa, the gentle raking of a parallel bar design may be preferred.

Minimal Soil Contamination

Since the rake bars lightly skim over the surface of the field, parallel bar rakes introduce less dirt and debris into windrows versus other designs. The tines comb through the cut crop without aggressively digging into the soil. This results in hay with lower ash content and less waste from gathering up field trash.

Cons of Parallel Bar Rakes

However, the gentle raking comes with some tradeoffs.

Slower Speeds

The light tine pressure and floating bars used on parallel bar rakes limit how fast they can be pulled. These rakes work best at slower ground speeds of 3-6 mph. Newer rotary and belt rakes can rake at double that speed or more. If you have a lot of acres to cover, a parallel bar rake will take more time.

Limited Features

Parallel bar rakes are a straightforward, barebones implement. They lack sophisticated options for adjusting raking intensity, windrow width, or configurations. What you see is what you get. For farmers wanting more flexibility or producing haylage, other rake types offer more adjustability and higher-tech features.

In the end, parallel bar rakes provide a proven, low-impact option for raking hay the traditional way. Their simplicity and gentle raking come at the cost of slower speeds. For small fields, delicate crops, or minimal haying needs, the humble parallel bar rake is still a reliable choice after all these years.

# Rotary Rakes – Feature-Rich and High Capacity

If you’re looking to step up your raking productivity and efficiency, a rotary rake is worth considering. These feature-packed rakes originated in Europe but have gained popularity in North America as well thanks to their ability to handle thick or damp hay crops.

Pros of Rotary Rakes

Handle Higher Moisture Forage

The rotors on a rotary rake are mechanically driven, unlike wheel rakes that rely on ground contact for motion. This allows rotary rakes to maintain tine speed even when raking heavy, thick windrows of hay with higher moisture content. Wetter hay won’t bog down the raking rotors. This makes rotary rakes ideal for raking haylage or silage crops.

Fluffy Windrows for Better Drying

Rotary rakes lift and aerate the hay rather than aggressively rolling it. This creates a fluffy, porous windrow that allows for increased airflow and faster dry down in the field. Being able to rake high-moisture hay without roping or clumping is a huge benefit for quality. The fluffy windrows also feed smoothly into balers and choppers.

Various Size and Configuration Options

Rotary rakes come in a wide range of rotor sizes and multi-rotor configurations. A single 6-rotor rake can cover over 25 feet in a single pass! Choose from single, double, triple, or more rotors depending on your tractor horsepower and desired raking width. This flexibility makes rotary rakes ideal for larger haying operations.

Cons of Rotary Rakes

The advanced functionality of rotary rakes comes with some potential drawbacks.

More Expensive Purchase Price

High-tech design and more robust construction means a higher price tag. Expect to spend $3,000 or more for a basic single-rotor rotary rake. Larger multi-rotor versions can cost over $10,000. That’s a hefty investment compared to simpler rake types.

Can Be More Complicated to Operate

With hydraulically-powered rotating tines and multiple settings to adjust, proper operation of a rotary rake requires attentiveness and know-how. Take the time to thoroughly learn the ideal rotor speed, tine pitch, and ground clearance for your conditions. Improperly set up rotary rakes can pulverize hay leaves. There’s more of a learning curve compared to using old-school wheel or bar rakes.

If your farm handles high volumes of hay or wetter crops, investing in a feature-loaded rotary rake can really boost your productivity and hay quality. But expect to pay more upfront and spend time dialing in optimal settings.

# Belt Rakes – Compact and Versatile

If navigating tight spaces around barns, trees, or fences is a priority for you, a compact belt rake could be the perfect fit. These nimble rakes provide great versatility in a small package.

Pros of Belt Rakes

Very Compact and Maneuverable

Compared to bulky wheel or rotary rakes, belt rakes have a tidy, close-coupled design with the raking belt situated right behind the tractor. This makes them highly maneuverable in tight quarters. Even with a 10 foot raking width, the compact frame design ensures the belt rake can squeeze into small areas other rakes can’t.

Convert Quickly to Tedders

Another advantage of the belt rake is its ability to quickly convert into a tedder for spreading and aerating hay. By just removing a panel and adjusting the belt height, you essentially get two machines in one. Move freshly cut hay into a windrow as a rake, then come back later and fluff it up as a tedder. That dual functionality means great value per dollar spent.

Easy for Operators to Use

Belt rakes get high marks for ease of use. Since the raking belt is close to the tractor and always in view, the operator can clearly see what’s happening. Compared to rear-mounted wheel or rotary rakes, visibility and control are superior. Simplicity of design also means very few adjustments are needed between fields. Just set the belt height and go.

Cons of Belt Rakes

A couple limitations to note with belt rakes:

Limited Working Width Options

Currently, belt rakes top out at around a 14 feet maximum raking width. By comparison, some large rotary rakes can exceed 25+ feet in a single pass. For small hobby farms this isn’t an issue, but larger operations will want more acres covered per hour.

Not Ideal for Large Operations

That modest maximum raking swath is one reason belt rakes are not well suited for huge commercial haying businesses. They simply lack the productivity of massive multi-rotor rakes. Large tractor horsepower requirements can also be a limitation. Belt rakes excel at nimble small acreage raking but can’t compete with giant rakes on 1000+ acre commercial farms.

For small property owners or specialty crop producers needing maneuverability, the belt rake hits a sweet spot. Compact yet versatile, easy to use, and providing gentle raking action, belt rakes are a great fit for navigating small spaces. Their tedding conversion ability adds even more value for small farms.

# Key Factors When Choosing a Hay Rake

With so many hay rake options available, it can be tricky to determine which type best fits your farm. Certain rake designs are better suited for particular field conditions, crop types, tractor capabilities, and budgets. Before investing in a new rake, keep these key factors in mind while evaluating your options.

Hay Crop Types and Moisture Levels

The forage variety and moisture content you typically harvest will impact rake selection. Here are ideal matches between crops and rake designs:

Dry hay – Wheel, parallel bar, belt, and rotary rakes all work well for raking dry hay that can be baled directly. Pick based on tractor size, acres, and budget.
High-moisture hay – Rotary and belt rakes handle wetter hay or haylage with less clogging or bogging compared to wheel and bar rakes.
Delicate hay – To minimize leaf shatter in crops like alfalfa, choose a rotary or parallel bar rake over more aggressive wheel rakes.
Row crops – Stiff, sturdy wheel rakes hold up best to raking corn or sorghum stalks after harvest.
Grass pastures – Gentle belt or rotary rakes reduce thatch buildup and stand damage when raking grass hayfields.

Field Conditions and Terrain

Bumpy, uneven, or obstructed fields will perform better with certain rake types.

Hilly terrain – Compact belt rakes or lighter parallel bar rakes navigate hills and contours better than bulky wheel or rotary rakes.
Rough, rocky conditions – The flex of parallel bar rakes handles bumps better. Rotary rakes with suspension systems also work well.
Obstacles and tight spaces – For working around trees, buildings, or other obstacles, compact belt rakes provide the best maneuverability.
Sandy soil – Wheel rakes can kick up more sand into the windrow. Minimize contamination with other rake choices.

Tractor Specifications and Power

Your current tractor’s size, horsepower, and capabilities will determine compatibility.

Lower horsepower – Lightweight parallel bar or single-rotor rotary rakes are good matches for small tractors under 40 HP.
No hydraulics – Wheel rakes are the only common rake type not requiring hydraulic hookups.
3-point hitch – Bar rakes and some smaller rotary rakes are made to mount on category 1 three-point hitches.
Drawbar only – Heavier rotary or wheel rakes often require sturdy drawbar connections.
Power take-off (PTO) – Rotary and some belt rakes run off the tractor PTO rather than ground contact.

Size of Operation and Acres

Farm scale and total hay acreage should factor into required raking productivity.

Small hobby farms – Compact belt or parallel bar rakes sufficiently cover 5-20 acre plots.
Mid-sized operations – Rotary rakes with multiple rotors work well for farms raking 20-200 acres.
Large operations – Giant 10+ rotor rotary rakes or self-propelled mergers are needed for huge acreages exceeding 200+ acres.

Budget and Cost Considerations

New rake prices currently range from about:

Wheel rakes – $1,000-$3,000
Parallel bar rakes – $2,000-$5,000
Belt rakes – $4,000-$8,000
Rotary rakes – $3,000-$12,000

Of course, decent used rakes of all types can be found for less than half these new prices if you’re comfortable with older equipment. Weigh the yearly raking hours and needs for your operation against the prices above as you evaluate options. More expensive rakes with higher capacities better justify their costs when used extensively each season.

Choosing the ideal hay rake involves assessing your farm-specific conditions, forage crops grown, tractor capabilities, acreage, and budget. Take the time to realistically evaluate all these factors. Your ideal hay rake match is out there! Test demoing rakes from dealers and getting hands-on experience is the best way to finalize your purchasing decision.

# Main Features to Look for in Hay Rakes

With a general rake type selected, now it’s time to dive into the details and determine which specific rake model best fits your needs. Here are the key features and specifications to evaluate as you compare options:

Working Width

The maximum raking width dictates productivity – how many windrow feet can be formed per pass.

Wheel rakes – Single models around 10-12′. Twin tandem models up to 24′.
Parallel bar rakes – Range from around 10-20′ on a single frame.
Belt rakes – Currently top out around 12-14′ maximum width.
Rotary rakes – Single rotors cover up to 13′. Multi-rotor versions reach 30’+.

Match raking width to tractor power, desired raking speed, and total acres needing coverage. Wider is more productive if the tractor can handle it.

Lift System

The mechanism used to raise the rake for transport and maneuvering.

Manual lift – Handle or crank lifts the rake. No hydraulics required. Found on basic wheel and some bar rakes.
Hydraulic lift – Uses tractor hydraulic system to raise/lower the rake. Convenient but requires hydraulic capability. Common on most modern rakes.
Transport wheel – Rotates rake and supports it on a wheel for transport. No lifting needed. Seen on simpler or older rakes.

Power Source

How the raking wheels, rotors, or belts are powered as the implement operates.

Ground driven – Rake contacts the ground and motion comes from tractor pulling it. Requires no PTO or hydraulics. Typical of most wheel rakes.
PTO driven – Power take-off shaft from tractor provides mechanical power. Found on rotary and belt rakes.
Hydraulic motors – Hydraulic fluid under pressure powers rotating components. Used on some rotary rake models.

Durability and Robustness

Rakes take a lot of abuse from dust, debris, bouncing through fields, etc. Durability matters.

Thick square tubing – Resists bending and deformation better than lighter round tubing.
Reinforced rake arms – Heavier gauge steel prevents flexing and failures.
Large tine diameter – Thicker tines resist bending and breaking.
Wide spindle bearings – More robust than narrow bearings.
Protected drive shafts – Shielded shafts prevent wrapping and failures.

Adjustability and Ease of Use

Look for rakes with intuitive adjustments and uncomplicated operation.

Variable tine pitch – Easily adjust spacing between tines for crop conditions.
Adjustable tine angle – Optimizes raking action and windrow formation.
Multiple windrow configurations – Single, double, or merged windrows.
Transport width locks – Secure adjustable rakes at ideal widths.
Simple controls – Ground-driven rakes avoid complex hydraulic valves and electronics.

Prioritize the features that will be most beneficial and cost-effective for your own operation’s needs when comparing rake models. Hay rakes represent quite an investment, so take the time to make an informed purchasing decision.

# Provide Guidance to Readers on Choosing Ideal Hay Rake

With all the options for hay rake types, sizes, features, and brands, how do you narrow it down to pick the right one? Here are my top recommendations for small hobby farms versus larger commercial operations, along with a few excellent rake models to consider as you start shopping.

Recommendations for Small Hobby Farms

For small-scale haying of 5-20 acres, I suggest looking at:

Belt rakes – Excellent versatility and maneuverability. Models like the Farm King BXR84 (8.5′ width) are a great match for compact and subcompact tractors.
Parallel bar rakes – Time-tested performance and gentle raking. Kuhn GF 5001 (10.5′) and Sitrex RA 1351 (13′) are quality basic bar rakes.
3-4 wheel rakes – Best value if budget is tight. Consider the HC 3140 (12′) or C&I 3pth 4-Wheel (10′) rakes.

Recommendations for Large Commercial Operations

Producers raking over 100+ acres should turn to:

Rotary rakes – High productivity from multiple rotors. Kuhn GA 7301/7321 (25′), Krone Swadro 1400 (29′), Vermeer VR1224 (24′) are excellent mid-size models.
Self-propelled mergers – Ultimate speed for huge acreage. Merge single windrows into one. Kuhn Swift-Move 1610 (16′) is a great starting merger.
Large wheel V-rakes – Dual tandem models cover big widths quickly. Sitrex VRX 1870 (18.5′) and Farm King 1877 (18′) are top tandem wheel rakes.

Top Hay Rake Models to Consider

This list provides an overview of some highest-rated hay rakes to evaluate:

Belt Rakes

Sitrex BX Series
Farm King BXR Series
Tonutti HR Belt Rakes

Parallel Bar Rakes

Kuhn GF 5001 Series
Sitrex RA Series
New Holland Hayliner 69

Wheel Rakes

Sitrex VRX V-Rakes
H&S HD Series
Farm King Single/Tandem Models

Rotary Rakes

Vermeer VR Series
Kuhn GA 7301 & 7321
Krone Swadro 1400

Do your research, check forums for real-world reviews, and test demo the rakes firsthand before purchasing. An ideal hay rake is a vital farm investment that can provide decades of reliable service when properly selected. I hope these recommendations and models to consider will guide you toward the perfect rake for your needs!