Getting in to small squares

[NDRA]

Hi. I am looking at getting into square baling. I dont know much about the balers and need some advice. I found a 214T that is kindof close to my area. John deere 214t square baler
I am looking to start out a little smaller and build up. This year I am wanting to put up about 20 acres of straw and maybe 300 bales of alfalfa (depending on the year and if we have enough for our cows) I may also buy some big rounds and put them through the baler and resell them. Any advise would be great. I have attached a couple more photos of this baler.

Thanks
Nathan

 

[funny farmer]

The first year is always the hardest. I had more problems the first year to list, but I learned so much about it. After that, it's just the little things that happen. And remember, don't beat yourself up if something breaks down. Just calm down and get it fixed. If it rains on the hay, it rains on the hay. theres nothing you can do about it.

 

[JasG]

I would look more for a 336 JD. Tons of them out and around for sale. Not to say this one is a bad unit, can not tell from 2 pictures. Look to see how thick (or thin) all off the metal is on the baler. Look at all sides of the bale chamber, that is where it would wear through 1st. Look at the axles, make sure they are straight and not bent or cracked. Look at the bottom of the knotter and the tips of the needles to see of it looks like anything has been hit or rubbing. Look at the area the plunger travels in to see if any grooves.
If this baler has been sitting, how long has it been sitting? Over time bushings and bearings set up and will go out fast one you start using it again. Look the hitch over make sure it's not cracked. If you to buy it look at the bolts that hold the hitch on and I would replace it is it shows any wear.Over time the action of the plunger going back and forth puts stress on these parts.

 

[Mike120]

Hard to tell from the pictures, but it looks pretty weathered and doesn't appear to have been used in a while. I'd pass on it. I just got rid of a IH-37 that was in much better shape for about the same amount. I got tired of the pain and suffering.

USING an old baler is like boiling a frog.....over time you don't notice the increased pain. BUYING an old baler, is like jumping into the boiling water....the pain starts right from the beginning. When I finally had enough, I looked at a lot of used balers. There is no doubt that many would have served my needs, but the difference in price between the ones in very good condition and a new one was too small. So I bought a new green one.

There is nothing wrong with old hay equipment, I use a NH 456 sickle mower, a NH 256 rake, and pick them up with a NH 1000 stacker wagon. They all require maintenance but they rarely breakdown in the field. If the baler was going to give me trouble or break down, it was always in the field. Getting parts was always an issue. The older the baler, the more expensive the parts in both time and money. At least with a JD or NH you can get the parts. That won't be the case with a lot of the other brands. Over a short time you can easily spend 4-5 times the price of an old baler trying to keep it running.

When I bought my old baler it was in great condition, it lasted a long time and served me well. If it hadn't been a problem I wouldn't have replaced it. The guy that bought it has another one for parts so he knew what he was getting into. I'd suggest that you rethink your budget and plan on spending the money to get a decent baler. They're usually pretty worn out when the price is below $2000. Good Luck!

 

[NDRA]

I know I can't expect a whole lot with the price. My first baler probably wont be around to long, I just need it to get started. I am also looking at a NH 237. New Holland 273 Square Baler
Does anyone know how much needles are and how easy they are to replace?

I shouldnt have a problem with wet hay, because we will just put it up in rounds if all else fails.

 

[rrch129]

Needles are expensive. probably round 200 a piece. If both are broken the baler jumped time and broke them. Sometimes you can weld um and thats not a very permanent fix. If you do get the baler it will need retimed. That 214t looks in decent shape. Ive got a massey 12 that i got for free when I got into squares and it hasnt givin me any trouble on older balers its hit and miss theyre not all bad

 

[flusher]

Hi. I am looking at getting into square baling. I dont know much about the balers and need some advice. I found a 214T that is kindof close to my area. John deere 214t square baler
I am looking to start out a little smaller and build up. This year I am wanting to put up about 20 acres of straw and maybe 300 bales of alfalfa (depending on the year and if we have enough for our cows) I may also buy some big rounds and put them through the baler and resell them. Any advise would be great. I have attached a couple more photos of this baler.

Thanks
Nathan

Here's what my MF-124 two-twine baler looks like

Bought it last April for $2000 right out of the field from the seller who used it the day before to bale 35 acres.

That 214T you're eyeballing looks a little beat to me and probably needs quite a bit of servicing before it's ready to bale.

 

[Willl]

Here's what my MF-124 two-twine baler looks like

Your notters look different than most, almost simpler.

 

[spruce Deere]

I dont know NDRA baler looks, well rough. Rust in chamber, stored out side older model, them kinda things is scary. I'd go look at the NH 273. Hopfully its a little better.

 

[NDRA]

I agree. The 214T does look rough. The NH was sold but I have been on craigslist a little today and have got a few replies. One is a NH 275. It also looks a little rough though. The guy bought it not to long ago and said he went through the knotters and put new knives on it, but it has been outside.
I also found a JD 24T. The guy had bought it about 3 years ago and then it didnt sound like he used it or not very much if he did. Him and his partner just ended up using something else. He said that he had someone with him when he bought it that knew square balers and said that the knotters looked good and that it looked decent. He has kept it in the shed since. He figured if someone could use it he would get rid of it. I may get some pictures of it in a few days.
Thanks for the replies and keep the advise coming. Like I said, I am just looking to start out a little lower and build up once I get started. I've put up a lot of big rounds for the dairy cows but we havent done any of our own squares (we dont use many) but I would like to start doing some to sell.