If you're looking for a reliable machine that won't break the bank, the john deere 447 baler is probably already on your radar. It's one of those classic pieces of equipment that just keeps showing up in back fields and local auctions, and for good reason. It's not the newest thing on the lot, but when you've got hay on the ground and rain on the horizon, "new" doesn't matter nearly as much as "functional."
The 447 was part of a generation of balers that John Deere built to last. It's a 4x4 baler, meaning it produces round bales that are four feet wide and up to about four and a half feet tall. For a lot of smaller operations, hobby farmers, or folks who just need to put up some winter feed for a few head of cattle, this is the sweet spot. You don't need a massive, 200-horsepower tractor to run it, and the bales are a manageable size for moving around with a smaller loader or even a stout skid steer.
The Appeal of the 4x4 Bale Size
One of the biggest reasons people still hunt for a john deere 447 baler today is the bale size. Let's be real: not everyone needs those massive 5x6 bales that weigh as much as a small car. If you're feeding horses or working in tight barn lots, a 4x4 bale is much easier to handle.
The 447 creates a bale that typically weighs anywhere from 600 to 900 pounds, depending on how tight you crank the tension and how dry the hay is. This weight is perfect because it stays put in the wind but won't bury your tractor's front tires in the mud when you try to pick it up. Plus, the narrower width makes them easier to transport on a standard flatbed trailer without having to worry as much about "oversize" widths on narrow backroads.
Power Requirements and Hookups
Another thing that makes the john deere 447 baler a favorite is that it's relatively easy on your tractor. You can usually run one of these with a tractor in the 45 to 55 horsepower range. Obviously, if you're working on steep hills, you might want a little more weight in front of it to keep things stable, but it's not a power-hungry beast.
It hooks up with a standard 540 RPM PTO. Most of these machines you'll find on the used market come with a simple hydraulic setup—usually requiring two remotes, though some configurations might vary. It's a straightforward "hook up and go" kind of machine. You don't need a degree in computer science to get it synchronized with your tractor, which is a breath of fresh air compared to some of the high-tech stuff rolling off the assembly lines today.
Monitoring Your Bales
Let's talk about the BaleTrak system. Most john deere 447 baler units come equipped with either the standard BaleTrak or the BaleTrak Pro monitor. Now, don't expect a high-definition touchscreen with GPS integration. This is a rugged, old-school box with some buttons and basic indicators.
The beauty of the BaleTrak is its simplicity. It tells you when the bale is reaching its target size and when the twine or net wrap cycle starts. It's designed to be used by someone wearing work gloves who is bouncing around in a dusty cab. It's reliable, and if a sensor goes out, it's usually something a person with a bit of mechanical inclination can fix in the driveway rather than having to call out a specialized technician.
Twine vs. Net Wrap
Depending on which specific unit you stumble across, the john deere 447 baler might be set up for twine only, or it might have the net wrap option. If you have the choice, most guys these days prefer net wrap. It's just faster. You can wrap a bale and be back to baling in a fraction of the time it takes for the twine arm to make its rounds.
However, don't turn your nose up at a twine-only machine if it's in great shape. Twine is cheaper, and for some people, it's actually better for hay that's going to be stored inside. If the baler has been well-maintained, the twine system on the 447 is pretty robust. Just keep an eye on the twine cutters; they can get dull over time and start leaving "tails" that are annoying to deal with.
Maintenance and Common Issues
No machine is perfect, and the john deere 447 baler has its own set of things to watch out for. Since these machines have a bit of age on them, the first thing you want to check is the condition of the belts. If the belts are frayed or have "alligator" skin textures, you're looking at a replacement soon. Good belts are the secret to a tight, pretty bale.
Another thing to look at is the pickup teeth. It's common to see a few missing or bent, especially if the previous owner was baling in rocky soil. Replacing a few teeth isn't a big deal, but if the whole pickup assembly looks like it's been through a war, you might want to negotiate the price.
Also, keep an ear out for the bearings. When you're running the machine (unloaded, of course), it should have a steady hum. If you hear rhythmic clicking or grinding, you've probably got a bearing on its way out. The 447 is pretty easy to grease, but like any piece of farm equipment, if the previous owner didn't keep up with the grease gun, the bearings will be the first to let you know.
Why Buy Used?
You might be wondering why someone would buy a john deere 447 baler instead of just financing something new. Honestly, it comes down to the math. If you're only putting up 100 to 500 bales a year, a new baler is a massive expense that's hard to justify.
The 447 holds its value incredibly well. Because they are known for being simple and reliable, there is always a market for them. If you buy one today, use it for five years, and keep it undercover and greased, you can likely sell it for almost what you paid for it. It's a "safe" investment in the world of farm iron.
Tips for a Successful Hay Season
If you do end up bringing a john deere 447 baler home, here are a couple of pro tips. First, don't be afraid to adjust your ground speed. Sometimes people want to fly through the field, but this baler performs best when you give the pickup time to work. If you see hay bunching up in front of the rollers, slow down a gear.
Second, pay attention to your windrows. The 447 likes a consistent, flat windrow. If you've got "lumpy" windrows from a rake that was set too low or too high, your bales might come out looking a bit lopsided. A little extra care during the raking process will make the baling process go so much smoother.
Final Thoughts on the 447
At the end of the day, the john deere 447 baler represents a time when machines were built to be serviced by the people who owned them. It's a workhorse that doesn't demand much, other than some grease, some attention to the belts, and a reasonably dry place to sleep in the winter.
Whether you're just starting out or you're looking for a dependable backup machine, it's hard to go wrong with this model. It's green, it's tough, and it gets the job done without any unnecessary drama. And in the world of farming, "no drama" is just about the best thing you can ask for. So, if you see one for sale at a decent price, don't wait too long—someone else is probably looking at it right now for the exact same reasons.