Simple Late Model Square Baler Questions

Bill VA · Jul 29, 2015

Getting ready for the second cut this year with the New Holland 68 - we seem to make this baler better every time out. Knock on wood, I hope to get a lot of years out of it.

However......

I'm always on the lookout for a deal and occasionally they come and go. I think if I ever replaced the 68 or regulated it to a back up machine, the next baler would be a late model one.

The 68, while it can be a knuckle buster, is IMHO drop dead simple to work on - so far.....

Just from a service and repair standpoint, what late model balers would lend themselves to easier repair/rebuild? Chores like knotter repair, plunger bearing replacement, knife sharpening, knife to stationary adjustment, feeding mechanism and maybe pick-up repair/tine replacement.

If you were on the lookout for a New Holland 565, 570 or a Deere 328, 338 or a Hesston/MF inline - forgetting about the color, which is the simplest to service and repair and why?

Just curious.

Thanks!
Bill

showcrop · Jul 29, 2015

I started out nearly thirty years ago with an old Ford 250 then upgraded to a JD 336. And for the last fifteen years or so I have been using an MF 224. I don't see a lot of difference. Various machines have their weak points which crop up here from time to time. For example the aluminum feeder forks on the New Hollands.

draftx · Jul 29, 2015

The best plan is to buy a low use machine, keep it in the shed and you will just not need much repairing. John Deere and New Holland are the logical choices because of the amount of them out there and dealer support is broader. Just remember trade in machines at the dealer are most likely high use machines, that none of the owners friends or relatives wanted.

RayP(MI) · Jul 29, 2015

Those aluminum feeder forks NEED TO BE ALUMINUM. If they break off or come loose they can play havoc with the knife and other components in the bale chamber. Aluminum shears off without doing major damage. I have taken to making my own replacements out of aluminum stock. Be sure to get right diameter (not all the same.) Cut pointy end off at about 60 degree angle.

notjustair · Jul 29, 2015

I don't know my numbers, but I know that a 3XX Deere uses basically the same knotters my 24T has. They perfected something and stuck with it. I wouldn't be afraid of a late model Deere. I'm sure NH is the same way. Those are really the ones you see around here.

A square baler isn't something that can see too many remarkable technological advances. Where we've come in the last 50 years is pretty much where we will be. Now big squares or rounds - different story.

GordoSD · Jul 30, 2015

Local fabricating shop here (Baileys) has the correct diameter alum rod. I made a couple for my 275.Cot was about $3 ea.

Simple Late Model Square Baler Questions

Bill VA

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showcrop

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draftx

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RayP(MI)

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notjustair

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GordoSD

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