Re: Baler Question - how many hp required

Posted by Jim.UT on June 27, 2003 at 20:47:01 from (172.193.191.213):

In Reply to: Baler Question - how many hp required posted by Mike S on June 27, 2003 at 19:09:56:

A lot depends on how much ground you're going to bale and therefore, how big a baler you're going to run. There's a lot of us beginning balers that ask our stupid questions over on the Implement Alley forum (go to top of page where the pull down menu says "Another discussion forum"). Some more experienced people are kind to guide us through our missteps.

I use a Ford 850 (about 40 hp) with an old Massey Ferguson 124 baler. As mentioned below, live pto is a big plus. My tractor don't have it. It is possible to bale without live pto, it just takes more talent! ;^)

Seriously, if you know you're going to bale and you don't have a tractor yet, insist on live pto. A Ford 860 is the same tractor as mine only with a live pto. I just looked at a MF 65 with live pto also. It's for sale but the seller wants $4000 which I don't need to spend right now.

As for balers, if you're trying to get by with older less expensive equipment, there's lots of choices. Having gone the MF route, I'd say try a John Deere or New Holland. They make good balers and they're still making good balers....ie, parts are still available. It's best to make friends with a neighbor who knows his stuff. Then after doing him a quantity of favors, have him return the favor by going with you when you go to look at old used balers. He'll know what to look for in the way of critical wear areas, expensive fixes, etc. Of course you'll also have to listen to his personal biases which may or may not be grounded in fact....but you'll be closer to making a good decision than relying on your own judgment (assuming you have no experience). I speak from sad experience as evidenced by my non-live pto tractor and my MF baler!

Other considerations will be how are you going to cut the hay and put it into windrows? Sickle mower and a side delivery rake? That's what I do. Other options would be a swather, mo-co, bushhog with the side cut out, I've heard of lots of ways to do it. Again, listen to others, ask questions and make your own decision. It can be done. And fun can be had doing it!

Good luck.

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• Re: Re: Baler Question - how many hp required Trevor 09:20:10 06/29/03 (0)

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