Square baler

[RichZ]

I think this is a simple question. What horsepower tractor do I need to run a square baler? Mine doesn't have a kicker, but I'd like to eventually get one with a kicker. I was thinking I needed 50-60 hp, but one of my neighbors told me that I could go smaller. I don't think he's right. So what do you guys say?

Thanks,

Rich

 

[looch]

I think the absolute minimum you would get away with is 35 hp. I would say that 50-60 hp is right on. My friend uses a 1965 MF 65 (gasoline) to do his - no kicker though.

 

[skent]

For years and years we have used a 1950 Case DC (some say 33 HP. . . others say 39 HP) with a square baler with a kicker. Never had a problem. I'm sure the DC can't put out its rated HP anymore, but we can still bale with her.

The Case SC we have (19 HP) can run the baler (in 1 st gear only) but its really straining.

 

[cowboydoc]

Rich what you have to worry about mainly is your pto. If you have the pto hp then you are fine. That's all the square baler runs on is the pto. Shoot you could pull the thing with a 20hp tractor but you've got to have the pto hp to run it. With that said I would say around the 40 hp you would be safe. I can run that brand new one I got last year with the 4600 without MUCH of a problem. When it rams the bales together it will pull the tractor down some. With the massey last year I didn't even know it was there. So yes you can get by with a 40hp tractor but it's alot smoother operating with a bigger tractor. PLUS if you ever get a mower conditioner then you are going to need a bigger tractor.

 

[RichZ]

Good point, Richard! Someday, when I can afford it (if that day ever comes!) I would like to get a moco. What hp would I need for that?

Rich
"What a long strange trip it's been."

 

[cowboydoc]

Rich,
You would probably need at least a 60 hp tractor. Alot of the moco's call for a 90 hp tractor.

 

[RichZ]

Yikes!!!/w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif If they're up to 90 hp, it'll be a long while before I can get one, because I can't afford a 90 hp tractor yet, much less a moco. That will probably have to wait until I aquire my third tractor!/w3tcompact/icons/cool.gif

Rich
"What a long strange trip it's been."

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I would agree with you Cowboydoc if we are talking about the newer rotary MoCo's, but still many of your sickle type units(depending on the width of the cut) average 30 to 35 PTO HP need. Hesston makes several that require only 30 PTO HP. I also believe most of the older units have about the same requirement. I have a NI 9 ft model 270 and the manual says minimum PTO HP is 30. I paid $450.00 a year ago for the unit and it does very well.

 

[cowboydoc]

You're right Mike it depends on the moco. Another thing to consider though is that a 30hp older tractor is not the same as a 30 hp compact tractor. I don't think there is anyway a 30hp compact tractor could tackle a 7 or 9 foot moco. But most of the older tractors in the 45-65 range would handle the older 6 and 7' sickle moco's.

 

[EdKing]

Rich,
You might also want to consider the weight of the baler vs. the weight of your tractor if you are baling on hilly terrain. When I ask my dealer if my 36hp tractor (33 PTO) could run a square baler, he said yes, just be careful on the hills, as a heavy baler could push the tractor.

Ed King.

 

[cowboydoc]

Absolutely correct Ed.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I pull a NH 311 (no kicker) with a Kubota L3710 HST which is 30 pto hp. Does a fine job up, down and across hills.

 

[cowboydoc]

You'd be surprised Rich. Besides JD the other brands will go cheaper for the higher hp tractors than the lower hp tractors. Go to the auctions and watch. If you can get by with the higher hp tractors and aren't room poor I can guarantee you it will be cheaper than the lower hp ones. At least around here anyway. The deal around here is the farmers don't want the older higher hp tractors they need newer ones to run all the the new equipment. Your small acreage guy doesn't want a big tractor he wants a smaller tractor to run small implements. So it's the higher hp tractors that sell for way better value for you dollar.

 

[poorboy]

Rich,
I do a little square baling in the summer and my 4000 with probably around 40-45 has no problem with a massey #12 even on hills within reason. As for cutting we use a disc mower and a cheap tedder if we want to rush things. In the future when I see how things are going I plan on trying a little alfalfa. I will then probably locate a used conditioner. But as for now the disc mower is so problem free I think it will be front line for a while. I do recommend a minimum for the lighter ones around 45hp and 60ish for the heavier weight of the new holland ones especially tthe longer 7ft bars. Just something to think about.

Patrick

 

[Jag]

Around here the 50-65 hp tractors are very reasonable. A good clean used Ford will go for half of what a Deere will run...

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Just look for a International 706 or 806. Either of these tractors will do what you want and then some and there are quite a few of them out there and they are good tractors and very cheap hp.

 

[ecard]

They do make some compact hay balers designed for small or miniature haying operations - saw one today $16,500 - that is a sh_t load of little hay bales to pay for it. I also picked up a new idea brochure and they have a min pto hp at 35.

I will try to find the url if anyone is interested - I think carver also sells them.

Eric

 

[cowboydoc]

Ok tell me this. I saw those little balers. Why do they cost more than a top of the line JD square baler? My new JD square baler only cost $11,500 with all the extras.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

<font color=blue>...Why do they cost more than a top of the line ...</font color=blue>

Specialized market... limited production... priced whatever the market will bear... /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif