LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Opportunities to find and learn about new equipment, products and technology always are plentiful at the National Farm Machinery Show, and the 2025 edition was no exception.

Among the new products unveiled by Hesston by Massey Ferguson was the SB.1436DB small, square, double baler.

Producing two rows of bales per field pass, doubling the output over a single baler producing 14-by-18-inch bales, this baler delivers higher performance, bale consistency and industry-leading uptime to help commercial hay producers meet today’s demands.

“The SB.1436DB is built to meet the needs of modern hay producers who face increasing pressure from labor shortages, tight harvest windows and demanding quality standards,” Dane Mosel, marketing manager, Hesston by Massey Ferguson said in a press release.

“With its heavy-duty design and groundbreaking technology, this baler helps operators achieve better efficiency and superior results, reducing costs while increasing profitability.”

By producing two rows of bales per pass, the SB.1436DB effectively doubles capacity, reducing the need for additional labor, equipment and fuel. The 105-inch pickup width, the widest width in the high-capacity small square baler industry, improves field efficiency and reduces labor needs by optimizing movement of hay into the baler.

The baler features the SimplEbale system, an advanced electronic monitoring and control system that automates critical baling processes. SimplEbale ensures consistent bale density, weight and dimensions, allowing operators to focus on overall productivity. From the cab, operators can monitor flake thickness, flake count, bale length and bale weight in real time, ensuring maximum throughput. SimplEbale also eliminates common operator errors that reduce productivity.

Marketing Manager Jessica Williamson said the real-time information includes informing the operator if they should be driving faster or slower to maximize productivity.

“With a target of 40 pounds and 12 flakes per two-tie bale, an operator can lose 71 bales per hour and 1.43 tons per hour of productivity by just averaging two extra flakes per bale,” Mosel said.

“This can cost over eight hours of additional baling time. SimplEbale eliminates this issue by automating bale production, helping operators achieve better results.”

Operating at 90 strokes per minute with a 21.9-inch stroke length, the SB.1436DB requires a 1000 rpm PTO, a minimum of 120 PTO horsepower and a minimum tractor weight of 11,000 pounds.

The MF SB.1436DB delivers bales with uniform density, shape and size, a hallmark of Hesston® balers, and sets a new standard for hay marketability. Hay is conveyed into a single 14-by-36-inch chamber and separated via an advanced splitting knife to create individual 14-by-18-inch bales. From there, it passes through a common density system that ensures consistent compression. Independent knotter trips on either side of the baling chamber allow for precise bale lengths, even in variable windrow conditions. Completed bales are dropped through the bale chute into independent rows, simplifying handling and transport.

The key to the SB.1436DB is the independent knotter trip, as it improves bale length consistency regardless of windrow variability by independently tying each bale to a preset length from 24 to 52 inches, allowing for a more standard product despite windrow or operator inconsistency.

This innovative process guarantees dense, well-formed bales that retain their nutritional value and stack easily for storage or transportation. The SB.1436DB consistently produces bales that meet the highest market standards, enhancing customer satisfaction and operational reputation.

The Hesston SB.1436DB is engineered to keep operators in the field longer. Its increased twine capacity holds up to 20 balls, allowing up to 8,000 bales before refilling – double the capacity of comparable balers, Williamson said. The SimplEbale system includes automated knotter lubrication, reducing the need for frequent manual maintenance and ensuring consistent performance.

For more information on the SB.1436DB small square baler or other Hesston by Massey Ferguson hay and forage tools, masseyferguson.com.