powerscol
Veteran Member
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/haying/300231-haying-compact-tractor-5.html?highlight=baler see pictures post #49
I would like to disagree, politely, with the folks above on the windrow size. Windrow size directly relates to the power needed to bale. So what if it is 30 plungers to a bale - it works. I am usually at 15 to 20 as I run smaller windrows. I judge my speed based on the sound of my diesel - if it is loading I slow down. I know whith a gear driven tractor this can be a inconvenience to speed up and slow down. Having a hydro-static tractor I have the ease to speed up in thin windrows and slow down if things get bogged down. I am lucky my baler is within the weight limit for towing, but I am shy on HP - thus run a lighter windrow. I discovered I can also bale well at less than 540 PTO speed too which saves on the rocking.
The key is to be sensible and understand you are at the limits. I dont speed or pull a hay wagon behind the baler (I use a grapple and my goose neck deck over separately) I manage my patterns to be easiest on the tractor such as going side hill versus up. I also use all of the safety equipment, seat belt (yes a pain) ROPS, etc. I shut down if dogs or kids come around. Number one - be safe and have fun....when the fun stops, I stop.
I know folks will disagree, but my inline has less impact on my tractor, Yes it is rated at 35 HP min, but there are round balers rated at 30 HP min out there I can also use. In some literature they dont say PTO hp, so my 35 HP diesel fits. I checked with Bobcat before trying this as I did not want to hurt the tractor. Was told as long as I do not exceed the pull or hitch weight I was fine and running a baler was cool - regional manager has pictures of my unit and others.
Hope this helps
BTW my Kubota dealer where I get most of my equipment is now carrying the STAR brand mini balers etc. They must be OK or they would not be handling them.
I would like to disagree, politely, with the folks above on the windrow size. Windrow size directly relates to the power needed to bale. So what if it is 30 plungers to a bale - it works. I am usually at 15 to 20 as I run smaller windrows. I judge my speed based on the sound of my diesel - if it is loading I slow down. I know whith a gear driven tractor this can be a inconvenience to speed up and slow down. Having a hydro-static tractor I have the ease to speed up in thin windrows and slow down if things get bogged down. I am lucky my baler is within the weight limit for towing, but I am shy on HP - thus run a lighter windrow. I discovered I can also bale well at less than 540 PTO speed too which saves on the rocking.
The key is to be sensible and understand you are at the limits. I dont speed or pull a hay wagon behind the baler (I use a grapple and my goose neck deck over separately) I manage my patterns to be easiest on the tractor such as going side hill versus up. I also use all of the safety equipment, seat belt (yes a pain) ROPS, etc. I shut down if dogs or kids come around. Number one - be safe and have fun....when the fun stops, I stop.
I know folks will disagree, but my inline has less impact on my tractor, Yes it is rated at 35 HP min, but there are round balers rated at 30 HP min out there I can also use. In some literature they dont say PTO hp, so my 35 HP diesel fits. I checked with Bobcat before trying this as I did not want to hurt the tractor. Was told as long as I do not exceed the pull or hitch weight I was fine and running a baler was cool - regional manager has pictures of my unit and others.
Hope this helps
BTW my Kubota dealer where I get most of my equipment is now carrying the STAR brand mini balers etc. They must be OK or they would not be handling them.