The weight of a bale of hay is usually given as 75 to 80 lbs.
However, some estimates put it at between 40 to 100 lbs. Some of the reasons for the disparity include the following.
Manner of Packaging
One reason is the way the material is packed in the bale. This can make all the difference. For feeding or personal purposes, packing it as tight as possible will be necessary.
This can drive the weight up to 130 lbs or more. If it’s going to be sold, the total may be reduced in half. This is understandable as he or she will want to sell as many as possible.
This is one of the reasons why the weight of a bale of hay differs. The packing techniques differ, so the disparity will affect the mass.
Hay Types
Another issue to be considered is the hay type. Grass hay is heavier than other types.
That includes alfalfa, so packing the same amount will give different weights. This doesn’t take into consideration the packing methods used.
Then there is clover hay, which would weigh in around 40 lbs for small bales.
For larger types, it would be 75 lbs or more. One of the lightest is Timothy Hay. This variant is used for feeding rabbits.
Type of Bale Used
When checking the weight of a bale of hay, the bale must be evaluated also. Obviously the larger it is, the heavier the weight.
The tightness in which the material is stored is also pivotal. The bale comes in square or round shapes.
But more than the shape, it is the setting that counts. The hay must also be dry to give a true weight.
The moisture level is also important. Cleaning it will take down the weight. 25% of the weight could be lost if it is cleaned too much. This is especially true if the grass is new.
Evaluating a Bale
Although the weight will vary, the bale sizes can give you an idea of the right figures. The pressure is also important.
The weight of a bale of hay for a 2 x 3 should be at least 80 lbs and up to 150 lbs. Those are the minimum and maximum weights. The average weight should hover around 110 or 120 lbs.
It would be a good idea to study the various types as well. Even if they are all square, the size will affect the weight. Typically, a small one will register 70 to 100 lbs.
The big ones can go up to 800 lbs or more. Softcore and largecore can reach up to 1,100 to 1,900 lbs or more.
Cost
On average they would be $4 to $10. But it also depends on your location. In some places, it can be bought for under 20 cents a pound.
These are just some of the issues that have an effect on the weight of a bale of hay. The key is to just look at the bale and the quality of the hay.