How big do I need to handle round bales??

Hertenstein · Jul 17, 2017

Hello all,

I'm looking at buying a different tractor. I want to handle big round bales (6'), 1 on the loader and 1 on the three point. I'm currently doing it with a 1970's vintage JD 2030 w/ #48 loader but it's a real load on the tractor so I need something safer. I will be buying something with front wheel drive. I want a machine big enough to easily handle the load but I don't want a huge over size situation. I would greatly appreciate any and all input to help with the purchase.

Thanks!

centash · Jul 17, 2017

That Tractor will handle those bales easily with a bit of care. Mine has for years. Ben

David G · Jul 17, 2017

My Ford 6610 does it good, 4020 with updated front axle does not even know bales are there.

rrlund · Jul 17, 2017

I used a 1020 for over 30 years for it. I use my Oliver 1365 FWA now though.

Fordfarmer · Jul 17, 2017

I handle hundreds of 4x6 round bales per year with my Ford 4600, one on front, one on back. Does fine, except in the spring when the frost goes out (MUD!). You'd have to go one series newer (4610) to get fwa.

Ji Case 35172 · Jul 17, 2017

I suggest to buy a Belarus they are really cheap on fuel and with what you're doing it will work great lots of them have front wheel assist.

Determined · Jul 17, 2017

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mmidlam · Jul 17, 2017

The front drive axle axle on the 500 and 800 series is not rated for a great amount of
weight....seems like 750kg???

Hertenstein · Jul 17, 2017

That is awesome!! Unfortunately a little out of my scope of operation.

Traditional Farmer · Jul 17, 2017

I handle 2 of those size bales at a time with my Oliver 1365 does pretty good,the Allis Chalmers 180 will handle them a little better as it has stronger and faster hydraulics.

oldtanker · Jul 17, 2017

I would say the biggest tractor you can afford. Better to have too much tractor than not enough when handling round bales. I'd go in the 80-90 HP class range or larger up to about the 150HP class. As far as brands? Which ever one has the best dealer support in your area.

Got a local guy here who moves 2 at once, one on the loader and one on the 3 point. Case 1370. He breaks that pretty often but then he runs loaded across fields in road gear. Guy could break an anvil with a rubber mallet! Tractor bouncing like mad with 2 bales on it.

Rick

Geo-TH,In · Jul 17, 2017

Here is an old article about moving round bales.
dangers in moving round bales.

495man · Jul 17, 2017

I'd look at 80 PTO HP class anyways.

Determined · Jul 17, 2017

I have had a John Deere 401 industrial for 20+yeears, it is about the same size and HP as your 2030.

It has a loader on front and bale forks on the 3 point.
Granted the industrial are a little stouter than the ag tractors it has no problem moving 2 bales at a time.
I use it to load app 1000 bales a year off the fields and it is also used to feed probably 30% of them in the winter.
Very quick and easy to maneuver with the reverser on it I can collect bales faster than with any other tractor I own.
I have pushed it and hauled one on the back and two on the front but I will admit that is a bit much for it with 1500-1700 lb bales.

When you say it is a real load on the tractor do you mean you feel it is low on HP, traction, stability?

JD Seller · Jul 17, 2017

I have JD 6400 MFWD that has handled thousands of round bales front and back. It is what I would call a 80 PTO HP tractor. So that would be a measuring stick so just pick your brand. Then post back and we can advise you on any issues on the brand/model your thinking about.

Traditional Farmer · Jul 17, 2017

Friend of mine was killed loading round bales with forks, baled did what they described rolled off the back of the forks and landed on him.

johnyquest69 · Jul 17, 2017

My thoughts exactly! Awesome! Must have lots of time or money!

Hertenstein · Jul 17, 2017

Thanks for the reply. HP seems okay but the hydraulics on the loader won't lift to the top and the bucket will not articulate. Traction is
certainly an issue. I have to carry a bale on the back to counter balance and be able to move. Stability is mostly okay but a little
concerning on hills.

Thanks,
Hertenstein

Hertenstein · Jul 17, 2017

Thanks for the comment. I have to agree that lifting a bale to the top height is a little spooky so I keep them only as high as needed and I never lift it past center on the bucket.

Thanks.

Hogleg · Jul 18, 2017

Hertenstein,

How is the loader plumbed into the hydro system? Reason I ask is that I had a 48 quick tach on a 2550 ( a bit more power than your 2030, but not much more). I found that I could lift 5x5 round bales with it but not articulate them. I had a bale spear attached to the bucket. I upgraded the loader with a Worksaver skid steer adapter and a skid steer bale spear that attached closer to the pivot point - then had no problems moving the bale with the center angling cylinder.

My loader was plumbed directly into the hydro and dumped back into a ported filter cover. Plenty of flow.

Also, I had the rear tires filled with calcium.

Just my 2 cents worth...

John

ss55 · Jul 18, 2017

What do you mean by "safer": better side stability on hillsides; less chance of a bale rolling down the loader arms onto the operator; less chance of a rollover; the ability to drive faster on rough ground and move bales faster; the ability to lift bales higher while stacking; better floatation on soft ground; or something else?

Your present tractor and loader should be up to the task and are about as low profile as any available. Keeping the loader low and cautious operation are important to stay safe with any loader tractor. Overconfidence has probably caused more accidents and injuries than anything else. A four post roll bar, wide-set rear wheels, large diameter deep rib steering tires on 2WD tractors, adequate rear wheel ballast would all be safety improvements if they are not already on your current tractor.

A different tractor with front wheel drive, a factory four post cab, more horsepower, more weight, larger diameter wider tires, and a higher center of gravity without a wider rear wheel tread may let you work faster, but it not be a safety improvement over what you have if it makes you overconfident.

buickanddeere · Jul 18, 2017

Just because a machine maybe able to lift the load, doesn't mean it should. Running equipmemt at the limits without some reserve is a primary cause of early wear out, breakage or an incident/accident.

How big do I need to handle round bales??

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