How much does a bale of hay weigh?

Answer

There are generally two types of hay bales. With quite different weights.

The most common ones that people buy at feed stores or the farmer, and can be moved by one person, are the type you may have "bucked" into the barn for your uncle who had a farm when you were a teenager. They are around 3-4 feet long by 24x18 inches square. These smaller bales are "baled" with 2-3 strands of twine or wire around the long way and can weigh between 60 and 130 pounds, depending on how the bailer was adjusted. The heavier bales will have 3 strands, the lighter ones only have 2 strands. Interestingly, sometimes they are not that different in size (lengthxheightxwidth) as the heaviness can be increased by how compact the "flakes" of hay are pushed together by the baler equipment.

The other common type that are a relatively new option, are the really Big bales which weigh 1500 ~ 2000 pounds generally. They can be huge 6 foot "wheels" of hay (they are baled in a round "disc") or the equally large rectangular bales. These supersized bales require specialized equipment, or at least a fork lift, to move them.

First answer by Alcyone. Last edit by Lmpajot. Contributor trust: 2 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 13 [recommend question]