Tractors are versatile machinery in agriculture; their wide range of usage from crop production to livestock production. You may wonder about the need for tractors in livestock production, and your guess is right. In this context, it is harvesting and bailing hay for livestock feeding into different shapes.
Not all tractors have the features, only a few tractors can roll hay bales. Such tractors are huge and have very high power, lastly, these tractors do not come cheap. Manual baling of hays can be very tasking, however, the right tractor can transform a labor-intensive task into a smooth and efficient operation, saving time and reducing fatigue.
Here are the top tractors that can work in a livestock farm for baling hay into round shapes for better storage and handling:
John Deere 6155M
The John Deere 6155M is a versatile tractor with a powerful engine designed for various agricultural tasks. This tractor can help harvest hay and bale it into a round shape. John Deere 6155M offers a comfortable operator environment and advanced features that enhance productivity.
Specifications:
- Engine: 6.8L 6-cylinder John Deere PowerTech PVS
- Horsepower: 155 HP
- Transmission: Standard 20F/20R AutoQuad Plus ECO (40 km/h), optional Direct Drive or AutoPowr IVT
- Hydraulic System: Closed-center, pressure-and-flow compensated
- Hydraulic Pump Output: Standard 45cc pump – 114 L/min, optional 35cc or 59cc pumps
- Rear Hitch Lift Capacity: Up to 7,864 kg
- PTO: Standard 540/1000 rpm
- Operating Weight: Approximately 6,570 kg
- Wheelbase: 2,800 mm
- Price: starting at $198,000
Case IH Puma 150
The Case IH Puma 150 is another powerful tractor; it is known for its fuel efficiency and power. Case IH Puma 150 is well-suited for hay baling operations due to its robust build and ease of control.
Specifications:
- Engine: 6.7L 6-cylinder FPT
- Horsepower: 150 HP
- Transmission: Standard 18×6 full powershift, optional CVXDrive continuously variable transmission
- Hydraulic System: Pressure flow compensating system
- Hydraulic Pump Output: Up to 113 L/min
- Rear Hitch Lift Capacity: Up to 8,391 kg
- PTO: Standard 540/1000 rpm
- Operating Weight: Approximately 7,000 kg
- Wheelbase: 2,789 mm
- Price: Starting at $229,900
New Holland T6.180
The New Holland T6.180 is a heavy-duty tractor designed for various operations in crop and livestock farms. New Holland T6.180 is equipped with advanced features that make it suitable for round baling and other farm operations.
Specifications:
- Engine: 6.7L 6-cylinder NEF (New Engine Family) by FPT
- Horsepower: 145 HP (boosted to 175 HP with Engine Power Management)
- Transmission: Electro Command semi-powershift, optional Auto Command CVT
- Hydraulic System: Closed-center load sensing
- Hydraulic Pump Output: Up to 113 L/min
- Rear Hitch Lift Capacity: Up to 7,864 kg
- PTO: 540/540E/1000 rpm
- Operating Weight: Approximately 6,400 kg
- Wheelbase: 2,642 mm
- Price: Starting at $140,000
Massey Ferguson 6713
The Massey Ferguson 6713 is a mid-range tractor that is part of the 6700 series; it is reputed for its strength and versatility. Massey Ferguson 6713 is a good fit for round baling hays and transport them for proper storage.
Specifications:
- Engine: 4.4L 4-cylinder AGCO Power
- Horsepower: 130 HP
- Transmission: Dyna-4 semi-powershift, optional Dyna-6
- Hydraulic System: Open center, tandem pump system
- Hydraulic Pump Output: Up to 98 L/min
- Rear Hitch Lift Capacity: Up to 5,200 kg
- PTO: 540/540E/1000 rpm
- Operating Weight: Approximately 5,200 kg
- Wheelbase: 2,580 mm
- Price: Starting at $136,000
Kubota M7-172
The Kubota M7-172 is part of Kubota’s M7 Series. Kubota tractors are known for their ruggedity and powerful engine. Kubota M7-172 is designed for heavy-duty work like plowing, harvesting, and baling hays for transportation and storage.
Specifications:
- Engine: 6.1L 4-cylinder Kubota V6108
- Horsepower: 168 HP
- Transmission: Powershift, optional KVT (Kubota Variable Transmission)
- Hydraulic System: Closed center load sensing (CCLS)
- Hydraulic Pump Output: Up to 110 L/min
- Rear Hitch Lift Capacity: Up to 9,000 kg
- PTO: 540/540E/1000 rpm
- Operating Weight: Approximately 7,300 kg
- Wheelbase: 2,750 mm
- Price: Starting at $100,000
Fendt 720 Vario
The Fendt 720 Vario is a high-tech and efficient tractor designed with a powerful engine and traction. It is ideal for precision farming and other unit works on the farm, including harvesting round baling hays.
Specifications:
- Engine: 6.06L 6-cylinder Deutz
- Horsepower: 200 HP
- Transmission: Vario CVT
- Hydraulic System: Load-sensing
- Hydraulic Pump Output: Up to 152 L/min
- Rear Hitch Lift Capacity: Up to 9,775 kg
- PTO: 540E/1000/1000E rpm
- Operating Weight: Approximately 8,200 kg
- Wheelbase: 2,748 mm
- Price: Starting at $120,000
In summary, selecting the right tractor for round baling hay involves a careful evaluation of the various factors, including technical specifications, after-sales support, operator comfort, fuel efficiency, equipment compatibility, and long-term value. The tractors listed above provide a range of options that cater to different needs and preferences, ensuring that you can find the perfect fit for your agricultural operations. Always take the time to thoroughly research and consult with experts to make an informed decision that will enhance your productivity and efficiency in the field.