Round baler

Now let's see if I can "crawfish" my way out of this one.

This field of Bahia grass was probably cut too short ( 8" - 12" ) to begin with.

We had a choice of either baling or bush hogging so we chose baling to field test the Krone 125.

This was the first time we used the Krone 125 to bale hay.

The bale in question was the first bale made with the Krone 125.

Here's a real ugly one that didn't tie right.

Unrolled it later that day and did it right the second time.

What part of the Republic do you call home?

I use a Hesston 530, electric tie, makes 39" X 52" bales. Supposed to only need 35 hp. I pull it with a JD 5303. I've only used it one year. It worked very well for me.

My first round baler was a Vermeer 504C which has a closed throat design. The hay had to be just right or it wouldn't start a bale.

I would recommend an open throat design baler.

Thanks,
Ken

The 530 makes a 39" X 52", bale at about 500 lbs. I've heard some say it makes lighter bales. I suppose it depends on the grass. I never actually weighed any.

With a fixed chamber, you do not need to form a core to start the bale.

Very simple mechanical design and easy to maintain.

Whatever gets picked up gets wrapped in the bale; very little wasted hay on the ground.

Shortest grass baled was about 10" on third cutting.

We also bought a Krone 125 as a backup baler.

It makes the 4x4 bales.

Be sure to find out the minimum horsepower required to run the baler.

Make sure the tractor you will use has the minimum horsepower to run the baler you buy.

Dealer service is also important for repairs and replacement parts.

Hope this helps.

The Krone 125 requires 32hp minimum.

We bought the pair for $3200 in Lincoln, AR. from a farm equipment dealer.

Total repairs on the 2 have been $800.

As I undersdtand it, the first good JD balers were the 430-530 series. The 435 and 535 are supposed to be real good. A few years ago I was able to see balers demonstrated at a farm show on good well cured hay. The JD made the best bales.

Don't know about other makes, except that Hesston has usually made good equipment and NH hay equipment is almost always good.

Whem buying a used baler you ought to at least see it hooked to a tractor and hear it run.

KEH