Big Or Small Hay Baler: Which One Is For You?

A Big Or Small Hay Baler

The question for those who work on farms is not whether or not you need a baler, but whether you should go with a big or small hay baler; what features should you get; and who makes the best ones? Let's spend a few minutes and paragraphs examining the best in the baler world.

New Holland Balers

For starters, New Holland has a new line of round balers that has proven quite popular. Known as the BR series, it produces bales of hay that range from four by four to five by six feet. It also has five different chamber sizes and eight different models from which to choose. It's hard to go wrong with a New Holland baler.

Different Sizes

And they're not all small at New Holland; there are larger New Holland units that are popular too. For instance, they have a unique bale slicing system that's available on the larger four by five and five by six units. Plus there's a rotary feeder / cutter system, which they call CropCutter, on a four by five foot model.

John Deere 8 Series Small Hay Baler

Equally impressive in the world of small balers is the John Deere 8 Series Round hay baler Model 458 makes 4' x 5' bales. This model sets the standard for reliability, ease, and long-term durability.

A List Of Different Balers

Here is an incomplete list of features of the 8 Series, which equal you getting more work done faster, with the least waste, more safely than ever, and resulting in a higher quality product.

The John Deere 8 - has a seven inch diamond style tread. This tread grips the hay bale in order to minimize chafing and slippage. They are self-cleaning and thus reduce carry-over.

The BaleTrak™ Pro monitor-controller - allows the operator to monitor and set important baler functions right in the driver's seat, saving significant time and energy. Controllable functions include: bale size, twine spacing, net wrap use /number, and starting time , on-board diagnostics, etc...

The BaleTrak™ Pro twine-wrapping system - is fully automatic for operator ease and comfort and includes a twine cutting knife and anvil.

Exclusive Cover-Edge™ surface wrap option - provides an alternative to twine-wrapping. The wrap stretches over the edges of the bale, draining moisture and minimizing spoilage.

Built-in transport lights such as tail lights and turn signals are standard for safety.

Hydraulic gate lockout locks each gate independently with the gate in any position.

Hydraulic bale tensioning ensures uniform density throughout the bale. Oil flows form the cylinder front into a valve, through to the cylinder rear as the baler idler arm raises. This process helps maintain uniform pressure on the hay bale.

Hydraulically Operated Bale Ramp

A variable core kit reduces hydraulic pressure for easier bale starts in wet or sloppy conditions, and can be turned off when not needed. Hydraulically operated bale ramp allows a bale to roll away from the baler and the operator would not have to back up to eject the bale on even ground or moderately rolling terrain.

Constant-velocity PTO tractor hookup ensures smooth maneuverability, providing up to 80 degrees of articulation when operating.

High-flotation (31-13.5 x 15 8PR) tires absorb shock loads on rough terrain and provide buoyancy on soft surfaces.

  • The base weight of the baler is 3820 lbs.

  • The length with the gate closed is 142 in.; gate opened is 179 in.

  • The height with the gate closed is 102 in; gate opened is 128 in.

  • The width (including the Hi-flotation tires) is 96 in.

  • The Mega Wide Pickup has a width of 61 in.

  • The tractor must have a minimum PTO of 55hp and 1 hydraulic SCV valve.

Both John Deere and New Holland also have a selection of mini balers for extra savings in both money and space. And if that's still not enough savings for you, consider searching through the many online sites that offer used hay balers and hay baler parts. There are many surprising bargains to be found on these sites. You never know where you might find an affordable small hay baler. Nothing could be any cheaper, shorter of creating your own homemade model.