Ground Drive Hay Rake and Mechanical Square Baler

[OK Corgi Rancher]

Looking for older, mechanical driven equipment (no hydraulics) at a reasonable price. I want something I can put to use right away that's in good working order. I don't mind driving but I'll need help loading them on a trailer.

I'd prefer a twine vs wire system on the baler but that's not a deal killer.

PM me a phone number and I'll call you.

Thanks!

 

[SoonerP226]

If you can find them, the old New Holland 55, 56, 255, and 256 side delivery rakes are hard to beat, and they’re not in high demand (everyone is using wheel rakes now), so you can usually get them cheap. I think my dad gave $600 for the last one (a 56, IIRC) he bought, and it was in really good condition. There’ve been several times I was raking hay when I wished I still had it, but he sold it a few years ago.

 

[cowadle]

look for an allis chalmers roto bailer?

 

[cowadle]

https://www.tractorhouse.com/listin...o-baler-round-balers-hay-and-forage-equipment

 

[cowadle]

https://kansascity.craigslist.org/grd/d/deerfield-john-deere-24t-small-square/7611021615.html

 

[OK Corgi Rancher]

If you can find them, the old New Holland 55, 56, 255, and 256 side delivery rakes are hard to beat, and they’re not in high demand (everyone is using wheel rakes now), so you can usually get them cheap. I think my dad gave $600 for the last one (a 56, IIRC) he bought, and it was in really good condition. There’ve been several times I was raking hay when I wished I still had it, but he sold it a few years ago.

Neighbor's dad was using a 50-something year old JD 62 rake and it gets the ground cleaner than the brand new $35K fancy thing my other hay guy uses. Even if I had the money, I'd want something older and simpler. I've got my eye on a few right now...just waiting for some calls.

 

[OK Corgi Rancher]

https://kansascity.craigslist.org/grd/d/deerfield-john-deere-24t-small-square/7611021615.html

I've had my eye on this one. But there are a few others closer and this guy wants a higher end price for what he has. But it's on the list.

I've searched CL all the way up to Iowa.

 

[OK Corgi Rancher]

***SIDE NOTE*** I called on one baler today and talked to "Jim", an 82 year old farmer from north TX. What a stellar example of decent human being. Not only did he give me really good advice on the baler I called about, he invited me to his place and said he'd spend a day teaching me everything he could about older balers...and apparently he has a few. I wish I had a neighbor with the years of wisdom that man obviously has.

Even if I don't find what I want, just talking with Jim has made my search worthwhile. I really enjoy making an acquaintance of men like him.

 

[cowadle]

learn as much as you can from him. especially about knotters and timing. square balers are an art. i would also check into the availability of needles and hooks as spares before i settled on any brand or model.

 

[Cowcatcher]

I just drove through Siloam Springs. I saw a couple old ground drive side deliveries there. Just caught a glimpse but I think there was a right and a left. The place is called Sellers Trading Post. He has a few acres of older equipment there. Google them up.