Which Hay Mower Should I Buy? Our Honest Thoughts After 8 Years Selling, Rebuilding & Dismantling Mowers

One of the most common questions we're asked at Taits Rural is:

"What's the best hay mower to buy?"

The honest answer is... there isn't one.

Modern disc mowers have come a long way over the last 20 years. Every major manufacturer now builds a machine capable of producing an excellent cut when set up and maintained correctly. They all have their strengths, and they all have their weaknesses.

Over the past 8 years we've sold, dismantled, rebuilt and supplied parts for hundreds of mowers from nearly every major brand. We've also listened to feedback from contractors and farmers throughout New Zealand. These are simply our observations—not a definitive ranking—and every operator will have their own preferences.

1. Claas

Claas has built a very strong reputation in New Zealand, particularly since introducing the Max Cut cutterbar around 2015. Both the Disco belt-drive and Contour gear-drive models are proven performers.

Strengths

• Strong, well-built frame.

• Excellent cutting performance.

• Easy to operate.

• High resale value thanks to strong brand recognition.

• Straightforward to work on, with good access to most components.

• Good module protection system, helping minimise damage from impacts with stones or other obstacles.

Weaknesses

The bolted cutterbar design is both a strength and a weakness. While it's a robust system, removing idler gears, repairing impact damage or welding cracks generally requires splitting the entire cutterbar, making major repairs more labour intensive than some welded-bar competitors.

2. Pottinger

Pottinger has earned a reputation for producing an exceptionally clean cut and excellent ground following. The Alphamotion front mower remains one of the best contour-following front mowers available.

Strengths

• Outstanding ground contouring.

• Excellent cutting quality.

• Fully welded cutterbar.

• Cutterbars are interchangeable across many models.

• Cutterbar is relatively easy to remove and repair.

Weaknesses

The cutterbar can be prone to cracking, particularly where it joins the main mower frame. It's an area worth inspecting carefully on higher-hour machines.

3. Krone

Krone remains one of the strongest mower brands in New Zealand. Their EasyCut & Activemow range have built an excellent reputation for cutting performance and durability.

Strengths

• Strong market presence.

• Solid fully welded cutterbar.

• Gear train can be removed from one end of the bar.

• Proven performer in New Zealand conditions.

• Later EasyCut & Activemow models feature the proven SafeCut module protection system, which has earned an excellent reputation for protecting the driveline when discs strike an obstacle.

Weaknesses

Krone has used several different cutterbar module configurations over the years, along with two different disc sizes. From a parts perspective this creates significant variation and can make stocking components challenging.

The EasyCut headstock gearbox is also a known weak point, and fatigue around the breakaway system can occasionally occur on heavily used machines.

4. Kverneland

Kverneland mowers have always offered excellent ground following and are particularly well suited to rough or stony conditions.

Strengths

• Excellent contour following.

• Round mowing discs perform well in stony paddocks by reducing point loading.

• Fully welded cutterbar that's straightforward to repair.

Weaknesses

The bed gearbox on centre-pivot and belt-drive models can be a weak point. We've also found the cutterbar structure to be slightly lighter than some competitors, making cracks more common on heavily worked machines.

5. Kuhn

Kuhn has long been regarded as one of the simplest and most reliable mower designs available. While they were slower than some manufacturers to modernise certain features, their machines have proven themselves in New Zealand conditions.

Strengths

• Simple, proven design.

• Reliable in local conditions.

• Strong dealer support and parts availability.

Weaknesses

Earlier models use an inside skid that can catch previously cut grass. Older centre-pivot machines also fold rearward, making transport and manoeuvring a little more awkward. The latest generation has returned to a vertical folding design, addressing much of this issue.

6. SIP

SIP continues to gain popularity and represents excellent value for money.

Strengths

• Good all-round performer.

• Excellent module protection system.

• Continually improving product.

Weaknesses

Front stone guards can loosen over time, allowing oil leaks from the cutterbar if left unchecked. During major rebuilds, some components can also be difficult to remove compared with other brands.

7. Fella / Massey Ferguson

These two brands one machine. From 2020 onwards, only sold under the Massey Brand with a completly new Cutterbar design.

Strengths

• Larger cutter discs mean fewer internal moving parts.

• Lower horsepower requirement than some competing designs.

• Simple overall layout.

Weaknesses

Brand recognition in New Zealand isn't as strong as some competitors. Rear-fold centre-pivot models can feel cumbersome in transport, while the belt-drive gearbox is its achlies heel and an expensive component to replace

8. Lely

Lely built some innovative mowers, but since the company exited the mower market, they have become increasingly uncommon.

Strengths

• Modular cutterbar design.

• Grease-filled cutterbar system appealed to many owners.

Weaknesses

Operators tended to either love or dislike the grease-filled system. Today, the biggest drawback is parts availability and cost, with genuine components becoming increasingly expensive following the discontinuation of the range.

9. SaMASZ

SaMASZ has improved significantly over the past decade and shouldn't be overlooked.

Strengths

• Solid, well-built machines.

• Continual design improvements.

• Good value for money.

Weaknesses

The biggest challenge remains brand recognition in New Zealand rather than the product itself. We expect this brand to continue growing over the coming years.

So, Which One Would We Buy?

There is no perfect mower.

Every manufacturer has found different ways to solve the same problems. Some prioritise serviceability, others cutting performance, others simplicity or operator comfort.

Our advice is always to buy the mower that best suits:

• Your budget.

• Your tractor.

• Your acreage.

• Your local dealer support.

• Your ability to maintain it.

When buying used, the condition of the individual mower is often more important than the badge on the side. A well-maintained machine from almost any major manufacturer will usually outperform a neglected example from a premium brand.

At Taits Rural we work on all makes and models. We see what wears out, what breaks, what lasts and what owners like or dislike after thousands of hectares—not just what the brochures say.

Every mower we sell is thoroughly inspected and workshop prepared, and for added peace of mind we include a 3-month seasonal warranty on our used mowers. We're confident in what we sell and stand behind our machines.

If you're unsure which mower is right for your farm, get in touch. We're always happy to share what we've learnt from real-world experience and help you choose the mower that best suits your operation.

Disclaimer: The opinions in this article are based on our experience selling, dismantling, rebuilding and repairing these brands over the past five years, together with feedback from our customers. Other dealers and operators may have different experiences.