What Are the Best Balers for Livestock Farmers?

10/9/2024

Kennadi Harris

As a livestock farmer, choosing the right baler for your farm’s size and needs is essential. Should you go with a round baler or a square baler? The right equipment can significantly impact your farm's productivity, profitability, and overall operations. We’re here to help demystify some of the questions you may have about baler types and which ones are the best for livestock farming. Keep reading to delve into our comprehensive guide!

Round vs. Square Balers: What’s the Difference?

On the surface, the debate between round versus square balers might not seem like much of a debate—after all, how different can they really be? Turns out, when you’re talking about livestock farming, the choice can make a big difference!

Round Balers

Round bales are the most common type for livestock. These bales are produced by round baler equipment, and they’re probably what most people think of when they picture “hay bales.” These cylindrical bales are typically four to six feet in diameter and perfectly round when they come out of the baler. They’re an excellent choice for medium-to-large livestock operations as they’re easy to handle and store and feed more livestock at once than the smaller square bales.

Round bales can also be a more economical option. The baler equipment used to produce this bale type is more common than square balers, making them typically less expensive to purchase on the front end. They are also great for labor efficiency, as round bales are larger in diameter and can be left out for livestock longer than square bales.

Square Balers

Square bales, produced by square baler equipment, are often smaller, more compact livestock bale options. They are rectangular in shape and can be stacked on top of each other for easier transportation and storage. Square baler equipment comes in a variety of sizes, so some models produce larger rectangular bales that are perfect for feeding larger livestock operations.

What Should I Consider When Selecting a Baler?

Now that you know the difference between a round baler and a square baler, it’s time to dive into some more details that can help you decide which baler equipment is right for your operation. From bale size and density to wrapping options and pickup width, there are many factors to consider when choosing the right baler.

Bale Size and Density

The size and density of hay bales affect storage, handling, and feeding efficiency. As we mentioned before, most round balers produce bales four to six feet in diameter, while square balers offer various sizes. The best practice is to look for balers with adjustable density controls to optimize bale weight and storage.

Wrapping Options

Proper wrapping is essential for preserving hay quality. Many modern balers offer integrated wrapping systems, which can save time and labor. Many balers offer a variety of wrapping material options, including net wrap, twine, and plastic film for silage bales. You can browse available net wrap on our parts website. Whether you want to order online, submit a request, or just learn more about your options—our parts team can get you what you need.

Pickup Width

A wider pickup allows for faster baling and can handle larger hay windrows. This feature might be something to consider if you have an operation that deals with high-volume hay production.

Monitoring and Control Systems

Advanced balers come equipped with digital monitors and control systems. With these upgraded options, you can make precise adjustments and receive valuable data on bale count, moisture levels, and machine performance.

John Deere Balers for Sale at Tennessee Tractor

If you’re looking for the best selection of round and square balers in the area, then you’ve come to the right place. We have a great selection of John Deere balers that can fit your needs and budget.

John Deere 460M Round Baler

The 460M Round Baler features DiamondTough™ triple-weave belts and a COVER-EDGE™ surface wrap option. It’s available in standard (dry hay) and silage models. The BaleTrak™ Pro monitor controller provides real-time information on bale shape and size during the baling process. For wider jobs, the 460M also comes in a MegaWide™ version with a precutter.

John Deere 348 Small Square Baler

For square bales, the 348 Small Square Baler is great for smaller baling jobs. The 348 includes excellent features like:

John Deere C451R Variable Chamber Wrapping Baler

If you’re looking for a baler that can bale and wrap all in one, then the C451R is the baler for the job. This round baler is a variable chamber model, which means it can produce bales of different sizes and densities. This baler also features:

The baler tightly wraps your round bales to increase longevity and protect them from outdoor elements, like rain, snow, and heat.

Visit Tennesse Tractor for Round or Square Balers

The next time you’re in the market for a round or square baler for your job, we hope you choose Tennessee Tractor to help you find it! 

Contact us today for more information on our current inventory. We hope to see you soon!