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I wouldn't spend $13k for a small baler to pull behind a $1000 tractor. I'm guessing your wanting to know what size or capacity of NH baler would work with your current tractor. For an H tractor I would look for a NH67, Super 67, 68, or Super 68. (The difference in the "supers" over the standard version of each is mainly in the plunger - wood rails vs bearings, and between the models themselves it's the drawbar/PTO arrangment) I recommend these early models as I have used my H to power either of them and a NH469 haybine. My tractor did ok pulling/powering the baler (and haybine) on level ground. The combination works as I stated, but I will caution that you may find that the H is just shy on RPM's to really make the baler "sing" - get the optimal plunger strokes per minute. Most guys would suggest a tractor of 30 - 35hp. The H isn't far off. Don't expect to do any high volumes or race through a field that you've triple windrowed into gigantic lines of hay. It won't work out. If you take things slow and don't try to over do it you'll get by. Also, make sure you add an "overrun" clutch to your PTO. You might also consider finding a baler with a mounted motor, but then that could have it's own headaches. The older NH balers are typically priced $500 or less (I paid $400 for the S67 and $525 for my 68) and practically any part you need is still available although some items can be expensive when compared to the value of the baler itself. I don't have any experience with any of the "3 digit" series of NH balers, but if the specs are the same (pickup size, chamber size) as either of the models I mentioned you should be ok. You may even find some of these models in your price range. If your just playing around making a small volume of hay for your own needs, I'm not sure I would invest in a tedder. You would only need that piece of equipment if your in an area subject to short windows of opportunity to get the crop in. A good 5 "wheel" rake on rubber would suffice and be cheaper then a comparable "bar" rake. To operate a tedder your back to using a PTO and tedder's don't come cheap. Start small. Shop for the best you can afford, and expect to have to make repairs on anything that you buy.
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