Talk:Hay buck

Technique
(moved here from the article, where it was posted by {u|68.7.69.137}}) The original contributor states, "using a proper technique in order to not grow weary too quickly." This statement leads me to think they may not have ever bucked hay. The number one consideration is not to destroy your back, because then you will never get that hay loaded. So, good technique is required for safe, efficient full day hay bucking like I used to do in Northern California hay country. Here is the technique:

1. Use hay hook to slam into the bale deep enough that it will hold when you hoist the nearest end up on your knees, while leaving the far end on the ground.

2. Extract your hay hooks and reach over the bale to hook the far end. Make sure you get it even better this time.

3. With full body down to knees where bale is resting, lean back so that the far end of the bale is lifted up to a maximum of your head. Note that the weight is still primarily resting on your thighs just above your knees. With the bale projecting up in 45% angle it is then possible to walk forward and place it on a truck bed that is several feet above ground. And most important it is possible to do this without hurting your back, since no more than approximately 25% of the bale is on your back. The above technique worked for me, eight hours a day in hot summer time. It worked for the rest of the buckers I have known and worked with. (ends) Justlettersandnumbers (talk) 08:32, 20 November 2014 (UTC)