I am looking to replace an old Vermeer R23 with a twin rotary rake. I combine two 10 foot swaths of timothy into one windrow for my round baler. The R23 has been reliable, however, it ropes previously raked hay when turned following a rain shower. It is also awkward in narrow corners since it has no lifting capability.
I would like to hear thoughts, comments and experiences on the Kuhn GA 6501 and comparable rotaries from Claas, and Krone. We have a Kuhn dealership an hour away. Others are 3 hours away. Rotaries are not common in the area mostly due to cost.
Posted 6/8/2010 09:17 (#1228703 - in reply to #1228674) Subject: RE: Comparing Rotary Rakes
Northwest iowa
I owned a kuhn 7301, which is a heavier built version of a 6501. I also demoed a 6501 for a day. I was not happy with the 7301. Far too much spent on repairs and shop time. The 6501 would not have lasted a season here, just built too light. It would have shaken itself apart. I run a Krone now, it's a lot better built rake, and is much easier to service and work on.
Have you tried adjusting the baskets on your vermeer? We tip them back to make them fluff the hay more...almost no roping. I am almost never disappointed in how the vermeers perform here, and they are never in the shop. The not lifting part can be unhandy though, esp in odd shaped fields.
Posted 6/8/2010 12:36 (#1228895 - in reply to #1228703) Subject: RE: Comparing Rotary Rakes
SEON
I demo'd a twin basket last season. I can't remember which brand......Kvernland maybe. Red and yellow anyway and it was exactly like the Krone. Pretty heavy duty machine. Could not get the height set properly....it was either missing hay or excavating. It also pulverized the leaves off the alfalfa so you had to rake at higher moisture to avoid this.....and then pray that the windrow dried after you raked.
Posted 6/8/2010 13:34 (#1228943 - in reply to #1228674) Subject: Re: Comparing Rotary Rakes
saskatchewan and Washington
I run an older Fella( brand not guy), when its not inthe shop. Built way to light. Open cams, wear out, open crown and pinion, wear out. Does a lovely job when going, nice fluffy windrow, excellent for drying and baling. mark
Posted 6/8/2010 14:38 (#1229010 - in reply to #1228943) Subject: Re: Comparing Rotary Rakes
swmn
i have a 7301 kuhn on its 2nd year. so far i like it. this is heavier than a 6501 but a neighbor has had a 6501 for at least 4-5 yrs w/ no trouble, he says people have trouble when they go to fast. mine would miss some hay, slowed down to about 6mph and had no more trouble. i am asuming with more parts in the future there will be more expense, but i just finished my hay before the rain, my other neighbor w/ wheelrake, his hay is getting washed.
Posted 6/8/2010 15:45 (#1229061 - in reply to #1228674) Subject: Re: Comparing Rotary Rakes
I was looking at some V-rakes on that big iron deal and noticed a pretty nice looking rotary rake but I can't bring myself to make the switch! Im a little embarassed it took me so long to go with the V-rake from my old single!
Comparing Rotary Rakes
