The grass is growing, the weather window is opening, and first cutting season is officially here. Whether you're running a small operation or managing thousands of acres, getting your equipment dialed in before you hit the field can mean the difference between a clean, profitable cut and a costly breakdown mid-row.
Here's your complete pre-season hay checklist to make sure you're ready to roll.
🌾 1. Inspect Your Mower Conditioner
- Check blades, knives, or disc mower blades for wear or damage — replace if edges are dull or chipped.
- Inspect conditioner rolls or flails for cracks, missing tines, or uneven wear.
- Grease all fittings per your operator's manual.
- Check gearbox oil levels and look for leaks.
- Inspect driveline shields and PTO shaft for damage.
- Confirm cutting height is set correctly for your crop type.
🔄 2. Check Your Rake
- Inspect rake teeth/tines — replace any bent or missing ones.
- Check wheel bearings and hubs for play or roughness.
- Verify rake width settings and adjust for your windrow target.
- Lubricate all pivot points and moving parts.
- Inspect transport locks and safety chains.
🌀 3. Tedder Readiness
- Check all tine arms and tines for bends or breaks
- Inspect gearbox and rotor bearings
- Grease all fittings
- Confirm rotor height is set to avoid soil contamination
- Test PTO engagement before heading to the field
📦 4. Baler Pre-Season Check
Round Balers:
- Inspect belts or chains for wear, cracking, or stretch.
- Check net wrap or twine system — load fresh supply and test wrap cycle.
- Inspect pickup tines and cam track.
- Check bale chamber rollers and bearings.
- Verify gate latch and hydraulic cylinders operate smoothly.
Square Balers:
- Inspect knotter components — billhook, twine disc, stripper, and needle.
- Check plunger knife and shear bolt supply.
- Inspect pickup and auger for wear.
- Load and test twine — confirm proper tension.
- Grease all fittings and check chain tension.
🚜 5. Tractor & Operator Comfort
- Check engine oil, coolant, hydraulic fluid, and tire pressure.
- Inspect PTO shaft and confirm RPM matches implement requirements.
- Test cab A/C — long days in the field demand a cool cab.
- Check canopy or shade system if running an open station tractor.
- Stock the cab with water, sunscreen, and a first aid kit.
🛠️ 6. Stock Your Parts Inventory
Nothing kills momentum like a breakdown with no spare parts on hand. Before the season starts, make sure you have:
- Spare mower blades or disc knives.
- Extra rake tines.
- Shear bolts (multiple sizes).
- Knotter twine and net wrap.
- Belting and belt lacing supplies.
- Common bearings for your equipment.
- Grease, oil, and hydraulic fluid.
Quality Farm Supply stocks a full line of hay equipment parts — from TeeJet tips to replacement belting — so you can get what you need fast and stay in the field.
☀️ 7. Watch the Weather Window
- Target 3–5 consecutive days of low humidity and no rain for first cutting.
- Cut in the morning after dew has lifted for faster dry-down.
- Monitor forecast closely — don't cut if rain is within 48 hours.
- Consider a tedder pass to speed drying if conditions are marginal.
✅ Ready to Cut?
Run through this checklist before your first pass and you'll be set up for a smooth, productive hay season. If you need parts, supplies, or equipment accessories, Quality Farm Supply has you covered.
Shop Hay Equipment Parts
- Bale Spears and Bushings
- Cornhead Parts
- Cutting Section Bolts and Rivets
- Disc Mowers
- Flail Mowers
- Gentle Fingers Combine Reel Teeth
- Grain Head Parts for John Deere
- Guards and Hold Downs
- Hay Balers
- Ledger and Shoe Plate, Sole, Grassboard
- Rake / Baler and Tedder Teeth
- Rotary Cutters
- Sickle Assemblies
- Sickle Heads and Bushings
- Sickle Sections
- Tedder Tire Assemblies and Parts
- Wheel Rakes
Have questions or need help identifying a part? Contact our team — we're here to help you get back in the field fast.
