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scooter: I've found this whole thread rather amusing, to think it takes this much horse power just to run a small square baler. To start with tractors under 40 hp have baled more hay across North America than all others combined. Over the years I had a NH S-69 baler with thrower bought new in the early 60s. Tractors I farmed with during the time that baler was around were Farmalls SA, 130, 300, 504, 560D, 656D, 1066D and a Cockshutt 540. The Farmall 300 still holds the record on my farm for having baled the most hay in two consecutive days at 9,000 bales for the two days. The 560 and 656 have each baled 4,500 bales in a day quite often, but never two days in a row. Now, the 130, 504 and Cockshutt each baled some hay, probably 1,000 bales per day. That leaves the Super A and 1066 and their daily average is ZERO. In my opinion, I never had the ideal baler tractor and there were numerous makes, but the very best baler tractors were 50 to 60 hp utility type tractors, diesel, with 4 - 2&R transmission with TA type high-low and independant pto. They are so short and agile and will lug a baler and wagon most anywhere if properly tired and weighted. Almost all manufacturers had a tractor in that catergory. I am an IH man and the two I remember were 574 and 584, but there were others just as good Deere, MF. They will out bale 70 to 125 hp tractors with flying colors. In my lifetime, I've listened to many farmers whining and belly aching about hard times on the farm. Listening to some of you guys, it's not hard to see why. Please tell me, what ever are you feeding this hay to? Got to be something more profitable than cattle or sheep. I'm getting on in years a bit, but you don't bale marijuana, do you? Please help me guys, I'd like to know how to make a profit baling with the kind of horse power you guys are talking.
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