Bale stacker what to look at

old · Jun 3, 2016

So a friend of mine calls me today and he wants me to go with him to go get/look at a bale stacker. He seems to think he wants a machine to stack his hay for him. So what type of things do you look at to make sure it is in good shape. I know that if it needs work that I will be the one who has to do the work and figure out how it works etc.

NewLegacy · Jun 3, 2016

What kind of bale stacker. Is he looking at? Something like a NH stackliner? What model? Self propelled or tractor driven? Or something like a accumulator and grapple system?

If a stackliner I would have the seller demonstrate all the functions in the field. That way you know that all the valves and triggers are working properly. Probably the same for an accumulator

Other than that it's all basic maintenance stuff as with any other piece of equipment. And get a manual!

old · Jun 3, 2016

I posted as much info as I have as of right now. The guy has not told me what brand etc.

ArleninOr · Jun 3, 2016

Rich. check the frame real close for cracks. Front to back. Use a flashlight to look. check chains and sprockets for wear. Normal wear and tear. HTH.

patiolant · Jun 3, 2016

I have had a few NH stackliners, and looking for wear in metal parts is the biggest issue. There are so many moving parts in these things, that if they have a significant amount of wear, you end up having major issues with alignment of triggers for the different valves, which results in inconsistencies in how well they load up. So it may work OK one day, and give you grief the next. They will also become more and more intolerant of even minor changes in bale size as they wear out. The roller tracks under the main bale deck also wear out badly, causing the main forks to lean back too far when the bale stack is being built up. This causes them to jam, and results in lots of cursing in the field. Stackers work great when they are good, and you make consistent bales. They are nightmare if either of these conditions is not met.

The one worn out stackliner I had tried one year caused me so much grief I tried to beat it into submission with two foot long wrench, and use every colourful word I have in my vocabulary. My daughters heard me at home, and I was 3/4 mile away in the field.

Mel in SW Iowa · Jun 4, 2016

I have a NH 1010. I would not consider buying another without: 1) a demonstration on 10 bales, 2) a person with experience on the model and make that you are looking at to help evaluate the machine being demonstrated. 3)a complete owners manual. On the NH 1010, the instructions for unloading one bale at a time over the side are in two different sections of the book.

Bale stacker what to look at

old

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NewLegacy

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old

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ArleninOr

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patiolant

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Mel in SW Iowa

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