[walkingthepeaks]

Hi,
  We are moving into our first smallholding in a few weeks and we are trying to think what we will need. we will have 7 acres and use about 3 acres for hay for the next couple of years. There is a local farmer who can cut and bale it for us, but the current owner has his own small tractor that he uses to turn the hay for drying. I think that if we get the farmer to turn the hay as well as cutting and baling, then the costs might outweight the benefits.

   One though was if we got a pickup and used some of the accessories meant for compact tractors, then might be able to do a few things ourselves, using the pick-up to tow the accessories. also might be able to get away without a small trailer and a van.

   We will have gentle sloping land, but wondered if anyone else uses a pickup or similar, instead of a tractor or ATV?

Martin

[Me]

With the price of the kit you would be better off getting the farmer to do it for you - but independence is worth something

[Foobar]

Were you going to get a quad bike, if so you can get kit you can tow from that will turn the hay - not sure how well they would work from a pick up, it might need to be adjusted cos of the height.


Or, you can do three acres easy with a hay fork/hay rake - even easier if there are two of you.  Certainly for the first year anyway until you are settled.