Ford Baler

Locally NH & JD balers are what work, & what you can find parts for. The other machines just get no respect, and have no support.

Since I have only ever used one baler, and it has been on this farm longer than me (and maybe works better too???) I'm kinda partial to NH. :) But it soulds like JD & NH figured out how to make knotters that work, while the other companies were kinda hit & miss on it. You might get a good Blue one that works, and you might not.

Be interested in hearing more about setting some timing off 180 degrees on them, what part exactly? Obviously not the actual timing of it, that breaks needles... ;)

--->Paul

Here in central NC the Ford baler got a bad name because a simple error in the manual for setting up the feed forks causes them to not feed hay correctly into the chamber. It seems that the dealers set them up by the book and these balers will not feed hay into the chamber very fast at all. If you read the manual and look at the pictures you will see all of the Fords have the two forks feeding 180 degrees apart and they will eat a big windrow as fast as you want it. Down here any farmer will tell you that a Ford baler will not get the field baled in a day and with those forks set up according to the manual it is true. This design of feed forks works better than an auger and they do not wear down like the aluminum forks on a NH. It was a great feed system that was simple and very low maintenance. Set them up the right way and they surprise the biggest doubters. Anyone that has baled much knows that to have well shaped bales you have to have baling speed and windrow consistency right or they will be banana shaped or light on top with varying lengths. That was what happened here in central NC when they were set up wrong. I have not seen one in this part of the country that was set up correctly and I imagine that it was that way several places. Mine has not missed a knot in three years and that amounts to several bales of hay.

I contend that a Ford 530 baler for $500 is as good a baler as any other baler made in 1965 and is just as well supported in parts as the others. Like anything else how it was cared for means alot and how well the operator knows to use it will make the difference. The biggest difference is that at the prices a Ford baler bring you can afford to buy at least one for parts.

As for the rake, I know several people that have a 503 PTO driven 3pt rake. Most of them would love to have another for under $500. I don't personally have the experience with that rake because I have the NH 55 but I am sure that Jim UT would comment on that issue.

My point is that I have equipment from many brands, my MoCo is a JD, my rake is a NH, my baler and tractor are Fords. All work great and have been inexpensive in cost yet sweat has flowed on a couple of them. Don't say no because it is not todays market leader or the paint is not your favorite.

Paul, this was not written to you because I know you love your Ford tractors and you do give great practical advice from experience. I thank you for the help you have given me in the past. I would encourage you to pick up a couple of those scrap metal priced Fords to back up that NH that must be older than the hills if it was there before you. LOL

'Here' in my part of southern Minnesota, I have seen 4 blue balers in several decades. One has been at the Ford dealer's lot for over 5 years. One is parked at a small hobby farm. Two were at auctions, and I don't remember, but went cheap.

Also, I have seen less than 10 pto siderakes... They also just are not at all popular around here. I have never seen one actually working.

For my location, having a blue baler would actually be difficult! :) Didn't know they ever actually sold any in volume anyplace! :)

I didn't say anything about the siderake, because that whole pto idea never caught on around here. I wouldn't get one because they must not work here - no one used them ever. But they might be the best ever in other hay conditions.

$500 for both the rake & baler probably isn't bad. As long as the ad is 'or best offer' I'd offer something. ;) In my location, $1000 for the pair would be way too much. But maybe not in other locations....

Enjoy the conversation, Jerry. That's what it's all about, getting out of my little corner of the world and getting a better view of the big picture. :)

My 270 baler must be close to 50 years old. Think dad got it when it was 4? We run 3-5 thousand bales a year through it. Never sounded like much, until I did the math a couple years ago..... Wow. Lotta bales. Hope it does a few more, I just got a bale basket for it this year. Cheaper than trading in for a bale thrower & racks....

--->Paul

BTW If you are looking for a baler and rake I would be planning the trip. At that price it will probably be worth going to look at it if nothing else. How familiar are you with hay equipment?

BTW If you are looking for a baler and rake I would be planning the trip. At that price it will probably be worth going to look at it if nothing else. How familiar are you with hay equipment?

Need a little more info on what model and such but I will tell you I have followed a Ford baler for many a mile in my youth and baled many a bale here of late with one. We got a couple of folks on here that can help. Best thing I can offer on the info you have given is Ford balers would bale great even if the color blind majority here don't think so. That just makes them cheaper.... LOL