Oliver 620 Baler /

[big a]

After hiring all this brome baled, I am pretty sure I can justify a baler, as I ended up paying $1/bale to have it baled. Been looking around, and am in no hurry now, but found a nice old Oliver 620. I know this more or less became the Hesston 4500, and it looks like some parts are still available.

What to look for on the Oliver? Always heard these were good old balers, but never been around one. Pulled a Deere 336, back when Dad and I tried to farm for a living. Awesome baler, but too much $ for my limited use.

 

[Vernon in Ks]

I think the 720 became the Hesston 4500. Some parts may be hard to find for the 520 and 620 Olivers. As much as I would like to have one I have to have something that I"m sure I can get parts for so I have the "other" green.

 

[DeltaRed]

A baler is the keystone of your hay operation.Spend
a little more money and get a good popular modle
that has good parts avilablity.Do not buy some
bargain baler just because its "cheap".BTDT.This
even more important if you are'new' ,or not very
mechanical.Skimp/save money other places,not on your
baler.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I have a Hesston 4500 that I would be willing to sell if you are interested. Has been a good reliable baler but haven"t used it for a few years. It replaced a oliver 620 in 1982. The 4500 replaced the 720 baler but I am sure that alot of the parts interchange the main difference was just a heavier frame. If interested let me know. Thanks, Mark

 

[Larry NEIL]

I have and use a 720 and a 620. Parts for the 620 are getting harder to find and doing business with a good source helps. I use Maibach Tractor and they have helped Me fiond NOS parts.

The 720 became the Hesston 4500 and most parts (Knotter, needles, etc.) are interchangable so p[arts are a tad more available.

620 is OK but is much more fussy than the 720 with changing conditions in thje field due to the # of teeth on knotter gears. 720 dosen't have to be "set perfect" to bale as does the 620.
Larry NEIL

 

[big a]

Thanks guys, got all fall, winter and spring to look for a baler, so no big concern there. I have way more hay than I need, but should be good source of winter cash. Good brome here is bringing $6/bale, and I hope to re-invest profits into a baler.

I am no Deere guy, but would like to find an old 14T in decent shape, as parts and knowledge on these is more readily available.

The 620 I am looking at is in excellent condition, and the owner doesn't want to sell it until after this season, as this is the last year he is putting up any hay. I have the option to come run it to see what I think of it, but parts availability, plus finding anyone who knows the ins and outs of these machines is a concern, but I can fabricate almost anything I'd need at work. That, said, finding knotter parts with hay on the ground is not my idea of a good time.

He is asking $500 for it, which I don't think is too out of line. Looked at a few Deeres, but can't find one close, and everyone seems to think they are made of gold.

I'd just as soon buy a machine in top notch shape, but my budget is better suited to finding one in need of repair, and fixing things myself. Been a mechanic for years, so nothing new to me.

Not sure what to do, and I don't HAVE to do anything at the moment. Just seeking opinions.

 

[rankrank1]

(quoted from post at 01:19:55 07/04/12) ....I am no Deere guy, but would like to find an old 14T in decent shape, as parts and knowledge on these is more readily available....

The 620 I am looking at is in excellent condition, and the owner doesn't want to sell it until after this season, as this is the last year he is putting up any hay. I have the option to come run it to see what I think of it, but parts availability, plus finding anyone who knows the ins and outs of these machines is a concern, but I can fabricate almost anything I'd need at work. That, said, finding knotter parts with hay on the ground is not my idea of a good time.

He is asking $500 for it, which I don't think is too out of line. Looked at a few Deeres, but can't find one close, and everyone seems to think they are made of gold.

I'd just as soon buy a machine in top notch shape, but my budget is better suited to finding one in need of repair, and fixing things myself. Been a mechanic for years, so nothing new to me.

Not sure what to do, and I don't HAVE to do anything at the moment. Just seeking opinions.

Unless you happen to find a deal on the JD 14T then I think I would go JD 24T. Personally, I prefer New Holland but that is another story. The JD 24T has a better tine pick-up system on it over the 14T. Also, JD has actually discontinued many of the 14T parts and substitues 24T parts in their place which usually take some modifications to make them fit on the 14T in some cases.

The $500 price on the Oliver does not seem too outa line especially since you get to see it work in the field first - that is worth something. For a small low budget operation, I would not be afraid of the ole Oliver if in the excellent condition that you implied - especially with your mechanical ability and ability to make a part if needed. If the baler totally imploded, it would nearly scrap out at that price so really it would be pretty hard to lose on that deal. It will be hard to find any 40 plus year old balers in excellent condition for the miniscule price of $500 regardless of brand so keep that in mind too.

I went to an auction last year that had a New Holland 273 from the early 1970's. Literally the machine could not have been used more than once or twice as none of the factory paint was worn off and it was barn kept - had decades of barn dust on it. The original owner was there who was in his 90's. I thought it might sell cheap but that thing sold for $6200 - simply astonished me but the thing was literally like new even though it was 40 years old.

 

[big a]

Well, I went and bought it this morning, probably buy the Oliver rake he has too. Never did see it bale, but unknowingly watched him bale down the road from my house, and it never missed a beat on 250 bales, last summer.
Paint still shines on it, and looks ready to go, but I'm sure I'll have questions. He thought he had the books for it too.
Nice old guy, told me he has cancer and isn't going to bale any more. Felt bad to hear that, hate to see anyone in that situation. He also told me the ground I watched him bale is up for grabs, so I will have to check into that too!
Things are looking up for the "Hard Times Hay Company" as my friends are calling it!