Square baler

   / Square baler #1  

RichZ

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 4, 2001
Messages
1,876
Location
White Creek, New York, Washington County, on the V
Tractor
Kubota 4630 with cab and loader
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
 
   / Square baler #2  
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.
 
   / Square baler #3  
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.
 
   / Square baler #4  
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.
 
   / Square baler
  • Thread Starter
#5  
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."
 
   / Square baler #6  
Rich,
You would probably need at least a 60 hp tractor. Alot of the moco's call for a 90 hp tractor.
 
   / Square baler
  • Thread Starter
#7  
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."
 
   / Square baler #8  
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.
 
   / Square baler #9  
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.
 
   / Square baler #10  
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.
 
 
 
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