Don't Hollar At Me!

Allan in NE · Jul 28, 2011

I'm almost scared to ask.

On a belt type baler, how often do you have to change belts? Am I reading this right? $343 a pop?

Allan

RMinVa · Jul 28, 2011

I have a set that lasted 19 years and are Chevron 3 ply. I rolled one belt last year and the others were worn and started to crack some. I replaced with new belts which were just under $1,100. Rolled 48 bales and had a oak stick about the size of a nickle dia. and about a ft. long get inside the pickup reel. The stick flipped the pickup teeth back on that side of the reel and no hay loaded in that side of the baler. It ruined the entire set all because of that little stick. I know a guy that had that happen to a new NH baler this spring too. What belts that didn't stretch on one side and the others moved over the belt guides and split the belts. make you want to cry. LOL

If you loosen the belts when the baler is not in use and keep it out of then sun when stored the belts will last 20 years or more. Just don't pick up any sticks.

We don't normally have sticks in the hay fields but high winds after the hay was knee high this spring blew pieces of limbs 80-100 ft. across the fields. I got all I saw but some were down in the hay and couldn't see.

Anonymous-0 · Jul 28, 2011

When ever they wear out !!!!!

Anonymous-0 · Jul 28, 2011

We have a New Holland 660 that we bought new. Not even sure what year it would have been. We are on the second set of belts. We put 1500-2000 bales a year through it. We do take the belts off every couple years and get them all cut to the same length and new splices put in them.

Tim Shaw · Jul 28, 2011

We put 20,000+ bales through our old NH 664 before we had to replace the belts.

Allan in NE · Jul 28, 2011

Hmmm,

Now I'm gettin' conflictin' stories here. Neighbor told me last night that the worst thing you can do is to store 'em with the belts loose?

Says it makes for different length belts when ya tighten 'er back up?

Dunno, this is all greek to me. All I know is that I need a machine with some capacity.

Allan

CWL · Jul 28, 2011

What about the creampuff you just got?? I don't remember reading about it crapping out on you.

Allan in NE · Jul 28, 2011

No,

That machine is just fine.

But, I've had the worst luck this year with wind. Mainly because I couldn't get it all wrapped up before the dew burnt off.

Was thinking I need something that can bale and bale in one heck of a hurry to stay up with that cutter.

As we speak I've got 20 acres down and pacin' the floor watchin' the clouds roll by. :>)

Allan

rrlund · Jul 28, 2011

The manual on my Gehl says loosen them. There are latches up on top to do it.
As far as how often,mine's a 1997,bale over 1000 a year,probably nearer 12-1300 with corn stalks included,I've never changed them. I traded a 1981 in on it,changed those once.

M Nut · Jul 28, 2011

1995 Vermeer baler, bale about 1,00 bales per year, haven't done anything to the belts yet, and they still look just fine. Always stored inside when not being used. So, from my experience I'd say 15,000 to 20,000 bales should not be out of the question.

Tony in Mass. · Jul 28, 2011

You don't have a shop or old guy in town that laces belts? Even here near the city it is like $1.50- 2 a foot and whatever lacing jaws yours needs, for +$300, better be all the belts eh.....

Tx Jim · Jul 28, 2011

Allan
There are several variables to rd belt life. Parking a rd baler in the sun when not in use shortens the life of the belts. Quality of belts and 2ply or 3ply and type are another. OEM or cheap quality aftermarket? Type of crops a baler has baled as some crops are harder on belts.

Then last but not least OPERATOR

So I will state 10,000-20,000 bales.

I been associated with/using rd belt balers since the 80's.

Vernon in Ks · Jul 28, 2011

Now I don"t mean to ruffle feathers, but if you want capacity and speed and have the horses to run, then there are only two names out there. John Deere and Vermeer. I have personaly seen a Vermeer 605M running in big hay at 15mph baleing. I have a 604k (1996) and have put a Bale on the ground every 2 minutes in good hay and that is with twine wrap.(don"t use net)
Every baler will need parts so which is closer and carries a good selection of parts?

Tx Jim · Jul 28, 2011

Vernon
I agree except down here it's JD,NH and then Vermeer. I have no problem baling 30 bales(4X5-1/2) an hr in 2-3 bale to the acre hay @ 6mph. I can't run any faster as ground is too rough.

Traditional Farmer · Jul 28, 2011

Another good reason to stick with my New Holland
851 balers,they are the most trouble free baler I have ever owned.

RMinVa · Jul 28, 2011

The manual to my baler says to loosen also. When I worked in the textile ind. we had large belts for Zimmer printers and each time we shut down for the weekend or holiday we let the tension off those belts per belt MFG. instructions.

Anonymous-0 · Jul 28, 2011

My New Holland operators Manual says to store with the belts tight

Tx Jim · Jul 28, 2011

(quoted from post at 14:30:09 07/28/11) Another good reason to stick with my New Holland
851 balers,they are the most trouble free baler I have ever owned.

That's what the owners of a Ford model T stated.

Richard G. · Jul 28, 2011

(quoted from post at 12:22:47 07/28/11)

(quoted from post at 14:30:09 07/28/11) Another good reason to stick with my New Holland
851 balers,they are the most trouble free baler I have ever owned.

Click to expand...

That's what the owners of a Ford model T stated.

I drive my 1917 Model T all the time and have no problems with it.
Richard

Anonymous-0 · Jul 28, 2011

My Gehl hand book says to store with belts loose.Also loosen v belt which drives pickup.

Don't Hollar At Me!

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Similar threads