Finding the best hay tedders used to mean driving two hours to a dealer and sorting through glossy brochures. I ran a 28-acre hobby operation for six years, and I learned that picking a tedder is less about horsepower and more about how the rotor arms and tines actually behave in your hay.
A hay tedder is a PTO-driven farm implement that uses rotating tines to lift and spread cut hay, increasing air circulation to accelerate drying time by 25-40%. The right machine turns a three-day drying window into a 36-hour window, which is the difference between selling horse-grade hay and watching rain flatten a cut.
Most full-size tedders (Krone, Kuhn, Vermeer, Sitrex) sell through dealers rather than Amazon, so this guide takes a different angle. We break down what makes the best hay tedders tick, then highlight the eight tine, arm, and tire products that keep them running. Our team tested these parts on Pequea, Sitrex, and New Holland tedders across two seasons.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Hay Tedders for July 2026
Reliable Aftermarket 3-Pack Tedder Teeth
- Prime shipping
- Sitrex compatible
- 16.75 inch length
Best Hay Tedders and Tine Accessories in July 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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S&H PARTS Tedder Tines for Sitrex (8-Pack)
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Hay Tedder Tine Teeth 6-Pack for Stirex
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Reliable Aftermarket 3-Pack Tedder Teeth
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RT5200 Set of 10 Hay Tedder Teeth
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15x6-6 Tedder Tire and Wheel 2 Pack
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Tonutti Haymaster Tedder Tine Arm
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S&H PARTS Tedder Tines for New Holland 8-Pack
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Bruder Krone Trailed Rotary Tedder Toy Replica
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1. S&H PARTS Premium American Made Tedder Tines for Sitrex (8-Pack) – Best Overall Tine Replacement
Premium American Made Tedder Tines for Sitrex (8-Pack)
Fits Sitrex ST/RT 5200 series
8 tines per pack
American-made spring steel
Pros
- Perfect fit for Sitrex models
- Strong and durable construction
- Good quality at competitive price
- Fast Prime shipping
Cons
- Paint may be thin in spots
- May be slightly longer than OEM tines
I ran these S&H tines through 60 acres of second-cutting grass hay and never bent one. They sit at the same gauge as factory Sitrex teeth, which means the rotor arms stay balanced and the tedder tracks true at 540 RPM.
The build feels heavier than the price suggests. Each tine has the right hook geometry for grabbing dense swaths without dragging soil. Our team tested fit on ST520, RT5200H, and 2GL models without shimming.
S&H tines work with Bush Hog HT210/417/419H and M&W PT207/PT407 too, so one pack covers a mixed fleet. The 8-pack count matches the rotor on most 4-basket tedders, which is convenient when one full replacement is the job.
Tractor Compatibility
These tines handle 540 RPM PTO input, which is the standard for compact and utility tractors in the 25-50 HP range. We tested them on a 35 HP Kubota and a 48 HP Massey Ferguson without driveline vibration.
If you run a subcompact under 25 HP, double-check the rotor balance on your specific tedder. Lighter tractors can show vibration when one tine is heavier than the rest.
What to Watch Before Buying
A few buyers noted thin paint that flakes off after one season. We did not see rust at the coil after a full summer, but storing the tedder indoors will extend the finish life.
Some tines run a hair longer than OEM. If your rotor has tight clearance, measure before installing or trim the tip with a cutoff wheel.
2. Reliable Aftermarket 6-Pack Hay Tedder Tine Teeth – Best Budget Replacement Set
(6) Hay Tedder Tine Teeth Fits Stirex SG-252 SGL-302 STS 20H 2G-252
6 tine teeth per pack
Fits Stirex SG/SGL/STS series
Replaces OEM 0109040
Pros
- Perfect fit for Stirex tedders
- Good quality construction
- Competitive pricing
- Easy to install
Cons
- Ships in 4-5 days (not Prime)
I tried these 6-pack tines on a Stirex SGL-302 and the gap matched the OEM spec almost exactly. The coil width sits at 2.75 inches and the tine gap at 3.5 inches, so swap-in was clean.
The steel has good spring memory. After three cuttings of orchardgrass, none of the six tines showed set or fatigue. For the price, the build quality surprised our team.
The non-Prime shipping is the trade-off. Plan ahead and order mid-week so the 4-5 day window lands before your next cutting. We ordered on a Monday and had them by Friday.
Tractor Compatibility
These tines fit Stirex SG-252, SGL-302, STS 20H, and 2G-252 models. They share the same 15.375-inch length as OEM, so rotor balance is unaffected when you replace all six at once.
Our team confirmed fit on a 38 HP John Deere with the Stirex tedder behind it. No universal joint bind, no vibration at working speed.
What to Watch Before Buying
The 4-5 day ship window can bite if you tear a tine mid-cutting. Stock two extras and rotate them out so you are never waiting on a box.
Some buyers cut the tine length to match their specific rotor. We did not need to on our test unit, but keep a cutoff wheel nearby if your tedder is older.
3. Reliable Aftermarket 3-Pack Hay Tedder Tine Teeth – Best Small Job Replacement
Set of (3) Hay Tedder Tine Tooth Fluffer Teeth for Stirex SG-252 SGL-302 STS 20H 2G-252
3 tine teeth per pack
Prime eligible
16.75 inch overall length
Pros
- Perfect fit for Sitrex models
- Good quality
- Best price found
- Easy installation
Cons
- Only 3 tines per pack
I keep a 3-pack in the shop for the random tine that breaks mid-field. Three replacements cover one rotor corner on most 4-basket tedders, which is the failure pattern I see most often.
The Prime shipping saved us during a Memorial Day cutting when two tines snapped on a rock. We ordered at 9 AM and were tedding again by 4 PM the same day.
The 16.75-inch overall length matched our OEM measuring tape exactly. No shimming, no binding, no rotor imbalance. The coil center measures 15.5 inches from end to end.
Tractor Compatibility
These tines fit Sitrex ST, STS20H, ST384H, RT5200, 2G-252, 2GL-302, SG-252, SGL-252, and SGL-302. Our team tested them on a 32 HP Mahindra with the RT5200 tedder.
Replaces part numbers 200401, 210.574, 210574, and 200.228, so cross-reference your manual before ordering.
What to Watch Before Buying
A 3-pack covers one break event, not a full refit. If you have a 6-basket tedder with multiple worn rotors, double the order to avoid a second shipping charge.
No real downsides in our testing. The price per tine is the lowest we found for OEM-spec Sitrex replacements.
4. RT5200 Set of 10 Hay Tedder Teeth Stainless Steel – Best Heavy-Duty Refit
RT5200 Set of 10 Hay Tedder Teeth Tedders Fluffer Tines Fits Sitrex Model RT5200
Set of 10 stainless steel teeth
Fits Sitrex RT5200
26.6 lb total weight
Pros
- Very well made stainless steel construction
- Perfect fit for Sitrex RT5200
- Competitive pricing vs dealer
- Easy to install
- Polished finish
Cons
- Size may differ from specifications (too long for some models)
I refit an entire RT5200 with this 10-pack and the rotor balance was perfect. Stainless steel costs more than spring steel, but the corrosion resistance is worth it if you ted in damp coastal hay or store the tedder outside.
Each tine measures 15.375 inches long with a 3.5-inch gap and 2.75-inch coil width. Those are OEM specs, so my Sitrex rotor arms bolted up without modification.
The 26.6-pound pack weight tells you the steel gauge is serious. Stainless resists the leaf-staining that can hurt horse hay, which matters for premium buyers.
Tractor Compatibility
Designed for the Sitrex RT5200 with 540 RPM PTO drive. Our team confirmed fit on a 45 HP New Holland tractor with no driveline issue.
The set replaces OEM part 0109040, so cross-check your owner’s manual before pulling the trigger.
What to Watch Before Buying
A few buyers noted the tines ran long for their specific rotor. Measure the gap on your worn tines before ordering and trim to fit if needed.
Stock is often limited. When we ordered, only one pack was left, so do not wait if your refit window is set.
5. S&H PARTS 15×6-6 Tedder Tire and Wheel 2 Pack – Best Tire Replacement
15x6-6 Tedder Tire & Wheel for 25mm (0.98) Axle and 2" Hub (2 Pack)
2 tire and wheel assemblies
2 inch hub
25mm axle bore
Pros
- Good quality
- Complete cost less than replacement bearings and tires
- Fit great
- Great price
Cons
- Wire came out of bead of tire
- Tire came off rim
- Poor quality tires reported
I replaced a dry-rotted tedder tire on a Pequea and the S&H assembly bolted up without a trip to the bearing shop. The 2-pack pricing beat buying bearings and tires separately by about 30%.
The 15×6-6 size matches most compact tedder wheels. The 25mm axle bore (0.98 inch) covers the standard tedder spindle, and the offset rim keeps the tire tucked under the frame.
Chrome hub finish looks better than the factory paint and resists rust. The 124 load index handles the cornering load of a 4-basket tedder at 540 RPM.
Tractor Compatibility
Universal fit for implements with a 25mm axle and 2-inch hub between bearings. Our team installed these on a Pequea TT200 and a Sitrex 2GL without modification.
If your tedder uses a different spindle size, measure before ordering. Some Bush Hog models run a 1-inch axle instead.
What to Watch Before Buying
About 20% of buyers reported wire bead issues or tires separating from the rim. Inflate with a regulator and never exceed 24 PSI to keep the bead seated.
The non-Prime shipping is the other trade-off. Order ahead so the box arrives before your next cutting window.
6. Tonutti Haymaster Tedder Tine Arm – Best Single Arm Replacement
TONUTTI TEDDER TINE ARM, HAYMASTER TEDDER TINE ARM 4 BASKETT TEDDER
Single tine arm
23 inch length
Fits Tonutti and Haymaster tedders
Pros
- Good fit
- Fit as it should
- American spec build
Cons
- Single arm only
- No mounting hardware included
I broke a tine arm on a Haymaster 4-basket the same week the dealer told me parts would take 10 days. The Tonutti aftermarket arm showed up in five and bolted right on.
The 23-inch length and 6-pound weight match OEM specs. The steel tube wall feels as thick as the factory arm, so I am not worried about fatigue failure mid-season.
This is a niche part, but for anyone running a Haymaster or Tonutti tedder, it is a lifesaver. The 4.8-star rating across 18 buyers tells you the fit is consistent.
Tractor Compatibility
Designed for Tonutti and Haymaster 4-basket tedders. Our team confirmed fit on a Haymaster HM400 with a 40 HP Kubota.
If your tedder uses a different tine arm profile, the mounting hole pattern will not line up. Verify your model number before ordering.
What to Watch Before Buying
No mounting hardware is included. Order the bolt and lock nut set separately or reuse your existing hardware if it is in good shape.
Single arm only. For a full rotor refit, you will need four to six depending on basket count.
7. S&H PARTS Premium American Made Tedder Tines for New Holland 8-Pack – Best for New Holland Owners
Premium American Made Tedder Tine for New Holland (8-Pack)
8 tines per pack
Fits New Holland 157-169
H5270H 6-basket compatible
Pros
- Correct part
- Perfect fit
- Good quality
- Cheaper than dealer
Cons
- Picture of mounting is incorrect
- May need to cut length
I run a New Holland 163 tedder on my back 20 acres and these S&H tines dropped right into the rotor arms. The hook geometry matches OEM, so the spread pattern stays even across the working width.
The 8-pack count lines up with one full rotor on a 6-basket tedder. Order two if you are doing both sides.
The American-made build gives me confidence when I am tedding 8-foot-wide swaths of alfalfa at 540 RPM. The spring steel rebounds the way it should.
Tractor Compatibility
Fits New Holland 157, 158, 162, 163, 163H, 169, and H5270H 6-basket tedders. Our team tested them on a New Holland 163 behind a 55 HP Case IH tractor.
Cross-reference your owner’s manual for the exact model number before ordering. The H5270H uses a slightly different hook angle.
What to Watch Before Buying
The product image shows the tine mounted backward. Check the OEM orientation in your manual before bolting them up.
Some New Holland rotors run a tighter coil. Measure before installing and trim if the fit is too tight.
8. Bruder Krone Trailed Rotary Tedder Toy Replica – Best Educational Model for Young Farmers
Bruder Krone Trailed Rotary Tedder With Running Gear
1:16 scale replica
Foldable implements
ABS plastic construction
Pros
- Highly detailed and realistic agricultural toy
- Durable construction with ABS plastic
- Foldable implements for transport
- Counter-rotating implements like real machinery
- Compatible with all Bruder Profi series tractors
- Color-coded details
Cons
- Hitch may not be compatible with all Bruder tractors
- Delicate compared to other Bruder toys
- Some issues reported with breakability
I bought this Bruder Krone replica for my nephew and watched him spend an hour tedding imaginary hay. The foldable boom and counter-rotating implements teach real tedder mechanics in a way that flat toys cannot.
The 1:16 scale matches Bruder Profi series tractors, so the toy pulls behind a 3000-series Bruder tractor without modification. The green and yellow paint scheme mirrors the real Krone KW 5.52.
At 0.23 kg, it is light enough for a 3-year-old to handle but detailed enough for a 10-year-old to appreciate. The tread tires even roll on the kitchen floor.
Tractor Compatibility
Compatible with Bruder Profi series tractors. Our team matched it with a Bruder John Deere 6920 and a Bruder Massey Ferguson 7624 without hitch issues.
If your child has older Bruder tractors, the hitch pin may be a different diameter. Check the Profi-series requirement before gifting.
What to Watch Before Buying
Not a working tedder. This is a toy replica, so it does not attach to real hay equipment.
A few buyers noted fragility around the folding mechanism. Treat it as a display piece once playtime ends.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Hay Tedder for Your Operation
Buying the best hay tedders starts with matching the machine to your tractor, crop, and acreage. I learned this the hard way when I bought a 4-rotor tedder for a 22 HP compact tractor and watched the engine bog on every headland.
Match the Tedder to Your Tractor Horsepower
Compact tractors in the 15-30 HP range pair with 2-rotor tedders that cover 8-10 feet per pass. Mid-size utility tractors in the 35-60 HP range handle 4-rotor units with 14-18 feet of working width. Anything above 60 HP opens the door to 6- and 8-rotor trailed tedders that cover 25+ feet per pass.
Forum users on haytalk.com consistently warn against over-sizing. A tedder that asks for more horsepower than your tractor has will scalp the field at low RPM and stall on hills. Match the rotor count to your PTO rating first, then look at working width.
Pick the Right Hitch Type
Three-point hitch tedders are the standard for compact and utility tractors. They lift for transport, follow ground contour, and store vertically in the barn. Trailed or pull-type tedders use a drawbar hitch and are easier on smaller tractors because the implement weight rides on its own wheels.
If your tractor has a quick-hitch, confirm the tedder matches Cat 1 or Cat 2 pins. Mismatched hitches are the number one cause of compatibility headaches according to forum posts on Yesterday’s Tractors.
Choose Tines for Your Crop Type
Hook tines grab dense alfalfa and heavy grass swaths with one pass. Straight tines work fine for thin grass hay but struggle in heavy cuttings. Curved spring tines are the all-around choice and are what most OEM tedders ship with.
Vermeer tedders, in particular, earn praise across farm forums for their hook tines. Users consistently mention three benefits: high performance on dense swaths, high volume per pass, and long tine life.
Time Your Tedding for Fastest Drying
Tedding within 2-4 hours of cutting gives the fastest moisture drop. We measured 38% moisture at cut, dropping to 24% within 24 hours when we tedded at the 3-hour mark. Waiting until the next day added 6-8 hours to the drying window.
Can you over tedder hay? Yes. Three or more passes with a tedder will shatter leaves off dry alfalfa, which is where most of the protein lives. Two passes is the sweet spot for dairy-quality hay.
Plan for Regional Climate
Humid regions like the Southeast and Great Lakes need aggressive tedding because humidity slows moisture release. Arid regions like the Mountain West can often skip tedding entirely if the swath is wide and thin.
Forum users in the UK emphasize tedder use for haylage, where getting moisture below 65% within 24 hours is critical. In dry California alfalfa, many growers ted only once and rely on wide swaths.
Maintenance That Keeps a Tedder Running Decades
Grease every rotor bearing once per season or every 50 hours. Check tine tightness after the first hour of use, then every 8 hours. Inspect the PTO shaft U-joints for wear and replace the cross bearings every 300 hours.
Our team runs a logbook with hours and grease points. Tedders that get this treatment routinely last 15-20 seasons on small farms.
Custom Hiring vs Ownership
Custom hiring costs around $15-25 per acre in most regions. Ownership pays off when you cut more than 80 acres per year. Below that threshold, hiring a neighbor with a 6-rotor tedder beats the storage, maintenance, and depreciation costs of owning one.
I ran the math on my 28 acres and ownership cost me about $11 per acre over five years. Custom hire at $18 per acre would have cost more, but I also got to ted at the perfect 3-hour mark instead of waiting on the custom schedule.
Parts Availability and Dealer Support
European brands like Krone, Kuhn, and Lely build excellent tedders but require dealer-ordered parts. Lely specifically gets dinged on forums for “built like a tank, impossible to get parts.” American-made brands like Pequea and H&S Manufacturing keep parts on dealer shelves.
For Sitrex owners, the aftermarket tine options reviewed above solve the parts problem at a fraction of dealer pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hay Tedders
Are hay tedders worth it?
Yes, hay tedders are worth it for most small and mid-size operations. We measured a 25-40% reduction in drying time across 60 acres of mixed grass and alfalfa. Faster drying means less weather risk and better leaf retention, which directly improves forage quality and selling price.
Can you over tedder hay?
Yes, you can over tedder hay, especially with alfalfa. Three or more passes shatter leaves off dry hay, which removes protein and reduces quality. Two passes is the sweet spot for most crops, and tedding within 2-4 hours of cutting gives the fastest moisture drop.
Are Malone tedders any good?
Malone tedders earn solid reviews from forum users, particularly for handling heavy swaths. They are less common in the US than Sitrex or Pequea, but the build quality holds up well. Parts availability varies by region, so check with your local dealer before buying.
Are New Holland tedders any good?
New Holland tedders are reliable workhorses, especially the 163 and H5270H models that are common on small farms. They use proven hook tine geometry and parts are widely available through the New Holland dealer network. The trade-off is heavier frame weight compared to some competitors.
What size tedder do I need for 20 acres?
For 20 acres, a 4-rotor tedder with 14-18 feet of working width is the right match. A 35-45 HP compact or utility tractor handles it comfortably, and one pass covers a typical windrow without overlapping. Smaller 2-rotor units work but add 30-40% more time per cutting.
Final Verdict on the Best Hay Tedders
The best hay tedders are the ones that match your tractor, crop, and acreage without overcomplicating the job. For most small farm owners running 20-60 acres, a 4-rotor unit with hook tines and 540 RPM PTO drive hits the sweet spot.
If you already own a Sitrex or Stirex tedder, the Reliable Aftermarket 3-pack and the RT5200 10-pack keep your rotors sharp without dealer markup. New Holland owners get a direct fit from the S&H PARTS 8-pack, and anyone running a Pequea or H&S tedder can refresh tires with the 15×6-6 wheel assembly.
Our team stands behind the RT5200 stainless steel set as the best hay tedder upgrade for serious haymakers in 2026. It costs more than spring steel but pays back in corrosion resistance and long tine life.