Ford 530 Square Baler

FarmerZeb · Mar 2, 2012

what can ya'll tell me about the old Ford 530 Square Baler? I have about 20 or so acres to bale. Are parts still available? What type of issues are common on this baler?

thanks

-Paul

mb58 · Mar 2, 2012

I have one I got two seasons ago. It was out of time when I bought it(main plunger shaft had been taken off)and after I retimed it, it broke both needles on the first bale. Brazed them back together, put them back on, retimed it and broke both needles on the first bale again. It's my fault, of course, but I really am at a loss as to what to do now. Guess this doesn't answer much of your question but, as you already know, timing is everything. Be careful.

BANDITFARMER · Mar 2, 2012

There a parts still avlable for them, I have one and get parts from A&I for it but have not tried to get them from Ford (no dealers close). There good old balers but its not one to push hard. Its best to get a manual for it to read and make sure everything is in time. Check for worn parts in the knoters and the needle drive and drive chains. The only week spot is the arm that moves the needles on the cam sproket gets sloopy and gets to causing tieing problems. I am going to change mine over to a Uni-Ball set up to solve this problem. With any baler everything needs to be in adjustment and time correctly. Bandit

donjr · Mar 2, 2012

Better off with a NH or JD baler- they're more common and much easier to get parts for. Baler problems at the wrong time can cost much more than just parts, so availability can be a real money saver.

jhilyer · Mar 2, 2012

Bought one last year, and if I see another one, I'll buy it too. Got mine for $400.

Seems a lot simpler design than my NH 277, and it seems to make a better bale.

Like another poster said, don't push it, I couldn't go as fast as the NH 277 last season. That's probably the advantage of the NH over the Ford.

Two other guys I know have/have had them, both had high praise for the Ford.

DeltaRed · Mar 2, 2012

y BIL has had one and a 542 for years.Hes run a LOT
of hay thruogh them.They are now"beyond
wornout".Parts are becoming a real nightmare!-
obsolete,NLA,etc.This year,if possible. they are
getting replaced.

RodinNS · Mar 2, 2012

Common wear items are fairly available. When you get into the less common items and structural parts... they are not available. SO you're left with the option of cutting it up or making parts.
Many parts that are available, at least through NH are quite expensive. The rubber base pickup fingers being one item in particular... although Shoup did have a will fit finger for considerably less money.
They were a decent enough baler in their day. They use the same basic knotter design as NH and Deere's (as well as a few others) of the vintage...
Parts is the main issue.
I think you'd probably find the parts availability of a Deere 14T probably better though...

Rod

maxwell99 · Mar 2, 2012

With that many acres of hay, I would go with a JD or New
Holland. Buy the ford for backup, not your main bailer.

Just my two cents

Go with the brand that has a local dealer.

mudcreek183 · Mar 3, 2012

Go with a NH or JD neighbor bought a ford cheap we were baling his hay all the time parts issue same on the older MF. most NH or JD part are more easy to get.

Ford 530 Square Baler

FarmerZeb

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mb58

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BANDITFARMER

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donjr

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jhilyer

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DeltaRed

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RodinNS

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maxwell99

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mudcreek183

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