Feb. 20, 2017 12:45 PM

Standardized system for large and small square hay balers will help customers choose right baler for the job

This item has been supplied by a forage marketer and has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hay & Forage Grower.

AGCO Corporation (NYSE:AGCO) and Hesston by Massey Ferguson®, the industry-leading hay equipment brand from AGCO, introduced a standardized classification system for small and large square balers during the 2017 World Ag Expo in Tulare, Calif. The square baler classification system places balers in Class 1 through Class 8. This new system clearly defines the capabilities of balers in each class and their most appropriate uses so producers will be better able to choose the right baler for their needs.

“Hesston alone offers four models of large square balers ranging from 3’ x 3’ to 4’ x 4’ and six small square balers to produce four sizes from 14” x 18” to 16” x 22”,” explains Shaun Allred, marketing manager for hay and forage at AGCO. “Dairy, beef and equine customers, as well as commercial hay and biomass harvesting operations that harvest, store and ship large quantities of material all have different needs in a baler.

“These classes clearly define the capabilities of the various models from Hesston by Massey Ferguson and Challenger®. The baler classification system will give customers a better understanding of the entire lineup of balers so they can make better purchase decisions,” Allred continues. “This system is similar to the classification system for combines that uses horsepower ranges to rank the size and productivity of combine harvesters.”

Bale density is focus when choosing a baler

The square baler classification system uses rated plunger load to define each of the eight baler classes. Plunger load was chosen because it is the most measurable factor impacting the density of the finished bale.

“Bale density is a key consideration when customers purchase a square baler, because it affects the amount of material in the finished bale; bale weight; stacking, storage and transportation, as well as the productivity and efficiency of the baling process,” Allred points out. “Producers will be able to use this system to choose the baler that fits the crops they harvest, their end-use needs and the baler that optimizes their hay harvesting productivity and efficiency for the best return on investment.”

Rated plunger load is determined by measuring the kilonewtons (kN) of force on the face of the plunger. One kilonewton equals 224.8 pounds of force. Load sensors on the plunger arms measure compression of the plunger arms to provide the plunger load rating. Current AGCO customers are familiar with this number because it is displayed on the in-cab monitor as the Load Setting.

Using experience gained from more than 70 years as an industry-leading manufacturer of equipment for producing and harvesting quality forage, the hay experts at Hesston developed clear descriptions of the most appropriate uses for balers within each class.

Class

Ideal For

Hesston
Models

Challenger Models

Plunger Force (kN)

Bale Size

Bale Weight* (lbs)

1

Equine Operations
25-1000 acres/year; owner/operator use or commercial production; Small bale size (50-85 lbs.): easy to handle, transport and feed; Handle individually or with accumulator

MF1836
MF1838
MF1840

CH1838
CH1840

15 to 44 kN

14"x18"

50-85 lbs.

2

Equine & Dairy Operations
100-500+ acres/year; owner/operator or commercial production: equine, small beef or dairy; Small bale size (70-110 lbs.): easy to handle, transport and feed; Handle individually or with accumulator

MF1842

45 to 74 kN

16"x18"

70-110 lbs.

3

Equine, Dairy & Export Operations
250-1000+ acres/year; owner/operator or commercial: equine, beef, dairy & export; Largest, small square bales: (90-140 lbs.) May be hand fed or double pressed for export; Handle with accumulator and forks

MF1844

75 to 199 kN

15"x22"

90-140 lbs.

4

Dairy Operations
250-1,000+ acres/year; owner/operator dairy & beef operations with limited custom baling

MF2250

CH2250

200 to 324 kN

3'x3'

700-900 lbs.

5

Dairy & Commercial Operations
250-3,000+ acres/year; Large dairies, commercial hay producers, custom balers & fleet use

MF2270
MF2290

CH2270
CH2290

325 to 449 kN

3'x4'
4'x4'

1,000-2,000 lbs.

6

Commercial & Biomass Operations
500-3,000+ acres/year; Commercial hay production and crop residue baling

MF2270XD

CH2270XD

450 to 574 kN

3'x4'
4'x4'

1,400-2,000 lbs.

7

Commercial & Biomass Operations
1,000-5,000+ acres/year; Large-scale custom hay and crop residue baling

575 to 749 kN

3’x4'

1,400-2,000 lbs.

8

Biomass Operations
1,000-5,000+ acres/year; Large-scale crop residue and biomass baling

750 + kN

3’x4'

1,400-2,000 lbs.

* Weight will vary depending on crop type, crop moisture and environmental conditions.

“Balers in Class 5 and Class 6 offer our customers the greatest harvesting productivity and efficiency – more material baled per hour,” says Allred. The system also includes plunger load for Class 7 and Class 8.

“We know the hay and forage baling needs of our customers will continue to evolve, just as they have throughout history,” explains Allred. “With a full range of classes in place, customers will be knowledgeable and better prepared as advancements in baler manufacturing technology allow new products to come to market.”

For full details about the square baler classification system and more information about Hesston or Challenger hay equipment, visit your local Hesston by Massey Ferguson or Challenger hay equipment dealer or visit www.hesston.com/therightbaler.