We have an Allen scythe, where the (3ft?) blade is across the front of a little engine, handles from the back. It's slow but steady, gives a good regular cut.
I started to make some hay last year, with rake and pitchfork, doing OK, then got a contractor in for the main fields, so didn't bother finishing mine, I wish I had, contractor brought a lot in still wet, goats sensibly won't touch it, but what do I do with it?. probably about 20-25 bales.
My thoughts on hand made hay.
It needs turning at least twice a day, rowed up before the evening damp, spread when dew dries off. Don't leave any long grass, spreading hay onto this seems to draw moisture out of the living grass, dampening the hay. needs longer than 2 days round here, like Sally, air is often damper in these parts (Pennines).
I have goat books which show a 'wigwam' (ash poles?)where you build hay round and up to make a high mound. I had some chestnut paling fence which I ran 2 lengths out, interlocking the tops to make a long tunnel, piled grass up and over that so air could get underneath and through. I still shook it up every day when it was dry, it was doing OK till I made the mistake of abandoning it for the contractors efforts. I think I'll try again this year, if it ever stops raining.
I also use the large box idea, again from a goat book. if you stamp it down in the box, pull and tie strings tightly (re-use baleband) it holds its shape, like a miniture hay bale.
It's a lovely feeling shaking the hay out on a lovely summer(?) day, with only the sound of sheep and a distant tractor. Unless of course there are dark clouds coming over the hills
