Small tractor hay baling???

[Bob_Skurka]

I need to be able to tow this tractor frequently and over long distances and my truck can only tow 5500 lbs.

If you buy a 3000# tractor, add fluid fill to the tires and add a Front Loader, you will easily be in the 4500# weight range. A trailer about 16' to 18' long will weigh roughly 1500# to 2000# depending on quality and construction. That would easily put you at 6000# to 6500# so you are over the towing capacity of your truck. For a short distance, on smooth flat roads, once or twice a year, you can probably get away with that. However, if you do it on anything close to a regular basis you will likely end up with some big repair bills on your trucks transmission. You stated you need to tow frequently & long distances, I think you might want to look at a lighter tractor, an lightweight but expensive aluminum trailer or both.

 

[ahoude]

That brings up a whole different question. I'm looking at a Kioti CK30 with a FEL with a total weight of about 3500 lbs (accordint to Kioti's website). With a 1500-2000 lb trailer Im coming in right at 5500 or a little less. With loaded tires, I'd more than likely be over. What are the advantages of loaded tires for this setup and use conditions (mowing, brush-hogging, some discing/light ag. work) and how much would loaded tires on this tractor weigh?

 

[Bob_Skurka]

That brings up a whole different question. I'm looking at a Kioti CK30 with a FEL with a total weight of about 3500 lbs (accordint to Kioti's website). With a 1500-2000 lb trailer Im coming in right at 5500 or a little less. With loaded tires, I'd more than likely be over.

Loaded tires on that size tractor will likely weight close to 700#. I honestly don't know the actual capacity of those tires, but that is a safe bet, could be a bit more or a bit less. According to Kioti's website (as of today), the CK30/gear weighs 3042# (3055# for HST) and the loader w/bucket is 770#. So the weight is over 3800 no matter how you look at it. The fuel tank holds 7.9 gallons and diesel weights about 9# per gallon so add a bit over 70# for the fuel in the tractor's tank. Don't forget to add 45# more if you have an extra 5-gallon fuel can on the trailer. I would expect your tractor would weigh 3900# if you put it on a scale without fluid fill. I would expect your tractor would weigh 4500# to 4600# with fluid fill.

No matter how you look at it, you are at or over the capacity of your tow vehicle without fluid fill. With fluid fill you are over the capacity of your tow vehicle.

 

[KYErik]

I use an old 27 hp Case gas tractor (1943 model SC) to run an old New Holland model 68 square baler. This old tractor is heavy so it doesn't get jerked around by the baler, and it has plenty of hp for the job. I just wish it had a slower 1st gear so may baler wouldn't get overwhelmed/clogged when the hay is really heavy.

 

[JoeinTX]

A very good point was made above regarding older, small tractors being used to make square bales without much trouble. Older units do have generally heavier weights, drive-trains, etc. versus many of the comparable modern equivalents. The modern versions have significantly more powerful engines, but are lighter built in many areas.

Example: for jobs needing pure engine or PTO power, I use the Kubota. For jobs requiring mass or weight, I use the NAA or even 8N although they have less ultimate power.

 

[Doc_Bob]

A very good point was made above regarding older, small tractors being used to make square bales without much trouble. Older units do have generally heavier weights, drive-trains, etc. versus many of the comparable modern equivalents. The modern versions have significantly more powerful engines, but are lighter built in many areas.

Good point. My friend who tried using a baler with his MH TC40D said power was fine, his tractor did not weigh enough to handle the baler, although he had plenty of power. I have heard (forget where) that 4,000 pounds is min weight for pulling a baler.
Bob

 

[claggsgarage756]

I have used a Branson 2910i with a small baler on about 3 acres and it did fine. This tractor weighs about 3,700 lbs. One point though is you could feel it when the plunger hit. Overall though i think it could handle it without any major problems.

 

[AKfish]

I've been following the threads on this topic for quite a spell and have continued to read more or less the same conclusions --- the newer CUT's don't have the frame, engine mass to contend with the stresses that most balers place upon the tractor irregardless of higher HP.
I've also noted that many poster's have opined that fluid and wheel weights and FEL would get many of the mid-sized CUT's up into the 4,500lb range and therefore make them useable for the small operator who would likely only bale a couple thousand bales or so per season.
What I haven't seen is any discussion regarding the smaller square balers that might prove to be a good option for these sized tractors.
Any recommendations out there regarding various makes, models of balers that might fit the bill? Thanks for the responses. AKfish

 

[jimg]

http://www.agriquip.com/ does have a line of balers scaled to small tractors.

 

[farmerjim]

you could always get an older jd(14t) or nh baler(hayliner77) that runs off a pony motor, on the baler. if you get a really good one they are very reliable and you can still find parts for them. they don't require pto power, just pulling power. some people in my area use them w/ smaller old tractors like farmall h or ford8/9n. one of my neighbors has a jd 1050 that he uses for running all his hay equipment, moco,tedder,baler and he's on a hilly fields.