Looking for suggestions - old tractor for running round baler

[MH8675309]

As the name of the thread implies I am looking for recommendations for an older tractor for running a round baler. Something along the lines of an IH 886 or MH 185. Looking for machines with a dependable reputation. Open to suggestions. Thanks in advance.

 

[MORRISONSTEEL]

not and expert on either all I can say is on the 86 series is that you should assume that the ta is failed or is going to fail. Not the end of the world from what I understand but does affect the number of speed selections. But not and expert, could be wrong. Good luck

 

[Turbys_1700]

I don't have any experience with either and IH 866 or (MH 185?). In any older tractor condition is the most important thing. We ran our round baler with a 180 Allis Chalmers built to 185 specs.

 

[Sonny580]

A buddy of mine uses an Allis 180-gasser and loves it.
886 should do the job.---I would probably opt for an 806 if it were me, or an allis 190xtd serieslll tractor! thanks; sonny

 

[Texasmark]

You didn't say what size RB. Makes a whopping difference. My 57 PTO current tractor grunts on 5x4's on flat, hard ground on the last 6" and up. I had a JD 100 PTO and it grunted on 5x6's on the last foot and up. The first bale weighs out at about 715# max and the latter 1600. Both tractors were well up to the occasion mechanically.

 

[Tx Jim]

Another important factor on tractor choice is if baler has a bale ramp or push bar. If neither is available then tractor/baler must be reversed to have enough clearance to eject finished bale so ability to shift into reverse easily is important.

This summer when AC compressor failed on my JD 4255(120 pto hp) I utilized my Kubota M7040(64 pto hp) to pull my JD 467 rd baler making 4X5.5 bales and the Kubota pulled baler with no noticeable strain. Last bales I weighed were close to 1000#s. The hay fields I bale are virtually level with very small inclines but I normally rake three 9' swathes together.

 

[aczlan]

You didn't say what size RB. Makes a whopping difference. My 57 PTO current tractor grunts on 5x4's on flat, hard ground on the last 6" and up. I had a JD 100 PTO and it grunted on 5x6's on the last foot and up. The first bale weighs out at about 715# max and the latter 1600. Both tractors were well up to the occasion mechanically.

Yep, we have a old round baler (Ford 552) it can make up to a 5x5 bale, we try to make them about 4' tall as our L3830 isn't excited about the last 6-12” of making a 5' bale.
We are also looking for a bigger (50-70HP) tractor to run the baler (preferably with a loader to stack bales with).

Aaron Z

 

[joeu235]

Pre 1993 John Deere or pre 1982 Ford, 75 - 85 HP. If you want a front end loader, make sure the tractor has power steering.

 

[Texasmark]

Pre 1993 John Deere or pre 1982 Ford, 75 - 85 HP. If you want a front end loader, make sure the tractor has power steering.

.....and the front end/tire size to handle the load effectively in poor terrain conditions........case in point, Ford 30-40 hp tractors, 5.50x16 fronts with FELs. BTDT and one of them had the front axle reversed with a weld where it had broken (PO's doings) from the load placed upon it.

 

[merlynr]

50 hp tractor with 41pto hp and I bale 4x5 bales with Vermeer rebel. Tractor grunts quite a bit but gets the job done.

 

[LouNY]

A nice Ford 8000, 8600, or even 9000, 9600 good running excellent visibility short wheelbase and nimble and usually less money then IH 10's.

 

[RPW]

I also used a JD5103 and a Vermeer rebel. Ran great with only a bit of grunting. Just upgraded to a JD5520 cab. Can't wait to get into the fields.

 

[Texasmark]

50 hp tractor with 41pto hp and I bale 4x5 bales with Vermeer rebel. Tractor grunts quite a bit but gets the job done.

Well if your 4x5 is identical internally to a premium 5x6 at 1600# you're looking at 886# plus the loader weight and times the distance from the front axle to the center of the bale (foot-lbs). Not that bad of a load.

 

[Draagyn]

Not familiar with 886, but I run a JD 530 baler making 1000lb 5x5 bales with an IH 966. More than enough power on any terrain. If 86 park brake is similar to mine make sure it works!

 

[Texasmark]

On the whats and whys posted herein, I back when 5x6s were king around here, 1600# was the top end benchmark...if you made that you were the top 1%.

Based upon that, with all things equal I did a little Algebra and came up with this based on size variances alone:

5x6......1600 What my JD 530 might do.
5x4......714 What my current JD 375 might do.

4x6......1280
4x5.5...1083.....Tx Jim, you said yours went about 1000# for that roll......right on bro. Grin
4x5......886
4x4......566

So for the buyer, where hay is sold by the roll, it makes a big difference in the diameter as what you get for what you are charged.

Seems net wrapping and 4x? is what's baled around here currently. Farmers bail 4x6s for themselves and sellers 4x5.5s; both dimensions understandable for the circumstances.