small Hay operation: what equipment can I run?

[jd2210]

Man it's hard to believe it's been a full year since my last post. Oh well.


Anyway my question is this: is there any baler out there that can be run by a 25hp )PTO tractor? If so does anyone know the site and how heavy a bale it makes?

[PaulChristenson]

These are the smallest of the current John Deere Balers

328 Twine Baler
Tractor Requirements
PTO Speed, rpm 540
Minimum PTO, hp 35

448 Round Baler
Tractor Requirements
Minimum PTO, hp 45
Hydraulic SCV Valves 2 (hyd. Tie) - 1 (elect. Tie)

A old JD 24T would work...but it will shake you and your tractor...

[MarkLeininger]

Originally Posted by jd2210

Anyway my question is this: is there any baler out there that can be run by a 25hp )PTO tractor? If so does anyone know the site and how heavy a bale it makes?

Not sure if making haystacks is an option but that's something you could do with a tractor that size. If you could find some old, cheap implements like a dump rake and sickle mower, and get detachable forks for the front loader, you could make stacks that you could tarp. If the stacks were small enough for your loader to lift, you could also transport them on a wagon to get them home. You might find stuff really cheap in a farming area, especially now that the economy is in the tank. My family auctioned off all this stuff we used when I was a kid, it sold for almost nothing. You need to read up a little on how dry to keep the stacks or they can start themselves on fire if too much moisture gets inside. If you throw a tarp on them to keep them dry that shouldn't be a problem.

[Farmwithjunk]

Take a look at these guys! Ain't cheap by any stretch, but the HP requirements are about as low as it gets nowdays. I looked 'em over close at the National Farm Machinery Show back in Feb. Impressive machines!

AGRIQUIP.com :: Star

[zzvyb6]

I used to run my 14T with my Yanmar 22hp job. Yeah it shook a bit, no live power, but the job got done. WTF...

[Farmwithjunk]

Originally Posted by zzvyb6

I used to run my 14T with my Yanmar 22hp job. Yeah it shook a bit, no live power, but the job got done. WTF...

A lot depends on WHAT small tractor a person uses. In spite of the critisism Deere took when they started marketing the "Jap Deere" Yanmars, they were stout little tractors and well ahead of their time. And I've seen more'n one baler on the back of an 8N Ford or TO-20 Ferguson or C Farmall, ect. They had a little more "meat" to them than some of todays compacts. That mass was able to handle the pounding a baler can deliver just a tick better than a lot of todays tractors that just aren't designed as "farm tractors". Sometimes it's all about the size of the package more so than what's in it.

[ddivinia]

I would worry more about the baler driving the tractor instead of the other way around. On flat ground and not thick windrows the ole 2210 might be able to bale some hay.

D.

[tomh]

I have been using a 27HP Jd 790 for the last 3 years to make my own hay and a little to sell. I have a New Holland Compact 65 (from 1965). This makes a bale that is about 20% smaller than what is considered normal. With that being said I have also used a JD 336 baler on my tractor which is a larger full sized model. I have found that my tractor ran them both with equal ease. In fact, the JD 336 ran a little smother. I beleive this is due to the fact that on a JD baler the flywheel is mounted on the side and spins in rotation with the direction of the plunger. New Holland mounts theirs on the front in line with the PTO shaft. I beleve the JD flywheel helps take up some of the push of the plunger in the way they are mounted. This helps considerably on a smaller tractor becuse that plunger can really push you around.

It is when I was using a kicker that I felt that I did not have enought power. When conditions are just right (dry hay, flat ground, etc.) I can do it. It is taxing on the system and you feel it but it can be done. If conditions are not right you will not be able to do it as the rest of the system suffer due to the tractor slowing down each time and strugglin gto build up moment again.

Also, I use a sickle mower to cut. If you use on of these please be careful! Make sure all your pets and neighbors pets are secure whenever you are cutting hay!! Very Important!

I hope these experiences help.

[shvl73]

I've been following most of the hay threads, as I am collecting the various items needed to bale a little myself. Craigslist has been a valuable source for equipment and TBN members have been extremely helpful for advice. I picked up a Kuhn tedder last weekend, package deal with a farmhand wheel rake, $400. I may turn over the rake, as I found a Ferguson side delivery rake that I think I'll prefer. I also found a Massey 124 baler for $500 + delivery, working. After some TBN member advice, I called and told them I'll take it. I'm looking at a Sitrex 7' sickle tonight. I passed on a Massey 135 tractor and am wishing I had not, it was a fair deal. The stuff is out there if you search. I suprised myself by finding so much, so soon.

[BeeferMan]

If you're on flat ground, you'll do ok with one of the older NH's (268, 273, etc.) I got a friend who uses one with a 600 Ford (28HP?). It's not over powered by any means, but it does the job...