Small square baler for JD 5203

[KB9UDE]

Hi guys

I am looking to see what small square baler I need for a John Deere 5203 (47pto hp)??? I was thinking either JD or New Holland brands?? Or others if it would be a better match. JD\NH dealers are close and both good dealers.

I am looking for used as I am only going to bale less than 40 acres for myself and possibly a little custom baling but not sure yet about that.

Thanks

John


John Deere products for homeowners: Features for 5203 Tractor (56 hp)

Product Specification for 5203 Tractor (56 hp)

 

[Robert_in_NY]

I do not know the John Deere baler models but with the New Hollands you can go with a 320 or 326 or if you want newer you have the 565 and 570. The 575 will work behind the 5203 but it likes more power to be run effectively (NH wants 75 pto for the 575).

 

[mark.r]

JD336, 338 or earlier
NH565 or earlier
MF1835-1839 or earlier or the corresponding Hesston models.

Just to name a few . . .

 

[pengs68]

We run a 310 New Holland baler with a 52 HP Ford tractor. The comparable new model is the 565 which NH says requires a 35HP minimum. The 570 they say needs a 62HP tractor. The 328 John Deere is comparable to the 565. New Hollands site has a section where you can compare the different models.

 

[zzvyb6]

You did not say what your budget is, but there are 3 price groups you need to decide on:

1 Under $1000 fix it up, its old or junk. (but still salvageable). Needs paint before you dare show it in front of the neighbors. Your kids will run the other way if asked to help.

2 $1000 to $3000 ready to rock n' roll (may not have a lot of options like a kicker, thrower, or ejector. Your kids might take a beating from the status police because its not 'fancy'.

3 $3000 to $7000 Almost new, good paint, tin, tires, hydraulic control and low hours. Looks professional and will impress the custom field owners ('he must be very good at it because his stuff is new'). Yor kids will want to run it.

I'd make the bold statement that the HP you need is about 30, 50, and 75 for each price group, based on history age and the number and size of wagons you will be towing (if you work it that way). The newer balers can run at higher ground speed so they plunge faster, thus taking more HP. But, you could do 40 acres in a day with a JD 14T or 24T. I'm looking at a used 24T tomorrow that needs some repair work. Expecting to pay about $300 for it and another $150 for parts. Its a duplicate to what I run now.

This is a good year to be making hay in small square bales as people will give up their kid's soccer trips to feed their horses. I'm looking at offers of $5 a bale and have only 200 left.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

In so far as I remember, Deere never built a bad model small square baler. New Holland has turned out quite a few really good models, and I've always held Massey Fergusons balers in high regard.

The thing to remember, when you're buying a USED baler, you aren't just buying a Deere or a New Holland, or whatever brand, you're buying a "Joe Farmer down the road baler". You have to consider the over-all condition and prior treatment at least as much as what brand it is. Think about how a baler in poor mechanical condition would fit in with your mechanical aptitude before heading down that path.

I started off with a New Holland 273. That baler would do just as well behind 35 or 40 hp as it would have with 75. Later on, I ran on to a really sweet deal on a used 336 Deere from it's original owner. This guy didn't have a clue. I got it cheap and spent an entire winter fixing what this guy destroyed in 2 summers use. After everything was fixed, it ended up being the best baler I've ever been around. I'd recommend the Deere 336 to anyone, so long as it's in good condition. I used my 336 behind one of two tractors for the most part. 60 and 47 hp. Both handled it with no trouble whatsoever.

 

[jdeere5205]

I currently own 2 John Deere balers a 2001 - 328 and a 2004 - 338 both are excellent machines and I bale around 20,000 bales a year, havent had any problems whatsoever with these machines and for years before those I had a JD 24T which was fantastic. I could run the 24T and the 328 on my ford 1710 24 pto hp. The 338 is better suited for the Deere 5205's that I have 50 pto hp but I have also used it on a friend's Kubota L3650 34 pto hp but it was only on flat ground. Your 5203 should handle a 336 or 338 with ease.

I suggest for a good used Deere baler go for either a 24T, 336 or 338 or a comparible New Holland,though I have never used a NH (yet) they have an excellent reputation for square balers here in Canada.

Of course the mechanical condition and paint color of your baler all depends on your budget

 

[ddivinia]

I

I suggest for a good used Deere baler go for either a 24T, 336 or 338 or a comparible New Holland,though I have never used a NH (yet) they have an excellent reputation for square balers here in Canada.

et

Why not the 7 series? I see a lot of 337 square balers here.

Are you running wire or twine?

Good info - thanks,

D.

 

[jdeere5205]

Why not the 7 series? I see a lot of 337 square balers here.

Are you running wire or twine?

Good info - thanks,

D.

I am running twine because thats what we prefer. As for the 7 series they don't seem to be very common here in Canada, however my nearest JD dealer is over 650 miles away so I dont get there very often but i'm sure they are great balers too.

 

[KB9UDE]

Thanks for all your comments. I am looking at the 3K to 7K range if possible. Just had to make a comment about the "your kids" remark in the following post. My daugter is 15 MONTHS old so it should be at least next year before she beats me to the seat!!

LOL

Thanks again
John

You did not say what your budget is, but there are 3 price groups you need to decide on:

1 Under $1000 fix it up, its old or junk. (but still salvageable). Needs paint before you dare show it in front of the neighbors. Your kids will run the other way if asked to help.

2 $1000 to $3000 ready to rock n' roll (may not have a lot of options like a kicker, thrower, or ejector. Your kids might take a beating from the status police because its not 'fancy'.

3 $3000 to $7000 Almost new, good paint, tin, tires, hydraulic control and low hours. Looks professional and will impress the custom field owners ('he must be very good at it because his stuff is new'). Yor kids will want to run it.

I'd make the bold statement that the HP you need is about 30, 50, and 75 for each price group, based on history age and the number and size of wagons you will be towing (if you work it that way). The newer balers can run at higher ground speed so they plunge faster, thus taking more HP. But, you could do 40 acres in a day with a JD 14T or 24T. I'm looking at a used 24T tomorrow that needs some repair work. Expecting to pay about $300 for it and another $150 for parts. Its a duplicate to what I run now.

This is a good year to be making hay in small square bales as people will give up their kid's soccer trips to feed their horses. I'm looking at offers of $5 a bale and have only 200 left.