The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoard’s Dairyman.

AGCO Corporation (NYSE:AGCO) and Hesston by Massey Ferguson®, the industry-leading hay equipment brand from AGCO, introduced a standardized classification system for small and large square balers during the 2017 World Ag Expo in Tulare, Calif. The square baler classification system places balers in Class 1 through Class 8. This new system clearly defines the capabilities of balers in each class and their most appropriate uses so producers will be better able to choose the right baler for their needs.

“Hesston alone offers four models of large square balers ranging from 3’ x 3’ to 4’ x 4’ and six small square balers to produce four sizes from 14” x 18” to 16” x 22”,” explains Shaun Allred, marketing manager for hay and forage at AGCO. “Dairy, beef and equine customers, as well as commercial hay and biomass harvesting operations that harvest, store and ship large quantities of material all have different needs in a baler.

“These classes clearly define the capabilities of the various models from Hesston by Massey Ferguson and Challenger®. The baler classification system will give customers a better understanding of the entire lineup of balers so they can make better purchase decisions,” Allred continues. “This system is similar to the classification system for combines that uses horsepower ranges to rank the size and productivity of combine harvesters.”

Bale density is focus when choosing a baler

The square baler classification system uses rated plunger load to define each of the eight baler classes. Plunger load was chosen because it is the most measurable factor impacting the density of the finished bale.

“Bale density is a key consideration when customers purchase a square baler, because it affects the amount of material in the finished bale; bale weight; stacking, storage and transportation, as well as the productivity and efficiency of the baling process,” Allred points out. “Producers will be able to use this system to choose the baler that fits the crops they harvest, their end-use needs and the baler that optimizes their hay harvesting productivity and efficiency for the best return on investment.”

Rated plunger load is determined by measuring the kilonewtons (kN) of force on the face of the plunger. One kilonewton equals 224.8 pounds of force. Load sensors on the plunger arms measure compression of the plunger arms to provide the plunger load rating. Current AGCO customers are familiar with this number because it is displayed on the in-cab monitor as the Load Setting.

Using experience gained from more than 70 years as an industry-leading manufacturer of equipment for producing and harvesting quality forage, the hay experts at Hesston developed clear descriptions of the most appropriate uses for balers within each class.

Class	Ideal For	Hesston Models	Challenger Models	Plunger Force (kN)	Bale Size	Bale Weight* (lbs)
1	Equine Operations 25-1000 acres/year; owner/operator use or commercial production; Small bale size (50-85 lbs.): easy to handle, transport and feed; Handle individually or with accumulator	MF1836 MF1838 MF1840	CH1838 CH1840	15 to 44 kN	14"x18"	50-85 lbs.
2	Equine & Dairy Operations 100-500+ acres/year; owner/operator or commercial production: equine, small beef or dairy; Small bale size (70-110 lbs.): easy to handle, transport and feed; Handle individually or with accumulator	MF1842		45 to 74 kN	16"x18"	70-110 lbs.
3	Equine, Dairy & Export Operations 250-1000+ acres/year; owner/operator or commercial: equine, beef, dairy & export; Largest, small square bales: (90-140 lbs.) May be hand fed or double pressed for export; Handle with accumulator and forks	MF1844		75 to 199 kN	15"x22"	90-140 lbs.
4	Dairy Operations 250-1,000+ acres/year; owner/operator dairy & beef operations with limited custom baling	MF2250	CH2250	200 to 324 kN	3'x3'	700-900 lbs.
5	Dairy & Commercial Operations 250-3,000+ acres/year; Large dairies, commercial hay producers, custom balers & fleet use	MF2270 MF2290	CH2270 CH2290	325 to 449 kN	3'x4' 4'x4'	1,000-2,000 lbs.
6	Commercial & Biomass Operations 500-3,000+ acres/year; Commercial hay production and crop residue baling	MF2270XD	CH2270XD	450 to 574 kN	3'x4' 4'x4'	1,400-2,000 lbs.
7	Commercial & Biomass Operations 1,000-5,000+ acres/year; Large-scale custom hay and crop residue baling			575 to 749 kN	3’x4'	1,400-2,000 lbs.
8	Biomass Operations 1,000-5,000+ acres/year; Large-scale crop residue and biomass baling			750 + kN	3’x4'	1,400-2,000 lbs.

* Weight will vary depending on crop type, crop moisture and environmental conditions.

“Balers in Class 5 and Class 6 offer our customers the greatest harvesting productivity and efficiency – more material baled per hour,” says Allred. The system also includes plunger load for Class 7 and Class 8.

“We know the hay and forage baling needs of our customers will continue to evolve, just as they have throughout history,” explains Allred. “With a full range of classes in place, customers will be knowledgeable and better prepared as advancements in baler manufacturing technology allow new products to come to market.”

For full details about the square baler classification system and more information about Hesston or Challenger hay equipment, visit your local Hesston by Massey Ferguson or Challenger hay equipment dealer or visit www.hesston.com/therightbaler.