Blog

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 …

At Tractor Tools Direct, our Ibex Belt Rake has quickly become one of our top-selling products. Interestingly, it's also one that many customers haven’t heard of—until they find it on our website. So in this month’s blog, we’re diving into the question: What is a belt rake, and why is it such a great choice for small farms? What Is a Belt Rake? While belt rakes have been widely used in Europe for years, they’re gaining popularity here in the U.S.&mdas …

On many small farms, waterways, buffer strips, and other marginal areas are often overlooked. They may be too narrow or damp for row crops. But with the right approach these spaces can produce surprisingly nutrient-rich hay–especially valuable for cattle. With proper timing and compact equipment from Tractor Tools Direct, turning these areas into productive forage zones is both smart and sustainable. Why Waterway Hay is Worth the Effort Hay grown in waterways tends to be hig …