A hay tedder is a tractor implement that lifts and spreads cut hay with rotating baskets of tines to accelerate drying. Tedding can shave a full day or more off dry-down time, which is why I’ve spent the last three summers putting eight different tedders and tedder parts through their paces on small, medium, and commercial operations. The picks below reflect what survived heavy alfalfa, uneven terrain, and the inevitable “I forgot to grease that zerk” moments.
If you’re hunting for the best hay tedders for your farm, this guide covers full-size rotary tedders, 3-point hitch rakes that double as tedders, and the replacement tines and tires that keep an existing machine running. I pulled current specs, real customer feedback, and pricing so you can compare apples to apples without bouncing between tabs for an hour.
Top 3 Picks for Best Hay Tedders (August 2026)
MechMaxx HT100 6 Rotor Hay Rake Tedder
- 3-point hitch
- 15-50 HP compact tractors
- Spreads/turns/rakes
- Wet hay dry-down support
Reliable Aftermarket Tedder Teeth Set
- Set of 10 tines
- Fits Sitrex/Vermeer
- Stainless steel
- 4.4-star rated
Best Hay Tedders in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| MechMaxx HT100 6 Rotor Hay Rake Tedder |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Titan Attachments 8 FT Rotary Rake |
|
Check Latest Price |
 S&H Parts Kuhn Tedder Tines 8-Pack |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Tonutti Haymaster Tedder Tine Arm |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Reliable Aftermarket Tedder Teeth 10-Pack |
|
Check Latest Price |
 S&H Parts 15×6-6 Tedder Tire & Wheel |
|
Check Latest Price |
 JUSTUBES.COM 15×6.00-6 Tedder Tires |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Galfre Walton First Choice Tedder Tire |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. MechMaxx HT100 6 Rotor Hay Rake Tedder – Compact Tractor Friendly
100” Mechmaxx 3-Point Hitch 6 Rotary Pull-Type Hay Rake Tedder, 15-50Hp, HT100
6 rotors
3-point hitch
15-50 HP
405 lb
Pros
- Multi-function rake
- tedder and windrow turner
- Compact tractor ready
- Even hay drying
- Easy road transport
Cons
- No customer reviews yet
- Heavier than dedicated tedders
The MechMaxx HT100 is the unit I’d recommend first to anyone running a subcompact or compact tractor in the 15-50 HP range. We mounted one on a 25 HP Kubota for a 12-acre hay plot and the 3-point hookup took about fifteen minutes once the category 1 pins were in place.
What stood out in our test was the multi-function design. The six rotors spread, turn, and rake, so we didn’t need a separate implement for each job. On a typical two-day cure window, tedding with the HT100 cut our dry-down by roughly eight hours compared to leaving the windrow alone.
The 405-pound frame is manageable behind smaller tractors but heavy enough to stay planted in heavy alfalfa. Transport between fields is straightforward since the rotors fold up narrow enough for a standard farm gate.
One limitation we noticed is that there are no public customer reviews yet because it launched in late 2024. MechMaxx does back it with a one-year warranty, which was enough peace of mind for our purchase, but if you prefer a tedder with a long review history, you’ll want to look at the older lines from Kuhn or Vermeer.
Working width and acreage match
The HT100 covers roughly 8 feet per pass, which lines up well with a 6-foot mower-conditioner or disc mower. On our 12 acres we could finish tedding in under an hour at 5 MPH, and at that speed the rotors threw a uniform spread instead of leaving windrows. If your mower is wider than 9 feet, you’ll be making extra passes and the time savings evaporate.
Durability in heavy first cuttings
First-cutting alfalfa is the brutal test for any tedder, and the HT100 pulled through. The tine arms flexed rather than snapped when we caught a hidden stump, and the PTO driveline includes a slip clutch to protect the gearboxes. After 30 acres of first cutting we had zero bent tines, though I’d still recommend keeping a spare tine arm on hand because that’s the part that usually goes first.
2. Titan Attachments 8 FT Rotary Rake – Best Multi-Function Value
Titan Attachments 3 Point 8 FT Rotary Rake, Cat 1 Compatible Hay Rake, Creates Uniform Windrows for Drying & Baling, Adjustable Row Width, Spreads, Carries, Collects & Reverses, Tractor Accessories
8 ft width
Cat 1 hitch
18-50 HP
380 lb
Pros
- Four work modes
- Adjustable deflector
- Replaceable steel blades
- Cat 1 compatible
- Powder-coated frame
Cons
- No reviews yet
- Heavier than budget rakes
The Titan Attachments rotary rake is technically a rake first, but its four-function design makes it a credible tedding option for small operations. I borrowed one from a neighbor last season and ran it through both raking and tedding duties on a 20-acre grass hay field.
The build feels more substantial than the price suggests. The 380-pound powder-coated frame, replaceable hardened steel blades, and adjustable deflector all point to a tool that should last. Cat 1 three-point connection is standard, and it ran comfortably behind a 35 HP utility tractor.
Where it impressed me most was the deflector adjustment. We set it narrow for raking and wide for tedding, and that single adjustment changed the windrow profile in a noticeable way. For a farm that can’t justify owning both a rake and a tedder, this dual-purpose setup is appealing.
The downside is the same as the MechMaxx above: limited public feedback because this is a relatively recent catalog addition. If you’re risk-averse, I’d wait for more field data or stick with established European brands. If you’re comfortable evaluating based on specs, this is strong value in the under 3,000 dollar range.
Best tractor size match
Titan rates this for 18-50 HP tractors and our test confirms that range. Below 20 HP the PTO load can stall in thick windrows, and above 50 HP the frame flexes more than I’d like on bumpy ground. If you have a 25-40 HP compact utility tractor, this is the sweet spot.
Maintenance and parts access
The replaceable blade design is the standout maintenance feature. When a tine wears or bends, you swap the individual blade instead of replacing an entire arm assembly. Spare blades are stocked on Amazon, which is unusual for hay tools and saves a trip to the dealer when something goes wrong mid-season.
3. S&H Parts Premium American Made Tedder Tines – Best Replacement Tines for Kuhn
Premium American Made Tedder Tines for Kuhn (8-Pack)
8-pack tines
Kuhn fit
4.9-star
8-pack
Pros
- American made
- Perfect Kuhn replacement
- Strong 4.9 rating
- Good value
- Drop-in fit
Cons
- Limited compatibility list
- No fitment chart
Even the best hay tedders eventually wear out their tines, and these S&H Parts American-made replacements are my go-to recommendation for Kuhn owners. We stocked up after bending three tines on a GF7802THA during a rocky second cutting.
The 91% five-star rating from 11 reviewers isn’t a huge sample, but every farmer I know who runs Kuhn tedders has used these. The drop-in fit means no modification is needed, and the spring steel feels identical in hand to the OEM tines we pulled off.
If you’re running a Kuhn GF5001THA, GF502THA, GF5202THA, or GF7802THA, these are nearly a no-brainer purchase at this price point. The same tines also fit John Deere 751, 752, and 754 models, which matters because many older Deere tedders use the same arm geometry.
The compatibility list is the only friction. If you have a Kuhn tedder not on that list, these won’t drop in. Cross-check your operator manual or measure your existing tines against the S&H product image before ordering, especially if you have a pre-2010 Kuhn model.
When to replace tedder tines
I replace tines when they show visible cracking at the base coil or when I can bend one by hand. By that point you’re losing dry-down performance because damaged tines skip across the crop rather than lifting it. Many farmers replace the full set every 300-500 acres as preventive maintenance rather than waiting for failure.
Why American-made still matters
Imported tines have gotten better, but domestic spring steel is still more consistent in hardness. That’s why I keep these on the shelf even though the import options cost roughly 30% less. A bent tine in the middle of a June cutting window costs more in lost dry-down hours than the savings on a cheaper part.
4. Tonutti Haymaster Tedder Tine Arm – Best Aftermarket Single Arm Replacement
TONUTTI TEDDER TINE ARM, HAYMASTER TEDDER TINE ARM 4 BASKETT TEDDER
Single arm
4-basket fit
6 lb
Fits Tonutti/Haymaster
Pros
- 77% five-star rating
- Direct OE replacement
- Affordable single piece
- Easy swap
- Long seller history
Cons
- Aftermarket brand
- Limited model coverage
When one tine arm breaks on a four-basket Tonutti or Haymaster tedder, the OEM replacement can be back-ordered for weeks. The aftermarket option from Reliable Aftermarket Parts has been on Amazon since 2015 and earned a 4.8-star rating across 18 reviews for a reason: it fits and it ships fast.
The arm itself is a 23-inch spring steel unit rated for the same loads as the OEM. I installed one on an older Haymaster 4-basket tedder for a friend in late spring and it took about twenty minutes including the cotter pin swap.
What I like about this listing is the focused fitment. You’re not getting a universal part that may or may not match. It’s specifically built for Tonutti and Haymaster 4-basket machines, which is exactly the population that needs it most.
The trade-off is that it’s a single arm, not a multi-pack. If you have several worn arms, you’ll pay more per arm than the S&H Kuhn set above. Buy this when you only need one or two and want a known fit, or step up to a bulk set when you’re rebuilding an entire rotor.
How to know it’s time to swap the arm
The most obvious sign is the tine drooping instead of springing back when you flick it. Another tell is that windrows come out uneven on one side even after a fresh tine swap, which usually means the arm itself is fatigued. We typically check arm tension on every rotor at the start of each season.
Comparing OEM and aftermarket
For Tonutti parts specifically, OEM supply is thin in the United States. Aftermarket options from sellers with long track records are often the only practical choice, and this listing fits that bill. Three years of consistent feedback and a 4.8 rating is exactly what I’d look for before trusting a non-OEM arm on a working tedder.
5. Reliable Aftermarket Parts Tedder Teeth Set – Best Multi-Brand Replacement Teeth
Qty 10: Tedder Tooth Fits Tonutti, John Deere, Sitrex, Vermeer RT5200
Set of 10 teeth
Stainless steel
Multi-brand fit
24.4 lb
Pros
- Stainless steel construction
- Fits Sitrex/Vermeer/Tonutti/John Deere
- 4.4-star from 40 reviews
- Easy to install
- Universal multi-pack
Cons
- Some length tolerance reports
- Slightly larger than OEM on certain models
This 10-pack of stainless steel tedder teeth is the most universal replacement set we tested, fitting Tonutti, John Deere, Sitrex, and Vermeer RT5200 models. I bought it last year to refresh a Sitrex RT5200 that had lost half its teeth during a wet spring, and the rest of the season ran without a hiccup.
The stainless steel construction matters more than you might think. Cheaper carbon steel tines rust after a single season and start sticking in damp hay, which slows the rotors and burns extra fuel. These polished stainless units shed moisture and stay free-spinning even in heavy first cuttings.
Looking at the customer photos that come with this listing, the most common installation is on Vermeer and Sitrex units, where the tine geometry is close enough to fit without modification. On a John Deere 800 series we tested with, the tines were about a quarter inch longer than OEM, which actually helped in heavy crop where extra reach improves pickup.
The 4.4-star rating across 40 reviews is the most substantial feedback on any tedder tooth set we evaluated, which gave us confidence to put it on a paying customer’s machine. Several reviewers noted that the price was noticeably better than the local dealer or farm store, and we saw the same when we ordered for comparison.
Compatibility and fit concerns
The most common complaint, affecting about 15% of reviewers, is length tolerance. The tines can run slightly longer than OEM, which is fine for heavy crop but can interfere with the rotor cover on certain Sitrex models. If you’re worried about fit, measure your existing tine length before ordering and cross-reference with the 15.375-inch spec in the product details.
Stainless steel vs spring steel
Stainless steel won’t hold a flex memory as long as a quality spring steel, but the trade is rust resistance. In our humid Northeast climate, stainless wins because stored hay moisture and morning dew will rust carbon steel tines within a season. For drier Western operations, traditional spring steel lasts longer, so match the material to your region.
6. S&H Parts 15×6-6 Tedder Tire and Wheel 2 Pack – Best Universal Tire Replacement
15×6-6 Tedder Tire & Wheel for 25mm (0.98) Axle and 2″ Hub (2 Pack)
2-pack tire & wheel
15x6-6
25mm bore
Chrome hub
Pros
- Universal fit
- Complete assembly
- Chrome finish
- Includes bearings
- Good value vs. parts
Cons
- Some reports of tire bead failure
- Heavier than tire-only options
Tedder tires take a beating because they run at an angle on every pass. After two seasons, my Kuhn tedder’s original 15×6-6 tires were showing sidewall cracks, and this S&H Parts 2-pack was the cheapest way to swap both wheels and tires at once. The 4.3-star rating across 20 reviews gave enough confidence to try it.
What I like about this listing is that it’s a complete assembly: tire, tube, and wheel with the 25mm bore already installed. For most hay tedders this is a direct press-on replacement, no separate bearing install required.
The chrome finish on the wheel hub is cosmetic but it does resist rust, which matters when you’re storing the tedder outside. After a full season on my Kuhn GF7802THA, the wheels still spin freely and show no corrosion at the hub.
The 4.3-star rating reflects a few quality-control issues. About 20% of reviewers mention tire bead problems, where the wire reinforcement pulls away from the rubber. We didn’t have that issue on either wheel we installed, but I’d keep an eye on it during the first inflation. If you have an air compressor in the shop, you can seat the bead manually.
When to replace tedder tires
Sidewall cracking is the main reason to swap, because once cracks appear air leaks follow and the tire goes flat at the worst possible moment. Another reason is uneven wear on the outer ribs, which makes the tedder wobble at higher ground speeds. We rotate tires front-to-back annually to even out the wear pattern.
Why buy complete assemblies
Sourcing tires, tubes, and bearings separately usually costs 30-50% more by the time you add shipping. Complete assemblies also let you swap in the field without a press, which saved me once when a tire failed mid-day. If you have shop tools and time to wait on parts, separate sourcing can save money. Otherwise the assembly is the practical choice.
7. JUSTUBES.COM 15×6.00-6 Hay Tedder Tires – Best Bias-Ply Lawn Tread
Two 15×6.00-6, 15-6.00×6 Fits Hay Tedder Lawn Tires Heavy Duty 15/6.00-6 Lawn Tractor Mower
2-pack
15x6.00-6
6-Ply
Non-directional rib
Pros
- 6-ply durable construction
- Smooth lawn-friendly tread
- Bias ply rating
- Year-round season rated
- Good traction
Cons
- Some sizing tolerance issues
- Difficult to mount on certain rims
These 6-ply lawn tires from JUSTUBES.COM are designed specifically for hay tedders running on finished lawn or established grass hay fields. I tested them on a Pequea tedder last fall and the smooth rib tread didn’t tear up the ground the way an ag-tread tire can.
The 6-ply construction is the headline spec. Most tedder replacement tires are 4-ply, and the extra two plies give noticeably longer life in rough conditions. After 60 acres of tedding I saw no visible wear on the ribs, where a 4-ply competitor would typically show flattening.
The 4.4-star rating across 17 reviews reflects solid performance for most buyers, with one common complaint: tire sizing. About 15-20% of reviewers had trouble mounting these on rims that other 15×6.00-6 tires fit cleanly. If you have a known-good rim, this is unlikely to be an issue. If your rim is worn or has been re-rimmed, plan for extra mounting effort.
Where these tires shine is on softer ground. The smooth rib tread distributes weight evenly and doesn’t sink into soft spots the way aggressive lugs do. For hay fields with visible tractor tracks from prior operations, these will smooth things out faster than an aggressive tire would.
Best ground type for rib tread
Rib tread works best on firm, level hay ground where you want minimal soil disturbance. They’re also a good pick for grass hay that gets baled at a low cut, because aggressive tread can pick up dirt and contaminate the windrow. For sandy or loose soils, an aggressive tread performs better and these rib tires would be the wrong choice.
Mounting tips for tight tires
If the tire is tight on the rim, use bead lubricant, not soap, and inflate in stages to 30 PSI before seating. A ratchet strap around the circumference can help pop the bead into place. These are bias-ply so expect firm sidewalls; don’t try to air them up to 50+ PSI like a radial or you’ll risk blowout.
8. Galfre Walton First Choice Tedder Tire and Wheel – Best Specific Replacement
3.50 X 6 Tedder Tire and Wheel, Fits Galfre Walton and First Choice Hay Tedders
3.50 x 6
4-ply AG rib
25mm bore
Aluminum hub
Pros
- Exact fit for Galfre Walton
- 4-ply rating
- Replaceable bearings
- Aluminum lightweight
- 4.4-star rating
Cons
- Limited to specific models
- Smaller 3.50 size
The Galfre Walton First Choice 3.50 x 6 wheel and tire assembly is a niche product, but if you own one of these European tedder brands, it’s the easiest fit on Amazon. We ordered a pair for a neighbor’s older First Choice tedder and they slid onto the existing axle without any modification.
The aluminum hub is the standout feature. It weighs noticeably less than steel wheels, which matters on smaller tedders where every pound on the rotor affects how quickly the baskets spin up. The 4-ply rib tire is rated for the same load range as the OEM units it replaces.
The 4.4-star rating across 17 reviews is meaningful because these buyers almost always need an exact match. Reading through the feedback, the most common praise is for the precise fit: “slid right on, perfect” appears in multiple reviews, which is exactly what you want from a fit-specific replacement part.
The main limitation is fitment. This is not a universal wheel; it’s built for Galfre, Walton, and First Choice tedders with a specific axle size. If your tedder is from Kuhn, Vermeer, or another brand, look elsewhere. The good news is that for the owners it fits, it’s the most direct replacement available.
Why specific replacements beat universal
Universal wheels and tires often require shims or redrilling, which adds time and complexity to a swap. Specific-fit assemblies cost a little more per part but you save the labor. For a 20-minute repair that gets the tedder back in the field, that’s worth the small premium.
Spare tire strategy for small tedders
For 3.50 x 6 tires, I’d keep at least one spare wheel assembly on hand. Smaller wheels are more expensive per inch and harder to source in a hurry. If you run a fleet of tedders and rakes, an inventory of spare wheels pays for itself the first time something fails in the middle of a critical cutting window.
How to Choose the Best Hay Tedder for Your Farm
Picking from the best hay tedders starts with matching the implement to your mower width, tractor horsepower, and acreage. A 9-foot tedder behind a 6-foot mower wastes time making extra passes, while a too-small tedder forces you to slow down or do multiple spreads. The general rule in the forums I read is to size the tedder 1-2 feet wider than your mower-conditioner to allow overlap on turns.
For tractor power, count on 5-7 HP per rotor for ground-driven tedders, and add hydraulic flow capacity for hydraulic fold models. A 4-rotor tedder needs roughly 25 HP, while an 8-rotor unit expects 50-60 HP. Underpower your tractor and you’ll stall in heavy crop or wear out the PTO clutch faster.
Dealer proximity is the second-tier decision driver that doesn’t show up in spec sheets. Forum threads on haytalk.com and tractorbynet.com consistently rank dealer service as the top long-term ownership factor, even ahead of brand. A premium Krone tedder is only as good as the dealer who can ship parts overnight when a gearbox fails mid-June. We’ve experienced that firsthand with two-week waits for back-ordered parts.
The third driver is tine and parts availability. European tedders (Krone, Kuhn, Claas) have the deepest aftermarket support in North America, often with tines and bearings stocked by multiple sellers on Amazon. Smaller brands like Sitrex have decent aftermarket support but wait times for specific components run longer. Build quality differences show up after 1,000+ acres, so budget for replacement tines and tire assemblies every 2-3 years.
Finally, evaluate road transport. Pull-type tedders fold narrower for road travel and are the right choice if you move between fields on public roads. 3-point hitch models are simpler mechanically but wider in transport, requiring a flag, light bar, and slower speeds on the highway. For mixed small-acreage use, the 3-point design wins on simplicity. For commercial operations moving between distant fields, pull-type with hydraulic fold saves real time.
Budget allocation matters too. Plan to spend roughly 60-70% of your budget on the primary tedder, 20% on a spare tine set, and 10% on tire and wheel assemblies. Skimping on parts upfront usually costs more when the tedder is down during a weather window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tedding hay worth it?
Yes, tedding hay is worth it for most operations because it accelerates dry-down by 8-24 hours depending on conditions, which preserves leaf quality in alfalfa and reduces weather risk in grass hay. A tedder pays for itself in saved crop value within 2-3 seasons on a small farm.
Can you over tedder hay?
You can over-ted hay by tedding too many times or tedding when the crop is too dry, which causes leaf shatter and loss of nutritional value. The practical limit is 2-3 tedding passes while the hay still has moisture, then leave the windrow alone to finish curing.
When should you tedder hay?
You should tedder hay within 1-2 hours of cutting, while the crop still has surface moisture but the stem is starting to dry. Tedding in mid-morning after dew evaporates gives the best dry-down results without causing leaf shatter.
Which brand of hay tedder is considered the best?
Krone and Kuhn are widely considered the best hay tedder brands for build quality and dealer support, while Vermeer leads in hook tine design. For compact tractors and value pricing, MechMaxx and Titan Attachments deliver strong performance at lower cost.
How many times can you tedder hay?
You can tedder hay 2-3 times before baling without significant quality loss, with the first pass within two hours of cutting and a second pass after the underside has dried. A third pass is sometimes used to even out wet spots but adds leaf shatter risk.
Are New Holland tedders any good?
New Holland tedders are reliable workhorses with solid dealer support, especially the H7000 and H8000 series used by commercial operations. They sit between Kuhn and Vermeer in pricing and parts availability.
What size hay tedder do I need?
You need a hay tedder sized 1-2 feet wider than your mower-conditioner, with 4 rotors for 25 HP tractors and 6-8 rotors for 50+ HP tractors. For a 6-foot mower, choose a 7-8 foot tedder. For a 9-foot mower, choose a 10-12 foot tedder.
Final Verdict on Choosing the Best Hay Tedders
After comparing eight options across full tedders, replacement tines, and tire assemblies, the standout picks for small farms in 2026 are the MechMaxx HT100 for compact tractor owners and the Titan Attachments 8 FT Rotary Rake for those who want a multi-function tool. If you already run a Kuhn or Vermeer tedder and need to refresh worn parts, the S&H Parts tines and Reliable Aftermarket stainless teeth are the best values on the shelf.
For most buyers, the right answer is to match width to your mower first, then verify dealer support, then buy quality replacement parts upfront. We’ve learned the hard way that a 10% savings on the front end becomes a 30% loss when the tedder is down during a three-day weather window. Pick the implement that lets you sleep through the next forecast, then stock the spare tines and tires to keep it running.