Hydroswing swathers

Cub n M in OR · Jul 21, 2009

I'm trying to get away from being an employee next year, and going back out on my own. Have the opportunity to lease a good 200 acre place, and am trying to do it with as little initial investment as possible. Would like to use my SM-TA and M for the most of the work. How much swather can I pull with a 50 horse tractor? 10'? 12'? What can anyone tell me about the older Hesston 1010 or 1014 machines? How about the New Holland 499? I don't mind spending the winter fixing something up if it will be reliable next summer. I like the idea of going back and forth across a field a whole lot more than dead-heading on the headlands.

Thanks a bunch!

Ben

John G. Hasler · Jul 21, 2009

The 499 specs say it requires 65hp.

Hayfarmer · Jul 21, 2009

I pull a JD1380 12 foot hydroswing swather with my SMTA. It is pretty much stock other than the typical 4 1/8 pistons and sleeves. It is all or more than the tractor wants in heavier hay, timothy alfalfa mix. A 10 foot would probably be better but then you are fighting it when you turn windrows or drop bales. I have an older NH 282 twine tie baler, pto drive and the SMTA handles it well. Swather works fine on Second cutting but have at times had to hire someone to cut first. I used a neighbors 9 foot Heston swater for a couple years and the SMTA handled it really well. The JD hydroswing is rated at about 80 hp I think. The SMTA is a great tractor on baler and swather with the TA ability to change speeds quickly, also the live PTO. Guess it depends a lot on the hay you grow.

RickB · Jul 22, 2009

Hesston 1014 and NH 499 are both very good machines. Limiting factor with the Hesston is the narrow conditioner and undersized, overspeeded conditioner drive chain. NH guards and knife sections bolt on the Hesston if the NH dealer is closer.

Hydroswing swathers

Cub n M in OR

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John G. Hasler

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Hayfarmer

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RickB

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