Rant

tbish · May 16, 2019

Just once I'd like to go out to the barn
get on new tractor hook up to new equipment
and go to the hayfield every year I go over
my yesterdays equipment work on it to get
ready for the season without as many break
downs as possible new would be nice I
guess mine is paid for bank gets none of
profits so I guess I will go back out and
work on it rant over lol

rrlund · May 16, 2019

Yesterday I could have sympathized with you big time. They were working the field next to me while I was in front of the shop fixing a shin and point on the plow.

Bruce from Can. · May 16, 2019

I have had and used old equipment, and I have had and used new. Only real difference is, while they both wear out/break down, you are much more disappointed when the new equipment fails. I like to keep a newer baler, but raked and cutting equipment that I have are all old or second hand. Balers cost big $$ now days, and chains belts and bearings only go around so many times before they start to fail. So I like to trade my baler in while it is still considered a late model, and by a new one. Makes a easy resale unit for the dealer, and I don?t have any down time, or buy any parts. And round balers have been improved dramatically over the past ten years. String only balers are not as easy to sell, everyone wants net wrap now. Net wrap goes on much quicker, and sheds some water. Nearly all new round balers sold in my neighbourhood are silage balers, most with knives inside the baler to cut the bale into segments as it is being baled. Not necessary for making dry hay, but with wet wrapped bales, makes the bales much easier to feed.

Russ from MN · May 16, 2019

That makes sense, Bruce, there are some things that need to be reliable, and it's good to upgrade when your trade in is still worth something. Probably nothing as frustrating as having hay down ready to bale, rain coming, and the baler is broke down!

Traditional Farmer · May 16, 2019

As far as maintenance I try to keep notes on all the hay equipment during the season as to what may need attention over the Winter or slack/rainy days easy to forget until you go to use it.

Traditional Farmer · May 16, 2019

That is why I almost always have another baler hooked to a tractor ready to go when I'm making hay.Also have a couple more spare balers,rakes and mowers.That is the big advantage of
using older equipment can pick up spares and parts machines cheap.

jlewis457 · May 16, 2019

I would also love to have new equipment.But here is my question, how often do you smash a finger or bust a shin and scream out a word that sends the neighborhood kids into there houses asking mom what a %^&$%% is. So I see it as a learning service to the neighborhood to keep junk around here to work on.
Hope everyone got a good laugh out of this
John

Northvale PA · May 16, 2019

Well, getting old and used equipment and tractors running well is a big part of my part time farming. I have 2 of just about everything and stock spare parts. Yes, there is time spent but maintaining new things well takes time too.

Rant

tbish

Member

rrlund

Well-known Member

Bruce from Can.

Well-known Member

Russ from MN

Well-known Member

Traditional Farmer

Well-known Member

Traditional Farmer

Well-known Member

jlewis457

Member

Northvale PA

Member

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