VirginiaEd
Member
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2003
- Messages
- 38
I have six small hay fields on my farm. Total hay acres is 21. Until now I've had the hay custom cut, but am going to change my operation to include rotational grazing and some pasture fed beef finishing.
Previously the haybine and baler were NH and were pulled with a big MF. Sometimes, turning in the fields was a problem because of the field's layout. I plan to put in several temporary cross fences in these fields and thereby create grazing padocks that will allow stockpiling and strip grazing control.
In the spring and at other times of the year I plan to cut and clip the hay in the padocks and store it for winter use as needed, but expect that my stockpiled hay will carry me most of the winter. I expect the mowing, raking, and baling turning problems to be annoying if I use the larger equipment.
I've been looking at the Star MRB0850 mini round baler (Japanese) sold by Agriquip. Its a twine tie unit. The Agriquip website is www.agriquip.com and they're located down in Georgia. I don't know if there are other Star dealers around the country. The MRB0850 baler is rated for 18-30 HP compact tractors.
I have a small 27 HP 3 cylinder compact tractor that I think would work well with this baler. The bales are small enough and can be handled just like larger size bales with a spear, etc. I think the unit is small enough that the turning problems would be eliminated. Also, the bales are probably light enough that loading, storing and handling would be fairly easy. Also, I'd like to think the bales would work well for horse owners who might want something akin to a "lady" bale if I were to sell the bales or do some custom baling.
Does anyone have any experience with mini hay balers? Has anyone seen the Star machines in operation? Being Japanese machines, I'm guessing they are fairly well made, but after-sale service and support is always an issue. Does anyone know of other mini balers sized to work behind a compact tractor?
Agriquip is suppose to have the Star balers on display at the NFMS in Louisville next week. If anyone happens to look them over, I'd appreciate opinions on the units.
Thanks,
Ed
Previously the haybine and baler were NH and were pulled with a big MF. Sometimes, turning in the fields was a problem because of the field's layout. I plan to put in several temporary cross fences in these fields and thereby create grazing padocks that will allow stockpiling and strip grazing control.
In the spring and at other times of the year I plan to cut and clip the hay in the padocks and store it for winter use as needed, but expect that my stockpiled hay will carry me most of the winter. I expect the mowing, raking, and baling turning problems to be annoying if I use the larger equipment.
I've been looking at the Star MRB0850 mini round baler (Japanese) sold by Agriquip. Its a twine tie unit. The Agriquip website is www.agriquip.com and they're located down in Georgia. I don't know if there are other Star dealers around the country. The MRB0850 baler is rated for 18-30 HP compact tractors.
I have a small 27 HP 3 cylinder compact tractor that I think would work well with this baler. The bales are small enough and can be handled just like larger size bales with a spear, etc. I think the unit is small enough that the turning problems would be eliminated. Also, the bales are probably light enough that loading, storing and handling would be fairly easy. Also, I'd like to think the bales would work well for horse owners who might want something akin to a "lady" bale if I were to sell the bales or do some custom baling.
Does anyone have any experience with mini hay balers? Has anyone seen the Star machines in operation? Being Japanese machines, I'm guessing they are fairly well made, but after-sale service and support is always an issue. Does anyone know of other mini balers sized to work behind a compact tractor?
Agriquip is suppose to have the Star balers on display at the NFMS in Louisville next week. If anyone happens to look them over, I'd appreciate opinions on the units.
Thanks,
Ed