Comparison Baler comps

[ModMech]

I found this thanks to GOOGLE, it's a few years old, but the data seems sound.

Compares a number (20+) of balers, round and square in actual testing.

http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/eng3050#98

 

[tessiers]

quite interesting, I noticed the new holland Balers had very low peak HP requirements. I would love a small round baler, however budget doesn't allow it right now.

 

[ModMech]

Yes, I noticed the very same thing, some of the rounds actually require less PTO HP than the standard squares. Of course, the rub is weight, while you may not need the HP of a larger tractor with a round baler, you might need the weight of one because the load towed by the drawbar really shouldn't be more than the weight of the tractor. But, if our tractor can handle the tandem axle with the car on it ok, it might be worth a go.

 

[Bird]

Yes, I noticed the very same thing, some of the rounds actually require less PTO HP than the standard squares. Of course, the rub is weight, while you may not need the HP of a larger tractor with a round baler, you might need the weight of one because the load towed by the drawbar really shouldn't be more than the weight of the tractor. But, if our tractor can handle the tandem axle with the car on it ok, it might be worth a go.

You've sure got that right. My baling experience was with a new Gehl round baler, doing mostly 5' x 5' bales, occasionally 5' x 6' bales, behind a 25-30 year old 85 hp Oliver. The baler was supposedly rated for as little as 50 hp. Of course that old Oliver never showed to have any PTO load, but you could feel and hear the governor kick in on the slightest upgrade, and if you got got a bale slightly uneven, it would sure rock that old tractor back and forth.

 

[tessiers]

I would like to try rounds with my tractor, however HP is my problem. I am baleing with a Farmall H right now, 25 HP give or take but well over 4000 lbs as she sets. Would like 4x4 dry bales. I figure if I can pull a square baler with wagon, which I do now, weight should not be an issue. Most of my fields are quite flat so that wouldn't be a problem. Just something to file in the back of my mind I guess.

 

[slowzuki]

You'll want a baler that you don't need to shut the PTO off for your H. I tried round bales a few years, I find them much slower from baling to in barn for a given acreage I don't bother anymore. Doesn't help our baler plugged like crazy and was only a 4x4. A 5x6 would really increase the bale handling efficiency.

 

[tessiers]

don't know about field to barn but barn to beef is hard to beat.

 

[RPW]

I was also surprized by the horsepower ratings. With my tractor I was looking at doing square bales but will now relook at roundbalers. My fields are mostly flat. Hopefully I will be able to get about 30 - 40 round bales out of aproximately 15 acres.

 

[Hoosier Hay Man]

Nice link! :thumbsup: I have that one saved.
There is alot more tongue weight with a round baler than a small square. I can bale with my DK45 with 38 PTO on my NH315 baler and it will handle it. I haven't tried my Gehl 1465 round baler with it. I need to check what the weight might be with a bale in it. It is 4x5 bale. It is electric tie so the one set of remotes the DK45 has will work. I normally use th JD4430 as it has enough weight to handle both balers on hills etc. I have ran a NH 648 for a couple of years. I would rent it when I did rounds. It also made a 4x5 bale. I rented a NH658 once also. It made 4x6 bales. I really couldn't tell if it took more HP or not when compared to the Gehl 1465. I will say they both make a tight bale. Both were belt balers.