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After a busy and productive hay season, it’s easy to park your equipment in the barn and call it quits until next spring. But if you want to avoid costly repairs and downtime during next year’s first cutting, fall maintenance is a must. Taking the time now to inspect, clean, and service your hay equipment ensures a smooth start in spring—and can significantly extend the life of your machines. Plus, if any parts need replacing, you’ll have all winter to source and in …

When it comes to flail mowers, the choice of blade type plays a crucial role in their performance and suitability for specific tasks. Among the most common blade types are hammer blades and Y blades, each with distinct advantages and uses depending on the mowing conditions. Understanding the differences between these two types of blades will help you make an informed decision about which is best for your needs. Hammer Blades: Overview and Uses Hammer blades are typically heavier, more r …

Here at Tractor Tools Direct we continually adjust and expand to meet the needs of our customers. For over a decade, we have focused on our goal of helping small-farm operators and land managers tackle their daily to-do lists. To continue this strengthening of our company, we announce the branding transition of our line of Ai2 products to the Ibex name that our customers have come to know and love. { "__shgImageV3Elements": { "uuid": "s-23acab41-2418-4a5a-a2d …

As the leaves start to turn and the evening air grows crisp, small-farm owners know what’s coming next: winter. But before the frost hits, there’s crucial field and pasture maintenance to be done. One of the most effective tools for this job? The flail mower. Whether you're managing a few acres of pasture, an orchard, brushy forest edges, or rotational grazing paddocks, a flail mower can be a game-changer for end-of-season cleanup. What is a Flail Mower? A flail mo …

Not all hay is created equal–especially when you’re feeding cattle. Unlike horses, cows can tolerate coarser hay, but they still need properly timed, nutritious forage to support health and production. Whether you’re raising beef or dairy cattle, knowing when to cut and what tools to use is key to making hay that’s both palatable and cost-effective. When to Cut: The Boot Stage Advantage For cattle, hay should ideally be cut during the boot stage–just before …