stackwagons

Niji · Dec 18, 2008

I've read with interest some threads here which include a discussion of stackwagons. I've grown up farming here in Virginia, and I had never even heard the term or knew these machines existed before learning about them here in the past year. It seems the perfect addition to my hay stuff since I'm solo with this operation, and help is intolerably uncertain (I want to stick largely with square bales since I've got horses, as do the bulk of my hay customers). Also, I could up my hay acreage if I could begin to upgrade some equipment as well.

I'm curious about the availability of used ones around Va., and which models are most desirable? Also, the price range a fellow should figure on in the present economic landscape, and the typical trouble to be on the lookout for (what wears, what's the big cost items to replace, etc.).

I've trolled the used equipment sites with interest and become more familiar with these very issues, but thought I'd look to you pros for some direct advice on the matter. Many thanks.

deereguy · Dec 18, 2008

Are you calling a New Holland Automatic Bale Wagon a stack wagon?

Mike120 · Dec 18, 2008

I also assume you are talking about a NH Bale wagon. A guy in Kansas is probably the biggest dealer: Roeder Implement, and I thought I remembered seeing where he had a partner on the East Coast. There are a lot of them out there though. I had little trouble finding one when I was looking. The biggest issue that most folks have with them is you need room to stand the thing up to unload in a barn. Right now I unload mine outside but I'm building a taller barn this winter. It's great for picking them up and hauling them in and I'm able to do everything without help which unfortunately is most of the time.

flusher · Dec 18, 2008

Niji said:
I've read with interest some threads here which include a discussion of stackwagons. I've grown up farming here in Virginia, and I had never even heard the term or knew these machines existed before learning about them here in the past year. It seems the perfect addition to my hay stuff since I'm solo with this operation, and help is intolerably uncertain (I want to stick largely with square bales since I've got horses, as do the bulk of my hay customers). Also, I could up my hay acreage if I could begin to upgrade some equipment as well.

I'm curious about the availability of used ones around Va., and which models are most desirable? Also, the price range a fellow should figure on in the present economic landscape, and the typical trouble to be on the lookout for (what wears, what's the big cost items to replace, etc.).

I've trolled the used equipment sites with interest and become more familiar with these very issues, but thought I'd look to you pros for some direct advice on the matter. Many thanks.

Don't know about used ones in your neighborhood. But this week at the farm equipment auction in Chico a New Holland 1048 Narrowbed stacker went for $6600.

Niji · Dec 18, 2008

I suppose I am talking about the NH Balewagon, although I picked up that stackwagon term from a post or two here about automating small bale handling. Is NH the only one making these? I was rather shocked to discover they had been around for so long without my ever having seen or heard of one. Of course, I was also surprised to find here on the forum that people no longer use rivets on the blade sections of mower/conditioners either, but bolts...that's what comes from living in a far removed Appalachian paradise I guess.

I saw photos of how the balewagons operate and then dump the stack similar to a dump truck, so I can see where you'd need overhead clearance to place them inside. It would certainly be worth it to build a structure to acomodate that, and I could get that on the 5 year plan if I could get the balewagon in the mean time. As you say, Mike120, just getting the bales rounded up and out of the field to the barn alone is worth a huge amount to me. Thanks for the link in Kansas, I'll check that out.