How to Select the Right Baler
Nowadays, there are a lot of machines that can ease and improve the work done in the field. Before these pieces of equipment were invented, a lot of the tasks used to be draining and time-consuming, not to mention getting less efficient results. One of the machines that farmers find very helpful are balers. With the right baler, you’ll be able to improve the workflow and get more productive results!
Your local hay baler dealer in Devils Lake and Harvey, ND, High Plains Equipment wants to help you make the right choice, which is why we’ve compiled the buying guide below. If you need more information or are looking for hay balers for sale near Minot or Grand Forks, contact us to see what we have in stock!
Bale Size & Shape
A lot of balers are classified by the shape of the bale they produce. The shape is important because it can make your hay easier to stack or transport. Once the hay is packed and then bound together, it tends to become very heavy so you want to get the right shape to make things easier for you. You can select between round or square balers. Square models are often larger in size. Whatever the case may be for you, you’ll want to give some thought to how the hay bales should look once they’ve exited the baler.
Fixed & Variable Chambers
If you’re choosing a round baler, then you have to decide if you want a fixed-chamber unit or a variable-chamber baler. Both options have their advantages and making a choice between them will involve your circumstances. Fixed-chamber round balers are often simpler mechanically. The final result is a bale that’s not quite as dense, which can be easier for smaller animals to feed from.
Variable-chamber round balers are usually more flexible when it comes to choosing the size of the bale. There are some advantages to a denser bale as well; one of which is that moisture is less likely to creep in and create a problem for your product. If you’re looking at round bales, then this is definitely something you’ll need to consider in your final decision.
Crop
You already know that all hay crops are different. A range of grasses can be tied up into bales of all sizes, and each crop type needs something a little different. Different moisture levels, different compacting and so on. Sometimes, this is a matter of adjusting the baler you currently have, but it can mean upgrading your current model. For crops that need more moisture, you’ll probably want a fixed-chamber round baler, while drier crops need something to more tightly compress everything, so a variable-chamber style is probably better.
Horsepower
Another important factor to consider is whether the model you’re interested in is compatible with your tractor. Whichever hay baler you choose, you have to check the horsepower required to use it and then ensure your tractor packs enough power to put it to work. Keep in mind that square balers often require more horsepower than round ones.
Budget
Another factor to take into account is your finances. Your budget is going to play a role in your final decision. Keep in mind that frugality shouldn’t entirely dictate your final purchase. You don’t want to pass up a useful model for one that gives up on you quickly, simply because you wanted to save money. If you’re on a budget, make sure you’re still making the right choice for your farm.
Hopefully, this information will help you out when you’re shopping! If you’d like to learn more or are ready to check out hay balers for sale in Devils Lake or Harvey, ND, get in touch with us at High Plains Equipment and have a talk with one of our friendly staff members! We’re also proud to be the leading hay baler dealer for Minot and Grand Forks!