Baler - Small Rectangular Baler

Small Rectangular Baler

A type of baler that produces small rectangular (often called "square") bales was once the most prevalent form of baler, but is less common today. It is primarily used on small acreages where large equipment is impractical, and also for the production of hay for small operations, particularly horse owners who may not have access to the specialized feeding machinery used for larger baled. Each bale is about 15 in x 18 in x 40 in (40 x 45 x 100 cm). The bales are usually wrapped with two, but sometimes three, or more strands of knotted twine. The bales are light enough for one person to handle, about 45 to 60 pounds (20 to 27 kg).

To form the bale, the material to be baled, (which is often hay or straw) in the windrow is lifted by tines in the baler's pickup. This material is then dragged or augered into a chamber that runs the length of one side of the baler. A combination plunger and knife moves back and forth in the front end of this chamber. The knife, positioned just ahead of the plunger, cuts off the material at the spot where it enters the chamber from the pickup. The plunger rams the material rearwards, compressing it into the bales. A measuring device measures the amount of material that is being compressed and, at the appropriate length it triggers the mechanism (the knotter) that wraps the twine around the bale and ties it off. As the next bale is formed the tied one is driven out of the rear of the baling chamber onto the ground or onto a special wagon hooked to the rear of the baler. This process continues as long as there is material to be baled, and twine to tie it with.

This form of bale is not much used in large-scale commercial agriculture, because of the costs involved in handling many small bales. However, it enjoys some popularity in small-scale, low-mechanization agriculture and horse-keeping. Besides using simpler machinery and being easy to handle, these small bales can also be used for insulation and building materials in straw-bale construction. Square bales may generally weather better than round bales because a more much dense stack can be put up. However, they don't shed water as round bales do. Convenience is also a major factor in farmers deciding to continue putting up square bales, as they make feeding and bedding in confined areas (stables, barns, etc.) much easier.

Many of these older balers are still to be found on farms today, particularly in dry areas, where bales can be left outside for long periods.

The automatic-baler for small square bales took on most of its present form in 1940. It was first manufactured by the New Holland Ag and it used a small petrol engine to provide operating power. It is based on a 1937 invention for a twine-tie baler with automatic pickup.