Swather and Bailer recommendations

[Adam Freeman]

I have a Case IH JX1100U tractor with about 95 HP and was wondering on recommendations for a swather and bailer that would run with it. it has 540 and 1000 PTO. Don't need anything huge just looking to see what I can get to possibly start making my own hay next year if i am able to lock down some ground. I am not attached to any brand etc. I just want to see what will work with said machine. thanks for the help.

 

[A.J.]

How much hay are you looking to put up? With a tractor that size, you should have several different options, depending on budget. What dealerships do you have in your area? I tend to stay with brands that have dealerships nearby, that way parts are quicker and easier to access when something breaks down and I’m in a bind.

 

[Adam Freeman]

We have John Deere, Case, New Holland Agco all nearby. Looking at 2-300 bales a year hopefully. Mainly prairie hay but possible brome and alfalfa as well if I can secure a couple places I have inquiries about. Budget is as low as possible prefer net wrap over string but can use either. been looking through all the used equipment adds around here just keeping an eye out or a good deal. A lot of retirement and downsizing auctions lately so always up for a good deal. Can do a lot of work mechanically on them if I have to but prefer something dependable and simple since they seem to hold up the best.

 

[Texasmark]

jD balers have been my favorite for 30 years and counting. String tied can be had for significantly less than plastic "net" wrapped balers. 5' long rollers, like a JD 530, or 56x series without net wrap would be a great buy since the current rage is 4' long rolls. Each has it's finer points. Gathering wheels are a plus but not a show stopper.....just allow you to get sloppy on picking up the wind row without loosing any hay. Parts are not a problem....local JD has a good stock and parts from Dallas are just a day away.

For that baler 100 hp would be my choice as I had a 4230 JD with that baler. Wouldn't want anything less if hilly terrain. That tractor was classed as a "Row Crop" (2 steps to get up into it) and loved it's diesel...at 400 cu inches as compared to today's compacts. The 4430 was a 125 hp version with turbocharger to get the extra 25 hp and was very popular. When I bought my 1979 model, it had 3900 hrs mowing grass sitting next to a 4430 with over 10,000 hours with the drawbar hole an oval, not a circle, and the 4230 was $2,000 cheaper.

 

[Stickney94]

It's hard to find to many faults in JD balers. The basic design has been around a long time. They are good balers.

Another option to a swather/moco might be a sickle or disc mower and a rake.