Production years
Approx. late 1990s to mid-2000s (units documented into 2006; confirm with dealer)
Hesston baler ยท Late 1990s into the mid-2000s (commonly cited around 1998-2006; individual units are documented as late as 2006, so confirm the exact model-year range with a dealer or serial-number lookup)
Hesston 4790 Baler
The Hesston 4790 is a large square (big square) baler that produces bales with roughly a 3 ft by 4 ft cross-section (about 4 ft wide by about 3 ft tall) in variable lengths. Built under the Hesston name by AGCO in the late 1990s and 2000s, it was one of the company's high-capacity twine balers and was succeeded by the Hesston/Massey Ferguson 2170 (with the larger 2190 sitting above it in the 2100 series). Hesston pioneered the commercial large square baler, and the 4790 carries a reputation for heavy-duty, high-volume baling on large hay and forage operations.
Baler type
Large square baler, 3x4 ft bale format
Bale size
About 3 ft x 4 ft cross-section (roughly 4 ft / 47 in wide by about 3 ft / 35 in tall), variable length up to about 8.3 ft (100 in)
Power required
Published requirement about 130 PTO hp; plan on a large tractor for full capacity in heavy windrows. 1000 rpm PTO.
Hesston 4790 specifications
| Production years | Approx. late 1990s to mid-2000s (units documented into 2006; confirm with dealer) |
|---|---|
| Baler type | Large square baler, 3x4 ft bale format |
| Bale size | About 3 ft x 4 ft cross-section (roughly 4 ft / 47 in wide by about 3 ft / 35 in tall), variable length up to about 8.3 ft (100 in) |
| Pickup width | Overall pickup about 8.7 ft (about 105 in); effective tine-to-tine width about 6.8 ft. Confirm exact width with the operator manual. |
| Power required | Published requirement about 130 PTO hp; plan on a large tractor for full capacity in heavy windrows. 1000 rpm PTO. |
| Weight (approximate) | About 17,600 lbs (roughly 7,980 kg); verify the exact figure against the manual for your build. |
| Tying / knotters | Twine tie with a six double-knotter system; no net wrap |
What the 4790 is used for
The 4790 was designed for large-scale hay, straw, and forage operations that need dense, uniform, easy-to-stack bales. Its 3x4 ft format suits big alfalfa, grass hay, and straw producers who move product by the semi load, since the large bales stack tightly on trucks and in storage and reduce the number of handling passes compared with small squares or round bales. It calls for a substantial tractor and is aimed at commercial custom balers and larger farms rather than small acreages.
Today owners value it as a durable, high-throughput machine that still moves a lot of tonnage per hour when maintained. Used 4790s remain in service on custom hay operations and are often kept as a workhorse baler where 3x4 bales fit the local hay market. Buyers should confirm that their tractor and hay-handling equipment (bale forks, trailers, and stackers) are sized for the large bales before committing.
Why the Hesston 4790 stands out
The Hesston 4790 is notable because Hesston essentially invented the modern large square baler, so the platform reflects years of refinement in knotter design, plunger drive, and bale density control. It is popular for high capacity, dense uniform bales, and a rugged driveline, and because it shares much of its DNA with the widely supported 2170 and 2190 balers, many wear parts and knotter components remain reasonably available through AGCO/Hesston/Massey Ferguson channels. That parts continuity, combined with a strong reputation among custom balers, helps used units hold interest on the resale market.
Buying a used Hesston 4790
Inspect the knotters first, since twine balers live or die by the tying system: check for worn or bent knotter bills, worn twine discs and knife blades, and correct twine tension, and ask to see the machine actually tie clean knots. Look over the needles for straightness and check needle timing, then examine the plunger, its rollers or slides, and the shear-bolt or overload protection for wear and past failures. Check pickup teeth and cam followers for wear and missing tines, and inspect the stuffer/feeder area, main driveline, gearbox, flywheel clutch, and PTO shaft for play, leaks, and noise. Finally, spin or feel the bearings on the pickup, plunger, and drive rollers for roughness, review grease points and any density-cylinder leaks, and ask for the operator manual and service history so you can confirm model-specific specs and settings.
Hesston 4790 frequently asked questions
What size bales does the Hesston 4790 make?
It makes large square bales with roughly a 3 ft by 4 ft cross-section (about 4 ft / 47 in wide by about 3 ft / 35 in tall) and adjustable length up to about 8.3 ft (100 in). Confirm the exact chamber dimensions and maximum length in the operator manual for your specific machine.
How much PTO horsepower do I need to run a Hesston 4790?
Plan on a large tractor. The published requirement is about 130 PTO hp, and you will want ample power to run it at full capacity in heavy windrows. It uses a 1000 rpm PTO, and you should confirm the recommended horsepower with a Hesston/AGCO dealer or the manual.
Is the Hesston 4790 a good baler, and what problems should I watch for?
It is generally regarded as a capable, high-capacity large square baler with a strong lineage, and parts support benefits from its close relation to the later 2170 and 2190 models. The most common issues to check on a used unit are knotter and twine-tie problems (missed or loose knots), needle and plunger timing, worn pickup teeth, and driveline or bearing wear, so a working demonstration and service history are worthwhile before buying.
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.