I currently have a little 2007 New Holland TC30 hp tractor that I bought when I had just 4 acres to manage. Now I've got a 100 acre farm and I'm looking to begin round bale hay production on about half of it next year. I'd like to produce 5x5 or 5x6 round bales and the 50 acres that I will be baling is all flat. A closed cab tractor sounds nice but I don't know if I can justify the added cost given the most I'll be using it is baling twice a year and feeding hay in the winter. My little TC30 tractor is 4x4 and I've used that quite a bit, mostly when I've needed extra traction pulling around a box blade, but I don't know if I'll need it on a much heavier tractor. Some questions with my situation in mind:
How many HP minimum do you think I'll need for baling hay?
Would you go with an open cab or enclosed?
2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive?
Would you shop around for a good used tractor or buy new?
Any particular name brands to go for or avoid?
How many HP minimum do you think I'll need for baling hay?
Would you go with an open cab or enclosed?
2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive?
Would you shop around for a good used tractor or buy new?
Any particular name brands to go for or avoid?