Updated Tedder Fast And Gentle

Updated Tedder Fast And Gentle The AlfaTed from Norden Manufacturing is an update to an older single-reel hay tedder. First developed by master hay producer John Russell of Ohio (Vol. 46, No. 4), it’s fast yet gentle on hay. “The reel-type tedder is an older style, but traditionally had only four bars, which slowed it down,” says Glendon Kuhns of Norden Manufacturing. “John added two bars, giving the reel speed the desired 15% faster than ground speed. He also moved the teeth closer, only 4 3/4 in. apart.” Kuhns explains that Russell and Vogel Engineering (Vol. 37, No. 2) spent 10 years or more developing the tedder before Norden took it on. The company introduced the new 10-ft. machine earlier this year. “People are intrigued, excited and buying the AlfaTed,” says Kuhns. “It really fits a niche. The six bars on the reel and the closer teeth provide a more uniform and gentle lift to protect the crop.” Hydraulically powered, the AlfaTed requires only a 4 to 7 gpm flow rate. At 1,275 lbs., it’s light on the ground. The quiet bearing cams were designed by Vogel. Kuhns notes that the cam design provides a smooth lift of the reel. The AlfaTed features tool-free adjustments. “You can adjust the working height in 1/4-in. increments,” says Kuhns. “It also has 14 in. of vertical lift for turning on end rows.” Kuhns expects the company to introduce more models to the AlfaTed line. “We have some prototypes out with hay producers to evaluate new configurations,” he says. The 10-ft. working-width AlfaTed tedder is priced at $11,200. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Norden Manufacturing, 4210 Kinsman Rd. NW, North Bloomfield, Ohio 44450 (ph 877-296-5851; www.nordenmfg.com).

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