Looking for suggestions - old tractor for running round baler

MH8675309 · Jan 25, 2018

As the name of the thread implies I am looking for recommendations for an older tractor for running a round baler. Something along the lines of an IH 886 or MH 185. Looking for machines with a dependable reputation. Open to suggestions. Thanks in advance.

MORRISONSTEEL · Jan 25, 2018

not and expert on either all I can say is on the 86 series is that you should assume that the ta is failed or is going to fail. Not the end of the world from what I understand but does affect the number of speed selections. But not and expert, could be wrong. Good luck

Turbys_1700 · Jan 25, 2018

I don't have any experience with either and IH 866 or (MH 185?). In any older tractor condition is the most important thing. We ran our round baler with a 180 Allis Chalmers built to 185 specs.

Sonny580 · Jan 26, 2018

A buddy of mine uses an Allis 180-gasser and loves it.
886 should do the job.---I would probably opt for an 806 if it were me, or an allis 190xtd serieslll tractor! thanks; sonny

Texasmark · Jan 27, 2018

You didn't say what size RB. Makes a whopping difference. My 57 PTO current tractor grunts on 5x4's on flat, hard ground on the last 6" and up. I had a JD 100 PTO and it grunted on 5x6's on the last foot and up. The first bale weighs out at about 715# max and the latter 1600. Both tractors were well up to the occasion mechanically.

Tx Jim · Jan 28, 2018

Another important factor on tractor choice is if baler has a bale ramp or push bar. If neither is available then tractor/baler must be reversed to have enough clearance to eject finished bale so ability to shift into reverse easily is important.

This summer when AC compressor failed on my JD 4255(120 pto hp) I utilized my Kubota M7040(64 pto hp) to pull my JD 467 rd baler making 4X5.5 bales and the Kubota pulled baler with no noticeable strain. Last bales I weighed were close to 1000#s. The hay fields I bale are virtually level with very small inclines but I normally rake three 9' swathes together.

aczlan · Jan 28, 2018

Texasmark said:
You didn't say what size RB. Makes a whopping difference. My 57 PTO current tractor grunts on 5x4's on flat, hard ground on the last 6" and up. I had a JD 100 PTO and it grunted on 5x6's on the last foot and up. The first bale weighs out at about 715# max and the latter 1600. Both tractors were well up to the occasion mechanically.

Yep, we have a old round baler (Ford 552) it can make up to a 5x5 bale, we try to make them about 4' tall as our L3830 isn't excited about the last 6-12” of making a 5' bale.
We are also looking for a bigger (50-70HP) tractor to run the baler (preferably with a loader to stack bales with).

Aaron Z

joeu235 · Jan 30, 2018

Pre 1993 John Deere or pre 1982 Ford, 75 - 85 HP. If you want a front end loader, make sure the tractor has power steering.

Texasmark · Feb 14, 2018

joeu235 said:
Pre 1993 John Deere or pre 1982 Ford, 75 - 85 HP. If you want a front end loader, make sure the tractor has power steering.

.....and the front end/tire size to handle the load effectively in poor terrain conditions........case in point, Ford 30-40 hp tractors, 5.50x16 fronts with FELs. BTDT and one of them had the front axle reversed with a weld where it had broken (PO's doings) from the load placed upon it.