MF Rake’s progress leaves “perfect” windrows
Published date April 21, 2011
After experiencing drought like conditions for many years, Victorian based hay making specialist Graeme Pyle, who farms in the Berrigan district has just turned in one of his most rewarding seasons.
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Acknowledged for producing premium hay that is earmarked principally for the equine market, Graeme says the unusually high rainfall recently made for “sensational” growing conditions.
Attention to detail on the machinery front, however, requiring the right mix of equipment is critical when producing such a sought-after product.
In this instance, a Massey Ferguson RK3879 rotary rake takes centre stage with Graham’s three man team of workers also cutting crops, as well as overseeing baling operations as part of a hectic work schedule. First up, a 12foot mower opens up each paddock, ready for the rotary rake to neatly turn two windrows into one swath, prior to the round baler completing the sequence.
With a 10 day delay between cutting crops and baling, Graeme must keep an eagle-eye open for any changes in the weather if he is to ensure he continues to offer customers a top quality product.
“If you are going to make premium hay then you need the best rake you can get – and the RK3879 is the best rake you can get.” Graeme said. “Every bale must be mould free, with no dirt, plus be even, but to do that you need a perfect windrow that can only be made by using the perfect rake,” he said further.
To give some idea of the demands put on hay raking machinery in such a busy season, the Pyle’s RK3879 rake probably has covered between 500 to 600 kilometres of windrows since it was cranked up in early October 2010.
With hay making operations now completed, Graeme has time to reflect on this year’s season, underscoring the crucial performance of his rake which must deliver an “evenly-dried” product, week-in, week-out.
“While the RK3879 produces a uniformly-fluffed windrow, if you are to end up with a perfect bale, then not only the rake but also the baler must know what they are doing.” He said.
Recalling the season was “a fraction down on quality” this year, the upside has seen volumes that have been “way up” on previous drier years. This translates to some 13,000 round bales having been safely packaged, ready for dispatch to Graeme’s eager customers.
Interestingly, Graeme’s contract team is also involved in transporting his premium product to their customers, requiring 12 to 14 hour days, to ensure prompt delivery. But the rake on which much of the success of Graeme’s business is based, will now be put to further good use by windrowing stubbles – a task that puts its tangentially-arranged rotor arms to further good use, also its simple mechanical adjustments.
With a power requirement in the order of 60hp, Graeme says “it is very economical to run” at ground speeds that may be in the order of 15kph. The point to make here is that the quality of the job in hand is retained at these work rates.
Graeme’s 510 hectare irrigation property concentrates mainly on winter hay production. “I’m so happy with my rake, because it is a key part of making premium quality hay,” he said. “it’s all to easy to flog hay to bits, rake all the colour out of it and let water in when it rains – all by using the wrong type of rake,” he added.
On servicing and repairs during a short but intense season, the Pyle family reports little down time with their rotary rake, aided by a gearbox that eliminates dust and contamination, plus a design brief that is not overly complex.
With working widths between 7.4m and 8.1m, Massey Ferguson says its RK3879 rotary rake has appeal to larger users who require an implement that can rake and deliver clean, quality swaths devoid of rocks and other debris. It is part of the company’s latest German made hay tools line up that also includes disc mowers, mower conditioners and tedders.
Users like Graeme acknowledge it delivers accelerated dry-down time leading to better formed bales, thereby enhancing productivity.
Massey Ferguson says its RK3879 hay rake’s short overall length enhances its manoeuvrability and handling and is equipped with steering wheels that ensure it follows a tractor’s wheel tracks.