5 Reasons to Use a Bale Baron

If you’ve ever spent a long, hot day picking up small square bales by hand, you’ll know just how gruelling the hay season can be. Labour-intensive, time-consuming, and hard on the back, the old method just doesn’t cut it anymore.

Enter the Bale Baron. This piece of Canadian-engineered equipment is changing the way Australian farmers handle, stack, and transport hay. Instead of lifting thousands of small bales manually, the Bale Baron bundles them into compact, easy-to-move packs, also known as Baron Packs.

Whether you’re producing hay for horses, chaff cutters, or selling to the premium small-bale market, this machine could save you serious time, labour, and storage space.

Let’s break down what a Baron Pack is, how a Bale Baron works, and five key reasons it might be worth the investment.

What is a Baron Pack of Hay?

A Baron Pack is a large, compact unit made by bundling 18 or 21 small square bales together using a machine called the Bale Baron. These packs are held tightly with twine and stay neat, stackable, and easy to move with a loader or forklift.

The Bale Baron was developed by Marcrest Industries and is now widely used by hay contractors and large-scale producers across Australia.

Each pack can be:

• Loaded in minutes instead of hours
• Transported in bulk without loose bales flying off
• Stored in tighter stacks, freeing up valuable shed space

A standard 21-bale pack can weigh around 500–550kg depending on crop moisture and bale density.

What size is a Bale Baron?

There are two main types of Bale Barons:

• Pull-type models (like the 5250T): towed behind a baler
• Stationary models (like the 5250P): fed by a bale accumulator or conveyor

Each machine produces bundles of either 18 or 21 small square bales, with each individual bale typically around 14” x 18” (36cm x 46cm). When packed, the full bundle measures approximately:

• Height: 95 cm
• Width: 140 cm
• Length: 235 cm

These dimensions are designed to fit neatly in trucks, containers, or export pallets.

Some models can pack up to 1,000 bales per hour, ideal for high-output operations.

5 Reasons to Use a Bale Baron for Hay

1. Save time and labour

Manually picking up thousands of small bales is exhausting, slow, and requires a big crew. The Bale Baron automates the bundling process so you only handle one pack instead of 21 loose bales.

• Reduces handling time by up to 80 percent
• Requires fewer staff during baling season
• Minimises fatigue and injury risk

“We used to need 5 people on the ground. Now it’s 2, and the job’s done quicker.” – Goulburn Valley hay contractor

2. Easy storage and transport

Once bundled, Baron Packs are far easier to stack and move using forklifts, telehandlers, or bale spears.

• No more loose stacks toppling in the shed
• Packs load neatly into trucks or containers
• Easier loading for domestic delivery or export

Whether you’re moving hay across the paddock or across the country, bundled packs keep everything compact and secure.

3. Space-saving design

Traditional small square bales are bulky when stacked loosely. By packaging 18–21 bales into one unit, you make better use of your shed, truck or pallet space.

• Reduces shed space needed per tonne
• Minimises wasted air gaps in stacks
• More efficient storage for large-scale operations

This is especially useful for horse hay suppliers who need to deliver high-quality small squares in bulk, with tidy presentation and storage ease.

4. Boost productivity and throughput

If you’re producing large volumes of hay, every minute counts. Bale Barons keep pace with high-output small square balers and feed seamlessly into loading logistics.

• Works alongside inline or conventional balers
• Packs hay on-the-go or in the shed (depending on model)
• Helps you make the most of narrow weather windows

Ideal for contractors, large farms, and export hay businesses where efficiency is everything.

5. Cost-effective over time

Yes, a Bale Baron is a serious investment, but the long-term savings are substantial.

• Cuts down manual labour costs
• Increases your hourly output
• Adds value to your hay by offering bundled, uniform packs

Some operators report earning over $100 more per tonne when selling bundled small bales to premium buyers who want clean, manageable hay without the hassle.

How many bales fit in a Baron Pack?

Depending on the model and configuration, a Bale Baron will produce:

• 18-bale packs (6 bales x 3 layers)
• 21-bale packs (7 bales x 3 layers)

Each pack is tied with twine and ready for immediate transport or stacking. Packs can be broken down easily when feeding out, but are durable enough to store long-term.

Final thoughts

The Bale Baron isn’t for everyone, but if you’re in the business of producing, supplying, or moving large volumes of small square hay bales, it’s a game-changer.

It saves time, reduces labour, streamlines your transport, and helps you present your product professionally. Whether you’re supplying racehorse stables, agistment farms, or export markets, Baron Packs give you a smarter way to move hay.

Want to see one in action? Watch the Bale Baron in the paddock

FAQs

1. How much does a Bale Baron cost? Prices vary depending on the model and dealer, but expect to invest between $130,000 and $180,000 AUD. Second-hand models are occasionally available through machinery dealers.
2. Can I run a Bale Baron with my existing tractor? Most models require a minimum 120–150 HP tractor, depending on configuration. PTO and hydraulic flow specs vary, check manufacturer requirements.
3. Is a Bale Baron suitable for lucerne or pasture hay? Yes, as long as bales are consistent in size and density, the machine handles lucerne, clover, ryegrass and cereal hay well.
4. Who manufactures the Bale Baron? The Bale Baron is built by Marcrest Industries, a Canadian manufacturer. In Australia, several ag equipment dealers stock or import them.
5. Can I buy parts or servicing support in Australia? Yes, parts and servicing are available through select dealers. Ensure you buy through an authorised reseller with ongoing support options.