I know that you have been around a farm or two in your days Mike but I was wondering if you have ever experienced a Hay Grinder? A Hay Grinder is basically a big wood chipper in a way. It has a 400-600 HP Turbocharged Diesel Engine that powers a Hydraulic pump. This pump Runs the 10' Diameter Tub which Holds a Large Round Hay bale. In the floor of the tub there is something called the hammer spool. This is what grinds the hay. Half a dozen 3/4" bars with 15-20 1" Thick steel plates which are all mounted on a drum.
Ground up Hay runs through screens beneath the tub to a 3' wide belt that feeds it to the boom which then carries the hay to a pile. There are many different ways to end up getting dirty while grinding hay. First of all, a breeze is ok but wind will ruin the tub operators day, wet or bad hay will clog up in the belly belt and have to be unclogged. The only way to do this is shut the grinder off and have someone crawl into the belly of the grinder under the tub and break loose all of the stuck hay. Hot days can be bad when wind is blowing because dry hay has a tendency to burn if it lands on any thing HOT. ie: Exhaust Manifold. One of the hazards of being a Grinder owner is losing your machine to fire. most grinders cost anywhere from $120,000 - $400,000 so when one goes up in flames they are not easy to replace, that is if you can find one. There are many great parts to "Making Dust" as we like to call it. More then likely you will not walk away with out having hay dust in your eyes, ears, nose, mouth, belly button, or any other orifice not efficiently covered. If you have any more questions Please contact me at the Email address. I think you would have a lot a fun grinding hay in the good old midwest. The business is in NE
Thank you for taking my suggestion into consideration.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: kim g,