Help needed with hay..

[alison_oliver]

Hi Guys
Hoping someone has some knowledge to share.
Just been offered a couple of acres of very nice land to harvest hay from. Landowner has said they will cut as normal using their ride on mower if we then want to turn etc and bale. (landowners hubby normally does this but he has said he really doesn't want to get involved this yr!!)
However due to trees & layout they have said its impossible to get tractors in there.
My question is how on earth do I bale it?
And is there anything i should know? Or does it sound like too much hassle to save a few pennies?
Thankies
xx

 

[flyingfeet]

You cannot make hay cut with using a ride on lawn mower. Its too bruised and chopped too fine. Mowers from hay are different from either blade or flail toppers, as they are designed to do a clean cut with the least amount of damage to the crop.

If you are looking for bargain hay and have the storage find some now and buy off the field, will be cheaper and less stressful than DIY!

 

[jumpthemoon]

Agree with CotswoldSJ.... grass cut with a mower isn't suitable to be baled as hay

 

[alison_oliver]

I did think that but they have said they have made good hay every year for the last 7 years...
Unless i have the wrong end of the stick and the cutter they have is not a mower?
Or they have been doing it wrong??
Think i may steer clear just in case, i dont know enough about it really.. thanks for advice.. once again knew i could rely on HHO!!
x