New Holland 311 vs 316 hay baler

Dralon · Feb 21, 2016

Hello, i am on the lookout for my first hay baler. We have a small alpaca farm so i will be baling acreage depending on my animals needs. So far i plan to start 3-4 acres and may grow up to 10 over the years. The rest of the farm land that we own is rented so expansion is always possible when needed.

Okay so i have an auction coming up in May that had 2 baler a NH 311 and 316. I want to know the differences between the 2 and what i should be looking in term of wear, etc.

Here is the auction picture for both:
http://www.encanshoude.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/20150927_114912_resized.jpg
http://www.encanshoude.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/20150927_114612_resized.jpg

Thanks in advance

Shetland Sheepdog · Feb 21, 2016

For the acreage you are contemplating, I would say go with the one that appears to be in the best condition. The 311 is a lighter duty baler than the 316, but they were both made at the same time period, and the 311 is perfectly adequate for the acreage you're contemplating.
JMHO, Dave

JD Seller · Feb 21, 2016

The NH 316 is a higher capacity baler. It also has the clean sweep pickup on it. This is nicer in fine hay or larger windrows. The NH 311 is not in as good of condition but is still good baler if you have a smaller acreage. A NH 316 will bring in the $2500-4500 and the NH 311 will bring in the $2000-3500 here.

Bill VA · Feb 21, 2016

IMHO - both baler some of New Hollands best. For the acrage - IMHO, either will do. The super sweep pickup is nice on the 316 and i believe
it is a higher capacity baler than the 311. Don't know the strokes per minute of the 311, but the 316 is 79 strokes per minute and the manual
suggests it can be ran some faster. More strokes per minute - if managed can mean more flakes per bale, which IMHO is good for a consistent
length bale and a nice brick shape. If you're selling the hay - it is a desirable attribute. If feeding you're own, not so important IMHO.

Good luck,
Bill

Deere Scotty · Feb 21, 2016

311 is nice, takes less HP, & is lighter than the 316. Both 79 plunger strokes per minute. The 316 is considered more of a commercial series baler. Sales literature says 40 - 60 HP for 311, & 60 - 80 for the 316. I had a loner 311 which I ran behind a JD 60 around 37 PTO years ago, & it ran it fairly well in second cut hay going up 20% slopes. I like the 316; Just takes bigger tractor than I like in hay.

Nick m · Feb 22, 2016

Don't know anything about a 316, but have a 311.
Very good baler. Makes very nice bales. Have ran
it with as small as a 50hp tractor pulling a wagon
behind it without trouble.

Dralon · Feb 23, 2016

Thank you for all the answers now i know more the differences between the 2. I am planning more on the 311 but i will see if anything else come up before closer in my area.

Thanks again

Chief 83 · Feb 23, 2016

Agree both are good balers. I'd choose the nicer of the two if you have the opportunity. I had a 315 for years that was basically worn out when I got it. Used it for another 10 years on about 50 acres of grass hay. Used either the Oliver 550 gas or more often the MF 245 diesel. Both 40ish on the HP. All flat ground with no wagon. Both ran the baler with no issues.

New Holland 311 vs 316 hay baler

Dralon

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Shetland Sheepdog

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JD Seller

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Bill VA

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Deere Scotty

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Nick m

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Dralon

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Chief 83

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