{"id":1279,"date":"2026-08-21T08:23:55","date_gmt":"2026-08-21T08:23:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/small-square-hay-bale-dimensions-and-weight-chart-complete-reference-for-all-crops\/"},"modified":"2026-08-21T08:23:55","modified_gmt":"2026-08-21T08:23:55","slug":"small-square-hay-bale-dimensions-and-weight-chart-complete-reference-for-all-crops","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/nl\/small-square-hay-bale-dimensions-and-weight-chart-complete-reference-for-all-crops\/","title":{"rendered":"Small Square Hay Bale Dimensions and Weight Chart: Complete Reference for All Crops"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Reference Data \u00b7 9YF Series \u00b7 Updated August 2026<\/p>\n

Small Square Hay Bale Dimensions and Weight Chart<\/h1>\n

All 9YF series square balers produce a 460mm \u00d7 360mm cross-section bale<\/strong>. Bale weight ranges from 14kg for light dry straw to 32kg for maximum-density first-cut alfalfa, depending on the density spring setting and bale length. This page provides the complete reference for bale dimensions, weight by crop, handling limits and market weight specifications \u2014 in a format designed for quick field and purchasing decisions.<\/p>\n

Covers: standard dimensions \u00b7 weight by crop table \u00b7 density and length interaction \u00b7 handling weight limits \u00b7 market specifications \u00b7 format comparison<\/p>\n

\n View 9YF Square Baler Bale Size Specifications<\/a>
\n Ask About Bale Weight for Your Market<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Quick Answer<\/div>\n

Standard small square bale cross-section (all 9YF models): 460mm wide \u00d7 360mm tall.<\/strong> Bale length is operator-adjustable via the star wheel metering device \u2014 typically set between 400mm and 700mm. Weight is determined by bale length combined with the density spring setting and the crop being baled.<\/p>\n

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Cross-section:<\/strong> 460 \u00d7 360 mm<\/div>\n
Typical length:<\/strong> 400\u2013700 mm<\/div>\n
Weight range:<\/strong> 14\u201332 kg<\/div>\n
Horse market target:<\/strong> 18\u201322 kg<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Standard 9YF Bale Cross-Section Dimensions<\/h2>\n

Every 9YF series model \u2014 from the entry-level 9YF-1700 to the dual-shredder 9YFS-2.2 \u2014 produces bales with an identical cross-section: 460mm wide \u00d7 360mm tall<\/strong>. This dimension is fixed by the bale chamber design and does not change with model, density setting or crop type. What varies between bales is the length (controlled by the star wheel meter) and the density (controlled by the tension spring setting), which together determine the bale weight.<\/p>\n

\"9YF-2200<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Dimension<\/th>\nStandard Value<\/th>\nAdjustable?<\/th>\nHow It Is Controlled<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Breedte<\/td>\n460 mm<\/td>\nNee<\/td>\nFixed by bale chamber width. Identical across all 9YF models.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Height<\/td>\n360 mm<\/td>\nNee<\/td>\nFixed by bale chamber height. Identical across all 9YF models.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lengte<\/td>\n400\u2013700 mm (typical)<\/td>\nJa<\/td>\nStar wheel metering device \u2014 rotates as the bale grows and triggers the knotter at the set bale length.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Density (hardness)<\/td>\nLow to High<\/td>\nJa<\/td>\nTension spring adjustment. Higher tension = harder bale, higher weight at the same length setting.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

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Bale Weight by Crop \u2014 Complete Reference Table<\/h2>\n

Bale weight for the same 460\u00d7360mm cross-section varies significantly by crop because different materials compress to different densities under the same plunger force. The figures below assume a standard bale length of 450\u2013500mm and a medium-to-high density spring setting \u2014 representative of commercial hay baling conditions. Shorter bales at minimum density will weigh less; longer bales at maximum tension will weigh more.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Gewas \/ Materiaal<\/th>\nLight Setting<\/th>\nMedium Setting<\/th>\nHeavy Setting<\/th>\nPrimary Market<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Tarwe-\/gerststro<\/td>\n12\u201316 kg<\/td>\n16\u201320 kg<\/td>\n20\u201326 kg<\/td>\nBedding, mushroom substrate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Gemengd grashooi<\/td>\n14\u201318 kg<\/td>\n18\u201322 kg<\/td>\n22\u201326 kg<\/td>\nHorses, cattle, goats, sheep<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Timothy hay (horse market)<\/td>\n16\u201320 kg<\/td>\n18\u201322 kg<\/td>\n22\u201326 kg<\/td>\nPremium horse hay \u2014 18\u201322 kg is the standard horse market target<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bermudagras hooi<\/td>\n16\u201320 kg<\/td>\n18\u201324 kg<\/td>\n24\u201328 kg<\/td>\nHorse, cattle, export (Japan\/Korea)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Orchard grass \/ fescue<\/td>\n16\u201320 kg<\/td>\n20\u201324 kg<\/td>\n24\u201328 kg<\/td>\nHorse hay, dairy roughage<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Alfalfa \u2014 2nd \/ 3rd cut<\/td>\n18\u201322 kg<\/td>\n22\u201326 kg<\/td>\n26\u201330 kg<\/td>\nDairy, performance horses<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Luzerne \u2014 eerste snede, volle tribune<\/td>\n20\u201324 kg<\/td>\n24\u201328 kg<\/td>\n28\u201332 kg<\/td>\nDairy \u2014 may exceed one-person manual handling limit above 25 kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Corn stover (bedding \/ feed)<\/td>\n16\u201320 kg<\/td>\n20\u201324 kg<\/td>\n24\u201328 kg<\/td>\nCattle bedding, bioenergy feedstock<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Figures assume bale length 450\u2013500mm. Weight increases proportionally with length \u2014 a 600mm bale is approximately 20% heavier than a 500mm bale at the same density setting and crop. Verify target weight by weighing the first 5 bales of each session when switching crops or density settings.<\/p>\n

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How Bale Length and Density Setting Interact to Determine Weight<\/h2>\n

Bale weight is the product of two independently adjustable variables: bale length and density. Understanding how they interact allows precise targeting of a specific bale weight for a specific market, regardless of crop variation within a session.<\/p>\n

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Bale Length (Star Wheel Setting)<\/div>\n

The star wheel metering device counts plunger strokes and triggers the knotter at the set point. Increasing the stroke count before triggering produces a longer bale. For a given density, weight increases linearly with length \u2014 a 600mm bale is approximately 20% heavier than a 500mm bale of the same crop and density.<\/p>\n

Typical range: 400\u2013700mm length. Some models allow up to 900mm for specific applications.<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Density Spring Tension<\/div>\n

The density tension spring controls the resistance the chamber presents to the forming bale \u2014 higher tension means the plunger must work harder on each stroke to advance the bale, compressing it more tightly. Higher tension produces a heavier bale at the same length setting. Adjustable via the externally accessible tension screw on all 9YF models.<\/p>\n

Effect on weight: changing from minimum to maximum tension typically adds 20\u201335% to bale weight at the same length setting.<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Practical Calibration Method<\/div>\n

Begin each crop or season with the density at medium and the star wheel at a moderate length setting. Weigh the first 5 bales and compare to target. If too light: increase tension first (one position at a time) \u2014 avoid increasing length if the bales are already at the upper handling weight for your team. If too heavy: reduce tension first, then reduce length if needed. After any density or length adjustment, weigh another 3 bales before declaring the setting stable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Manual Handling Weight Limits and Market Specifications<\/h2>\n

\"small<\/p>\n

The practical upper limit for consistent one-person manual handling of small square bales is approximately 22\u201325kg. Above this range, two-person handling or mechanical assistance (bale elevator, front loader) becomes necessary for safe and sustainable operation. Many market specifications are set with this handling limit in mind \u2014 horse hay buyers who stack their own hay are particularly weight-sensitive.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Market \/ Buyer Type<\/th>\nTarget Bale Weight<\/th>\nReason for Specification<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Premium horse hay (equine specialty)<\/td>\n18\u201322 kg<\/td>\nOne-person handling for barn stacking. Horse owners typically stack and feed individually.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rabbit hay \/ pet markets<\/td>\n14\u201318 kg<\/td>\nSmaller quantity per feeding. Lighter bales reduce waste from opened bales.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dairy farm (alfalfa \/ mixed)<\/td>\n22\u201328 kg<\/td>\nMechanical handling standard. Higher weight per bale reduces bale count and handling cost per tonne.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cattle roughage \/ bedding<\/td>\n20\u201328 kg<\/td>\nFront loader feeding standard. Weight tolerance higher \u2014 cattle producers buy by the tonne.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Japan \/ Korea export (bermudagrass \/ timothy)<\/td>\n18\u201322 kg<\/td>\nStrict dimensional and weight specifications from importers. Moisture below 17%. Consistent weight required for container load calculations.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Goats \/ sheep \/ alpacas<\/td>\n16\u201320 kg<\/td>\nLighter bales suit small-volume daily feeding. Reduces opened-bale waste on small properties.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

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Small Square vs Large Square vs Round Bale Format Comparison<\/h2>\n

\"round<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Formaat<\/th>\nCross-Section<\/th>\nTypisch gewicht<\/th>\nPrimary Advantage<\/th>\nPrimary Limitation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Small square (9YF)<\/td>\n460 \u00d7 360 mm<\/td>\n14\u201332 kg<\/td>\nManual handling. Precise daily feed control. Horse market premium.<\/td>\nHigher labour per tonne than large formats.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Large square (Hesston type)<\/td>\n800 \u00d7 900 mm
1,200 \u00d7 900 mm<\/td>\n		300\u2013600 kg<\/td>\nLow labour per tonne. Efficient transport. Stackable.<\/td>\nRequires heavy handling equipment. Not suited to horse or small livestock markets.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Round (9YQ series)<\/td>\n870\u20132,300 mm dia.<\/td>\n100\u20131,000 kg<\/td>\nRange of sizes for different farm scales. Good weather resistance with net wrap.<\/td>\nNot suitable for manual handling above 870mm diameter. Lower outdoor weathering resistance than small squares per unit volume.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n


\n\"9YF<\/p>\n

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PTO Drive for Consistent Bale Density Across All Crops<\/h3>\n
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\n \"agricultural
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

PTO shaft specifications for consistent bale density across all 9YF models: agricultural gearbox and PTO shaft specifications for square balers<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Consistent bale density depends on a stable 540rpm PTO throughout the session. PTO speed fluctuation \u2014 from an under-powered tractor or a worn driveshaft \u2014 causes variable compression per stroke and produces bales of inconsistent weight, even when the density spring setting has not changed. For operations where bale weight consistency is a buyer requirement, verify PTO shaft HP rating and CV joint condition annually. Full sizing guide: PTO driveshaft torque rating and CV joint angle guide for balers<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Frequently Asked Questions \u2014 Small Square Hay Bale Dimensions and Weight<\/h2>\n
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\nWhat is the standard size of a small square hay bale?+<\/span><\/summary>\n
The standard small square hay bale cross-section in the US market is 460mm wide \u00d7 360mm tall \u2014 this is the dimension produced by all 9YF series models and is the most widely used format for horse hay, rabbit hay and small livestock markets. The bale length (depth) varies by operator setting, typically 400\u2013700mm. The final weight depends on the combination of bale length, density spring tension and the crop being baled, ranging from 14kg for light dry straw to 32kg for maximum-density first-cut alfalfa.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
\nHow much does a standard small square bale of hay weigh?+<\/span><\/summary>\n
A standard small square hay bale weighs between 14kg and 32kg depending on the crop, density setting and bale length. The most common commercial weight target for horse hay is 18\u201322kg, which is manageable by one person for barn stacking and meets most horse buyer preferences. Dairy hay bales are typically set heavier at 22\u201328kg because mechanical handling is standard on dairy farms. Straw bales are typically lighter at 14\u201320kg due to the lower bulk density of straw compared to leafy hay crops. Export market specifications (Japan, Korea) require 18\u201322kg with strict moisture tolerances.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
\nCan I adjust the bale weight on a 9YF square baler?+<\/span><\/summary>\n
Yes \u2014 bale weight is adjustable through two independent controls. The density spring tension sets how hard the plunger compresses each charge of crop \u2014 increasing tension produces heavier bales at the same length. The star wheel metering device sets the bale length before the knotter fires \u2014 a longer length setting produces more plunger strokes per bale and therefore a heavier bale. To hit a specific target weight: first set the density to a medium position, run 5 calibration bales, weigh them, then adjust length or tension in small increments until the average of 5 consecutive bales reaches the target. Weigh bales with a digital hanging scale at the field edge \u2014 precision matters for markets with strict weight specifications.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
\nWhat bale weight does the Japanese hay export market require?+<\/span><\/summary>\n
Japanese hay importers typically specify 18\u201322kg bale weight for small square bermudagrass and timothy hay, along with moisture below 17%, ash content below 2% and net wrap packaging. The weight specification exists primarily for container load optimization \u2014 a consistent bale weight allows accurate calculation of the number of bales per container and the total container weight relative to shipping limits. Bales outside the specified weight range \u2014 heavier or lighter \u2014 can cause container overweight issues or reduce shipping efficiency per container. Confirm your specific buyer weight specification before production as individual buyer contracts may have tighter tolerances within this general range.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
\nWhy do bales from the same field vary in weight?+<\/span><\/summary>\n
Bale weight variation within a field is normal and expected \u2014 the primary cause is windrow density variation. Sections of the field with more material per metre of windrow (thicker growth, overlapping rake passes or convergence points) deliver more crop per plunger stroke, producing heavier bales at the same density setting. Sections with thinner windrows produce lighter bales. Other contributing factors include: operator forward speed changes (higher speed in thin sections produces lighter bales), moisture variation across the field at baling time, and any PTO speed fluctuation from terrain or tractor load changes. The typical acceptable variation is 10\u201315% around the target weight. Variation above 20% indicates either windrow formation is very inconsistent or the PTO speed is fluctuating during the session.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
\nIs 25kg too heavy for one person to handle a hay bale?+<\/span><\/summary>\n
Health and safety guidelines in the US generally recommend a maximum of 22\u201325kg for consistent one-person lifting at waist height. A 25kg bale is at the upper limit of what most adults can safely handle repeatedly during a full barn-stacking session. The challenge with hay bales is the handling geometry \u2014 the bale twine provides a handle but the load is wide and extends away from the body, increasing the effective leverage load on the spine beyond what a 25kg symmetrical weight would represent. For operations where all bale handling is done by one person: target 18\u201322kg maximum. For operations with two people stacking, or where a bale elevator is used, bales up to 30kg are practical. Dairy farms using mechanical feeders have no handling weight concern and often prefer 26\u201330kg bales to reduce bale count per tonne fed.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
\nHow does moisture content affect bale weight?+<\/span><\/summary>\n
Bale weight increases with moisture content because water adds mass to the hay without adding dry matter nutritional value. A bale of hay at 20% moisture is approximately 5% heavier than the same bale of the same hay at 14% moisture \u2014 the additional weight is water that will evaporate during storage or heating. Buyers who pay per bale rather than per tonne of dry matter are essentially paying for water in wetter bales. Export buyers who pay per tonne and specify moisture below 17% are protecting themselves from paying for excess water weight. For producers: baling at the lower end of the safe moisture range (14\u201315% rather than 17\u201318%) produces slightly lighter bales per unit dry matter, which may require a small upward adjustment in density or length to maintain the target bale weight.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
\nHow many small square bales fit on a standard flatbed trailer?+<\/span><\/summary>\n
A standard 20-foot flatbed trailer (6.1m long \u00d7 2.4m wide) holds approximately 100\u2013120 small square bales stacked 4\u20135 layers high, depending on bale length and stacking pattern. At 20kg per bale, this represents 2,000\u20132,400kg of hay \u2014 well within the rated capacity of most farm trailers. A 40-foot flatbed holds 200\u2013250 bales at the same stacking height. For road transport: verify that the trailer gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is not exceeded \u2014 a fully loaded 20-foot trailer at 2,400kg of hay plus trailer weight (typically 1,200\u20131,800kg) requires a tow vehicle rated for 3,600\u20134,200kg total trailer weight. Net wrap on round bales does not apply to small square bale transport calculations \u2014 twine-tied small square bales are stable in stacked transport without additional restraint in most loading configurations.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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Ready to Set the Right Bale Weight for Your Market?<\/p>\n

Tell us your target bale weight, crop type and buyer market and we will confirm the correct density and length settings for the right 9YF square baler model<\/a> for your operation.<\/p>\n

\n Get Bale Weight Settings for Your Target Market<\/a>
\n Compare 9YF Square Baler Bale Capacity by Model<\/a>\n <\/div>\n

America Ever-Power Forage Baler Equipment INC. \u00b7 1401 21st ST STE R, Sacramento, CA 95811<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Redacteur: Cxm<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Reference Data \u00b7 9YF Series \u00b7 Updated August 2026 Small Square Hay Bale Dimensions and Weight Chart All 9YF series square balers produce a 460mm \u00d7 360mm cross-section bale. Bale weight ranges from 14kg for light dry straw to 32kg for maximum-density first-cut alfalfa, depending on the density spring setting and bale length. This page […]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1279","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-forage-baler"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1279","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1279"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1279\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1279"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1279"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1279"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}