Brand Name or Equal Requirement.docx

Brand Name or Equal Requirement

The USDA/NRCS Texas State Office has a requirement for a John Deere 458 Standard Round Baler or equal. In order to be determined an acceptable equal, minimum specifications that the trencher must meet are:

1. Bale monitor-controller with automatic electric tie option to allow operator to both monitor and control baler functions from the tractor cab..

2. Hay pickup must be mounted in front of the baler wheels, directly below bale chamber to maximize crop pickup. Hay pickup must be at least 45” wide.

3. Adjustable compressor rack to match the volume of material in windrow and should be easily removed to match crop conditions. .

4. Adjustable crank to position the pickup to the desired operating height to match crops or field condition.

5. Staggered belt rolls to enclose >90% of the bale width to reduce the loss of fine material such as seeds.

6. The baler must not exceed 12 ft in length in order to fit in our existing barn.

7. Bales can range between 3 and 5 feet in diameter, but cannot exceed 1,000 pounds in weight in order to be handled by our equipment.