Round Baler

Do I need auxiliary hydraulics to run a big round baler (4x4 or larger)?
I have an older small round baler that doesn't need hydraulics.

What size baler can I use with a 550 Oliver?

Phil

I purchased some Beefmaster cattle to start a herd for when I retire and move back to the family farm next year.
I have 350 small square bales stored, but think I will need another 1500 for winter. Since I'm over 100 miles from the farm now, I was looking for a way to put more hay out to feed for a longer period.
Wonder if I could just use my small round baler and put several in a feed ring to last a week or so?

Phil

I currently put out 8-10, 4x4's each week (more or less depending on temperature Jan-Mar for 45 momma cows. I check them every day but make Saturday my feeding day (my 'day job' cuts in on my farm time). Have to do the same at 3 different farms and I barn store my rolls so it takes a little while to get them fished out.

Hesston does make a a smaller round baler(about a 500lb roll, I think it's like a 39inch by 44inch or something like that) that they say requires a minimum of 35 pto hp. If your not planning on rolling to much hay, you might want to look at this one. I think it's a model 530?? But I'm not for sure on that as I'm not real familar with Hesston equipment.

Other than that I'd say look at a NH 630, 634, or 638(pretty much all the same baler, just newer model numbers). They are a lighter made machine, but are a decent little 4x4 baler that makes about 800 lb roll. You should be able to pick a good used one up for between 5 and 8 thousand. Hope this helps a little.

Casey

There is not a better value out there than a Vermeer 5400 Rebel baler. Takes 40 HP and makes a 1200 LBS. This baler will bale haylage, corn stalks or any thing you can windrow. Fully Loaded, serviced and ready to go to the field, we sell them for $11,500.

• Vermeer 5400 Rebel baler

James