JD 346 Baler with W/engine

[Organicfarmer1972]

How much is a Wisconsin engine worth? I just bought a JD346 with a Wisconsin engine (starts and runs good) and I plan on putting a PTO shaft from my old JD346.


A neighbor has asked what I want for it but I have no idea what it is worth in central Texas

 

[PBrowning]

Why on this ever green planet would you want to install PTO drive on a haybaler already having an engine that starts and runs good? To me, that's like putting square wheels on your tractor -- I am not understanding this one!!!!!!!!!!!! (PatB)

 

[Mike Aylward]

Pretty simple, actually Pat. One less engine to keep up and steadier power available to the baler assuming the tractor is large enough to pull it. And less fuel being burned. Mike

 

[PBrowning]

Conversely, you DO need a stout tractor which, when you have hay down, limits the inventory of tractors that can get the job done. Besides, those Wisconsin V-4 Series engines didn't demand that much maintenance -- they were probably the "gem" of utility engines in USA Agriculture use. Besides -- hearing one of those gutsy little engines crack into a load was music to my ears! (PatB)

 

[Organicfarmer1972]

Good point Pat.

I guess it is the fear of the unknown. I've never had a baler with an engine and I think the previous owner may have by-passed some safety cut outs. (plus it needs a new gas tank)

Also I was thinking since I have another baler that I am going to part out that I might re-coup some investment costs of the baler by selling the engine.

I could be swayed either way, especially if the engine will be dependable.

 

[PBrowning]

Hey There:

As for a previous owner's behavior, you aren't bound by that other than to ensure any safety devices in the basic design are in place for when YOU use the implement.

A new fuel tank shouldn't be hard to come by. Put a WANTED ad here in the classifieds, and I rather imagine you will receive plenty response within a couple days.

I've seen these engines for sale by the dozen up in Wisconsin a few years back, and doubt you will take long to spend the money you may receive! Besides, you have a choice. Get the baler up & running as it is now configured, and if you aren't happy, then make the change later! 'Best of both worlds. I think (personally) that you will like it.

Alternately, I will bet that Wisconsin engine would make for a hot go-cart! Can you imagine? You would be known as Tim The Toolman Taylor, the 2nd! (PatB)

 

[Tx Jim]

Pat Browning,
If I owned a JD 346 with a Wisconsin V4 engine and had a donor drive shaft I'd change over to pto drive before God could get the news. $4.00 gasoline would also give me inspiration,not to mention that the Wisconsin V4 was prone to be hard to start when it got to operating temp and valves stuck open very easy in winter.

 

[PBrowning]

Experience is the ultimate teacher I guess. Back in the 40's and early 50's, I experienced good times with the V-4 on both Case and Long (Ford) hay balers.

I will say this -- the V-4 needs air and if you allow chaff to build-up closing off air flow through its cooling fins, you WILL have trouble!

As for me -- I grew up on a farm well ahead of the era of PTO-driven equipments. PTO balers were just coming on the scene as I left for the service and most farmers lacked tractors with enough HP to drive them. It turned out to be part of a great marketing plan on the part of IHC, JD & others - to sell those larger tractors!

At any rate -- in the mid-40's, if you put even a Model "A" tractor on a baler, pulling a wagon as well -- then add some hills, you out of luck with a PTO-driven baler! At least you weren't baling hay while going up the hill! More later (PatB)

 

[Tx Jim]

Pat,
If experience is the issue, I worked in sales & service at a JD dealer for over 21 years. Since then I have custom baled hay both rd & sq. bales for over 20yrs. My experience with Wisconsin V4 engine is as stated. You are more than welcome to bale your hay with one but not me.

Have a nice day,Jim