We moved from bar rakes to wheel rakes about 8 years ago and we will never go back to a bar rake. What is the advantage of the rotary rake? We run a rotary tedder, which we like, but what do you guys like about rotary rakes? Do you get two for one?
They make twin rakes, I have a 1 "basket". Or do you mean tedd & rake with the same machine? They do make those, (I think called a "hay-bob"). I understand they do a decent job of both tedding and raking, but not a great job of either one.
As for the advantage of the rotary rake:
It makes a MUCH 'fluffier' windrow than the bar or wheel rake.
It makes a MUCH more consistent windrow. (if you have to cross 1 windrow raking into another, like making the head rows even, or working out a point row, it does not leave that big clump in 1 spot near as bad.)
Will rake a MUCH bigger windrow without clogging or piling up.
If you do get too big a windrow, you can "cut" it in half...leaves a straight edge like the windrow was cut with a knife.
It doesn't mind turns, which a wheel wake hates.
It doesn't 'roll' the hay across the ground like a bar or wheel rake, it gently RAKES the hay into position, then the rake picks up away from the hay.
It's not ground driven, so less ground trash is picked up in the hay.
Easier to get an extra swath or 2 in the windrow than with a wheel rake. (Like if you have a thin crop)
The only disadvantages I have found with mine, I don't run quite as fast, and it's not as wide as my wheel rake.
For the job it does, I'll GLADLY go a little slower and take an extra few minutes to get the much better windrow.
NOTE: This is just my experience. I've only used my used rotary less than a year, & my 10-wheel JD702 is for sale....