News & Updates

13 Jun 2025 | Bridgeview

Choosing the Best Hay Rakes: Why it Matters for Your Farm

You know that producing high-quality forage is key to a successful operation. While many farmers focus on the baler as the star of the show, the truth is, even the most advanced baler can’t make up for a poor windrow. That’s where your hay rake comes in.

There are a number of hay rakes on the market, each boasting unique features and functions designed to handle different crop conditions and environmental challenges. While it’s good to have options, it can also make deciding on the right hay rake for your operation difficult. 

Heavy-duty equipment is no small investment—you’ll want to be sure it pays off in efficiency, forage quality, and ultimately, your bottom line. The right hay rake is absolutely essential for creating uniform, high-quality windrows that maximize your baler’s performance and preserve the nutritional value of your crop.

To help you decide, we’ll cut through the confusion and discuss what you need to consider when choosing the right type of hay rake for your agricultural operation. Let’s make sure your next equipment purchase is the right one.

Factors to Consider

Operation Size

Consider the scale of your farming operation to determine the best hay rake to match your needs. Whether you’re working in a small field or vast acreage will dictate your required coverage and speed.

Forage Crop Type

Consider how delicate or heavy your typical forage is. Delicate crops, like alfalfa, require a gentler rake, whereas clover or grass need a robust rake to handle the density and maintain the integrity of the crop.  

Field Conditions 

Consider both the terrain and field shape you’re dealing with before selecting the type of hay rake. A rake with a flexible frame or adjustable settings may be required for performance across varying slopes or irregularly-shaped fields. 

Type of Cut

Consider whether you’re working with a mowed or windrowed cut. Mowed hay needs closer wheel spacing and additional rake tines to handle fine, short straw effectively. In contrast, windowed hay requires larger raking wheels and controlled ground pressure to efficiently manage heavier, thicker crops. The right hay rake will offer the versatility for both. 

Budget

Look at more than just the initial investment. Consider long-term value and overall return on investment. Purchasing a high-performing hay rake can reduce long-term maintenance and repair costs, and increase your operation’s efficiency. 

Types of Hay Rakes

No matter your needs, Bridgeview Manufacturing has the right hay rake for you. Our Bale King series prioritizes durability, efficiency, and a superior windrow formation. 

Bale King VR581

This agricultural workhorse is ideal in rough or challenging ground conditions. Its hay rakes (available with 12 to 14 rakes) are built with exceptional durability, specifically engineered to withstand and perform reliably in rugged terrain. Maximize production and efficiency in areas where other hay rakes might struggle.

This model delivers:

• The largest raking wheels
• The most tines
• Bridgeview’s patented spring suspension system
• Large implement tires
• Hydraulic windrow width adjustment

Bale King VR683

Ideal for large-scale operations, the VR683 delivers impressive coverage of up to 42 feet. It features a flex frame that adapts to ground contours, a supersteer turning radius, for excellent maneuverability in tight spaces, and three full-sized kicker wheels to ensure thorough, even windrow formation. This hay rake is designed for high-capacity, high-quality output.   

This 18 to 22-wheel supersteer offers:

• Up to 42ft of raking coverage
• Supersteer turning system
• 3 full-size kicker wheels
• A flexible frame
• Hydraulic windrow width adjustment
• 10 implement tires
• Spring tine or rubber-mounted tine options

Finding the Right Solution for Your Operation

Whether you’re dealing with challenging landscapes or aiming for the most efficiency, Bridgeview’s Bale King hay rakes deliver. No matter the size, shape, or output of your operation, we’ve got the right hay rake to make sure the job gets done properly.

Don’t settle for less when it comes to your valuable crops. Contact Bridgeview Manufacturing to find the hay rake that’s right for you.