Hay production always takes its toll on machinery. However, when you make it a habit to maintain your hay equipment investment on a daily basis, it pays huge dividends later on..

Do it right (and do it right now) in-season, and it will work hard for you every season helping to achieve better performance, reduced wear, less downtime, longer life and, potentially, a higher resale value. Just make sure you do it!

In-Season Hay Equipment Maintenance Checklist^*

MOWERS

DAILY START CHECKLIST:

• Check all safety items – highway lights, guards and safety signs
• Repair hydraulic leaks – hoses, connectors, cylinders
• Test all hydraulic functions
• Set header floatation
• Inspect tire pressure/conditions
• Adjust pitch control setting
• Check hitch connection

DAILY FINISH CHECKLIST:

• Clean with leaf blower or compressed air
• Grease per lubrication chart
• Check all blades, pins and quick clips
• Replace broken or missing disc components and blades
• Reverse or replace dull blades
• Tighten or replace loose or missing hardware

RAKES

DAILY START CHECKLIST:

• Check all safety items – highway lights, guards and safety signs
• Repair hydraulic leaks – hoses, connectors, cylinders
• Inspect tire pressure/conditions
• Test all hydraulic functions
• Check hitch connection

DAILY FINISH CHECKLIST:

• Grease per lubrication chart
• Replace missing or bent rake teeth
• Tighten or replace loose or missing hardware

BALERS

DAILY START CHECKLIST:

• Check all safety items – fire extinguisher, highway lights, guards and safety signs
• Adjust baler density setting
• Check/adjust all drive chains
• Repair hydraulic leaks – hoses, connectors, cylinders
• Test all hydraulic functions
• Replace missing pickup teeth and set, gauge/Haysaver wheels
• Check twine tension and/or netwrap system
• Inspect tire pressure/conditions
• Check hitch connection

DAILY FINISH CHECKLIST:

• Clean with leaf blower or compressed air
• Grease per lubrication chart
• Lube chains per lubrication chart
• Check all belts, bearings and lacings
• Check lacing pins
• Tighten or replace for loose or missing hardware

Learn more about Hay Makin’ best practices like maintenance here or visit Vermeer.com