Hay Mowers
Hay mowers are implements designed to cut forage crops such as grass or alfalfa for drying and harvest. On US small farms, they are used by livestock owners and hay producers who need to put up feed from their own fields.
What it does
These machines cut standing forage cleanly so it can dry and move through the haymaking process. Depending on type, they may be simple sickle-style mowers or more modern disc-based designs. Their job is to start harvest quickly and with minimal leaf loss or plugging. Timely mowing is one of the most important parts of making good hay.
How to choose one
Choose a mower based on tractor PTO horsepower, field size, crop type, terrain, and how quickly you need to cover acres. Check hitch style, transport width, cutterbar design, and service support for knives, guards, discs, or related wear parts. Smaller farms may value lower-cost simplicity, while larger acreages may justify faster mowing capacity. Used machines should be inspected closely for cutterbar condition, wobble-box or gearbox issues, and structural wear.
Cost, upkeep & safety
Costs vary widely by type, width, and complexity, and repair costs can be meaningful on worn machines. Maintenance includes sharp cutting components, lubrication, driveline care, and regular inspection of wear parts. Read the manual and use shields, because hay equipment can have severe entanglement and thrown-object hazards.
Tips
Buy hay tools as part of a system, not one machine at a time in isolation. If your weather windows are short, capacity matters more than bargain pricing. Ask your dealer what wear parts are commonly stocked during hay season.
General educational buying guidance, not an endorsement of any brand or a substitute for the operator manual. Confirm specs, pricing, and safety with a local dealer. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.