More Than Just Raking: It's Forage Stewardship
Let's talk about what happens in the field after the mower passes. That's where most of the invisible losses occur—the shattering of brittle leaves, the picking up of soil that lowers feed quality. A typical rotary rake can be harsh, almost beating the crop into a row. Our Gentle Giant works on a different principle: lift, roll, and guide. Each independently suspended wheel, fitted with long, flexible tines, cradles the crop. It's a smoother action that keeps the leaves on the stems where they belong. And leaves, as any dairy farmer will tell you, are where the money (and the protein) is.
But here's the thing most folks don't realize: a gentle rake doesn't have to be a slow one. The geometry of our wheel setup is designed for continuous, efficient flow. It merges multiple swaths from today's wide-cut mowers into one consistent windrow without creating dense, damp plugs in the middle. This fluffy, aerated structure is the secret to rapid and even drying. We've had customers tell us they're baling a good half-day sooner than before, which is a lifetime when you're watching the weather radar. That's the kind of practical advantage that pays for the tool itself.
Built to Last: Specifications at a Glance
| Item | Unit | Specification |
| Structural Form | / | Ratchet type |
| Suspension Mode | / | Lifting type |
| Model Number | / | 9LZD-9.0 |
| Power Supply | kW | 55-75 |
| External Dimensions | m | 16.8×3.9×1.6 (working condition) |
| Machine Weight | kg | 1240 |
| Working Width | m | 9 |
| Working Speed | km/h | 8~10 |
| Transport Speed | km/h | 12 |
| Disc Number | pcs | 17 |
| Disc Number per Plate | pcs | 1020 (17 plates × 60 teeth/plate) |
| Operators Required | persons | 1 |
| Grass Row Width | m | 0.8-1.2 |
| Loss Rate | % | ≤2% |
| Production Rate | hm²/h | 7.2-9 |
*Specifications like exact width and HP requirements can be fine-tuned based on your specific crops and tractor. That's where our custom engineering service comes in.
Why the Gentle Giant Stands Out
Superior Leaf Retention
The gentle, rolling action drastically reduces shatter loss of valuable legumes like alfalfa, preserving your yield and feed quality where it counts.
Faster Field Curing
Builds a loose, fluffy windrow that allows air and sunlight to penetrate evenly, cutting down drying time and your exposure to weather risks.
Excellent Ground Following
Independently suspended wheels contour over bumps and dips, ensuring a clean rake and minimal dirt pickup for cleaner forage.
Simple & Robust Build
Fewer moving parts, heavy-duty bearings, and a solid frame mean legendary reliability and lower maintenance costs over the long haul.
Versatile Crop Handling
Equally effective on delicate alfalfa, grassy hay, straw, or seed crops. Adjustable wheel angles let you fine-tune the aggressiveness.
Efficient Merging
The wide working width allows you to merge two or more modern swaths in a single pass, saving time, fuel, and reducing wheel traffic.
Choosing Your Match: It's About Your Farm
Selecting the right rake isn't a one-size-fits-all decision. The trick is to match the tool to your reality. Start with your crop type – if it's high-value legumes, gentleness is non-negotiable. Then, look at your average field size and shape. Big, open fields crave the efficiency of a 13 or 15-wheel model, while smaller, irregular plots might be better served by the nimble 10-wheel. Don't forget your tractor – you need enough horsepower to pull it comfortably and the hydraulic capacity if you opt for a hydraulic fold. And finally, consider your soil and topography. Our suspended wheels are a godsend on uneven ground. We can help you walk through these points – that's what our application expertise is for.
What Farmers Are Saying
"Our dairy in Wisconsin lives and dies by alfalfa quality. Since switching to the Gentle Giant 13, our relative feed value scores have been consistently higher. We're simply losing fewer leaves in the field. It's a tangible difference at the lab."
– Mark, Dairy Farmer, USA
"In Ireland, you have to make hay when the sun shines, and that window can be short. This rake gets the grass off the ground and fluffed up so quickly. I'd say we're gaining at least a few precious hours of drying time every cut."
– Patrick, Beef & Sheep Farmer, Ireland
"We run a custom hay operation in New South Wales. Durability is key. These rakes are built tough. The service from the team in Italy was straightforward when we needed a parts diagram. Good machine, good support."
– Ben, Contracting Business, Australia
The Road Ahead: Smarter, More Integrated Haymaking
Where is the technology heading? It's moving towards precision and data integration. We're already working on concepts for rakes that can adjust their conditioning intensity on-the-go based on crop moisture sensors. Imagine linking your rake's performance data – ground speed, effective width – directly to your farm management software for perfect records. The goal is to give you more control, less guesswork, and even greater preservation of that hard-earned forage quality. The core principle, though, will always remain: a gentle, mechanical action that respects the crop. That's an engineering philosophy that never goes out of style.
Your Questions, Answered
What's the price for a 13-wheel finger rake shipped to Texas?
The final price depends on the exact configuration and shipping terms. As the manufacturer, we provide all-inclusive quotes directly. Please contact us with your details for the most accurate pricing and delivery timeline to your location.
How do I find a reliable hay rake supplier in Italy?
Look for a manufacturer with a clear engineering background and direct customer support. Check for verifiable customer testimonials and ask about their parts supply chain. We invite you to contact us at [email protected] to discuss your needs directly from our factory in Reggio Emilia.
Which model is best for a small horse farm in France?
For smaller acreage and a focus on premium hay quality, the Gentle Giant 10 is often the perfect match. It's maneuverable, gentle on the forage, and doesn't require a large tractor. We can discuss your specific field layout to confirm.
