Automatic steam control for small square balers.
AutoSTEAM connects your BestBale Pro system, Gazeeka Hay Hound, and compatible Staheli West steamer. Set your target moisture and let the system automatically manage steam as hay conditions change.
- Automatic steam adjustment
- Automatic row-end control
- Small square balers
Set your target moisture. AutoSTEAM handles the adjustments.
AutoSTEAM uses live Hay Hound readings to automatically control a compatible Staheli West steamer from the BestBale Pro system. Auto Mode is separate and controls bale weight when scales are installed.
A continuous feedback loop while you bale.
AutoSTEAM watches current moisture, compares it with your target, and responds as field conditions change.
Measure
The Gazeeka Hay Hound continuously supplies live hay-moisture readings.
Compare
The BestBale Pro system compares the live reading with the moisture target you selected.
Adjust
AutoSTEAM automatically changes steam output to help bring moisture back toward the target.
Start & Stop
The flake counter tells AutoSTEAM when hay is feeding so it can turn steam on at the beginning of each windrow and off at the end.
Baling with a steamer and BestBale scales.
See the BestBale system working in real baling conditions and how moisture and bale information come together from the tractor seat.
Watch directly on YouTube →More consistency. Less operator workload.
Conditions can change across a field and throughout a long baling window. AutoSTEAM keeps responding while the operator stays focused on the baler and windrow.
Automatically adjust steam output
Increase or reduce steam in response to live moisture readings instead of relying only on manual changes.
Hold a moisture target
Help keep hay closer to the moisture level selected on the Pro display.
Control row ends
Automatically stop steam when hay is no longer feeding and resume when the next windrow begins.
Reduce fatigue and guesswork
Spend less time watching and changing steam settings during long operating windows.
Work with BestBale Auto Mode
Pair moisture control with scales and Auto Mode to help manage both moisture and target bale weight.
What you need to run AutoSTEAM.
AutoSTEAM is a BestBale Pro feature. It relies on accurate moisture input, crop-flow information, and a compatible steamer connection.
Proper Hay Hound calibration and correct steamer setup are important for dependable automatic control.
- Small square baler with BestBale Pro AutoSTEAM is not available for Lite systems or round balers.
- Compatible Staheli West steamer Model, year, and installed updates must be verified.
- Gazeeka Hay Hound Provides the live moisture input used to control steam.
- Flake counter Provides crop-flow information for automatic start and stop control.
Built for Staheli West Steamers.
For small square balers equipped with BestBale Pro, AutoSTEAM supports the Staheli West 331, 432, and 632. The update requirements depend on the steamer model and, for the 331, its model year.
331
All model years can be prepared for AutoSTEAM. Required updates depend on the steamer year.
432
Requires a Staheli West software update. No AutoSTEAM hardware updates are required.
632
Requires a Staheli West software update. No AutoSTEAM hardware updates are required.
| Steamer year or model | AutoSTEAM status and requirements |
|---|---|
| 331 — 2024 and newer |
Compatible Requires a software update from Staheli West. No burner, burner-solenoid, or pseudo-ground updates are required. |
| 331 — 2023 and older |
Compatible after required updates
Requires a burner update, burner-solenoid update, pseudo ground, and a software update from Staheli West. |
| 432 and 632 — all years |
Compatible These models only require a software update from Staheli West. No AutoSTEAM hardware updates are required. |
| 6110 / 6210 |
Not compatible
These models cannot be upgraded for AutoSTEAM. |
Before ordering: Have your steamer model, model year, and serial number available. BestBale can confirm the exact updates and components your system needs.
Purchase with the Pro Series.
AutoSTEAM can be included with a new compatible BestBale Pro system or reviewed as an upgrade for an existing Pro-equipped baler.
Identify your equipment
Gather the baler make and model plus the Staheli West model, year, and serial number.
Confirm requirements
BestBale will verify your Pro system, Hay Hound, flake counter, and the updates required for your Staheli West steamer.
Build or upgrade
Build a compatible Pro kit online or contact BestBale for help adding AutoSTEAM to an existing setup.
A few things to know.
Do I need BestBale scales to use AutoSTEAM?
No. AutoSTEAM uses the Gazeeka Hay Hound for moisture input and a flake counter for crop-flow information. Scales are needed for BestBale Auto Mode, which controls bale density and target weight.
Can I still operate my steamer manually?
Yes. A compatible steamer can still be operated manually. AutoSTEAM adds automatic moisture-based adjustment and automatic control at windrow ends.
Why is the Gazeeka Hay Hound required?
The Hay Hound supplies the live moisture reading AutoSTEAM needs to decide whether to increase, decrease, or maintain steam output.
Can AutoSTEAM be used with a round baler?
No. AutoSTEAM is designed only for small square balers equipped with a compatible BestBale Pro Series system.
Is AutoSTEAM available with a BestBale Lite kit?
No. AutoSTEAM is available through the BestBale Pro platform because it requires Pro control hardware and software.
Ready to make steam control automatic?
Tell us what baler and Staheli West steamer you have. We’ll help confirm compatibility and what your setup needs.