Production years
Approx. late 1980s into the mid-2000s (also sold as Case IH 8545, continues as Massey Ferguson 1839; confirm by serial number)
Hesston baler ยท Approximately late 1980s into the mid-2000s (commonly cited; the same machine was also sold as the Case IH 8545 and continues as the Massey Ferguson 1839, so confirm exact production years with a Hesston/AGCO dealer or serial-number records).
Hesston 4590 Baler
The Hesston 4590 is a conventional small square baler that produces traditional two-string rectangular bales, the format most hobby, horse, and small livestock operations still handle by hand. It comes from Hesston's line of in-line pull-type balers and is a mid-capacity model built to run behind a mid-size utility tractor, produced from roughly the late 1980s into the 2000s. Owners generally know it as a straightforward, twine-tie machine for grass and legume hay on small to mid-size acreage.
Baler type
Conventional small square, in-line (two-twine)
Bale size (cross-section)
About 14 x 18 in (standard two-string; bale length adjustable)
Power required
About 40 PTO hp minimum, with 45 to 50 preferred for tough or hilly ground; confirm for your conditions
Hesston 4590 specifications
| Production years | Approx. late 1980s into the mid-2000s (also sold as Case IH 8545, continues as Massey Ferguson 1839; confirm by serial number) |
|---|---|
| Baler type | Conventional small square, in-line (two-twine) |
| Bale size (cross-section) | About 14 x 18 in (standard two-string; bale length adjustable) |
| Pickup width | Roughly 60 in (about 1.5 m); confirm with manual |
| Power required | About 40 PTO hp minimum, with 45 to 50 preferred for tough or hilly ground; confirm for your conditions |
| Weight (approximate) | Roughly 2,700 to 3,000 lb (about 1,225 to 1,360 kg); varies by options |
| Tying | Two twine knotters (twine tie, no net wrap) |
| Hitch / drive | Pull-type (in-line), 540 PTO driven with flywheel |
What the 4590 is used for
The 4590 was designed to put up dry grass and legume hay, such as grass mixes, alfalfa, and clover, into compact rectangular bales that one person can stack and move by hand. Its bale format and moderate power needs suited small to mid-size family farms, horse operations, and part-time hay producers who wanted an economical pull-type baler behind a mid-size utility tractor rather than a high-capacity round or large square machine.
Today owners value it for the same reasons: it makes the classic small square bale that remains in demand for horse and small-livestock feeding and for retail or hobby hay sales. Because it uses familiar twine-knotter mechanics and shares parts with the long-running Case IH 8545 and Massey Ferguson 1839 versions, it stays practical for smaller acreage and is often kept as a dependable second baler or a first baler for growers building up a hay enterprise.
Why the Hesston 4590 stands out
The 4590 is notable as part of Hesston's well-regarded small square baler line, a brand with a long reputation in hay tools and a wide dealer and aftermarket support base through Hesston/AGCO. Its appeal comes from simplicity and the enduring popularity of the two-string bale rather than from high output: it is a manageable, moderate-horsepower machine with conventional knotter technology that many operators know how to service. Because essentially the same baler continued as the Case IH 8545 and the Massey Ferguson 1839, sustained demand for small square bales and generally available wear parts help these balers hold usefulness and resale interest on the used market.
Buying a used Hesston 4590
When looking at a used 4590, inspect the wear points common to all small square balers rather than trusting a clean coat of paint. Check the pickup for missing, bent, or worn teeth and for worn cam followers and bearings; watch and listen to the driveline and flywheel for play, and confirm the PTO shaft, slip clutch, and shear-bolt protection are intact. The knotters are the heart of the machine, so if possible run it in hay and check for clean, consistent ties, and examine the needles for wear or bending, the twine discs and tension, the knotter billhooks, and the twine finger timing. Also turn over the plunger and its bearings, the pickup and feed chains and their sprockets, and all main bearings for slop or noise, and ask for the operator manual so you can verify correct adjustments and any figures before you rely on them.
Hesston 4590 frequently asked questions
What size bales does the Hesston 4590 make?
It makes conventional two-string small square bales, with a cross-section of about 14 x 18 in and an adjustable bale length. This is the standard hand-stackable format for grass and legume hay. Confirm the exact settings and any bale-length range in the operator manual for your machine.
How much PTO horsepower do I need to run one?
The 4590 is a mid-capacity small square baler, so it is not a bottom-end machine. A practical minimum is around 40 PTO hp, with 45 to 50 hp preferred for comfortable operation; owners have found roughly 42 hp marginal on hilly or rough ground. Heavy, tough, or high-volume windrows can call for more, so treat this as a starting point and confirm the recommended horsepower with the operator manual or a dealer for your conditions.
Is the 4590 a good baler, and are parts and repairs manageable?
It is generally regarded as a straightforward, dependable small square baler, and the two-string bale it makes stays in steady demand. The most common issues are the usual small square baler ones, mainly knotter or twine-tie trouble and normal pickup, needle, and driveline wear. Because essentially the same machine continued as the Case IH 8545 and Massey Ferguson 1839, parts have remained widely available through Hesston/AGCO and the aftermarket, so buy one that ties cleanly and budget for routine wear-part maintenance.
Specifications are commonly cited figures for general reference; exact figures vary by year and serial number, so confirm against TractorData.com and the machine's records. Values and prices of used balers vary by condition, use, and region. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.