[Coniberty Acres]

I don't see much about Hesston round balers on here. Are they not very good balers? A 550 has come up for sale and I thought about going to look at it. I have a pretty good agco dealer close. is the 550 an ok baler to do a couple hundred bales a year? They are a hardcore baler I believe. Just wondering what you guys think of the Hesston balers in general

 

[RockmartGA]

Yes, Hesston makes good balers. I had a Hesston 5545, which is similar to the 550. Used it primarily to roll the hay when pressed for time and I couldn't get it square baled. Keep in mind that the 550 is a twine baler, which is not as fast as a net wrap baler. Also, if you plan to sell the hay, a lot of customers prefer a net wrap bale.

On any make or type of baler, condition is everything. If it needs new belts, you're looking at a $1500-2000 expense. Also pay attention to the twine bar mechanism. Mine was worn out when purchased and I had to do a bit of refurbishment to get them to work correctly.

 

[bool]

If you are going to be doing any custom work at all, go with a net wrap baler every time. The bales look so much better and most customers judge bales on how they look. Plus they are quicker to wrap. Net wrap balers have been around for more than 30 years so you will surely be able to find one within your budget. My last net wrap baler (Claas rollant 66 bought as a running spare machine) cost me $500.

Roger

 

[Coniberty Acres]

The cheapest net wrap baler I’ve found is 10K a Vermeer 555xl. Net machines are very high around here most 4x5 are $13k and up. I’d like a net but it’s not in the budget

 

[8350HiTech]

The cheapest net wrap baler I’ve found is 10K a Vermeer 555xl. Net machines are very high around here most 4x5 are $13k and up. I’d like a net but it’s not in the budget

You can justify a few hundred miles of trucking pretty easily if it saves you enough money over those prices.

 

[Coniberty Acres]

You can justify a few hundred miles of trucking pretty easily if it saves you enough money over those prices.

agreed. Prices are high on 4x5 or 4x6 balers. Big balers can be had for half price