Round Bale Feeding with a Supported Bale Cradle
The Hay Max combines an 8-foot round cattle feeder with a cone-style bale cradle and lower hay-retaining skirt. The cradle supports the bale within the feeder, while 15 feed openings give cattle access around the perimeter. The design is intended to reduce hay waste by helping keep more loose hay inside the feeding area.
Hay savings depend on bale condition, livestock, placement and feeding practices. The skirt helps retain falling forage, but it does not prevent every loss from wind, trampling or animals pulling hay out. Routine checks and a suitable feeding location remain part of managing hay waste.
Hay Max Round Feeder Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 8 feet |
| Overall height | 65 inches |
| Feed openings | 15 |
| Listed complete weight | 458 pounds |
| Frame and slant bars | 1.5-inch, 16-gauge steel tubing |
| Steel rating | 50,000 PSI |
| Lower skirt height | 20 inches |
| Finish | Prairie gold powder coating |
The 458-pound figure is the current listed complete feeder weight. Dimensions and animal access should be checked against your cattle and bale-handling setup before ordering.
How the Cradle and Lower Feeder Work Together
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Lower feeder | Three-section lower ring with hay-retaining skirt |
| Bale support | Separate cone-style bale cradle assembly |
| Cradle tubing | 1.5-inch, 16-gauge frame and cone tubes |
| Upper shield | 18 inches high; 20-gauge steel |
| Cradle support | Ground-engaging center base |
| Stabilization | Braces and chains help keep the cone centered |
The feeder is assembled from sections, with a separate multi-part cradle inside the lower ring. It is not a two-piece assembly. The cradle's ground-engaging center base supports the hay; the outer edge of the cone should not rest on the lower feeder's top tubes. Braces and chain connections help maintain the cone's position and stability.
Use the cone assembly with its matching feeder and follow the assembly instructions for the complete unit. The lower feeder ring is not intended to carry the bale's weight.
Loading and Interior Views
Feeder and Bale Cradle Reference Pictures
The following photos and diagrams show the feeder arrangement and cone insert. Use the specification tables above for the current listed construction and weight.
Planning Your Feeding Area
Choose a location that provides practical tractor access for loading and enough room for cattle to approach the feeder. Check the ground conditions beneath the cradle and surrounding feeding area so the complete assembly can sit and function as intended.
Compare bale dimensions with the feeder's overall size and loading opening. Inspect the assembled ring, cradle connections and hay-retaining skirt during routine feeding checks, and remove spoiled forage as needed.
Round or Square Hay Max?
For a different feeding footprint, compare the separate Hay Max square feeder with hay cradle. It is a different feeder configuration, so review its dimensions and feed openings rather than treating it as the same round model in another shape.
Assembly Reference and Ordering
Hay Max round bale feeder assembly manual shows the sectional lower ring, cone base, braces and chain connections. Check the model and components supplied with your feeder when using the assembly reference.
Contact Barn World with the quantity, delivery location and any bale-size or configuration questions for help planning your order and freight.