History Lesson 🟨 Small Square Balers

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A Brief History of the SMALL Square Baler

The small square baler has been a staple of farming equipment for over a century. It revolutionized the way hay was harvested, baled, and stored, making it easier and more efficient for farmers. But just how much do you know about the history of this iconic machine? Let's take a look at some stats and facts that may surprise you.

The Birth of the Square Baler

The square baler was first invented in 1872 by a man named Cyrus McCormick. McCormick was already famous for inventing the mechanical reaper (read about it here), but he didn't stop there. He saw the need for a machine that could bale hay in a more efficient way, and the square baler was born.

Size Matters

The first square balers were much smaller than the machines we see today. They were hand-operated and produced bales that were only about 14 inches square. As technology advanced, so did the size of the bales. Today's small square balers can produce bales that are 16'“ x 18” x 52”. Small square balers were first hand-operated, then had a separate engine mounted on them, and now are most commonly power take off (PTO) driven.

Efficiency is Key

One of the main benefits of the square baler is its efficiency. With the ability to produce hundreds of bales in a day, sometimes even thousands, farmers were able to spend less time in the field and more time focusing on other tasks. In fact, it's estimated that the square baler reduced the time it took to harvest and bale hay by 90%.

It's All About the Twine

One of the key components of the small square baler is the twine that holds the bale together. Originally, bales were held together with wire. Then, in the early days of the twine tie square baler, farmers would use natural fibers such as sisal or hemp twine. Today, most farmers use synthetic twine made from materials like polypropylene or polyester.

Not Just for Hay

While the square baler is most commonly used for baling hay, it can also be used for other crops such as straw and corn stalks. In fact, some farmers use the square baler to bale up their fallen leaves in the fall for composting.

The small square baler has helped farmers all over the world to harvest and bale hay in a more efficient way, saving them time and money. And who knows what advancements we'll see in the next 100 years of square baler history. Perhaps we'll even see a square baler that can bale up hay all by itself, leaving farmers with even more time to enjoy a cup of coffee on the front porch.

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