Mastering the art of hay hauling

Published 1st February 2024
Feeding

While it may seem like a straightforward task, hauling hay bales comes with its set of challenges. Here are a few helpful considerations to think about.

Round or Square?

Depending on the region or even the country you live in, round or square bales may be more commonly used one over the other. When it comes to transporting them, both shapes have their pros and cons.

  Advantages Challenges
Round bales

Ease of handling: Designed for efficient use with tractors and loaders, streamlining transport and feeding.

Weather resistant: Round shape sheds water better, reducing the risk of rot and mold during outdoor storage.

Balance issues: Round shape can be challenging for trailer balance during turns and abrupt stops.

Space utilisation: Consumes more space, limiting the number of bales per trip.

Strapping complexity: Secure strapping requires extra attention to prevent slippage.
Square bales

Efficient shape: Easy stacking on flatbeds, straightforward strapping for secure transport. Maximizes space efficiency on the trailer, translating to cost-savings.

Moisture susceptibility: More prone to excessive moisture, demanding more careful handling.

 

Truck or Trailer?

Depending on your profile, choosing between a truck and a bale trailer for hay haulage depends on various factors, and both options have their pros and cons. Here are some considerations:

  Pros Cons
Truck

Speed and efficiency: Trucks can generally travel at higher speeds on the road, allowing for faster transportation.

Maneuverability: Depending on the size of the truck, it may be more maneuverable in tight spaces compared to a bale trailer.

Loading and unloading: Loading and unloading hay onto a truck may take more time and effort compared to a bale trailer.

Capacity: The capacity of a truck might be limited compared to a large bale trailer, meaning more trips may be required for large quantities of hay.

Cost: Trucks, especially if new, can be more expensive than bale trailers.

Licensing: in most areas, truck driver require a specific license and a logbook as opposed to tractor drivers.
Trailer

High capacity: Bale trailers are designed to carry large quantities of hay, reducing the number of trips needed for transport.

Loading/unloading ease: Bale trailers are specifically designed for easy loading and unloading of bales, reducing manual labour.

Less paperwork: in most cases, the paperwork required to tow and use a trailer is relativement limited.

Cost-effective: In some cases, a bale trailer may be more cost-effective than investing in and maintening a truck for hay hauling.

Speed: Bale trailers tow by tractors may have lower speeds compared to trucks, affecting the overall transportation time.

Maneuverability: In certain situations, bale trailers may be less maneuverable than smaller trucks. However, most tractors and trailers can go on hilly terrains as opposed to trucks.

 

At Hustler, our field experts reckon that flatbed trailers are the vehicle of choice for hay transport due to their ease of loading, efficient arrangement of bales, and straightforward access for securing the load.

The Hustler LoadMax FX116 flatbed trailer has been designed to address the challenges of hay hauling.  

One of the primary concerns in any hauling operation is cost, and the LoadMax FX116 doesn’t disappoint. It allows you to slash transport costs per bale by leveraging the cost-effectiveness of tractors, with no need to buy a truck specially dedicated to hay haulage. Additionally, it streamlines operations with no licensing or log requirements in most cases, saving you from unnecessary paperwork hassles.

Safety is paramount, and the LoadMax FX116 ensures it remains a top priority. Its robust design guarantees durability and reliability, crucial factors when dealing with the rigors of hay hauling. Moreover, the trailer is engineered for enhanced visibility and maneuverability, ensuring safer loading and unloading operations.

The LoadMax FX116 offers a level of customisation that adapts to various load and bale sizes, providing a hassle-free loading and unloading experience. This not only saves time but also reduces the physical effort required in these crucial operations.

The open design of the LoadMax FX116 allows easy loading and unloading from any angle using forklifts or loaders. This flexibility is a significant advantage, especially in busy farm environments where quick and adaptable operations are a necessity.

The large deck of the LoadMax FX116 enables optimal stacking, ensuring you can carry the maximum legal load per trip. This not only makes your operation more efficient but also contributes to overall cost savings. Additionally, the design provides unhindered access for securing hay bales with tie-downs, straps, or tarps, ensuring that your cargo remains secure throughout the journey.

 

How many bales can I transport with a Hustler LoadMax?

Small/Conventional Square Bales (14” x 18” x 36”): 410 bales per load.

Large Square Bales (3’ x 4’ x 6’): 32 bales per load.

Round Bales (4’ x 5’ x 5’): 26 bales per load.

 

đź’ˇ Safety tips – Nylon ratchet straps are great for regular, short to mid-distance hauling, you may want to consider polyester webbing for moisture-resistant tie-downs. For heavy bales or extended transport, it’s recommended to utilise chain binders for maximum strength. When it comes to loading or unloading always make sure to use machinery like forklifts with stable lifts and controlled movements.

 

Think ahead of the herd with Hustler, contact us today for a quote or to book an on-farm demo!

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Our belief in sustainable farming practices underpins our range of world-leading livestock feeding solutions. If you are looking for farming equipment near you or buying livestock feeding equipment, contact our friendly team today! 

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