round baler

wilbur51 · Dec 10, 2009

We have a small farm on which we raise cattle. Currently I have a 504C round baler which I pull with a 31HP Kabota. The baler works good but it is hard to start a bale and it seems I'm always on the edge of something going wrong. So I'm looking to upgrade, so far I have looked at a 1993 New Holland 640 which appears to be in great shape but I'm not sure if the Kabota could power it? Also found a Hesston 550 which also looks to be in great shape but I know little or nothing about them other than it makes a smaller bale and looks as though my tractor could pull it. Currently I bale about 100 bales per year, eventually I hope to bale upwards of 400 round bales per year. Any insights or suggestions?

patapsco · Dec 10, 2009

I own a 1998 New Holland 640 round baler. It has been a great baler. I service each grease & oil points daily, and have had no operational problems with mine. The only problem I ever encountered was a few jams at the pickup which was caused by trying to pick up too much hay at one time. I am sure this is true for most balers. I highly recommned the NH 640. I would check with your local NH dealer to determine if you tractor has sufficient HP to operate the 640.

CumminsLuke · Dec 10, 2009

A NH 640 takes a minimum of 60 PTO HP.

wilbur51 · Dec 10, 2009

Thanks for the information, I will call the dealer and find out if 30hp is enough tractor. Do you suppose there is much difference between a 1998 and a 1993? How does yours tie the bale?