Running Square Baler and Stacking Wagon Alone

[@drfeelgood935487]

From someone who grew up doing hay every summer, incredible respect for doing this by yourself!

[@chunknorris6299]

Yup I remember working with my grandpa standing back there bouncing around on the wagon while bales are flying at you. Stacking them all day is a lot of endurance but yeah this mans a beast doing it all by himself!

[@kmb957]

I did this for 15 years with my father. It was hot and dirty but damn am I glad I did it. It really instills a work ethic that most people don't have.

[@suzannedaniel3319]

Boy, this really brought back memories...

[@dukeman7595]

Unless you have done this kind of work you will never know how hard a job this is. This guy worked his tail off doing this alone, not to mention the heat.

[@gameofmoansandgroans5423]

No kidding man. I put up thousands of straw and hay bales when I was young. Editing videos is a lot more work than youtubers get credit for also. Mad respect for this guy.

[@stanleypennock2118]

You are SO RIGHT! The only good thing is that it's a level field. Hills make it even worse. At least he doesn't have to unload them and stack them in the mow by himself since he is selling them.

[@NIGHTMARERICA]

Ain't that the truth? I remember starting at about seven or eight not like and Grandpa too much. between hey and doing something for the chickens we lost most our summer lol.

[@greggschmidt7967]

I have done it many years, needs wd on knotters when done, need to left the chain a few inches on right side, so bales won't go to the side, I used to stack seven high on rack, three wide, not two.

[@Knallteute]

Yeah I couldn't imagne doing this without a cab. Even in our mild climate with 30c summers that is a hell of a job.

[@MrKen-longrangegrdhogeliminato]

At 6 years old, Dad put me in the seat (62 years ago) of the Farmall-H first gear at a dead idle he would load and stack the bales on the wagon without stopping, Dad be back on the tractor before we went into the fence row of trees. Fast forward to 14 years of age, Dad worked full time at the Mill, plus running a dairy farm. When it was time for bale straw, I'd drive the 504 Farmall, New Holland Baler and two wagons about eight miles on the two lane highway to the egg farm in Dry Valley and bale straw. And stop at VanHorns garage for a ice cold Niehigh orange soda. Thems was the good days.

[@TheDrrbc]

That’s what we did too. 2 teens throwing, 1 stacking, and the 6 year old holding it in a straight line. We got about 25¢ per bale and would give the kid a penny.

[@JJosephS1]

Mom drove the bailer. My sister and I started stacking (ages 8 & 9) with an older cousin walking along the ground picking up the bales. Dad drove the rake, to dry out the hay (Southern Indiana about an hour from Robinson, IL) and then switched off for a wagon, and he and my cousin would take turns driving and stacking. Loved riding through town on top of the hay wagon, and then stopping off at Knob Inn for a Choc-ola.

[@joshuaespinoza5082]

Wow, sounds fun and man I wish I had that life rather than mostly spent my time in the city. Thanks for sharing.

[@wildrose338]

And now it's skinny jeans and rainbow 🌈flags are more important

[@michaels.7152]

I too, baled hay with my dad's H Farmall Then we moved up to the BIG TIME... We got a super M Farmall. Ha Ha. 50 years later, I'm still baling hay I got a nicer tractor though.!!!!

[@dejavu666wampas9]

Now, here’s a guy with a work ethic. I love how he doesn’t need all brand new modern equipment. Reminds me of the farm I grew up on. Thanks for taking me back to my childhood.

[@mikeznel6048]

Its great isn't it? This guy knows whats up. All that new keeping up with the Jones' expensive brand new equipment is a trick. Its not worth it unless you need it. These old girls will run circles around the new stuff when its broke down because emissions equipment failure.

[@richardanoelken5173]

Problem: Hay Wagon not following the bailer on 90 degree turns ~ Fix: #1 move the hitch bar further to the left as viewed from the rear Fix #2 Shorten the wagon tounge by half it's original "horse length".

[@bigbossman3987]

Maybe, but that new equipment sure does make things a lot easier. Trust me, I’ve been there and done that both ways with it. It’s nice at the end of the day to be done with something, instead of having to stay up all night working on something because it broke down and you have to have it for the next day. That price tag a lot of times will equal out to money & time saved by not having to fight to keep junk working.

[@cs-rj8ru]

Well I was a boy in the 80s....We didn't have new equipment either....To be frank I wish we did...pull rope plows and Farmall H's suck.

[@10Timewaster]

@@bigbossman3987 very well said but of course even the oldest equipment when maintained and operated properly will be very dependable and much cheaper to operate than the modern high priced equipment. Granted there are some modern pieces which are far more efficient than the old but I definitely understand your point of view.

[@robertwilliams2623]

Back when i was a kid the summer was work in the hay field time . Good times

[@mariechrisman3957]

This video made me cry ,I remember my grandpa work8ng like you do,you are the true hero's of america,these kids today should all work on a farm for a while,so they can appreciate what they have,these spoiled,untitled brats hurt my soul,God bless you ❤

[@lamontlewis9488]

That's what I always say. Working on a farm should be part of the school system it has made the world of a difference for me. There is something about working on a farm it does something to you

[@richardmiller3919]

@@lamontlewis9488 yeah. FFA at high schools

[@bob_n_savagetunes8573]

Yeah I grew up in the City (I'm from South Africa) and we decided to go farm, it's our first year now... I'm 19 and I work my ass of like this dude 😅it's very rewarding

[@marianfrances4959]

Harsh words for children.

[@Tonetwisters]

Yeh, many probably are. But my 45 year-old son pushes around 1400 lb sand beds for Hillrom ...

[@alexunger2582]

I baled by myself for a few years after working a 12 hour day job come home and work the fields. Used a truck and trailer to pick up 150 bale loads by hand and stack at the pile. You have to love it.

[@lindareeds7863]

I'm a 74 year old farm wife. I loved building the load on the wagon! When I was about 65 I all of a sudden couldn't do it any more. Just like that, from one year to the next. We have old equipment like you, too. I miss doing it and really enjoyed this video. Could tell the bales were bigger and heavier than we made them! You're doing a great job!

[@richardmiller3919]

I like your old tractor and hay baler … Both worked fine! I always enjour your videos all the times.

[@jameskeal8957]

This video took me back to my younger years. Small farm (25) acres back pasture was about 10 acres. Pop cut about a 3rd of it and when on vacation for 2 weeks. Cut hay dried, racked and no one else at home but me. Baled just as in the video. But my experience was just a bit different. I was blessed with one front wheel on the wagon coming off and didn't even lose a lug nut. That wasn't so bad but the wagon was about 2,3rd full of hay. Old man was smart enough that he had 2 hay wagons. But at about 15 years old ,my day was going to be full of fun. ( lol) Hay transfer to another wagon including what fell off the first wagon. Replace damaged wheel and finish baling the hay. Just short of 200 bales. Day not over yet, it now had to be stacked in the range hayloft. Now that day will always be remembered as I stood behind the barn proud of what I had accomplished. Kids now days just don't know what work is. There's nothing wrong growing up every on a farm, even if it's 25 acres. My dad could work circles around all his 4 sons, even when he was 75 years young.

[@ruthnorman1922]

Enjoyed reading that!

[@danmoritz3319]

Yes, that's how it was.

[@DanishButterCookie]

Every year, we invite my entire family, all city people, to come help load the loft with hay. Doing it alone is such an atrocious job and were all beat afterwards. BIG Kudos to you for being able to do all this alone!

[@stowers157]

I hauled with my 2 brothers, we made 3 cents per bale, hauled and stacked in the barn. We never got rich, but we sure got strong.

[@richardmiller3919]

stowers157. Me too now I’m old lol. Lots of memories

[@djamesthree]

Nobody messes with the haying crew, if they’re smart. ;-)

[@teresamurray250]

Awww square bales...hauled many back in the day!

[@robertsparling]

Yeah, he's only going 4 high on the rack. Wimpy under any conditions. The on and off must have been a pain, though.

[@themadhatter196]

Nowadays those bales are worth $5 1st cutting, $6, 2nd cutting, and $7 3rd cutting

[@VirginiaPrepper]

I remember doing this as a kid growing up on my grandparents farm and I am working on starting it again. Great times.

[@wesmccoy7061]

You sir are an icon to show people what we go thru during hay season. Awesome video. 👍👍👍

[@gwestendorp567]

Your bailler look like my Borga bailer. Haying is fun. Grease of the Netherlands.

[@Webb69]

This is where you need to find a teenager looking to make a few dollars, I remember 35 years ago working for someone just like you! Taught me to appreciate hard work!

[@espears6606]

Yep,just one of my summer jobs,I look back and smile now 😀

[@kschaid21]

Its really hard to find someone to do that. I do hay and its hard to find anyone especially when it comes time to stack in the barn

[@greensplatter3480]

ron webb heck yea! I’m a teen and I would help for free for the chance to work on a farm!

[@terrycastor8299]

@ron webb, like others have said, finding one is a trick. A farmer friend of mine couldn't get kids to help for $10 / hr, my son included. He told me, "That's too much work, Dad!" I told him to try it for a penny and a half a bale and see how much work it was! Shoot, for 10 bucks an hour I would have baled in a thunderstorm!

[@mikethehorribleartist2814]

I am one of those teens but where I am in mid Missouri most people around here have moved to round pales for the keep of them.

[@joefreeman1547]

You did a great job. I known how hard it is, I was always, the one stacking or on the wagon unloading. Thank you for not giving up. God bless

[@johnshelton9099]

My hat is off to you brother I love to see that somebody still uses the old equipment and to see that it still works as hard as you do. I do have a few suggestions that may help you if you have to do it all by yourself 1 put some sides on your wagon 2 put an offset hitch on your baler to move the wagon to the left and line up better with your chute 3 extend the baler chute to put the bales further back on the wagon 4 looking at your hay you may want to circle the field when raking a few times to build a bigger window so you have less baling laps (we usually go 2 or 3 then go in the other direction to make the window depends on grass thickness the v rake we use can be used with only 1 side down or both) I hope my suggestions give you good ideas. Hard work is the key and you have that down pat hopefully lady luck will touch you and we will soon see you riding in the A/C with all new shiny equipment so you will not have to work so hard. Bless you brother keep up the good work...

[@ppqp83]

Hi John, your advice is very on point! I was very interested in #4 about the raking for fewer bailing laps: is it because it's faster bailing with the bigger window? Thanks on advance!

[@3rdoldhen]

Hay baling time is always the hottest, stickiest day of the summer… & the 70# ea feels heavier every lift! At the end I only wanted to hit the horse trough to wash the sweat & bugs away… then the horses got a cool, clean trough & hay for the winter!

[@QuadeQuick]

I worked summers on a farm that used a kicker baler, so the wagons were fenced because the bales would shoot out of the baler with some pretty good force. There were certainly downsides: more broken bales since they were flying 15-20 feet in the air and often jammed in weird positions, which made getting them on the hay mow elevator a little challenging. Also, the wagons weren't nearly as neatly stacked so they probably only held about 40 bales before we had to swap out the wagons. Your method takes more busy work, but you handled it beautifully. I'll echo others' comments about the effort involved in baling - it's a lot tougher than hitting the treadmill, people. Thanks for the memories!

[@deanyanko3326]

if more people would labor to help a neighbor that's a good workout .

[@marilynrowland5197]

Takes me back to my childhood on a farm in Maryland, square bales and all, though I never saw anyone try to do all this alone. It's very hard work, period, but excessively difficult on your own. You did a great job! Thanks for the trip down memory lane!

[@hayman41350]

When I saw your video of the tractor with the baler and wagon, it is EXACTLY like what I used to do!! Old IH super M, with no hood, cause it was easier to add power steering fluid!! Old new holland 68 baler, pulling a 4 wheel wagon just like that, but didn't have the stop on the back of it!! Wife driving, with a 1 year old on her lap!!! What great times those were!! Thank you for re-kindling the great memory!!! We all survived just fine, thank you!!! Used to do 90 acres that way!!!

[@edwardgabriel1946]

Wow! This brings up vivid memories. Stacking the hay bales up in the barn is something everyone should experience if even for five minutes.

[@barryweaver6834]

You sir have made my day. Back in the sixties/seventies my grandpa in Pa would bale hay by himself this way when none of the grandkids were there. He’d push a few up on the wagon then climb off the farmall H and stack them. He always worked hard and his IH “45” baler would not always knot the bales. I really miss Him and helping him. Great memories!!

[@brendaberrones2504]

This guy is a one man team he takes me back to the days when square bales for a buck fifty my dad would store the hay and him and I would hit the road in the winter Idaho ,Montana,Alturas Ca fun times with my old man hes gone now he lived to be 99 years old before covid took his life man I miss him keep up the good work partner and God Bless you for the video👍👍👍

[@mikestock6461]

This was my teenage life and honestly the work that shaped me. We had a belt kicker on our New Holland but we put in about 35k bales a year and I touched almost every one of them! I'll never be that strong again.

[@JamesCouch777]

You are a very hard working young man. You will be amazed later on down the road at how much you have accomplished. 👍

[@ollymeg]

Speaking as 66 years old and how much toil your body will take, wish there had been big round or quadrant bales 45 years ago, my body might not be worn out now

[@JamesCouch777]

@@ollymeg you and me both. I'm 68.

[@drb141719]

That smile Evan after a successful day. These victories will shadow the failures. Keep smiling Evan.

[@USAR8888]

I dont know how I came across this video but it sure brings back memories. Baled hay from the time I was 12 to around 18 after I was out of high school. I'm 33 now. One of the best jobs I ever did.

[@AmbersDaintyBush]

I’m 35 and decided to get back to helping on a farm and starting a version of my own. I’m both dreading and excited for baling time this year

[@arthurkuntz1525]

oh the good old days

[@kapperoutdoors]

Nice work on going solo! Many of us like you and me end up doing a lot solo, but I am very impressed to be able to do HAY solo! Keep up the great work! Thanks.

[@garythomas1399]

Keep doing what you're doing. You're building the small hobby farmers confidence. I appreciate it!

[@a.m.v.6938]

What a hard working man, and he still keeps smiling. Job well done 👍

[@jesushernandez3935]

Amazing job hard working man...

[@ronatwell5379]

Love to watch this video. Reminds me of years gone by when my late wife would be in the hay field with an almost identical "train". Glad to see you got a wagon and a dump wagon to boot. My first wagon was a David Bradley. If you put a bale length wise in the middle on your first 5, then you can start interlocking front to back and side to side. Important when on a rough field and when transporting down the road. You just start with your first middle lengthwise bale and put 2 crossways on both sides letting bales overhang on each side. Our barn door was not much wider than that arrangement, so the whole load had to stay tight and straight. I never baled alone. If wife couldn'tdrive, I would get grown son to come and help or hire a teenager who was desperate for spending money. Still have the David Bradley and 2 made by Springfield Wagon in Springfield, MO. stored in a barn. We needed to be able to load 2-3 wagons an evening without stopping to unload. Where did you come up with the extension chute? Yes, square baling with old equipment goes much better if you don't overpower the baler with the tractor. My 730 Case gas tractor could run much faster than the baler was able to handle.

[@thunderchild321]

WOW!! You are a hero buddy..I used your video to show my nephews what hard work is instead of having a silver spoon in their mouths. ..they now appreciate what farmers do so they can enjoy the rewards in their lives..ha..dey actually helped in harvesting corn..thank you..

[@mikeandmariasaeli6620]

This farmer is very skilled, innovative, and dedicated to getting the crop harvested by himself. Backing a wagon into a shed with a tractor is challenging enough, but doing it with a truck is "over the top."

[@pilot_master8755]

I just realised after bailing and collecting hay today that this bailer is the same one we use, or at least is similar

[@seaknightvirchow8131]

This brings back a lot of memories. I learned to wear long sleeve shirts when throwing bales. When we put them up in the barn, 90 degrees outside felt cold when we came out of the barn.

[@peterlanum]

Now I remember why I left the farm and got into construction.

[@defuse56]

Props to you for standing up to the strain, the dust, and the heat! 10:52 I hate to play Mr. Safety, but I was taught from a very young age to shut down the pto if you were off the tractor, no matter the reason. It costs maybe 10 seconds to do it, but it's worth not coming in contact with moving parts. Especially important when the guard over the pto shaft is missing.

[@stenbak88]

Great shirt for farming, Uncle Owen would be proud

[@richardcleasby105]

Nice job backing the wagon in the barn with the truck!

[@deernutOO]

Back that wagon when it is hooked to the baler.. just for kicks. Then drive the wrong way down a narrow lane and have to back it all without unhooking anything.. eventually it works..

[@butchpark6589]

What a great man you are, you keep on going! My hats off to you Sir! God bless you!

[@darylcampbell3244]

You are a machine! Back in my day it’s a two person operation. Might I give advice that might help. If you put your bails longways down the center. Then longs ways on sides. With the last bails hanging of the sides of the trailer. And each tier alternate them so that they lock in the lower bails, you will be able to get more hay on your wagon. You have to stack it tight but it’ll work. it also takes a little practice figuring it out.

[@dukebass4564]

We always used hey hooks to grab the bails when we were stacking the trailer. Keep in mind, I was only about 12 or thirteen at the time. Ranching and farming is the greatest character building lifestyle there is for a kid. I loved everything about growing up in the country, specially when I was too far from the house chasing steers to catch the school bus. Oh darn!

[@RLM1943]

YOU HAVE A GREAT "CAN DO" ATTITUDE.IMPRESSIVE !

[@suzannedaniel3319]

I remember this so well. After a hard hot day of haying ... off to the Rifle River to cool down, stopping at the local country store for icecream! Missing those days ... my parents taught us so much ... for the love of family and farm life.

[@LitlD]

This sure brings back memories of some 45 years ago. I spent many a day working for local farmers, and baling was a specialty. The going rate was a buck an hour, but I always got $1.25 because I could stack bales two courses higher than a normal teenager (I am 6'6") without them falling off the rack on the way to the barn - meaning fewer trips.) My partner liked the barn work, but I got the tan.

[@palewriter1856]

Not bad - for a Little guy. I'm hesitant to admit it now, but when I was a kid, I thought hayin was FUN? Dang, that was a LONG time ago, and our New Holland baler was a bit shinier than that one. What always amazed me was how my uncle could remember where all the grease points were. Oh yeah - we didn't bother with a wagon - we pulled a sled behind the baler, so it was a 2-man operation (or 1.5 - a man and a dumb kid?) We'd stack 13 on a sled-full, then push that little stack off to be picked up after the baling was done with a big fork on the front of a medium-sized Massey Harris tractor. My uncle could snag a stack on the run - especially when rain was threatening. Hayseed? Yup.

[@180Floridalife]

Love seeing old equipment 👍running and doing what it was designed to do. Great setup thanks 👋

[@joecliffordson]

Almost a thousand replies. Perhaps there is hope for us. All my helpers grew up and moved away. New ones come and go. The guy that makes it all work is stacking by himself quite often around here. Although I have seen some really awesome hay girls. Mine were to smart to stick around. Believe it or not the kids go off to careers but I quit a good job to do this all summer. It is bliss. The repairs. The fun folks that buy small bales. My favorite field is down by a creek. I have heard we can run old tractors on wood smoke. If I pull it off I will do a vid. Thanks guy for keeping the old stuff running. I was just logging with an 8n Ford from the mid 40s. Bone stock. Still running strong. Makes one wonder when a new John Deere goes down with sensor problems and the company won’t allow the farmer into the software that they paid 260 grand for. Even worse they prosecute you for hacking their software to fix their shoddy planned obsolescence. But I digress. Keep up the good work. We are doing such a good job our hay is making the whole country fat and happy.

[@brendanryan1852]

Forked thousands of heavy bales back in my youth every summer in Ireland no elevator either in the barn . All good work glad I got to do it.

[@cainbryan2885]

Most people come home tired, this man must come home exhausted

[@guycharlebois3342]

In June 2020, I did approx 500 balles all loaded on wagons in one day all by my self no help and no bale thrower. Now I got my self a bale stooker, it’s easier to pick them up with a tractor.

[@richardmiller3919]

@@aliceshaw8265 lol.. every time after hay work in late afternoon I usually went to the river. Swam in river getting me cool and clean.

[@swingoakfarm8675]

I make small squares entirely by myself, and having used a 1958 NH s68 exactly like you are doing here, I modernized and bought a 1970ish JD 24T with the bale ejector. Saves a lot of time, but sometimes I still stack bales as they get thrown in to maximize wagon capacity

[@kensmithler5965]

Evan, you are definitely a farmer with that impressive "can do " attitude. I grew up on a dairy farm and know how hard and hot baling hay is and you added drone footage on to doing it all alone, amazing. Glad your back is better.

[@philipsoppe1948]

I got 16 acres of hay and do it byself with one kicker wagon. I don't unhook at all the wagon

[@jimsteele7108]

That is the true definition of determination.

[@ajoutdoors8461]

Very very very impressed with how you could back in the hay wagon I don’t know anybody who could do that even 70 year olds that have Been farming there whole life

[@johndowe7003]

You just turn the wheels the same way you wanna go. Opposite of a regular trailer.

[@nathanping5729]

Not that hard when u a farm boy! It jus takes time n practice

[@CraydenGamingOfficial]

He should just get a thrower wagon and thrower baler

[@terrycastor8299]

@@CraydenGamingOfficial but then you have to dig the bales out of the twisted mess they become in the wagon. I'd stick to hand stacking them.

[@CraydenGamingOfficial]

Terry Castor it's quicker tho

[@johnvriese3914]

Thanks for sharing this video and the good work demonstration! Really like the drone perspective! I can't tell you how many bales I've caught being the one on the wagon. My Dad & I went back and forth between the wagon and driving the tractor. At least there were the 2 of us. You did a great piece of work there!

[@markfin7225]

You’ve got a great work ethic and personal goals. I’m just returning to the farm after nearly 30 years. Some observations, but that’s all. When I sickle mow, I start with the tractor fence side first round. This allows for an even cut and straight lines. I return the second round with the bar to the fence, as the hay is still moist and won’t clog the bar. I also lift the 3 point at the end of standing hay and turn with the bar up. This allows me to cut all the hay and not leave tufts where the bar drags around the corner. I didn’t see your second cutting with the sickle mower, but your field looked much better this time. That drone view was great. One other suggestion. Turn two of your windrows into one when you turn it to dry the underneath side. That makes a larger row and the baler works better (IMO). We used to square bale 25K each year between my dad and I. Sometimes my mom would help. I love how your learning and working.

[@teenagefarmer]

Evan, this was the first video of yours that I watched. That was over a year ago. It's crazy how much your farms changed since then. I thought today I would rewatch it. I'm so glad that I found your channel. I've watched everyone of your videos and I always look forward to seeing the next video you post. I've learned so much from you. Thanks for sharing and for always being real. Keep up the good work.

[@CountryViewAcres]

Yea that was a popular video. I gained a lot of subscribers from that one.

[@teenagefarmer]

@@CountryViewAcres yep, and I was one of them. Stay safe.

[@dcs4555]

this is my 1st time watching. i like how you just go for it. always. farmer life is like that, i understand. i'm feeling better now, i just got thru painting my deck. well i still have to do the stairs. just feel like a wimp now, painting is not like hauling bales. but i did do my share of hauling bales in my teens. now i have no inclination for painting. i think i'd rather haul bales. until i saw this, lol

[@teenagefarmer]

@@dcs4555 yeah, painting is no fun at all. But moving bakes in the heat sucks to. We don't bale any hay on our farm. But I've helped my grandpa move so some.

[@paulg9004]

%good work. Let me make one observation from an experience standpoint. When you are stacking bales alternate the direction. This helps lock them in and makes the load much more stable. So if you do north to south on the first row do east to west on the second but offset 1/2 a bale so there are minimal seams and that will help lock in the load and make it much more stable. This may not be required with your 4 to 5 able height but when we did 10 rows high it was imperitive.

[@robertlong7033]

Indeed. Pattern stacking is about the only way it will stay on the wagon running on rough ground and over groundhog holes.

[@scottm-nc9451]

Yep.. guarantee the outer edges will fall off if not...its the only way we hauled hay was criss cross locking each tier.... 10 high on a hay wagons awful dang high ... That must of been a pretty big wagon ..shoot we never went over 6 on our 2tn truck and 5 on the wagons

[@ronsmith6233]

You went 10 high on a hay wagon? That would be 15' above the deck of the wagon. I'd like to see that. What type running gear did you have?

[@paulg9004]

It was a custom. I believe It used an old dump truck frame and rear axle that tied into one and went to a draw bar on a 1947/48 Farmall M. Thinking back it wasn't the best idea but it was the late 80s or early 90s. We survived with all limbs attached and no one lost an eye either... although one kid that was with us was knocked off the top of the wagon by a tree branch on the way to the barn. Thankfully it was off the back and it wasn't stacked straight there... he kind of rolled. We weren't allowed to ride on top after that.

[@kennycriswell141]

This is great advice and as I said in my comment run a one or two tie layer on top of your load to help lock your load together

[@joedorotik9159]

i am 82 now and it brought back a lot of memories to me i farmed small alfalfa farm in New Mexico and had international model 47 baler with a 4 cylinder Wisconsin engine mostly i worked alone but i did a lot of makeshift things like that too... hahaha very good video young man thanks for the memories!!!! i didn't have much money but i guess i was happy.. Thanks

[@williamwarnold6737]

Great job, love to see old machines do their job. I remember as a cub , sitting up on the top the load hay, on the public road. I don’t recall any big health and safety advice, about how to hold on . Greetings from Ireland, where the grass is always greener, well that’s what they told me as a gusson ( small boy) 😄

[@moegeek]

Wow. Memories of the chaff crusted with sweat on the back of my neck stacking bales from a very similar baler and an old Allis Chalmers when I was a kid. I sure did sleep well during baling season!

[@kevinelowsky4034]

5 bales instead of 4. Let them overhang slightly and you can tie the stack together.

[@jefffrayer8238]

Exactly. I've never seen it stacked like that before. But he didn't have many bales and working by himself so all is good. As a kid we went at least 7 high, about 120 bales on a wagon. I wonder if that wagon is a narrow bed like less than 7 foot.

[@ryanholt4210]

I would say that is a narrow rack

[@47kflory]

@@ryanholt4210 there's definitely room for 2 1/2 bales wide. Ties together a lot better that way too.

[@leolynchjr1021]

@@jefffrayer8238 , he couldn’t go any higher due to the height of the door when he was backing into his little barn.

[@larrycurrier290]

I've spent my share of time in the Hayfield. When the barn is that close why challenge yourself to see how many Bales you can put on that trailer. Seventy-something bails you going to make two trips anyway

[@chrisfuller2991]

The sound of the baler plunger rolling back and forth at idle and when up to speed brings me right back home to the farm I grew up on. Man do I miss those days! Thanks for the video!

[@davidnorton1020]

That's why I purchased a round baler. The last time I did square bales I had 1800 bales on the ground and none of the help I hired showed up. I had to take off work to finish hauling hay all by myself. I had the kicker on my John Deere that shot bales in the wagon but still had to unload and stack in the barn. I feel for you brother. Love your videos.

[@jamesstackhouse8882]

That’s some hard work my man. God Bless our Farmers.

[@kipcudd7253]

Glad your young enough to do that! We had a 24 acres of alfalfa, irrigated, 1200 to 1500 85 lb bales, 5 cuttings a year.

[@mmoats4294]

You have a great can do attitude. Many young folks these days don’t know how or want too work. You have a beautiful homestead many people can only dream about.

[@forcesightknight]

Ah, the good old days, bailing clover and alfalfa in the hot summer sun.

[@claudreindl7275]

My dad baled hay for my uncle. I used to drive the tractor and was about 7 years old. After 3 long days baling for my uncle, he gave me 50c for doing such a good job getting all the hay into the baler. The field was essentially bare, hardly any hay left on the ground. 50c seemed like pretty good money back then.

[@tomsmith2603]

When I was 7 tractor for my older brother an d cousin

[@tomsmith2603]

When I was 7 Yrs old I drove tractor for my older brother and cousin we started at 4am and quit about 2 to 4 pm . They got paid .04 to .05 cents per bale. I got paid $1 per day and ended up with $30 and spent it on a homemade scooter for $50 of which my dad paid the balance of $20 . I would guess I put about 500,000 miles on it untill one of my brother’s friends came out to the farm and burned the clutch on it his name was heavy and he weighed at least 200 lbs end of true story Tom Smith

[@tomsmith2603]

Oh I forgot to tell you I got all the cigarettes I wanted but had to inhale every puff.

[@tomherring9104]

I married a dairy farmers daughter and I used to bale the hay for him. His set-up had a kicker on the baler and the trailers, he had three of them, had sides on them so I could fill a trailer with bales and drop the trailer and hook up onto another and keep on going for a total of probably 400 or 500 bales before we had to unload the wagons. The only time we had to handle the bales was when we unloaded them onto the conveyor. The weighed about 75 pounds apiece so handling them once was enough.

[@georgebongert2424]

I'm retired now, and I remember baling hay alone myself, and it didn't take me very long to find someone willing to drive the tractor to save time, and eliminate my having to run back and forth between the tractor and wagon to stack the bales. Baling hay in this manner is counter productive.

[@Redlinesixtynine]

Yeah, but if you are a retired farmer, you'll remember..rain might be coming tomorrow..gotta get er done! no matter how sometimes.

[@zeviono4562]

This is straight out of a New Zealand farm of the 60's. You're what we call a good keen man...

[@joelbuyno5500]

If it was me, I would put some 2x4 or 2x6 on the side of the wagon to help keep those bale's from falling off

[@davidangelamelcher9591]

Many's the day I spent on a hay wagon on grandpa's farm with a hay hook in each hand and bucking bales. My muscles ache just thinking about it.

[@mr.d3200]

That's alot of work for one man. You remind me of my grandpa. Hats off sir.

[@LimestoneCoastCustoms]

I have soooo "been there, done that!" One of the best things I did in the early days was make a hitch that towed the trailer straight, then when I un hooked & flipped it over it offset the trailer. When bailing on my own (which I often did) it made the world of difference. I often bailed 350 to 400 bales at a time (2 trailers full) with no help. Yes, the hot days can be a bummer but more often than not, I bailed at night before the dew hit to retain as much leaf as possible. I tried to avoid raking in the middle of the day for the same reason. Ahhh, the nights of bailing flat out trying to beat a thunderstorm & breaking shear bolts in the process. Good times! Thanks for the video, you have brought back so many memories of good (but some times bad) days/nights.

[@danielscheller2275]

Been there done that but a kid in the seat would really help you.

[@donadams8831]

When I was a boy this is exactly the way we bailed our hay. We used two wagons and then a conveyor to load into the hay loft.

[@dukebass4564]

When I was a kid my friend and I used to get loaned out to several of the neighbors during bailing season. Alfalfa was the main hey in my area. Twice a year!

[@dennisprice8798]

So great to see you loading hay old school. With all the modern equipment it was great to see you tackling that field by your self. When I was young after bailing, one friend drove the flat bed truck, another stacked the hay on the truck and the third guy bucked the bails from the ground to the truck...whew.

[@jeffbrown3963]

Another cool thing I learned about stacking hay: no matter how hot it is leave your shirt ON. Otherwise it looks like you were in a knife fight with 100 people! Hard lesson ! Lol

[@jeanlarose2343]

We bailed hay like that when I was 15 . I am 73 now. It worked very well.

[@jimmorris1002]

I am retired, but we actually had the same set-up, but only with a bale-thrower. Long story about those days!

[@peggysizemore4207]

exhausting work but this will be the best yrs of your life.....farmers of any size are awesome people, I salute you all!

[@KCAATV]

You deserve a standing ovation for that performance. I never tried to bale, load, stack and haul hay at the same time, (by myself) but I was trying to bale 1,000 or more bales a day. Here are my "Mr. Know It All" tips for the day. If you drove in the opposite direction when you bale, you would always be turning into the center of your trailer with the bale shoot. You can also offset your baler tongue too. Also, the last hay to dry is the inner part of the thicker stems. A good rule of thumb is to grab both hands full of hay and rotate your hands against each other, sort of like a rotating crank shaft and if you don't get moisture on your hands, the hay is plenty dry. I am concerned that you did not leave the bottom hay exposed long enough after raking it a second time. The "old school" in my mid 20th century brain does not trust the moisture tester. Alfalfa will go through a heat and it can spoil in the center while appearing perfect.

[@robertheinkel6225]

My dad and uncle, along with the kids would average 1,000 bales a day. Two person crew on the baler, one hauling, and two mowing with one unloading. Cut and rake in the morning, bale in the afternoon, then milk the cows and repeat.

[@farmergirlofchickens8779]

We did the same set up because my Dad only had girls. At 10 and 12 yrs old we’d ride the trailer and drag the bales into place. Occasionally Dad would stop and stack higher. We were lucky at the barn because he bought us a hay conveyor. Tea break! Good job.

[@chrispileski6640]

I don't know how old you are, but I'm 56 and I find that the older I get, the harder it is to keep hydrated. I can easily go through a couple gallons of water a day.

[@pancakebrunk]

I'm 33 and I go through water like it's my job

[@mikekleven8130]

I did this all the time when I was a kid...all aspects of farming... I wish I was still on the farm I sure do miss those days

[@robertlong7033]

This is why farmers used to have at least 6 kids preferably as many boys a possible. Together they represent the most reliable form of cheap labor available until they realize that they have to get to a better place and leave. A couple things to keep in mind. Cases have a slower running engine but can still easily make 540RPM on the PTO but at a lower engine RPM. Secondly the NH 78 is an up sized version of the standard NH 68. it can gobble down huge windrows . Trying to work a farm and a full time off farm job will make you an old man before your time. I did it and I'm physically paying for it now.

[@PablosOutdoorProjects]

6 to 8 years before there of any use though, multi thousand dollar investment for some “free labour”

[@kevinleonard62]

Back in the day rearing children was cheaper and with economy of scale... I've 6 brothers and we grew up on a small farm

[@kevinklepp5894]

Wow good times and good memories used to do that all the time had a good friend who's family had a farm and spent my summer on the farm how I mis doing that thank you for sharing that with us

[@bavariabearfan]

LOL, I am drinking Ice Tea watching you bale! During your break I refilled my glass too!

[@fazulyasin1321]

Thank for all the effort you put into it , helpful learning, let it be pleasant for you.

[@richardwilkens4577]

You should look into an umbrella canopy for the tractor would be alot cooler on hot days

[@augustreil]

Now that's an awesome idea RICHARD !

[@perleycarmichael5498]

Fun to watch you! In 1960 Mom and Dad bought “the farm”. What fun, complicated, educational, and hard. We started the first year, Dad cut with a scythe, turned the hay with forks, and the threw the hay into mow with forks. Eventually, used your hay pickup behind trailer, adding hay in the mow utilizing rope and horses pulling off trailer. Then your New Holland bailer, with Farmal H tractor. You looked great…hard to stay ahead the knotter 🥴 My kid brother works the farm, still haying! Lots of work…You have a nice smile 😊. Must be the camera😂. Last time I cut the hay, the mowing cutter broke in two. 1:30 drive for parts! Have to say, the best way to grow up. Mom and Dad were loving teachers 😀

[@stephenneat4277]

You should drive counter clock wise. Plus put a layer of 5 down on the bottom. 2 turned sideways 1 straight down the middle of the wagon then 2 more turned sideways . Then next layer outside bale turned straight down wagon then 4 sideways. Alternating the next layer opposite of the second layer. This locks all bales in so they can’t fall. Plus allows more bales on the wagon.

[@billmcillwraith6155]

This brought a lot of memories back , used to help uncle once in awhile with the same equipment, except twine

[@JasonSpitzMI50]

Trial and error is the mother of invention.

[@teresapratt30]

This is a prime example of farming. A lot of physical work, sometimes alone in the days heat. Great Job on facing new things that can be dangerous. Farming is every bit that, but we love what we do. Love the video. Enjoyed watching and I learned something. The rpm's can make a difference

[@russellegolf9457]

I’ve done this a few times and my neighbor saw me and came over to help.

[@richardmiller3919]

Good attitude!

[@joshuabailey7428]

God bless you sir and all that you do! We need more men like you... Honest hard working TRUE AMERICAN MEN... I am so so very proud of you, keep up the good work... It is God's work SIR