Abstract: A hay bale cutting chain with each pair of side links including a cutting link. The chain is without any protrusions other than the cutter portions, e.g. depth gauges and bumper portions are eliminated. The cutting edge, from a side view, is substantially vertical, and the side plate configuration is otherwise without a hook angle. The top plate is terminated short of the chain's mid-point to allow long strands that can get trapped under the top plates of the cutting links to escape. The chain is a small pitch chain, e.g. three-eights inch pitch, and drive at a rapid speed so that small bits are removed that more closely simulate sawdust than wood chips as in typical wood cutting.