Round Balers vs Square Balers

The right baler depends on how bales will be handled, stored, and sold. Round bales are simpler to produce but awkward to stack. Square bales stack efficiently and transport well but cost more and require more maintenance.

Round Balers

Fixed Chamber vs Variable Chamber

Fixed chamber round balers produce consistent 1.2m diameter bales. Simpler and cheaper. Variable chamber allows you to choose bale diameter - useful when matching bale weight to handling equipment.

Used Prices

  • Small fixed chamber (Claas Rollant 250, Krone Comprima F125): £5,000 to £15,000
  • Standard variable chamber (John Deere 469, New Holland Roll-Belt 150): £12,000 to £35,000
  • Premium variable chamber with net wrap (Krone Comprima V180, Claas Variant 485): £25,000 to £55,000

What to Check

Check belts for cracking and fraying. Check chain drives for stretch and sprocket wear. The density adjustment system should compress bales consistently.

Small Square Balers

Produce 35x45cm bales weighing 15 to 25kg each. Popular for horse hay. Claas Markant, New Holland BC5000 series, and Massey Ferguson 185 are the main brands.

Used Prices

  • Older manual tie: £2,500 to £8,000
  • Modern electronic (New Holland BC5050): £8,000 to £22,000

Run a test batch and check every bale ties consistently. Twine knotter timing issues are common on older machines.

Large Square Balers

Produce 1.2x0.9m or 1.2x1.3m bales weighing 300 to 600kg. John Deere, Claas, Krone, and New Holland dominate.

Used Prices

  • Standard (Krone Big Pack 1270, JD 457): £18,000 to £45,000
  • High-spec variable density (Claas Quadrant 3300, JD 1424C): £35,000 to £75,000

Check main PTO driveline and gearboxes for wear. Inspect plunger knives and counter knives. Knotter rebuild on a 4-string machine: £2,000 to £4,000.

Brands Worth Knowing

  • Claas: Premium build, strong UK dealer network, excellent residual values
  • Krone: Very popular with contractors, particularly good large square balers
  • John Deere: Strong on large square balers
  • New Holland: Good value, widely available parts

Buying Advice

Always test a baler in the field before buying. A workshop inspection reveals condition; field use reveals function. Watch for consistent bale shape, reliable tying, and smooth operation through the full cycle. Confirm parts availability and dealer proximity before committing to any brand.

What should you check before buying?

Before you travel to see a used hay balers — round vs square baler guide, build a short checklist and compare the advert against real evidence. Photos and seller claims are useful, but paperwork, condition and price comparisons matter more.

  • MOT history, mileage consistency and outstanding finance
  • service records, warning lights, tyres, brakes and accident markers
  • cold-start behaviour, test-drive feel and whether all equipment works
  • insurance, tax, fuel use, clean-air-zone charges and likely repairs

How much should you budget after purchase?

A fair used vehicle budget includes more than the screen price. Keep money aside for servicing, tyres, brakes, insurance and the first repair after purchase. If the seller cannot answer basic questions or the documents do not match the vehicle, it is usually better to walk away and compare another example.

How do you judge fair value?

Used car prices should be compared against real adverts with similar age, mileage, engine, gearbox, trim and history. The cheapest car is rarely the cheapest to own. For a used hay balers — round vs square baler guide, look at the full ownership cost rather than only the asking price. A strong example should have evidence that supports the advert: matching documents, sensible mileage, clear condition photos and answers that remain consistent when you ask follow-up questions.

If two examples look similar, choose the one with better history and fewer unknowns. A bargain with missing records, urgent repairs or vague ownership can quickly become more expensive than a tidier vehicle from a straightforward seller.

What are the main red flags?

  • outstanding finance, insurance write-off markers or mileage gaps
  • warning lights hidden by a warm engine or very short test drive
  • seller name or address not matching the V5C
  • fresh MOT with advisories that still need money spending

None of these automatically proves a vehicle is bad, but each one should slow the deal down. Ask for evidence, compare another listing and avoid paying a holding deposit until the basics have been checked.

Questions to ask the seller

When you enquire about a used hay balers — round vs square baler guide, ask the same questions in writing before you travel. How long has the seller owned it? Why is it being sold? What recent work has been done? Are there faults, warning lights, finance agreements or missing documents? Will it be cold when you arrive for a start-up check?

Clear answers save wasted journeys. If the seller avoids simple questions, changes the story or pushes for quick payment, keep looking.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if this used hay balers — round vs square baler guide is priced fairly?

Compare similar UK listings by age, mileage, specification, condition and history. A low price is not automatically a bargain if finance, accident history or overdue maintenance is involved.

What checks should I do before viewing?

Check MOT history, ownership details, mileage pattern, outstanding finance, insurance category markers and whether the advert photos match the written description.

When should I walk away?

Walk away if the seller avoids basic questions, the paperwork does not match, the vehicle is warm before a cold start, or the history has unexplained gaps.

Related Mobeo guides

If you are comparing more than one used vehicle, these guides are also worth reading before you arrange a viewing.