What Round Baler?

[flyin7]

I may begin to bale approximately 60 acres of coastal hay and am looking at purchasing a used round baler. I have read reviews on several different brands and models of balers and they all have pros and cons but what I would like to ask is, what is a good, dependable baler if maintained correctly? I am in central Texas. The acreage will increase annually to hopefully about 120 -150 acres. I know that I am not asking all of the correct questions but I am just wanting to get pointed in the right direction for getting started.

Thanks,

George

[chaseh]

Go by TexStar Equipment in Speegleville and check us out. I don't know if we have any used balers currently at that location, but we have new Case and Vermeer balers and you can take a look to get familiar.

At our Marlin location, we have several used balers: Vermeer, Case, and a Massey, as well as several new balers.

Frank is the salesman at Waco, Brent is the salesman at Marlin. No pressure, lots of options out there.

[dclifton]

Budget?

I would stick with Deere or the newer Vermeer like the 604 605 that look like a john deere not the older Js or rebels as i was not a fan of those.

I run a 604R signature now and couldnt be happier with it.

[dclifton]

There are alot of good used balers out there bought by older men and rolled a few hundred a year then they die and sold off by the family.

[BrianL]

I have been looking as well, but going to hold off another year due to health reasons. I had decided on the 460M.

Most of the people that do it for a living around here use the JD 460M ($54K). It's a really good baler that holds it's value REALLY well. If you can afford the upfront cost, it probably would be the least overall cost when accounting for resale and actual cost per bale.

[gonehuntin]

I have a 2013 John Deere 459 that has been trouble free, just regular maintenance. When you get one make sure to get a couple of fire extinguishers, your never know when they catch on fire.

[clay4626]

Look at tractorhouse.com This will give you a idea of what used balers
cost If you by used find one that has been used by a low use person.
Pickup reels cost about 10 to 12k to rebuld maybe more now. Net wrap is the
way to go.

[denimdeerslayer]

Look on craiglist and fb marketplace.

[redfishted]

If you’re on a budget and doing your own hay, Vermeer makes a rebel line that’s pretty good and easy to keep running, it won’t handle a commercial operation or larger volume.

[brokeno]

The one that the parts house is closest to your property.

[wingnut]

I’ve had two John Deere 460M’s, I trade every other year. They are great balers but I would look for one with low bale count. I think Case and Vermeer make good balers as well.

[flyin7]

Thank you for all of your recommendations.

George

[Russ81]

I always tell people when it comes to equipment whats the closest dealership to the property so parts are easy to get.

That being said... We run John Deere round balers for the simple reason I've yet to see a bale as tight and as covered as what John Deere does. I know alot of it is the operator but ours out of our 467 were dang near impenetrable with a spear compared to New Holland, Vemeer or even McHale.

Other thing I like about Deere is where the net wrap is located, why fight a roll over the PTO makes no sense to me.