Re: Re: Re: Baler: to buy or not to buy??

Posted by Lance on September 05, 1999 at 19:21:05 from (209.198.4.98):

In Reply to: Re: Re: Baler: to buy or not to buy?? posted by Gary Perkins on August 01, 1998 at 05:25:23:

:
: : : I have a 10 acre place which I have cut and baled every year. When all is said and done it costs me about $900. (I sell most of the hay so I come
: : : out ahead). I currently own a '52 8N and have a 501 sickle bar mower. I've been beating around the idea of looking for a baler and rake to do the
: : : job myself. The problem is I know nothing (but very willing to learn) about balers. I've always heard they are tempremental and hard to keep
: : : working properly. Is this something I should be considering or not??? If yes, any suggestions on baler and rake types would be appreciated.
: : : Should I only be considering balers with gas engines or can my 8N handle powering with the PTO? Any advice would be appreciated.
: : >> If the person who is doing your baling now is timely & satisfactory, then keep him around, especially if you have a profitable enterprise. Tooling up to make hay on 10 acres will guarantee a loss for years to come.
: I agree w/Rickie B. In mid MI you are lucky to get $40 per acre, per year, if a farmer rents your good farm land. If you are coming out ahead now, you won't be if you spend $1000-2000 on more used equipment. My dad has already put up over14000 small square bales of first cutting this year. I know what he spends on maintenance. One gear on his baler broke last week. $280 for the gear and $200 to put it on. Good Luck! Gary

I have a similar situation but on 25 acres. I do
not know if I should buy the equipment and hay bale
myself or continue to have a friend do it on shares.

Thanks

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