Roto Baler Value

Bryce Frazier

Well-known Member
Had a guy contact me today and tell me about a roto baler. Story I got was:

Dad bought it a long time ago, and used it small scale around the property for a few horses each year. In 1995 he put it away for the year and put "several new belts, and a few misc parts on it". He had a heart attack during the winter, and never went back to farming. Passed away this spring, and the son is getting rid of stuff. Asked me what I thought it weight, told him my guess, and that I figured it would be worth $100-150 at the scrap yard, he instantly blurted out $100 and it's yours..... It is SUPPOSED to be in "very" good condition. Orange top machine I think (white ones are better right??) He said it has been in a completely inclosed barn since 1995, and hasn't moved. Pretty sure I could just put my own tires on it and pull it home nice and easy.

Whats it worth if I were to clean it up and sell it?
 
I had one and hated it. At most auctions in my area they are lucky to even get a bid and if they do it is dirt cheap.
 
I've only seen two sell in the last couple years $500-$700. I would hate to have to use one but great collector piece.
 
I'd hate to have one too if that meant I had to handle bales again. When way, way younger my brother and I handled by hand up to 10,000 of those bales per summer. Per winter too, I suppose! When you get the knack and learn the tricks, they handle with no more difficulty than little rectangular bales though.
 
Bryce, I believe they have bronze bushings for wheel bearings. If you pull it down the road, stop and grease them often.
Traditional Farmer is a good source of info on these.
Maybe he will chime in.
Richard in NW SC
 
Hello Bryce, you know you could just deliver it down to me and save yourself the hassle of trying to make it work for yourself. Tough to find one that may be in good condition, ones that I have found have weathered so long in the elements that they will only serve as parts machines. Good luck, Mike
 
They are good balers and bale a real nice bale IF you take the time and effort to learn how to run it.Not hard once you understand the adjustments and how it operates.
We ran several for years probably spent more money on our square baler every year than we did on the Roto Baler in 15 years.
 
I got a 6 ft tall yard ornament windmill, that turn's 20 hours a day, for 15 year''s now,that's got a bronze bushing, on the shaft, only grease that twice a year. LOL, I know there's no weight involved in my application,but when i say 20 hours @ day it's close to it.
 
Awesome! Good to know. Provided that they aren't COMPLETELY worn out, they will probably do fine. I'll take a gun with me and some extra grease for sure though! :)
 
You know, I would do that for you Mike, but, well, I don't think all those Farmalls would appreciate it? Does AC Orange go with Farmall Pink? :)
 

Used a roto baler behind a WD back in the 60's, hay had to be just right for it to bale but it make good bales.
Don't have the back to handle those bales today so I'll stick with the larger round bales that I can spear and move with a tractor along with a few lighter square bales.
 
If you're close to Missouri we should talk. I have a white top last year made in good shape I've been thinking about selling.
 

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