Good Round Baler

[2510Paul]

What is a good large round baler for under $10,000? It would be used for hay and corn stalks. JD and NH are nearby dealers. Either 4' or 5' wide up to 5 feet in diameter. I want one that is not so sensitive to crop condition, e.g. real dry, wet, grass vs alfalfa, etc. Are there any particular ones to stay away from. Also, which are easy to maintain? Thanks. Paul

 

[keh]

The ones of any makes made 1990 or later are pretty good bets. I have heard that the JDs do't work as well after the diamond tread belts get worn smooth, but I have no experience with them.

KEH

 

[RevJJ]

You have to get up pretty early in the morning to beat a Vermeer, and Gehls are dandy, too. If you are going to be doing a lot of cornstalks, a Gehl or Class baler with the big rollers are good, and they are real good in alfalfa, too. The good part about the balers with the rollers and not the belts is they are pretty affordable compared to a belt baler, but they aren"t variable chamber, so you have to fill them up before you tie off to make a good bale. There is a lot less leaf loss on a fixed chamber roll baler, and they are without par on cornstalks and maize stobbs.

 

[Tx Jim]

(quoted from post at 16:38:59 08/14/10)
JDs do't work as well after the diamond tread belts get worn smooth
KEH

It takes many 1000's of bales to get JD belts smooth.

JD rd balers built after mid 80's will bale corn or maize stalks very well.BTDT

 

[ne_mn]

If you go with a 6' diameter and make shorter bales the baler will last for a real long time.

I would go with a vermeer or Jd. Go with a J series or up for a vermeer. Not sure on JD models i think it would be a 5 series on up. Someone will chime in with some more info.

forgot to add go with a 4 wide if you are going to be selling them, it makes for much easier transport.

 

[Tx Jim]

(quoted from post at 20:55:12 08/16/10) Not sure on JD models i think it would be a 5 series on up. Someone will chime in with some more info.

Any JD rd baler except the 2 first series(500 & 410/510) will bale hay and corn stalks well. The advantage of later models than the 430/530 is the addition of twin twine arms,bale push bar & the option of Netwrap. IMHO newer models have better monitors.