For many small acreage farmers putting up quality feed each season is a challenge; you don't put in enough tons to justify the expense of a 4' or 5' round baler and small square bales require too much time and labor. The happy medium comes in the form of a mini round baler, needing only 18 horsepower and 12v power to operate. If your loader can lift 1000lbs you're all set!
Some of the benefits of the compact round bales include:
requires only a 18hp tractor
lower initial equipment investment
dry bales are easily rolled in a barn or loft
less labor than small square bales
higher potential profit per ton
Let's take a closer look at the benefits:
Minimal Horsepower Requirement
The FRED mini round balers need only 18hp and are completely self contained, requiring only 12v power and a PTO to operate. This means nearly any compact tractor can be used since no hydraulic remotes are required for operation.
Lower Initial Startup Cost
Because the mini round balers need less horsepower, no hydraulics and make bales weighing less than 4' bales you can use just about any compact tractor to bale and pickup your hay. Plus the smaller balers, mowers and rakes cost less to maintain the "full size" models.
Compact Round Bales Are Easy To Handle
Both the 2x2 and 3x3 mini round bales have one great design feature: they're round. Compact round bales can easily be rolled around in a barn or out of a truck. Try that with a square bale!
Lower Labor Costs
With a bale spear and a tractor capable of lifting 800lb you can completely automate your bale handling process. You'll put your crop in faster and need fewer bodies compared to small squares.
Higher Profit Per Ton
Because the compact round bales can be handled without a tractor the demand to purchase them is higher than 4' and 5' round bales. Feed store customers report an additional $40 per ton profit over larger bales.
