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There's no worse feeling than seeing dark clouds roll in when your hay is still down, and then hearing the sharp snap of a rake tine breaking in the middle of the field. A simple mechanical failure can turn a profitable cutting into a total loss, costing you precious time, fuel, and high-quality forage.
For small-acreage farms and homesteads, choosing the right hay equipment is a critical investment. The wrong rake can leave valuable hay behind or introduce dirt into your windrows, while skipping a tedder in a humid climate can mean days of extra drying time. We've researched the key factors for selecting hay rakes and tedders in 2026, focusing on what small operations actually need: tractor compatibility, efficiency for your acreage, and long-term reliability. This guide will walk you through choosing the right machine and, just as importantly, stocking the essential parts to keep it running when you need it most.
Our Top 5 Quick Picks for Replacement Tines
This 30-pack offers an excellent price-per-tine and fits a wide range of popular New Holland and Massey Ferguson models, making it a versatile choice for any workshop.
- 【Dedicated to Satisfaction】Any Concerns? We’re Committed to Resolving Issues Promptly and Ensuring Your Satisfaction. Whether You're Seekin…
- 【Dimensions】Yoke Opening: 1-55/64"; Bolt Hole Diameter: 3/8"; Tine Length from Mounting Hole: 10"; Tine Diameter: 9/32"
- 【Wide Compatibility】Fits New Holland Hay Rake Teeth Models: 216, 258 with Left Hand Hook, 259 Rolabar Rake; Allen Rake Teeth Models: Left H…
With the lowest upfront cost in our review, this 25-pack is the perfect way to get prepared for hay season without a large investment. It's designed for a wide array of John Deere rakes.
- 【Dedicated to Satisfaction】Any Concerns? We’re Committed to Resolving Issues Promptly and Ensuring Your Satisfaction. Whether You're Seekin…
- 【Dimensions】Yoke Opening: 1-5/8"; Bolt Hole Diameter: 3/8"; Tine Length from Mounting Hole: 10"; Tine Diameter: 9/32"
- 【Applications】Fits John Deere Hay Rake Teeth Models: 70, 71, 640, 650, 652, 660, 662, 670, 671, 672, 673, 896A, Replace OEM#: John Deere: A…
Specifically designed for wheel rakes, these double-tine replacements fit models from John Deere, New Idea, Sitrex, and more. Their robust design is built for ground-driven action.
- 【Dedicated to Satisfaction】Any Concerns? We’re Committed to Resolving Issues Promptly and Ensuring Your Satisfaction. Whether You're Seekin…
- 【Dimensions】Bolt Hole Diameter: 3/8"; Tine Length from Mounting Hole: 7"; Tine Diameter: 9/32"
- 【Wide Compatibility】Replace John Deere Hay Rake Teeth OEM#: 2117RH, 400341, 491478, Darf Rake Teeth OEM#: 92117RLR, 933, 934; Fits Wheel Ra…
If you run multiple John Deere rakes or just want to be stocked for seasons to come, this 40-pack ensures you'll always have a spare on hand to prevent downtime.
- 【Dedicated to Satisfaction】Any Concerns? We’re Committed to Resolving Issues Promptly and Ensuring Your Satisfaction. Whether You're Seekin…
- 【Dimensions】Yoke Opening: 1-5/8"; Bolt Hole Diameter: 3/8"; Tine Length from Mounting Hole: 10"; Tine Diameter: 9/32"
- 【Applications】Fits John Deere Hay Rake Teeth Models: 70, 71, 640, 650, 652, 660, 662, 670, 671, 672, 673, 896A, Replace OEM#: John Deere: A…
The essential counterpart to our top pick, this pack of right-hand tines is a must-have for owners of New Holland and Massey Ferguson side-delivery rakes.
- 【Dedicated to Satisfaction】Any Concerns? We’re Committed to Resolving Issues Promptly and Ensuring Your Satisfaction. Whether You're Seekin…
- 【Dimensions】Yoke Opening: 1-55/64"; Bolt Hole Diameter: 3/8"; Tine Length from Mounting Hole: 10"; Tine Diameter: 9/32"
- 【Wide Compatibility】Fits New Holland Hay Rake Teeth Models: 216 & 258 with Right Hand Hook, 260 Rolabar Rake, 56B; Allen Rake Teeth Models:…
What to Look For in a Hay Rake & Tedder
Choosing the right hay equipment is less about finding the "best" overall and more about finding the best fit for your specific operation. Your tractor, acreage, terrain, and crop type will all dictate the ideal setup. Here’s what to consider.
Rake vs. Tedder: Do I Need Both?
This is the first question every small farmer asks. A tedder is used shortly after cutting to fluff and spread the hay, exposing the damp underside to sun and air. This dramatically speeds up drying time. A rake is used once the hay is dry to gather it into "windrows" for the baler to pick up.
In dry, arid climates with low humidity, you can often get by with just a rake. However, in most other regions, a tedder is a crucial tool. It can shave a full day or more off your drying time, which is often the difference between getting hay in the barn and having it rained on. For small farms, a simple two-basket, ground-driven tedder is an affordable and effective option.
Types of Hay Rakes
There are three main types of hay rakes suitable for small farms, each with its own pros and cons.
- Wheel Rakes: These are the simplest and most affordable. They are ground-driven, meaning the forward motion of the tractor spins the wheels. They are lightweight, fast, and have very few moving parts to break. The main downside is that they can "rope" the hay and tend to pull in more dirt, ash, and debris, which can lower forage quality. They are excellent for grass hay.
- Rotary Rakes: These are PTO-driven and use a gearbox to spin arms with tines that gently sweep the hay into a fluffy, uniform windrow. They produce much cleaner hay, making them the preferred choice for delicate, high-value crops like alfalfa. They are heavier, more complex, and more expensive than wheel rakes.
- Parallel Bar / Rolabar Rakes: An older but still effective design, these rakes (like the classic New Holland 256/258) use a reel of horizontal bars to gently roll the hay into a windrow. They are known for being gentle on leaves and creating a fluffy windrow that dries well, but they operate at slower speeds.
Matching Equipment to Your Tractor
Your tractor is the heart of your hay operation. Before buying an implement, confirm your tractor's specs. For most small farms using compact or utility tractors, you'll need equipment that is Category 1, 3-point hitch compatible. Check the horsepower (HP) requirements as well. Most small wheel rakes and two-basket tedders can be run with as little as 20-25 HP. Rotary rakes typically require a bit more, often in the 30-40 HP range, and a PTO shaft to power them.
Considering Your Acreage and Terrain
The size of your hay fields will determine the ideal width of your equipment. For 5-20 acres, a 4-wheel or 6-wheel V-rake or a small two-basket tedder is perfectly adequate. If you have varied or hilly terrain, a lighter-weight rake is often a better choice as it will follow the ground contours more effectively. Heavier rotary rakes perform best on relatively flat, smooth fields.
Crop Type Matters
What you're growing is a major factor. If you're primarily making grass hay for livestock, the speed and affordability of a wheel rake make it a great choice. If you're growing alfalfa, clover, or other delicate legumes, preserving the fragile leaves is paramount, as that's where the protein is. The gentler sweeping action of a rotary or parallel bar rake is well worth the extra investment to maintain feed quality.
Top Picks Compared: Essential Replacement Tines
No matter which machine you choose, the tines are the business end of the implement and the most common failure point. Hitting a rock, a gopher mound, or just metal fatigue can snap a tine, leaving you dead in the water. Having a box of replacements in the shop is non-negotiable. We've reviewed the best replacement packs to keep you running.
1. 30-Pack Hay Rake Teeth Left Hand 154 — Best Overall
Price: $89.95 | Compatibility: New Holland, Massey Ferguson, Allen
This 30-pack of left-hand tines hits the sweet spot of value, quantity, and compatibility. Fitting some of the most common parallel bar rakes ever made, including the legendary New Holland 216, 258, and 259, this pack is a must-have for a huge number of small farms. Stocking up with this pack and its right-hand counterpart is a smart move before hay season begins.
Pros:
- Excellent price per tine
- Fits many popular and classic rake models
- Large 30-pack quantity reduces need for reordering
Cons:
- Left-hand only; requires separate purchase for right-hand tines
2. 25-Pack Hay Rake Teeth 187 for John Deere — Best Budget
Price: $79.95 | Compatibility: John Deere
For operators of John Deere hay equipment, this 25-pack is the most budget-friendly way to get prepared. These tines are designed to fit a massive range of John Deere rakes, including the 600 and 800 series. The rubber-mounted construction is standard for durability, and the 25-count is enough to handle several seasons' worth of typical breakages for a small operation.
Pros:
- Lowest upfront cost for a full pack
- Wide compatibility across many John Deere rake models
- Good starter quantity for a small farm
Cons:
- Only fits John Deere equipment
3. 18-Pack Wheel Hay Rake Teeth 190 — Best for Wheel Rakes
Price: $129.95 | Compatibility: Darf, John Deere, Farmhand, New Idea, H&S, Sitrex
Wheel rake tines are a different beast, and this 18-pack of double tines is built to handle the unique stresses of ground-driven equipment. The universal design fits a very wide array of brands, including Sitrex, H&S, and John Deere, making it a versatile choice for farms with mixed equipment. While the price per tine is higher, their specialized, robust construction is necessary for the job they do. If you run a wheel rake, having a pack of these specific tines is essential.
Pros:
- Fits a wide variety of wheel rake brands
- Heavy-duty double-tine design
- Rubber mounted for flexibility and durability
Cons:
- Significantly higher price per tine
- Smaller pack size
4. 40-Pack Hay Rake Teeth 187 for John Deere — Best Large Pack
Price: $139.95 | Compatibility: John Deere
If you're running older equipment, raking in rough fields, or just believe in being thoroughly prepared, this 40-pack is for you. It offers the same wide compatibility with John Deere models as its smaller counterpart but provides a bulk quantity that ensures you won't run out mid-season. For those covering more acres or who simply want the peace of mind of a deep inventory, this large pack is a smart and economical choice in the long run.
Pros:
- Large quantity for fewer purchases
- Great for larger operations or rough conditions
- Fits a huge list of John Deere rake models
Cons:
- Higher initial investment
5. 30-Pack Hay Rake Teeth Right Hand 166 — Best for New Holland/MF
Price: $89.95 | Compatibility: New Holland, Massey Ferguson, Allen
This is the other half of the equation for many farmers. Paired with our "Best Overall" pick, this 30-pack of right-hand tines completes the set needed for common side-delivery rakes like the New Holland 258 and 260. Like the left-hand version, it offers a fantastic value with a low cost-per-tine and a generous quantity. Buying both left and right packs at the same time is the most efficient way to prepare your parallel bar rake for the season.
Pros:
- Excellent value
- Essential for repairs on popular rake models
- Durable rubber-mounted design
Cons:
- Right-hand only; must be paired with left-hand tines
Replacement Hay Rake Tines Compared
| Product | Price | Pack Size | Fits Models | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30-Pack Hay Rake Teeth Left Hand 154 | $89.95 | 30 Tines | New Holland, Massey Ferguson | Check Price → |
| 25-Pack Hay Rake Teeth 187 | $79.95 | 25 Tines | John Deere | Check Price → |
| 18-Pack Wheel Hay Rake Teeth 190 | $129.95 | 18 Tines | John Deere, New Idea, Sitrex, etc. | Check Price → |
| 40-Pack Hay Rake Teeth 187 | $139.95 | 40 Tines | John Deere | Check Price → |
| 30-Pack Hay Rake Teeth Right Hand 166 | $89.95 | 30 Tines | New Holland, Massey Ferguson | Check Price → |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a hay rake and a hay tedder?
A tedder is used first to spread out and fluff mown hay for faster, more even drying. A rake is used last to gather the dried hay into windrows for the baler. A tedder speeds up drying; a rake prepares for baling.
How many horsepower do I need for a small hay rake?
Most small hay rakes have very low horsepower requirements. A simple ground-driven wheel rake or a small 2-basket tedder can easily be operated by a compact tractor with 20-25 HP. Small PTO-driven rotary rakes may require 30 HP or more, so always check the manufacturer's specifications.
Can I make hay without a tedder?
Yes, but it depends heavily on your climate. In very dry, sunny, and low-humidity areas, hay can dry sufficiently in the swath without being tedded. In most other places, especially with humid summers, a tedder is highly recommended to speed up drying and reduce the risk of rain damage.
How often do hay rake tines need to be replaced?
There is no set schedule. Tines break due to metal fatigue or impact with obstacles like rocks, dirt mounds, or roots. It's best practice to walk your field before raking to clear major obstacles and to inspect your rake before each use. Always keep a supply of replacement tines on hand, as breakages are inevitable.
What's the best type of hay rake for alfalfa?
A rotary rake or a parallel bar (rolabar) rake is generally considered best for alfalfa. Both types have a gentler action that handles the crop without shattering the delicate, protein-rich leaves. A wheel rake can be too aggressive and may cause significant leaf loss, reducing the feed quality of the final product.
The Bottom Line
Selecting the right hay rake and tedder for your small farm is a balancing act between your budget, tractor size, crop type, and climate. For grass hay on a budget, a wheel rake is a fast and reliable option. For high-quality alfalfa, investing in a rotary rake will pay dividends in better forage. And unless you live in the desert, a small two-basket tedder is one of the best investments you can make to beat the rain.
Regardless of the color or type of machine you run, proactive maintenance is the key to a smooth hay season. A broken tine can bring your entire operation to a halt at the worst possible moment. By identifying the correct replacement tines for your equipment and stocking up before you need them, you can turn a day-ending disaster into a five-minute field repair. For owners of popular New Holland and Massey Ferguson rakes, the 30-Pack of Left Hand Tines offers unbeatable value and is the perfect starting point for building your workshop inventory.