another hay question

[chewie]

didn't want to hijack the other threads, but have a question...if i use a scythe, i see the wood rake to windrow it. can i use a lawn rake or something for doing this part? i don't want to pay big bucks for a wood rake, plus shipping. but i'd like to try putting up the little strip of alf. behind my house for my goats.

[jwal10]

I have used one, works best to keep the handle end high but it works. Long thick grass is harder, needs to be a stiff rake. I made a rake out of a rough cut 1"x4" and some dowel....James

[eruehr]

Just use a 3 pronged hayfork - much easier than any rake - other than a side-delivery rake that is! If cut with a scythe - you'll need to use the fork to ted the hay out so it will dry as well since it will leave the mown grass in a windrow. Then use the fork to rake it in.

[arcticow]

Originally Posted by jwal10

I have used one, works best to keep the handle end high but it works. Long thick grass is harder, needs to be a stiff rake. I made a rake out of a rough cut 1"x4" and some dowel....James

Any board big enough to hold 3/8 inch dowel will work, drill holes every 3" or so and a sapling for a handle; one of those BIG plastic leaf rakes should work for alfalfa if not too thick.

[sammyd]

We use a fork as well.

[mistletoad]

We use a regular spring rake.