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Hay, Forage & Livestock EquipmentForage Harvester Basics
A forage harvester cuts standing or wilted crop into small pieces and blows it into a wagon for silage. It is a large investment and a hazardous machine, so learn the basics before you commit.
Key points
- A forage harvester chops crop for silage and needs a full support crew.
- Pull-type machines need the right tractor power and PTO match.
- Use extension guidance on moisture and chop length.
- Never reach into a machine until the engine is off, the key is out and everything has stopped.
- Consider custom harvesting before buying.
What does a forage harvester do?
A forage harvester cuts corn, grass or legumes into short lengths and blows the chopped material into a wagon or truck. The crop is then packed into a bunker, bag or pile and fermented as silage. The machine has a header or pickup, feed rolls, a cutterhead with knives and a spout.
Dairy and beef operations use silage as a high-moisture feed. A small farm may hire a custom harvester rather than own one.
Read the operator's manual cover to cover before the first day of harvest. Many harvesters have a long list of daily checks and warnings, and you should know all of them. Whether you own one or hire one, the goal is the same: a clean, even chop that packs well and keeps animals eating.
What types of forage harvesters are there?
Self-propelled harvesters are large machines with their own engine and cab. Pull-type harvesters are towed behind a tractor and driven by the PTO. Each needs different power, labor and support equipment.
Pull-type machines are common on mid-sized farms. Self-propelled units are more common on large dairies and with custom operators. The market changes, so ask the dealer what is available near you. Think about your own acres and your own crop before you decide. A machine that suits a large corn operation may be a poor fit for a small hay farm.
- Pull-type: needs tractor power and PTO match
- Self-propelled: own power, higher investment
- Headers for row crops, pickups for grass and legumes
- Custom hire: no machine to own
What tractor and support equipment do you need?
A pull-type harvester needs a tractor with the PTO speed and power the manufacturer lists. You also need wagons or trucks to haul the chopped crop, a way to pack the silage and a plan for storage. Check the manuals for your tractor and harvester, and do not guess at power.
The chain has many parts. If the packing tractor, wagons or storage lag behind the harvester, the whole crew waits.
Plan the crew. Harvester, haulers, packers and the person who watches the pile all matter, and an hour lost anywhere costs the whole crew.
How do moisture and chop length affect silage?
Moisture at harvest affects fermentation and how well the silage packs. Crop that is too wet can seep and spoil, and crop that is too dry is hard to pack and can mold. Chop length affects packing and what animals eat.
Ask your extension office for moisture and chop length guidance for your crop and storage type. Local advice beats a number from the internet.
Silage that is packed well and sealed quickly keeps better. See the separate guide on silage storage and ask your extension agent about options for your operation.
How do you operate a forage harvester safely?
Forage harvesters have fast-moving knives, feed rolls and PTO drivelines that can kill. Shut off the engine, remove the key and wait for the cutterhead and rolls to stop before doing anything near them. The cutterhead can keep turning after the power is off.
Never put hands, feet or tools into the feed rolls or spout while anything is running. Keep shields in place. Metal objects in the crop can damage the machine and be thrown out, so walk fields for wire and debris.
What should you check on a used harvester?
Check the cutterhead, knives, shear bar, feed rolls, bearings and drive. Look for cracked frames and weld repairs. Ask for service records. Parts for harvesters can be costly, so find out availability and prices before you buy.
Have a qualified mechanic inspect any used machine. A hidden problem in the drive or cutterhead can cost a great deal.
Ask the seller whether a field demonstration is possible. A harvester that runs well at idle may behave differently under load. Ask about parts support in your area, how long common parts take to arrive and what a typical service call involves.
Is it better to hire custom harvesting?
For many small and mid-sized farms, custom harvesting gives access to a modern machine and an experienced crew with no ownership costs. Ask neighbors who they use, and get terms in writing.
If you are thinking of buying, talk with your lender and accountant. Compare ownership cost against custom rates in your area and your acres. Many custom operators also offer packing, hauling and bagging, which can simplify the job for a small crew.
Sources and further reading
Organization homepages are linked so you can search them for current guidance on this topic.