HP Required to operate std. baler

[LoganWildman]

Anyone know how much horsepower is required to run a standard baler? (not the big round and square balers)

I have an opportunity to get free straw, and have access to a baler, but don't know if my TC35 can handle it.

 

[cowboydoc]

Is it a standard square baler? If so and your ground is pretty flat and you aren't going to pull a trailer you could get by with your TC 35 just one time.

 

[art]

The model of baler and the size of the windrows will tell you if you can do it. The smaller models can be run with your tractor. That would also be without a 24' windrow of first cutting.

 

[grandad]

Amen to your "just one time" comment, particularly if it's a PTO baler.

They can put a lot of shock loading on the transmission. A few hours use probably won't do much harm, but these little tractors weren't designed for any kind of continuous duty like that on the PTO, even if the HP is sufficient.

 

[rambler]

You are asking the wrong question, but the answer is 12-17 hp for a JD 14t, NH 69 through 270, etc.

But you see, the baler runs on extreme peaks of power stroke, and a longer idling period. They use that big flywheel to store power, so the plunger stroke is ramming 50 hp or so, and your tractor will be feeding an average of 15 hp to keep the flywheel spinning.

That works great with the old sturdy tractors or utility sized tractors. But you have to be careful with a compact tractor. The baler will feed shock loads back to your tractor that are pretty severe.

Also, it takes another 10 hp to pull the baler through a field. And all this is assuming lighter windrows & no wagon behind.

Then there is weight - a cut tractor is very light, and these balers are heavy - and have the heavy spinning flywheel & moving plunger. You will really get rocked around. This is hard on the drivetrain of your tractor as it is so light.

As your tractor is on the bigger end of cut's, I believe it will handle the baler for a bit of use.

But, hp is not the issue with a baler. It's overall size, weight, & drivetrain of the tractor.

--->Paul

 

[MikePA]

Welcome to TBN, LoganWildman! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

This topic/question comes up about every other month on TBN. Just do a search for 'how much horsepower' or 'how much hp'! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

The issue is not just horsepower. It's...

- The horsepower of the tractor.
- The weight of the tractor.
- The topology of the land you'll be baling on.

 

[AV8R62]

I run a JD 336 bailer with a 1947 JD "B"
it did a very nice job baring big loads on steep hills.
a "b" is rated at about 18 HP and doesn't weigh much .
you shouldn't have any problems

 

[slowrev]

Right you are Mike, Also I dont think one should try to equate the old iron HP to the new CUT hp either. Have to compare torque as well as the factors you mentioned.

Ben

 

[Renze]

Hey, is your Deere an old two pot "johnny popper" ?
If it's a two pot, i can imagine that you dont know the difference running With or Without baler... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I think an old Deere is of different build than a modern Jap tractor.... I want to see the first CUT that gets to the age of that old Deere.... probably i never will... /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

With balers, if the tractor cant pull, you can match the right gear, every tractor will pull it, theoretically.
Just with slow speeds, one bale will get many press strokes, causing extra hard bales.