John Deere 410/Hesston 5500

Red clover is one of the toughest types of hay there is to dry. Brome will dry quicker than red clover. If the hay you are going to bale is just about pure clover, you had better hope for several days of nice hot weather and low humidity. You may need to turn it a couple of times to get it to dry all the way through. If you have any green wads inside the windrow, you will learn some new swear words if you'll be baling with that 410 JD.

If memory serves me correctly I don't think either one of those balers were open throat styles. The 410 was made in the early 80's and the 5500 was made in the late 70's and early 80's. I think the only open throat belt baler you could buy of that vintage would be a Vermeer. IMHO I don't think much of Hesston round balers. They cut a lot of corners to make one of cheapest balers on the market. I think you would be fine with a John Deere, however you are going to have to go a little newer and of course then the $$$$ go up. Good luck baler shopping.