Heavy-Duty Rakes, Tedders Built To Last

Heavy-Duty Rakes Tedders Built To Last HAY & FORAGE HARVESTING Rakes 44 FARM SHOW subscriber David Horst says Field Master rotary rakes and hay tedders are built heavier and stronger than anything else on the market That was Nelson Horning’s goal when he bought the brand some years ago for Finger Lakes Equipment “Field Master equipment is well-built with durable gearboxes and easy-to-get parts ” says Horning “We made some changes in the basic design reinforcing some areas we felt needed it and reducing weight in others The end result was re-engineered designs that work better and last longer ” With nearly 30 years in the hay equipment business Horning had a good idea what was needed As a result the Field Master tedder fluffs hay more gently without spreading it out as other rotary tedders tend to do “The hay may not dry as fast but stems hold on to leaves better and the leaves retain more color ” says Horning “It may not fit all conditions but it is a better fit for many ” The 9-ft wide hay tedder is priced at $8 700 The single rotary rake is priced at $9 200 A double rotary is priced at $29 500 Horning acknowledges the price is a significant increase but points to value received in the way it follows the contour better than competitive double rotaries and adjusts for single or double swaths “The 2 rakes are connected by a ball hitch that allows each to follow its own contour ” he says “That really helps when you are going over a knob or hill Walking beam axles on both rake models and the tedder also help ensure the tines follow the field surface closely ” Initially Horning moved manufacturing to a company in Ontario assembling it at his Finger Lakes Equipment facility in Penn Yan N Y Later he turned assembly over as well He now handles distribution for the hay tedder and rakes in the eastern U S He is also continuing to look for new ways to improve the design “We are testing a triple wide hay tedder ” says Horning “With a 24-ft working width it could handle three 10 to 13-ft windrows ” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Finger Lakes Equipment 250 Lovejoy Rd Penn Yan N Y 14527 ph 585 526-6705

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