Hesston Hay Stackers and Processors

We're interested in using a Hesston hay stacker and bale processor or similar on our vegetable farm. We're developing an integrated mulching program for weed control and building organic matter whereby we will be using some method of collating hay/straw from our 16 acres of rented land and transporting to the vegetable fields which are literally next door. Originally we thought that this would involve round baling our forage, transporting with a spear or forks, and then using a bale processor to grind the bales and blow the material around our transplanted vegetable seedlings or used to mulch the garlic field. We've all but decided on a Hesston BP 20 as the bale processor and we're in the market for one right now. We currently have a 45 hp tractor with a 540 pto, ideally we would like to add a 75+ hp tractor with a small 1000 pto then we might be interested in a Hesston BP25 or CIH 8610. Do the Hesston stackers all use the 1000 pto? Are there any stackers available with a 540 pto?

We like the idea of a stacker because our compressed hay product does not need to be weathertight - if we end up making compost with some of the stacks that's fine. We're going to be doing a separate batch of small squares for sale/feed. We like the opportunity to make mulch cheaper, don't need plastic wrap, and the loose stacks will work much better in the old bale processor and with a hp challenged tractor.

Please let us know all you thoughts and comments. If you or anyone you know has these implements for sale, we are VERY interested in buying them. We have until April/May to get this project set up.

Thanks!

How are you going to get those stacks into the bale processor? Grapple forks to rip them apart? I myself would get a forage harvester with a pickup head, and a rear-unloading wagon, and just pile it, maybe covering some with a tarp so it doesn't get mushy too fast. You would still need grapple forks to get the stuff out but since the stuff will already be chopped, you won't need a bale processor.