I Broke the Hay Rake in Half! - The Project List Repair

Every day we step outside we never know what to expect. Cows may be out, water may not be working, or a piece of equipment that you need desperately to have any hope of finishing haying may be broken in half.
To repair it will require some out of the box thinking and a little help from a friend.
Please comment, subscribe and share!
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Our Wyoming Life
PO Box 667
Gillette WY 82717
Join us on our journey as we leave a life in corporate america to come back to Wyoming and help on the family ranch.
Our Wyoming Life features our Wyoming ranch and our ranch family. Giving you a look into the workings of ranching from raising cattle to raising and harvesting crops. Erin will join you weekly out of the garden, showing you how she helps provide for our family through growing produce and selling at local farmers markets, and Mike will take you along as he tends to the animals and land of ranch, from calving to fencing to planting and harvesting hay.

[@kathyvan9112]

Another day of glamorous ranching. Don't change a thing, keep it real.

[@helodriver20]

I was moving a rake from one end of the ranch to the other and had to go out onto a State Highway to do it. About halfway there, the tongue, which was 4" solid steel, broke. Luckily, the rake didn't take any cars out. It went down the embankment and then rolled many times as it took out about 100' of our fence. It was pretty badly damaged, as was the fence obviously. LOTS OF EXTRA WORK!

[@brandeissports3436]

I really enjoy your metaphors. I get a clear mental pictures and it’s funny!

[@LilySalinas11]

You should write a book. You have such a good way of telling a story

[@sarahaugustine4185]

Great call bringing in the welder. Stuff breaks and most times we can fix it ourselves. The key to not causing ourselves bigger issues is knowing when to call in an expert. Good on you.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you Sarah - Mike

[@GuyinWY]

Hay equipment breaks? You don't say! LOL We had a similar break on our hydro swing last year, we called in help as well because my hand was in a cast. "At least it's fixed!" seems to be the motto.

[@OurWyomingLife]

It works! Thanks Blake - Mike

[@zach_hewitt]

You two could make some great video's about breakdowns.... Oh wait, never mind!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Hahaha

[@billsmith9610]

So calm all the time . We are a different breed for sure.Looking good rancher and hope the hay works out for you .

[@OurWyomingLife]

Cutting as we speak. Thanks Bill - Mike

[@fionajane56]

Smart move to go with a professional welder. It’s not always an easy decision to make.

[@OurWyomingLife]

You're right it's not it was a tough one but worth it I think thanks Fiona - Mike

[@travisfitzpatrick136]

I am sure that the rains are a little late, but hopefully it will add some volume and help with the hay crisis..

[@OurWyomingLife]

We will see, the field I am in now is looking ok. Thanks Travis - Mike

[@donmooreii7400]

Got a thumbs up just for the pool analogy.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thanks Don - Mike

[@camerongaming889]

hey hope you get its fixed havent watch video yet so i dont know so have fun and i hope stuff goes good good bye guys say hi to the cows

[@hughstephenson2957]

That's why the hi-lift jack was carried by farmers back in the day..

[@toddbrewer8215]

I think you made the right call on the repairs.

[@joshharris9093]

How do you keep up with all the KZbin channel comments and the farm? You never fell to answer every ones question in the comments I don't see how you do it but thank you for everything you do from KZbin to helping put food on everyone tables

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thanks Josh. It's a trick sometimes. For example. Right now I am answering comments and emails while cutting hay. Lol. -Mike

[@pcsweeney3898]

Same thing happened to me one time. I had a neighbor a few miles away with a big shop building and he and I welded it back together. Stronger than new now. That was 12 years ago.

[@OurWyomingLife]

That gives me hope thank you very much -Mike

[@duanecreativemachine]

Oh boy I hope there's no drama about the mating of the front and back of the rake back together lol.

[@tarefoot]

Ahhhh that fix is so much stronger than before. If it ain't mine it ain't broke.....:)

[@OurWyomingLife]

haha, thanks - Mike

[@sashcraft51]

Love to listen to you teach and explain.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you Susan and we love that you watch - Mike

[@6Sisu9]

Glad to see you we're able to fix the rake and not break the bank!... keep up the good work with everything!...and I've been watching you're channel for a while now, you seem like a solid man and a trustworthy one to! With that said I'm going to become a patreon of your's and you'll be the first one I donate too as well... I know you'll do the right thing with all the support you get from us!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much! That means alot to both of us. - Mike

[@mauricecahill3385]

Good looking crop Mike!!! Nice repair too on the rake....greetings again from SE Ireland. Stay safe!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you Maurice! - Mike

[@cowmanag07]

As an engineer, I'm wondering why put the extra brace on the top of the beam, rather than the bottom? The bottom of the beam is going to be in tension, and that was a tensile stress failure. Hopefully he got a good weld and this isn't an issue, but, if it were me, I'd still go back and add an extra strap along the bottom if I could.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Where the break is it's a pretty tough spot to get to without removing more brackets and whatnot hopefully it's something that we can tackle this winter thank you - Mike

[@twinx70]

If the weld was done properly that spot should be the sttngest spot on the entire beam

[@arthurdewith7608]

All ways be a problem it a long rake

[@craigpetty2041]

Mike that video was inappropriate, there was some flies breeding in your shop, I'm telling you tube lol jk

[@OurWyomingLife]

Actually if you can figure out a way for KZbin to Outlaw fly breeding I'd be totally okay with that thanks - Mike

[@arthurdewith7608]

Out east cow calf operators do a combo of hay and haylage is that feasible for u

[@doriswalker7492]

Hi Mike thanks for the videos from Westminster MD

[@Jim-rw2jo]

This may have been my favorite video yet. Well done!

[@timengland3649]

Too calm and too cool! you're the Man. I'm sry about your breakdown but OLF also just posted a video series of his rakes breaking in half. Both of your fixes were cool. Stay Frosty!

[@camerongaming889]

glad you got it fixed

[@OurWyomingLife]

As are we, thanks - Mike

[@sammypatton8726]

That was a big break, good move calling in the professional as something as important as the rake you want a repair to last and with the way it looks it seems like it will last. Interesting video thanks Mike.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you plus I figure it's guaranteed so that helps -Mike

[@ofield6561]

Thanks for posting this process! I own horses so hay is a part of my life. But mine gets delivered from the feed store. I have a whole new respect and understanding of the haying process.

[@OurWyomingLife]

You are welcome and thanks for watching - Mike

[@annagn100]

great video Mike im glad you got the crack fixed.

[@OurWyomingLife]

As am I. Thanks -Mike

[@danmaple2578]

Great job on fixing the rake farmer Ingenuity to get it back to the shop have a good night and a better day tomorrow 👍

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thats the plan, thanks - Mike

[@jaybaker9684]

Im just glad to see you didnt use a widow maker handyman jack both can be dangerous but I would have opted for the floor jack to

[@OurWyomingLife]

It definitely, kept me out of the way! - Mike

[@peteparks3566]

Great job fixing it video reminds me of the time The Rake broke on us and you couldn't pull it had to load it with the loader on a trailer took it to my cousin shop and weld it back together back to the field we went I miss them days love to be out doing it again

[@OurWyomingLife]

Never fun! Glad you guys got it fixed too - Mike

[@TwoFarmBoys]

Nice video! I have a friend who used to be a mechanic at John Deere. He's welded pieces of equipment thousands of times! But, that type of rake is what he's welded the most of. Anyways, have a great evening.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much ! - MIke

[@caolanmurphy8475]

There's always something. Thanks Mike

[@OurWyomingLife]

That there is. Thanks -Mike

[@melissawilliamson7907]

Wow, he did an awesome job!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you :) -Mike

[@stevemondal.]

Mike, you are an inspiration.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you sir but in some ways it’s you that keeps me going -Mike

[@dancossentine4046]

Funny analogy Mike. Surprising and we all know what your talking about.

[@davehughesfarm7983]

Looks like the welder man did a good job..... We been cutting silage with the old 3 row chopper....There is custom choppers running around my drought stricken area of North Missouri..... Guys putting up silage that never have before... Lots of 50 bu per acre corn its pretty bad ...Thank Heavens its been cooler...

[@MissMaxine100]

Hi Mike, I just recently found your channel & I gotta say, I'm hooked! I've spent hours & hours watching all your videos & love them, you & your wife are fantastic narrators! So sorry you're having breakdowns but I guess it's the nature of the beast, what can break will & what doesn't break will eventually, LOL! I always wanted to be a crop farmer (yeah, nuts I know) & really enjoy watching you hay, I loved haying years ago & it's much easier now with the modern equipment. Here in upstate NY I live in the country near rolling hills of hay, corn, wheat & soybean fields & am dying to get on a tractor when harvest time comes. I also admire how well you take care of your animals, so many don't & it's good to see someone that cares so much. Keep up the great work & I look forward to watching many more of your videos!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you Tracy I’m glad you found us to and of course thank you for watching we hope to have many more days of Hanging out together-Mike

[@kayakkingsuk9950]

Good work mike👍

[@snapstring3134]

Never fails. Just keep steady at it .

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thats for sure! - Mike

[@GerraldFarms]

Nice fix. We put 100 ft leads on our welder so it reaches outside the shop. Thanks for sharing 👍🏻

[@OurWyomingLife]

That's what I need to do. Thanks for the idea!! -Mike

[@GerraldFarms]

Our Wyoming Life sometimes you still might need a professional.weve been trying hard on our channel to put out better videos. I haven’t seen you on our sense our Easter sunrise service. Check it out. Thanks 👍🏻

[@OurWyomingLife]

I will thanks ! - Mike

[@arailway8809]

I would have gone with a Hi-Lift jack and called the rig welder while it was still in the field, but you got it done and probably had a better 3 hours at the house than I would have.

[@craigpetty2041]

Lol sorry Mike, I couldn't resist. Great video btw. That feller did a great job fixing that rake!!

[@OurWyomingLife]

I hope he did a good job the nice thing is it's guaranteed so if it needs fixed again I know who to call thanks a lot Mike

[@loriehabel1552]

Oh Lordy😱another breakdown. Crap. Glad your up and running. See you and Erin in a few hours.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thanks Lori -Mike

[@andrewfraser3926]

great you guys , its all part of the game i wish i was up there with you all , see you got it done your show is really going to get big every one loves it keep it coming were are the bulls?

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thanks Andrew. Bulls are still out with the cows, doing their thing :) - Mike

[@FlutyLickHomestead]

Good move on hiring the welder, broke my old new holland baler last year and had to have it welded I knew I shouldn’t try melting any sticks on it! Great video God Bless from KY

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much, sometimes a pro is the way to go. - Mike

[@Mary-had-a-lil-farm]

Wow! I am gonna remember this the next time the belt comes off of my JD garden tractor. Seems quite minuscule to this lol. Lol, that is quite the “jenga” jack contraption but dang it, it works! That’s stellar improvisation Mike!

[@ontarioagguy2769]

Never a dull moment on your ranch is there lol!!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Sure doesnt seem like it lol Thanks for watching - Mike

[@rayeddy528]

Great stuff Mike ! Thank you my friend for sharing !! Just thinking out loud , you might want to check that rake over pretty good Mike to see if you have any more stress cracks , especially on the other side of the rake. Just a thought . Also I would go ahead and replace the other shear bolts. Metal fatigue sets in after a while. Well you all be safe and God bless !!!!!! Eddy

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much Eddy very good point I'll have to check it over -Mike

[@williambumpas8982]

Mike you sure have a way of telling stories kinda like ole Paul Harvey. I am glad i found your channel.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you William I'm glad you found us too - Mike

[@jerrycoon4504]

Hey! I remember Paul Harvey! Now we know the rest of the story! LOL

[@yesterdayfarm5273]

"Good Day!"

[@TheBuvaCrew]

😯😯hope you get that fixed

[@tomkingd-kranch1839]

I feel your pain, last year I watched my pull behind swather hit a tree. You would think stop hell no they just tore the tow bar right off had to custom build the damn thing. Really wish I did not own a welding shop, but it goes right well with everything we brake on the place. Good luck

[@Mark-sb9zu]

Mike I’ve seen a lot of breakdowns in hay season because of how fast you need to beat the rain but I’ve never seen someone break a rake in half I know that mechanic wasn’t cheap I’ve been there if you have extra time maybe in the winter try different types of welding on different things so you can be prepared-mark a fellow cowboy

[@TomRedlion]

One Lonely Farmer has had similar issues with H&S rakes. Apparently, they simply use structural steel that is Just Too Thin.

[@OurWyomingLife]

I saw that. Makes sense. Thanks -Mike

[@ratrodbubba]

I have my welder mounted to a small pto generator when welding in the shop you just plug it in the wall but when its needed in the field unplug it from the wall plug it in the generator hook it up to the tractor and go bonus is if the power goes out you still got a way to power the farm

[@OurWyomingLife]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing - Mike

[@Ace-yf3xf]

Great video!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much - Mike

[@frankirwin2377]

Good welding job.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thanks - Mike

[@staceyroberts9561]

I enjoy your all videos I am from Western ky and used to farm we raised corn soybean and around a 100 head of cattle and 15 ac of tobacco good luck

[@OurWyomingLife]

Nice. Thank you -Mike

[@deanbrown4512]

I am impressed with the land you have to bale . I am like you, I would rather use the rake than the baler. Nice rake. Farming is tough but it is a way of life. It is in your blood. Take care, you and your family.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you! - Mike

[@mseibert3403]

Mike think about getting a simple 3pt hitch wheel rake ,,just a single 4 wheel one side just for flipping a damp windrow then you could save all the wear on the bis H&S hook it to a little 30hp and leave that extra diesel in the tank keep up the great work

[@_karson_8873]

I was out raking Hay last week. Our bailer was not wanting to wrap the bails properly. They would fall apart as soon as they left the bailer. Just another day of Work.

[@OurWyomingLife]

That doesnt sound like fun. Thank you - Mike

[@chicagojoe2737]

The adventures of ranching and farming! Everyday is a surprise party!

[@murrayterry834]

loved the use of the post pounder. Mike I hope you got some of the rain we got in town. I hope it translates into a a second cutting on some or all of your fields.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Gotta use what you have at your disposal lol Thanks - Mike

[@redeemedfarmer2670]

Nice, Keep It up

[@ralphcabaniss9497]

Mike, take a look at One Lonely Farmer channel. He is a big hay farmer and has two or three of the H&S hay rakes similar to yours. Just a couple of days ago he posted a video on fixing/beefing up your type rake to prevent future breakdowns. It will be well worth watching.

[@OurWyomingLife]

I've actually watched it. Very good info. Thanks -Mike

[@edcs13]

With rakes like that a thing I have learned is when your in folding it. Drive forward slowly as it’s unfolding. And when your folding it back up as you do. Iv notice it’s easier on the hydraulics and the frame

[@OurWyomingLife]

That makes sense. Relieves some pressure. Usually I have to move the tractor to get it started opening or closing . Thanks - Mike

[@lanksterprice]

Sometimes you have to call in the big guy... Also frees you up to get a few little things done.. When I saw that brake the first thing I thought of was it needed a back strap.... (aka 4x4 and some rope, chain, duck tape even. ..)

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you it's a possibility it may need more. Thanks -Mike

[@lanksterprice]

Let hope you make it threw the season for now.. best of luck..

[@deerejohn6074]

Enjoyed your video!!!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much -Mike

[@waltonlandandcattle3919]

Favorite KZbinr keep up the good work I enjoy your videos!!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thanks for watching Alec - Mike

[@gaigenewbanks3477]

“Worlds okest welder”😂😂😂. That sounds like something I’d say. Thanks again for a great video Mike. Be safe out there and have a good harvest

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you Gaige - Mike

[@jerrycoon4504]

Looks like that should hold up pretty well. Good job. I was cracking up when you were in the shop talking and I could see your blueprint for the drying rack on the board behind you. hahaha

[@OurWyomingLife]

I noticed that. Haven't erased it yet lol. Thanks Jerry -Mike

[@jerrycoon4504]

Thats ok. Us machinists always appreciate a good blueprint!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Well I don't think it's that good. Didn't break out CAD or anything lol

[@littlerougue]

way to go Mike and crew

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much - Mike

[@littlerougue]

I am living vicariously through you guys such a good channel

[@terrybruce5923]

Hi Mike...that is the thing about these kinds of machines...they are made well, but they do break on occasion. Good decision to call in the pro welder with the Crane...the roads are covered with flat squirrels who could not make a decision. I owe you an email so will get to that soon. Another good video...nice save Pard. Terry - Justin Texas

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thanks Terry, I'll keep an eye out for that email! - Mike

[@DennysCountryLife]

Sometimes it's necessary to hire things out. It's not ideal, but ya gota do it! I'd buy some 1/2" x 6 flat bar and fish plate it once you're done with hay season, or maybe sooner. You'll never have a problem again.. at least at that one part! All the best to ya!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you, great idea. We are hoping it can make it through a couple hundred more acres. :) - Mike

[@bakerrage]

Everyday is a new day!

[@OurWyomingLife]

That it is. Thanks. -Mike

[@mikestone9129]

Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what your gonna get:)

[@OurWyomingLife]

That is for sure! - Mike

[@fun2drive107]

That rake needed to be beefed up the break. The tubing isn't robust enough and even with the brace it is likely to flex and break. Great idea to use the angle steel to help take the shear loads put on that particular location...

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much and thank you for being understanding of our repair. It was a matter of needing to get something done get it back together and get it back in the field I think when we’re done with it will pull it in the shop and work on beefing it up even more the problem was that we couldn’t go through and tear down and cut off brackets redo the area where the hydraulic thank you-Mike

[@sandy1653]

Deciding to make that call for help is one of the hardest things I had to learn how to do coming up. Even now, I still get a bit bull-headed and think I can do it all myself, even thought at least some part of me knows full well that it just isn't going to happen without help. Looks like a good solid weld, and if you get ambitious a couple extra fish plates on the bottom and that oughta last you a good long while.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thats the plan, I think it will get more work over the winter Thanks Sandy - Mike

[@coypatton3160]

I had the same thoughts. The stress crack was from the bottom up, but he put the extra bracing in top. It will help but more on bottom. He took the easy route with the brackets mounted on the bottom. Good luck with the rake. Mike try adjusting a mirror so you can see the c channel. You do not have to see the bolts, but if you see the channel and it starts to bounce, you know you have an issue.

[@LmSpear41]

I love farming!

[@OurWyomingLife]

As do we, thanks for watching - Mike

[@HumphreyFamilyHolsteins]

Great fix!! When equipment hands you lemons... you make lemon curd!!!

[@OurWyomingLife]

haha! - Mike

[@johnsobaski3478]

I might be a few weekends late but is the party still at your place this weekend? LOL Hope you guys have a safe weekend. We are getting ready for another snow storm but that is March in Minnesota for you.

[@ryannpina7634]

Awsome video :)

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you-Mike

[@briansizemore3767]

Wish I could get back and working on Farm and Ranch. I miss it alot.

[@OurWyomingLife]

I would miss it too. Thanks Brian - Mike

[@Xehxna]

I thought today was wednesday, lol and yesterday was tuesday. My bad. Glad to see your video. My neighbor who sells hay tough me how to harvest some for his goat's. XD it was fun he has a hill and it's 15 Acer's of fun although I kept thinking we we're gonna roll down the hill or tip lol luckily I was wrong.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Haha. Thank you very much -Mike

[@BigMoPrepper]

Mike, Onelonelyfarmer had one of his rakes break sort of like this. You might check out his solution, which for him was necessary.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thanks John, I will have to give him a call :) - Mike

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

Another hurdle cleared! Problem-solving on the fly seems to be part of a rancher's job description. Hope the rest of the haying comes off without a hitch. Seeya on Ranch Talk tomorrow evening!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you:). By the way live stream is tonight because Graces birthday is tomorrow. -Mike

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

Oh yah, I knew that! Guess you aren't the only one who's confused about what day it is! ;^}

[@OurWyomingLife]

Hahaha

[@iloveamerica8541]

You got a new subscriber😂 Greetings from germany 😉

[@3754735]

I have opinions about those welds and that fix. Next time and i hope there is not one try this. You said tube was 6 inches. Get a 4 channel by quarter inch stand up on its edge and stitch weld 2 on 12 inch centers with middle of channel centered on middle of 6 inch tube. The length of your 4 inch channel should be 3/4 the over all length of the rakes 6 inch tube. I hope i explained that sufficiently. Just my opinion after 25 years of eelding and fabbing. That being said buddy. I absolutely enjoy your videos. Yall doing the best you can with what you got. My hats off to you.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much - Mike

[@randallhighsmith3406]

Actually there is a million ways of repairing that break

[@oceannavagator]

Happy to see you were able to fix your rake. So I do have a question related to haying, do you have any problems with Spotted Knapweed in your area?

[@jeffery19677]

World's "O.K.est" welder! :-) At least you ADMIT the limits to your skills. Many people can't do that.

[@drdraws9597]

You need to put a senser on those seer bolts? or a wireless camera.

[@jamesajoachim3]

38 k subscribers and growing yeah

[@DaleB]

Well done my friend. Maybe Santa will bring you a gas powered welder this year.

[@OurWyomingLife]

That would be nice. :) - Mike

[@calumanderson5617]

Hire Blake. Take the stress away !!! Lol.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Oh I bet that would work lol -Mike

[@jacobschmidt3178]

Did that guy say why he put the angle on top of the tube? The angle would take more weight if it were on bottom considering gravity.

[@OurWyomingLife]

True but to do so we would had to remove brackets for the hydraulic then reweld them on. It will be a good winter project. Thanks - Mike

[@morganvogel8524]

Plant turnips for winter grazing

[@leol1682]

Wel Mike its job for you in winter to brace it much ferder Under the beam .cause it will break again .

[@OurWyomingLife]

Yup, thanks for watching - Mike

[@sneakysnake109]

Glad to see you got the rake fixed. how many total Acres of hay are you trying to work with?

[@OurWyomingLife]

I am cutting over 500 acres this year. Thanks - Mike

[@sneakysnake109]

Our Wyoming Life thanks for the response. Lots of hay. I can see what you mean about equipment wear!

[@camilaanahi8913]

I like your video s I'm a new subscriber

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much I'm glad you found us and thanks for watching -Mike