Looking After a Hay Mower: Maintenance Guide for NZ Farmers

Hay Mower

A hay mower is under pressure when the season starts. Long hours in tough conditions take their toll, and if the machine isn’t looked after, the first breakdown won’t be far away. Time lost in the paddock means fuel wasted, lower-quality forage, and a harvest that drags out longer than it should.

The good news is that most of those problems can be avoided with straightforward upkeep. Blades, belts, bearings, and the power system don’t need much, but they do need regular attention. A mower that’s maintained consistently will cut cleaner, run more efficiently, and last far longer than one that’s ignored until something goes wrong.

Understanding Hay Mowers

On New Zealand farms, three main mower types do the heavy lifting: disc mowers, drum mowers, and mower conditioners. Disc mowers are fast and efficient, using spinning discs with attached blades to leave a clean finish even at higher speeds. Drum mowers are simpler, sturdier, and better suited to uneven ground or smaller blocks where reliability matters more than speed. Mower conditioners cut and crimp in one pass, speeding up drying times and reducing the number of trips across the paddock.

Whatever the type, the same parts require regular attention. Blades need to stay sharp to cut cleanly. Belts transfer power and must be kept tight to prevent slipping. PTO shafts carry the load from the tractor and wear quickly if not greased and guarded. Bearings are under constant stress and fail fast if they run dry. Knowing how these parts work and spotting wear early is the first step in keeping the mower reliable.

Importance of Regular Maintenance

Consistent maintenance makes the difference between a mower that cuts well for years and one that spends too much time in the workshop. Sharpened blades, greased bearings, and tensioned belts deliver better cutting performance, saving both time and fuel. A mower in top condition leaves an even swath, which improves drying and boosts forage quality when it’s time to bale.

Neglect, on the other hand, shows up quickly. Blunt blades tear rather than cut, leaving ragged grass that dries unevenly. Loose or worn belts reduce efficiency, while dry bearings seize and bring work to a halt. Poorly maintained machines not only affect the crop but also put unnecessary strain on the tractor, increasing fuel use and repair costs across the board.

There’s also safety to consider. Guards, shields, and hydraulic hoses are designed to protect the operator, but they only work if they’re checked regularly. A missing guard or a cracked hose can turn a routine job into a dangerous one. Regular maintenance avoids these risks and keeps both machine and operator safe in the paddock.

Daily Maintenance Checklist

Visual Inspection

Before starting, walk around the mower and check for obvious issues. Look for cracked welds, missing bolts, loose fasteners, or worn parts that might give way under load. Small problems spotted early are easier to fix than a mid-field breakdown.

Blade Sharpness

Blades should be sharp enough to cut cleanly through grass without tearing. Dull blades slow the job, waste fuel, and reduce forage quality. Sharpen or replace blades as soon as they lose their edge to keep performance consistent.

Checking PTO Shaft and Guard

The PTO shaft should spin freely without play or grinding. Make sure the guard is intact and properly fitted, as exposed shafts are a major safety risk. Grease points regularly to extend service life and prevent premature wear.

Lubrication Points and Hydraulic Hoses

Keep all grease points covered according to the manufacturer’s schedule, and check hydraulic hoses for leaks, cracks, or abrasions. Proper lubrication and sound hydraulics prevent downtime and protect against expensive failures.

Cleaning Debris After Each Use

At the end of the job, clear away grass, dirt, and crop residue from the mower deck and moving parts. Build-up causes rust, reduces efficiency, and increases wear. A clean mower is easier to inspect and will last much longer.

Seasonal & Preventive Care

Pre-Season Checks

Before the first cut of the season, run through all fluids, including gearbox oil and hydraulic levels. Grease fittings, check belts for wear, and make sure blades are sharp. Catching issues early avoids delays once mowing is underway.

In-season Care

During the season, replace worn tines, bolts, or blades before they cause bigger problems. Regular checks mid-season keep performance consistent and reduce the risk of mid-field breakdowns when the crop is ready to cut.

Post-Season Storage

When mowing is done, clean the machine thoroughly and remove all crop build-up. Apply rust prevention where needed, cover exposed parts, and store the mower in a dry shed. Proper storage protects it through the off-season.

Importance of Using High-Quality Parts

Cheap blades, belts, or bearings wear quickly and can cost more in downtime than they save up front. Using quality parts extends service intervals and keeps the mower working efficiently, season after season.

Common Hay Mower Issues & Troubleshooting

Uneven Cutting

If the mower leaves patches or ragged swaths, the blades are likely dull or damaged. Uneven ground pressure or worn skids can also cause an irregular cut. Keeping blades sharp and checking adjustments usually fixes the problem.

Blockages and Clogging

Wet or heavy crops can clog around the cutter bar or discharge area. Build-up slows the job and strains the mower. Clearing debris promptly and adjusting ground speed to suit crop conditions reduces clogging.

Excessive Vibration

Unusual vibration often points to bent blades, unbalanced rotors, or worn bearings. Left unchecked, vibration causes serious wear on other components. Inspect moving parts and replace anything out of balance before continuing work.

Hydraulic Leaks

Leaking hoses or fittings reduce mower efficiency and pose safety risks. Signs include drips under the machine or oil on moving parts. Regularly check hoses, seals, and couplings, and replace damaged components immediately.

Professional Servicing vs DIY Maintenance

Many day-to-day maintenance tasks can be handled on farm. Sharpening blades, greasing bearings, tightening bolts, and cleaning debris are straightforward jobs that don’t require a workshop. Staying on top of these small tasks keeps the mower reliable and helps prevent issues from building up.

However, there are limits to what can realistically be done without specialist tools. Gearbox repairs, PTO shaft servicing, or complex hydraulic issues are better left to professionals who have the equipment and parts on hand. Attempting to tackle these repairs without the right knowledge can end up costing more in the long run.

A good approach is to combine both methods. Farmers handle the routine checks and daily upkeep, while scheduling professional servicing at key points in the season. Pre-season inspections by a qualified technician ensure the mower is ready to go, and post-season checks catch wear before storage. This balance keeps costs manageable and equipment in the best possible condition.

Safety Best Practices for Operating Hay Mowers

Safety should always come first when running heavy equipment, and hay mowers are no exception. Start-up and shut-down procedures should be done with care: disengage the PTO before leaving the tractor seat, and always let moving parts come to a complete stop before carrying out checks.

Guards and shields are there for a reason. Operating without them exposes moving parts like blades and shafts, creating serious risks for anyone nearby. Make it routine to confirm all guards are secure before each job, and replace damaged or missing ones immediately.

Safe distance is equally important. Operators should ensure no one is standing close to the mower during cutting, especially when the PTO is engaged. Flying debris and moving blades can cause injuries well beyond the width of the machine.

Personal protective equipment matters too. Hearing protection, safety glasses, and sturdy footwear reduce the risks that come with long hours around noisy, fast-moving machinery. These habits add only minutes to the day but protect against accidents that could cost far more than time.

Cost-Saving Tips for Long-Term Ownership

Keeping a hay mower affordable over the years isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about making smart decisions. One of the simplest cost savers is blade care. Regular sharpening extends blade life and reduces fuel use, compared to letting them dull and replacing them too often.

Investing in quality parts also pays off. While cheaper belts or bearings may seem tempting, they often fail early, leading to breakdowns and lost time in the paddock. High-quality components last longer and protect the machine from additional wear.

Fuel efficiency is another factor. Correct mower setup, including proper hitch height and ground speed, reduces drag on the tractor and lowers fuel bills over the course of the season. Even small adjustments make a difference across hectares of mowing.

Finally, proper care extends service intervals. Consistent cleaning, greasing, and storage practices mean fewer major repairs and more years of dependable use. With a little foresight, a hay mower remains an asset that pays back season after season.

Keeping Your Hay Mower in Top Shape with Taits

A well-maintained mower means smoother cutting, fewer delays, and a machine that lasts for years. Most of the work comes down to regular checks and replacing worn parts before they cause bigger problems. Having the right essentials on hand makes those jobs quicker and easier.

At Taits, we stock the quality parts and products farmers rely on, from replacement blades and belts to hydraulic hoses, lubricants, and oils. Every item is chosen to stand up to New Zealand farming conditions, so you can trust it to do the job properly.

If you’re getting your mower ready for the season or need reliable parts mid-harvest, check in with Taits. We’ll make sure you have the essentials to keep your gear running smoothly and your work on schedule.