New Holland 3 series square balers

[Shale]

I may be interested in getting a newer baler before next summer. I am curious about the New Holland 3 Series square balers, the 310, 311, 315, 316, 320, and 326. Do about 3 to 4,000 bales a year and would prefer to stay under $4,000 with thrower. Any comments on any of the above models?
 

[showcrop]

From this forum and from what I have been told and seen, the aluminum fork cross feed arrangement is problematic. You would be well advised to look very carefully at it and if you buy one to inspect it closely every 500 bales.
 

[david1]

I have a 311 and really like it, it does not have a kicker. It does not have alot of use on it and has been very dependable. I gave 4,500 for it 5 yrs ago and had to finance it. Thought at the time it was way too much money, but now that it is paid for I am glad I got it. I see them advertised for a lot more these days. The Amish really like that model and they pay well for a good one.
 

[charlie n]

The 310 still uses the cross feed like the 268, 269, and 273's.The 320 and 326 are heavier and take a little more HP to run.Their all good dependable balers.We use a 269 and did 2600 last year and missed very few ties and never broke a shear bolt. It only missed when it changed twin coils.

I'm thinking about letting somebody do all mine next year.For what he offered to pay per bale I'll be money ahead.We sure ain't settin the world on fire at the sales this year.

Good Luck.
 

[JD Seller]

In today's baler market you will more than likely not find one even close to what you are wanting to pay for one. Good ones will bring about 2K more than that. Of the one you listed I would pick the 316 as it has a better cross feeder system than the 311 or 315. You do not need a larger capacity baler so the 320 and 326 would be over kill.
 

[55deere70]

I bought a 311 last summer with a belt thrower on it, and hydraulic tension in good shape, no rust, good paint for $3750. I put about $500 into it to bring it up to my standards. Just normal wear items. Sold the thrower for $500. Used it for second cut and it worked very well, no complaints. It likes to be crowded though to make consistently good bales.
 

[GordoSD]

What kind of an offer did you get? Does that include P&K in the spring? Chemicals if you get bugs? Will he be there at the first sign of buds to mow?
 

[GordoSD]

I've replaced one fork in 9 years on a 275. About 15K bales
 

[55deere70]

The feeding system is fine as long as you're not baling firewood. The aluminum feed forks are designed not damage the baler if they break off.
 

[ihman73]

They are all good balers, as long as the rollers and tracks on the feeder are in good shape. Price is widely variable I gave $2600 for the 326 I bought in 2009 but have never seen any 300 series sell for nearly that low since. Mine was a little rough but it works good. I only bale a couple thousand bales a year but I like the 326 for its stroke speed you can run the same ground speed and same size windrow and make a denser nicer bale which is great for my bale wagon. I used to do more hay but the prices fluctuate too much and corn and beans is so much easier.
 

[Rick54]

I have a 570 unit with accumulator for sale if that would help. very nice unit just no longer in the business as other sideline took over.