If hay production is part your small farm's upcoming to do list, a baler is necessary. And the RRF900 mini round baler from Lacombe, Alberta's Range Road could be a good fit. And its nice to find a solution from a Canadian company.
When you have a smaller farm it can be challenging to find the right-size equipment. “This machine is produced for baling grass, rice straw and straw only,” the owner’s manual says.
Productivity and affordability are highlights for this unit, which can make up to 55 bales an hour.
When using the RRF900, hay should be baled when moisture is less than 20 percent. And grass for silage should be baled when moisture levels are between 50 and 60 per cent.
Each produced bale is 27.5” x 28” (69.85 cm x 71.12cm) and weighs between 45 and 55lbs (20 and 24kg).
Important features of the mini baler include:
- An auto twine tie system compatible with standard baler twine
- Three manual bale density settings which can be adjusted by changing the rod position
- Steel rollers
- Working speeds between 1.25 and 3 mph (2-5km/h)
- Self-contained hydraulics
The baler is also equipped with a Bale Ready alarm.
This system uses an audible cue to let operators know a bale is ready. This feature requires a battery hookup (but no battery is included with the purchase of an RRF900).
The mini baler connects easily to a tractor’s 3-point hitch.
A tractor needs between 20 and 30 hp with 540 PTO to power the RRF900. Like Kubota’s L2501 or the 3025E from John Deere, for example.
Anyone interested in learning more about the RRF900 is encouraged to contact Range Road directly.
Be sure to check out this video to see the mini baler in action being pulled by an ATV.