Looking to upgrade baler

rgraf · Jul 20, 2016

I'm 23 and just getting into baling and currently run a new holland 851 auto wrap I got at action that just isn't cutting it. I'm looking to upgrade to a net and twine baler under the $8000 mark, I would appreciate any suggestion of a good baler as well as what to stay away from.
Thanks for any help

keh · Jul 20, 2016

Can only advise on Vermeer balers. In 4 x 5 balers, 504 I and up are good. The 540 Super I with hydraulic tensioner is particularly good. Same for 505 series.
The 605 J and up are good. Not sure if your price is going to work. Generally balers made 1990 are later are good, maybe some before then.

KEH

donjr · Jul 20, 2016

While getting a bit older now, I'd recommend a 644 NH to you. I've had one for some 29 years now and it still does a good job.

Destroked 450 · Jul 20, 2016

Are you sure about your 644's age, I had a 640 silage special that was a 94 model, 644 replaced the 640 in late 95.

ptfarmer · Jul 20, 2016

Besides the GEHL 1470 round baler we have (that we use as a backup) is a Hesston 560 round baler (one of the first all automatic balers). The only complaint about the 560 is from the big farmers is that they say it doesn't bale fast enough unless you have one with the dual twine arms (ours is a single arm, and no net), but for a small operation it's a good machine. A $8000 budget for a net, and twine baler maybe a tall order (at least around where I am). Another thing to look at is parts availability for the baler.
Our 560 making a bale.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEXZDGz8pOc

Nick m · Jul 21, 2016

Around here (michigan) you'd be hard pressed to find anything decent under 10k with net wrap. I really wanted a deere or new Holland, but couldn't find anything that wasn't whipped in your price range. There were some decent twine only balers in that range. I ended up settling for a claas 46rc for 7k. I'd had some experience with claas before and knew they were tough simple bakers. Mine is net wrap only though. You do loose some bale density (soft core bales) but they bale anything.

chargerguy · Jul 21, 2016

The vermeer rebel series and later either have or can have not wrap added. The one we have suffered a lot of abuse from a former farm manager. Had to replace chains but without oil any chain will not last other than that its been great monitor and twin tie bale ramp just add hay and rpm. Now is a bad time to buy on a budget. Better deals in fall after haying season. Condition and price should dictate decision not paint color. Except for open chamber design they are all from one or more of same patents. Dealer support should be highly considered. All will break down. Check condition of belts if from a dealer see if you can get a new set of belts. Look at the belt guides if they are wore down or wore uneven. Check prices on bearings for the rollers. A few years ago Deere had a bearing only a available through them. Check tractorhouse. Round balers pull easy behind a heavy pickup 100 miles could save you quite a bit sometimes. Good luck

kyhayman · Jul 23, 2016

You want reliable more than anything, net and twine. That puts you in a different pricing category. New 4x5 NH 450 is 29,000 after rebates with 0% for 5 years. Looking at the used market, dealer gave me 7000 trade in on a NH 644 with net and twine, 21,000 rolls through it belts needing replacement in another season or two. They sold it the next week for 8500. That's about what you are looking for, but, it got traded because it was no longer reliable day in and day out for 200 rolls a day.

Bruce from Can. · Jul 24, 2016

Just my story this past month , only to give you some perspective. I just traded off my 2013 CaseIH 454 that I bought new for the 13 season , net and twine . Had 4000 bales roughly through it , and for the 4 seasons it cost me $4,000.00 . Paid $27,000.00 new , got $24,000.00 for my trade. Dealer had it sold in 3 days after I took it in for what I had paid new. Decent net/silage balers hold their value , and you won't find one for under ten Grand that isn't beat.The price of new balers is going up so fast , the late model ones are being dragged along too , and the worn out balers get inflated in cost too ,far beyond their true value . Best of luck in your search. I would ask some farmers you might know if they are ready to trade their baler in on a new one , and if so , maybe buy their's before the dealer gets to make $$$ on selling it. Bruce

Looking to upgrade baler

rgraf

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keh

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donjr

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Destroked 450

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ptfarmer

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Nick m

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chargerguy

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kyhayman

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Bruce from Can.

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