I know it's a hot topic and searches yield lots of info, but here's my deal. Looking at getting into a belt baler this spring. I have an extremely heavy 855 New Holland chain machine now. It'll roll trees if I ask it to, just getting worn pretty good and trips out of the tractor to the baler and back are becoming more and more frequent, a grand or a grand and a half would probably fix it as close to new as it would get, but I can't see the sense there. NH chain types are all I have run except for baling 15 acres 2 years ago with a neighbors new Vermeer, I was rolling bales that looked like a sales ad in 5 minutes but I can't justify that kind of money nor do I have it do burn either now. Have never messed with anything but twine. Here's the topic: Personal opinions from users on these three Deere 535 ( Seems like the golden machine for older belt machines, so high on the list.) NH 660/664 series machines Case rbx461 (only because there's one close to me I just happened to notice.) Weren't those actually a Hesston machine??? For now, only about 25% of hay is kept inside, hope to change that soon but let's assume 25% Balance sits out in rows, not sleeved nor tarped. Have never messed with net wrap, worth it, not worth it? Advantage/disadvantage? I would assume the biggest drawback is having to cut it off each roll you feed? I feed in poly hay rings, and move them 30 feet or so each feeding to keep the muck factor down. They don't waste a whole lot, much less with dry hay of course. Talking baling 300-400 rolls a year, maybe 5 if I do a little wheat hay now and again. |