Recommendations for a tiny (3 acres) baling operation In southern Illinois

MarkV · Jul 17, 2012

Hi Bid, welcome to the forum. I really know little about hay equipment so this is just a general question to those with experience. Will a 4000# pound tractor with 27 PTO hp run the older equipment mentioned without the tractor or equipment being damaged?

MarkV

Bid · Jul 17, 2012

MarkV said:
Hi Bid, welcome to the forum. I really know little about hay equipment so this is just a general question to those with experience. Will a 4000# pound tractor with 27 PTO hp run the older equipment mentioned without the tractor or equipment being damaged?

MarkV

Or the Operator?

Sraczi · Jul 17, 2012

Do the research. Your tractor should not have a problem. A JD24T weighs in at ~2400lbs and required a 17 hp pony motor or 2-plow tractor. I am running my 24T with a 20hp PTO Tractor. Slow & steady and no problem (200 bales or so a year). My 24T was left for scrap... $200 in parts (bolts, cotter pins, chain) and yes, lots of labor reading online and tinkering. But it works. Bought a sickle bar 6' for $500 and a used 3pth wheel rake for $400. Saving money? Probably not for a few years.... But there's more to it then that sometimes.