Ibex Mini Round Balers: Bringing Economy and Efficiency to Pine Straw Production

At Tractor Tools Direct we specialize in small-farm hay equipment, but did you know that our Ibex Mini Round Balers are popular with pine straw producers too? Their compact size and maneuverability make them a perfect choice for harvesting straw between the narrow tree rows of a pine plantation. Read on to learn more about this alternative use for mini round balers.

The southeastern United States is home to countless acres of pine tree forests which are managed not only for their timber, but also for their needles. Evergreen trees such as pines go through an annual shed similar to their deciduous counterparts. The needles shed are baled and marketed for many uses including mulching gardens, landscaping, and controlling erosion.

Though traditionally most pine straw has been baled by hand with pine straw box balers such as the one pictured here, many producers are making the switch to mechanized tractor-powered balers. And while most people are accustomed to balers that produce square bales, many are finding that compact balers which produce small round bales are the most economical and efficient to use for pine straw production. They are also finding that mini round balers, with their compact size, are perfectly suited for maneuverability between tree rows in pine stands.

The features of Ibex Mini Round Balers that lend themselves to pine straw production are:

• Both TWINE and NET WRAP options available.
• Minimum HP for operation is 15 HP thus allowing the baler to be operated by compact tractors small enough to maneuver between tree rows.
• Capable of baling up to 100 bales per hour (120 for net wrap model).
• Adjustable bale density to meet customers' needs.
• In-line baling position allows the baler to fit between tree rows.

Mini round balers increase efficiency of production and, as a result, increase earnings. 

Every producer should go through the calculations to see if switching from manual baling to a mini round baler makes economic sense for them. The situations vary for each producer. Here are some guidelines:

• A mini round baler can average about 2 tons baled per hour, or 100-120 bales. This is the equivalent of about 270 square bales weighing 15 pounds each.
• One laborer with a 25-horsepower tractor and a mini round baler can produce 900 bales, or 16 tons, of baled pine straw in an 8-hour day. That’s the equivalent of about 2100 square bales.
• A mini round baler can bale as much as 25 humans baling by hand.

Our mini round balers come in both twine and net wrap models. 

When choosing between twine and net wrap options, pine straw producers should consider the amount of handling and the final destination of their product. If bales are simply being produced for bulk delivery to construction or landscaping companies, the more affordable twine option may be acceptable. If bales will be marketed to retail stores where more handling and a neater appearance is required, net wrap will likely be the better option. Also important to consider is the fact that net wrap balers can produce more bales per hour than twine since fewer rotations of the bale in the bale chamber are required to wrap a bale with net.

Mini round balers have become a fantastic option for pine straw operations seeking to increase their production and, as a result, their earnings. Who wouldn’t want that? If you are a pine straw producer and would like more information about our mini round balers and how they can improve your production efficiency and quality, please check out our website here, or give us a call at 1-260-225-3429 today!