Hay season, especially first cut, is one for your senses. There’s nothing better than the smell of fresh cut hay, the sound of smooth-running equipment cutting, raking and baling, and finally the sight of neatly stacked bales stored away, waiting to be fed.
To get the most out of your 2024 hay season, start with high functioning, reliable tractors and equipment and keep these handy tips in mind. Get ready, first cut will be here before you know it!
Pre-season Prep
Start hay season off right by thoroughly inspecting all equipment, including tractors, mowers, tedders, rakes and balers. Fuel equipment, check belts and chains, grease fittings, and fix or replace any necessary concerns.
If you’ll be traveling on the roadway, ensure the lighting equipment, reflective material and slow-moving vehicle signs are functioning and visible to motorists.
When it comes to getting hay equipment ready for the field, ensure all features and monitors are functioning, and be sure mower blades are sharp and new equipment is clean and free of any built-up debris. Before heading to the field, check the gearbox for fluid levels and quality and inspect bearings throughout each machine for wear; this will ensure optimal operating condition. Short on time or want an expert opinion? Talk to your local dealer about Kubota’s baler maintenance program to ensure your equipment is field-ready.
Regularly scheduled maintenance is always the best approach to keep equipment in peak operating condition. Consult your operator's manual (available on the myKubota app) for proper maintenance and operating procedures. Planning ahead by stocking up on any parts you may need can prevent untimely interruptions. And, don’t forget to reach out to your local Kubota dealer to source Kubota Genuine Parts and answer any questions before you head to the field.
Getting your equipment field-ready ahead of hay season will ensure smooth operations and reduce unnecessary downtime or delays.
In-field Performance and Productivity
When it comes to making quality hay, you need the right equipment for the job. Consider adding the newest generation of the M7 series tractor to your lineup. Outfitted with the latest technology that’s ideal for hay and livestock operations, the M7 Gen 4 series tractors offer exceptional features designed for hay season, including:
New Front Loader - The M7-4 Series models all feature a new LM2606 Front Loader that pushes the envelope to achieve power and efficiency in front loader performance. This new front loader provides a lifting height of up to 167 inches and a lift capacity of 5,776 pounds at the bucket pivot pin. The loader control lever is conveniently located to enable quick, smooth, and intuitive control of front loader operations.
Xpress Restart - This feature gives the operator the ability to come to a stop using only the brake - no clutch pedal required. With Xpress Restart on Deluxe and Premium models, the operator can stop the tractor by simply pressing the brake while the baler is being tied or wrapped and then releasing the bale. Once the bale exits the baler, the operator can remove their foot from the brake to resume working speed.
Mechanical Multi-Function Joystick – On Deluxe models of the M7-4, the new Mechanical Multi-Function Joystick simplifies front loader operations with ergonomically designed shift buttons, eliminating the need to frequently switch grip between the joystick, steering wheel, and shift lever. This feature is especially convenient for moving and stacking bales.
Multi-Speed Steering Control – This feature offers three settings to reduce fatigue by allowing the operator to set the parameters on the number of rotations of the steering wheel to achieve full turning radius.
Make 2024 your best hay season with thorough pre-season preparation and equipment maintenance. Questions? Your local Kubota dealer can help you get the most out of your hay this season.