Mower conditioners

[MouseTrap98]

I am thinking ot getting a mower conditioner. Can anyone suggest a brand that I should look into? I need something that is good for alfalfas and is durable too. Thanks everyone!

 

[Camp.Cassidy]

I am thinking ot getting a mower conditioner. Can anyone suggest a brand that I should look into? I need something that is good for alfalfas and is durable too. Thanks everyone!

Around here, folks have had good luck with brands like John Deere and New Holland for handling alfalfa gently but effectively. Kuhn is often mentioned when you're looking for something really robust, built to take a beating season after season.

 

[Deeps]

Around here, folks have had good luck with brands like John Deere and New Holland for handling alfalfa gently but effectively. Kuhn is often mentioned when you're looking for something really robust, built to take a beating season after season.

Interesting take, but I've actually seen New Holland struggle a bit with conditioning consistency in heavier alfalfa. Personally, I've had better long-term results with Vermeer, it is quieter, cleaner cut, and lower maintenance.

 

[Kemt]

Interesting take, but I've actually seen New Holland struggle a bit with conditioning consistency in heavier alfalfa. Personally, I've had better long-term results with Vermeer, it is quieter, cleaner cut, and lower maintenance.

I get where you're coming from, but my Vermeer had more clogging issues in thick fields. My New Holland's conditioning has been spot-on, even in heavy second and third cuts.

 

[JW IN VA]

Know nothing about Alfalfa but I will say get a brand you have good parts availability and dealer support. You don't want to be stuck making a long road trip every time you need something.
Although we have NH, Case IH and Deere within an hour's drive, I also get some things shipped here. Have used both Shoup and Messick's. Both are good to order from.

 

[Camp.Cassidy]

It's interesting to see the different experiences with New Holland and Vermeer. @JW IN VA brings up a fantastic point though, dealer support is king. A great machine that's down waiting for parts doesn't get the hay in the barn.

 

[r9nger_hf]

I am thinking ot getting a mower conditioner. Can anyone suggest a brand that I should look into? I need something that is good for alfalfas and is durable too. Thanks everyone!

Yeah, it's interesting to see the mixed reviews here! When working with alfalfa, what you'd want is a machine with rubber or steel rollers, not flail tines. Flail-style conditioners are great for grass but will shatter the delicate leaves of alfalfa, and that's where all the good protein is. John Deere, New Holland, Case IH are indeed popular options, even Kuhn and Massey Fergusson. These brands generally have a strong reputation for building reliable equipment, but the durability really comes down to maintenance and how you run the machine. @JW IN VA makes a strong point! It might be better to check with local dealers to see who has good parts and service support in your area!

 

[Mizzouman99]

If you have a dealer who carries McHale, pretty much everything they've produced is engineered and built like a tank.

 

[HayFever]

I get where you're coming from, but my Vermeer had more clogging issues in thick fields. My New Holland's conditioning has been spot-on, even in heavy second and third cuts.

I've heard something similar about the Vermeer from other people around here and I'm on board with @Camp.Cassidy on kuhn, those things can take a lot of beating.

 

[cutanddry]

Yeah, it's interesting to see the mixed reviews here! When working with alfalfa, what you'd want is a machine with rubber or steel rollers, not flail tines.

You're spot on about the roller versus flail for alfalfa, keeping the leaf quality intact is crucial for protein levels. And I totally agree about the importance of local dealer support, having access to parts and reliable service can really influence your hay season. While all those brands make good equipment, having a dealer nearby who can provide parts is often more significant than brand loyalty.

 

[ernest_1945]

Yeah, it's interesting to see the mixed reviews here! When working with alfalfa, what you'd want is a machine with rubber or steel rollers, not flail tines. Flail-style conditioners are great for grass but will shatter the delicate leaves of alfalfa, and that's where all the good protein is. John Deere, New Holland, Case IH are indeed popular options, even Kuhn and Massey Fergusson. These brands generally have a strong reputation for building reliable equipment, but the durability really comes down to maintenance and how you run the machine. @JW IN VA makes a strong point! It might be better to check with local dealers to see who has good parts and service support in your area!

I’ve mostly cut grass with my old New Holland but thinking about switching to alfalfa next season. For rubber vs steel rollers, do you notice a big difference in leaf retention or drying time? Has anyone tried swapping roller types mid-season? How did it work out for you?