An Older Square Baler(s)

Could anyone recommend a baler for my tractor? For those unfamiliar with this tractor: 48 HP, 4x4, Hydrostatic trans., 540 PTO Cat I 3-point. With it being a Cat I 3-point hitch and only 48 hp will it handle a small baler like JD’s older models 14T or 24T? Or is there any other manufacturer that may have made balers for Cat I s? Any help is much appreciated. Also how about an older hay rake, any suggestions? What other implements are useful for haying?

Robert
Texas

Good Luck.

Next question, to any of you familiar with the West Texas area, what are the best grasses, what are typical yearly yields, and average cuttings per year. So far from my research and through questioning a few around here, answers have been Costal Bermuda, 1.5 to 2 tons (still questioning) and 2 to 3 cuttings. Tomorrow I am going to talk with my local agricultural extension agent. Should get most of my answers there I would expect, just interested in others opinions. I believe I will also go talk with an acquaintance whose dad farms 160 acres of Costal yearly, ought to get some good advice from him.
Again thanks to all of ya’ for the input.

Robert

I believe what you have is a compact tractor, and your problem will be controlling the baler. These are a lot heavier than they look, and they have a big heavy plunger making them shake & push the tractor, as well as a flywheel that has interesting physics when turning. So, you need a heavy tractor. We like to pull a hayrack with 100 bales or more behind the baler, this can be 3 tons or more weight just the wagon. Get this on a hill, and you need a _real_ good way to stop the whole big long train. This requires _weight_ on the tractor side of the train. (It also takes weight to get the train rolling, but you won't kill yourself by not getting going...)

Know that your tractor is heavy enough to handle the load before investing the money. This is the issue you have. Power is plenty. You might use the 3-point with the mower but most all _are_ cat 1; you can find 3-point hay rakes but not as common, also most all _are_ cat 1; the baler won't use the 3-point, altho you can bend the pto with a 3-point arm getting in the way on corners....

--->Paul

I agree with Stan. My JD B is rated at 18.5 PTO hp and is stuck with baling duties for now. It does the job. I have an IH 430 square baler, which is a pretty good size baler, although I would like to trade for a green one when the opportunity arises. I think you would be happy with a 24T. As far as rakes, a side-delivery wheel-driven one is probably your best bet. 5 bars is better than 4. One with the dolly wheel and hitch would be great, but they are much more expensive. A 3-pt sickle mower, such as a JD #9 is all you need. Let us know what you decide on.

Mark