Best hay-tedding practices using Vermeer TE-series tedders
March 2026
Since Vermeer hay tedders first introduced North America to hook-tine technology and the decreased dry-down time it delivers, Vermeer has continued finding new ways to help you get the job done better and faster.
The TE485 tedder is the latest example of the Vermeer commitment to bringing new tedders to the market that combine heavy-duty performance with easy use, transport and maintenance.
The TE-series’ latest installment delivers an impressive tedding width of 48.5 ft (14.8 m) along with the exceptional strength, long-term reliability and efficient operation Vermeer customers value.
Whether your hay fluffing needs call for the 100-hp (73.4 kW) TE485 or any other member of the Vermeer tedder family, here are some best hay tedder practices that will help you get the most out of the land you pour hard work into.
Fast pilot and reamer changeouts with an interchangeable spline connection
Tedding is the increasingly popular process of lifting and spreading freshly cut hay to speed up a crop’s drying process. Vermeer tedders use hook tines to lift, turn-over and spread crop, creating a fluffing action that provides multiple benefits.
Tedding helps:
- Speed up dry-down time significantly
- Promote airflow through the crop
- Expose bottom layers of the crop to sunlight
- Regulate moisture content throughout the crop
Why are these things important? Glad you asked.
By speeding up the wait time for hay to be baled, tedding gives back valuable hours to those on the job and creates more schedule flexibility when weather can introduce challenges. Tedding can cut drying time by days for some, according to a study from Wisconsin-Madison.
By decreasing the amount of time hay sits, tedding protects the nutritional value of the crop and decreases the risk of spoilage. Crop that is too wet when stored invites problems like mold and mildew.
When’s the right time to use a tedder?
Tedding can transform your haymaking operation, period. But timing matters. It’s best to fluff hay between 12 and 24 hours after cutting. Tedding during the heat of the day maximizes sun exposure on fluffed hay. It’s best to avoid tedding when early-morning or late-evening dew is present.
Which crops benefit the most from tedding?
Hollow-stem grasses that tend to hold moisture benefit from tedding. They include:
- Bermudagrass
- Crabgrass
- Tall fescue
- Orchard grass
- Timothy
- Brome
Did you know Vermeer TE-series hook tines are especially beneficial when tedding tricky alfalfa?
As a delicate, leafy legume, alfalfa benefits from a gentler touch than straight-tine models provide. For the best results, ted alfalfa within 12 to 16 hours of cutting while crop moisture is still around 70% to minimize leaf shatter and protect nutritional value.
How do I choose the right tedder?
- Tedding width: Tedders come in various widths. Your tedder should cover the same ground as your mower in about the same amount of time. Wider tedders offer increased efficiency for bigger operations but demand adequate horsepower and proper access to the acreage.
- Tine preference: Hook tines, like those on the TE-series, outperform traditional straight tines by creating a “bottoms up” motion that picks up and spreads larger amounts of crop.
- Adjustability and mobility: Different jobs call for different situations. Versatility matters. The TE485 tedder features hydraulic basket angle adjustment that allows operators to fine-tune the tedding angle directly from the cab. An adjustable curtain directs crop away from fence lines and other obstacles. A compact footprint when folded makes maneuvering and storage convenient and large flotation tires ensure smooth travel down the road between fields.
- Durability and reliability: Tedders work hard. Get one that holds up. Vermeer TE-series tedders feature enhanced, heavy-duty frames built to withstand the toughest field conditions. The TE485 offers large diameter tine arms; tough castings for gearboxes and gears; and a finger joint coupling system that remains connected even when the tedder’s wings are folded 90 degrees, ensuring reliable performance and maximized durability.
What are common tedder maintenance tips?
Regular maintenance doesn’t just keep your tedder running reliably. It extends its service life. Important maintenance to-dos include:
- Examine tines: Inspect for damaged or missing tines and replace them immediately. The hook tines on the Vermeer TE-series are flexible and specially positioned at a trailed angle to handle high speeds with minimal crop damage. They’re also backed by the Vermeer 3-year hook tine coverage.
- Inspect your tedder: Examine all components to inspect hardware integrity.
- Lubricate and clean: Grease all fittings according to your tedder’s maintenance schedule. Remove crop material that can collect moisture and invite rust.
- Store properly: Store your tedder under cover, if possible, on level ground, with relieved hydraulic pressure.
What are common tedder mistakes to avoid?
- Over-tedding: Multiple passes can damage crop return along with its nutritional value
- Ignoring moisture, weather and wet years: Tedding when the crop is too dry can cause crop damage. Tedding when the crop is too wet can invite damage from mold and mildew. In years with higher-than-average rainfall, fields that may not have required tedding in the past could need it to speed up the drying process.
- Incorrect operating practices: Tedders don’t perform properly if they’re used at improper speeds or with incorrect horsepower.
- Overlooking maintenance and replacement needs: Routine tedder maintenance prevents costly breakdowns at the worst times. Operating a damaged tedder reduces crop quality and costs you money in lost feed value. Vermeer TE-series tedders don’t just offer high-performance and high-volume output — they’re designed to optimize durability.
Which tedder fits your hay operation? How to buy Vermeer tedders
Whether you want a simple, budget-conscious tedder or a higher-capacity hook-tine machine built for faster dry-down, Vermeer offers options sized for smaller acreages, growing hay operations and larger hay crews.
- TE485 tedder: A high-capacity 48.6-ft (14.8-m) tedder built for fast dry-down, efficient operation and long-term durability, with hydraulic basket-angle adjustment from the cab. Best for: high-acreage hay producers who want maximum productivity, quick adjustments and the capacity to stay ahead of weather windows.
- TE1710 tedder: A 17-ft (5.2-m) hook-tine tedder designed to help shorten dry-down time while offering heavy-duty construction and toolless hydraulic basket-angle adjustment. Best for: producers who want the crop-handling benefits of hook tines in a compact machine for smaller fields or mixed hay operations.
- TE2510 tedder: A 25-ft (7.6-m) hook-tine machine that gives operators a step up in capacity while maintaining the durability, flotation and transport ease of the 10-series design. Best for: growing hay operations ready to cover more acres per pass without jumping to the largest class of tedder.
- TE3310 tedder: A 33.5-ft (10.2-m) hook-tine tedder built for higher-volume output, strong field flotation and dependable transport between fields. Best for: larger hay operations that want to move more crop in each pass while still keeping the machine manageable on the road and in the field.
- TD100 tedder: A simple, economical 10-ft (3-m) tedder built for straightforward operation and low horsepower requirements. Best for: smaller acreages, part-time hay producers or operators who want an affordable entry point into tedding.
- TD190 tedder: A four-basket model that gives operators more coverage than the TD100 while staying budget-conscious and easy to move between fields. Best for: small to midsize hay operations that want more output without stepping into a larger hook-tine machine.
If you’re ready to take your hay operation to the next level, Vermeer TE-series tedders are available through your Vermeer ag equipment dealer.