BestBale™ Pro Series is compatible with Massey Ferguson (MF) 1838, 1839, 1840, 1841, 1842, 1842S, 1843S, 1844S, and other similar Case small square balers. BestBale™ Lite Series is more universal and is compatible with John Deere, New Holland, Case, Freeman, Hesston, and many others. For any other brand not explicitly listed, please reach out so we can discuss potential compatibility. We strive to keep our bale equipment solutions adaptable across different equipment, requiring minimal changes to get you up and running quickly. We know that farms have unique needs, and we aim to offer customized setups for each operation.
Our monitor is primarily designed for small square balers, where controlling flake count, bale weight, and baler pressure is critical. While we respect every method of hay production, our core focus—and the majority of our testing and customer success—has been with small square balers. The sensor layout and electronic control system are built to accommodate the mechanics of small squares, ensuring precise data and quick adjustments. Call us at (208) 993-1959 or email us at jared@bestbaleusa.com if you have any questions.
Yes. We designed the BestBale™ system to handle various forage materials, including alfalfa, grass, and straw. The key elements—plunger speed, bale ties, and flake counts—are relevant across many crop types. In general, our sensors adapt well to many different situations.
You generally need a tractor, a baler (small square, round, or large square), and optional add-on tools such as bale monitors or scales.
Baler equipment refers to the machinery and associated components used to compress hay or straw into compact, easy-to-handle bales. This can include the baler itself, pressure control devices, and monitoring systems like the BestBale™ kit.
Yes, we offer a 1-year parts warranty. Our primary goal is to keep customers satisfied and ensure they experience minimal downtime in the field. Each component—from the electronic control unit to our various sensors—is engineered for high durability and includes warranty coverage. We stand behind our brand as a reliable solution for bale monitoring and control.
We proudly offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee with no strings attached. If our BestBale™ system does not meet your expectations for any reason, you can send it back for a full refund. This is part of our commitment to quality and dependability. Your review of our product and service is important to us, and we want you to buy with complete confidence.
We currently offer two primary options: Lite Series (4.3" display) and Pro Series (7.1" display). The Lite Series focuses on essential data such as plunger speed, flake count, bale count, moisture content (Delmhorst pads only), and bale weight. The Pro Series offers more advanced information, including plunger speed, flake count, bale count, moisture content (Delmhorst pads or Gazeeka), bale weight, knotter lubrication, LED lighting, Wi-Fi and LTE monitoring, and more. Both options help farmers watch their bale parameters and make quick adjustments right from the tractor cab.
Our BestBale™ system uses multiple sensors to track plunger speed, bale ties, and (optionally) the true flake count. A bale tie sensor identifies each time a bale is tied, allowing the monitor to display an accurate field count. For pressure control, an advanced electronic control unit adjusts a hydraulic valve so operators can raise or lower baler pressure from the cab. Add-on options—like the scale system featuring auto mode—offer more comprehensive control to help farmers optimize bale weight and consistency without constantly leaving the seat.
Our scale kit is highly flexible and works for both small and large farms. Smaller farms can benefit by precisely weighing each bale to meet niche market requirements, while larger operations gain from high-volume, automated baling. The scale system helps keep track of bale quantity and consistency, regardless of operation size. You can customize your kit with additional features as your needs change.
The optional flake counter works off of the hay dog and tracks the number of flakes formed in each bale during compression. This is crucial for optimizing ground speed: too few flakes might mean you’re running too fast and risking mechanical strain, whereas too many flakes reduce throughput. Both the Lite and Pro Series kits are designed to accept the optional flake counter that counts only when hay is being fed into the chamber. This real-time data helps farmers find the perfect way to maximize productivity and reduce the risk of broken shear bolts or inconsistent bale density. If you do not wish to purchase the optional flake counter, the included stroke counter will function as the flake counter, counting each stroke as a "flake."
We designed the BestBale™ system installation to be straightforward and farmer-friendly. Simply mount the monitor in the cab, run the wiring harness the length of the baler, then bolt the sensor brackets and scale up to the baler using existing holes. Pro Series pressure adjustment valves are easily installed by replacing the manual valve with the electronic valve and adding an inline pressure transducer. Clear instructions and simple components make the process efficient, and our dedicated support team is always ready to assist.
Our auto pressure control streamlines the bale density adjustment by using a pressure transducer and a hydraulic valve linked to the electronic control unit. Simply set your desired pressure or target bale weight, and the system automatically adjusts chamber tension to maintain optimal settings. Eliminating constant manual adjustments saves time, improves consistency, and reduces operator fatigue. If an issue arises, the system can be easily removed, allowing you to revert back to your baler’s manual valve to finish the job.
We’ve designed the system for quick and easy fallback. If the electronic control or pressure system malfunctions, you can swap back to your baler’s original manual valve in minutes. This ensures you can keep working within your critical baling window. Our goal is to find ways to help you avoid downtime, not create it.
Yes, our products are modular and can be enhanced over time. You can start with a basic kit (either Lite or Pro Series) and add to it as you'd like. This modular approach helps farmers adapt as their needs change and budgets allow. Certain features are only available on the Pro Series kit, so be sure to check out our full product lineup.
In our testing, bales are often within ±1 lb of actual weight on the scale. Occasional deviations can be higher due to field conditions or varied hay density, but a 4–6 lb difference is relatively rare. The system also shows multiple recent bale weights on the monitor, as well as a running average for quick decision-making. This high level of accuracy allows farmers to sell by the pound with confidence.
Having a bale weight average means you can see trends over the last few bales—helping you make rapid adjustments for consistent bale production. If the average starts trending low, you can immediately adjust the pressure upward, or if it’s trending high, you can dial the pressure down. This real-time feedback helps maximize profitability and maintain uniform bale quality. Whether you’re selling by the bale or by the pound, the average is a valuable indicator of overall performance.
Yes, we have two remote options: The In Field Remote and Remote Plus Bale Monitors. The In Field Remote uses a WiFi system to transmit data to a nearby vehicle, with no annual fees. Our Remote Plus option uses cellular telematics, allowing you to watch your baler data from your phone anywhere you have service (it requires an annual data fee). Both systems help managers and owners stay informed about the baling process in real time.
No, the In Field Remote system is a one-time equipment purchase without recurring annual costs. It uses a direct WiFi link between the baler and a receiving device in range. This is an excellent option if you’re looking for real-time field updates but want to avoid monthly or yearly data charges. It’s also straightforward to set up, making it a popular choice for many farmers.
