Production years
Approx. 1987 to present (still in current production; confirm build year by serial number)
John Deere baler ยท Approximately 1987 to present (long production run; still a current John Deere model). Confirm the exact build year by serial number.
John Deere 348 Baler
The John Deere 348 is a pull-type small square baler that makes conventional twine-tied rectangular hay bales with a 14 by 18 inch cross section. Introduced in the late 1980s as the top-capacity model in John Deere's small square (300-series) baler lineup, it built a reputation as a durable, high-throughput machine suited to serious hay operations. It remains a current John Deere model and one of the most sought-after small square balers on the North American market, both new and used.
Baler type
Small square (rectangular) baler, pull-type
Bale size
14 x 18 in cross section, length adjustable about 12 to 50 in
Power required
Approx. 35 PTO hp minimum (more is better in heavy windrows or when running a thrower)
John Deere 348 specifications
| Production years | Approx. 1987 to present (still in current production; confirm build year by serial number) |
|---|---|
| Baler type | Small square (rectangular) baler, pull-type |
| Bale size | 14 x 18 in cross section, length adjustable about 12 to 50 in |
| Pickup width | About 74 in (commonly cited; confirm with manual) |
| Power required | Approx. 35 PTO hp minimum (more is better in heavy windrows or when running a thrower) |
| Weight | Approx. 3,110 lb (about 1,410 kg) for the base machine; a thrower or accumulator adds weight. Confirm for your configuration. |
| Tying | Twine, two knotters (standard) |
| Plunger speed | About 93 strokes per minute (commonly cited) |
What the 348 is used for
The 348 was designed to bale dry hay and straw, typically grass and legume mixes, into uniform small squares that stack and handle easily by hand or with a bale accumulator and grapple. Its higher capacity and consistent bale formation made it a favorite of larger family farms, custom balers, and horse-hay producers who needed to move through big acreages quickly while keeping bales tight and square.
Today owners value the 348 as a workhorse that holds up under real use. Many are run behind mid-size utility tractors, often paired with a kicker (thrower) or accumulator, and are prized for making dense, well-tied bales that store and sell well. A well-maintained example is commonly kept in service for decades rather than traded off.
Why the John Deere 348 stands out
The 348 is notable for combining high throughput with the tight, consistent bale that John Deere small squares are known for, which is why it commands strong demand on the used market and tends to hold its resale value. It benefits from a very long production run and John Deere's wide dealer network, so parts and knowledge remain broadly available, and the knotter and driveline design earned a reputation for reliability when properly maintained. For many hay producers it is regarded as one of the benchmark small square balers.
Buying a used John Deere 348
Inspect the wear points before buying. Check the pickup for missing or bent teeth and worn pickup bearings, and listen for driveline noise (flywheel clutch, PTO shaft, gearbox and slip-clutch condition). The knotters are the heart of the machine, so test-bale if possible and look closely at the knotter bill hooks, twine discs, needles and twine tension, and confirm the needles are straight and timed. Examine the plunger and its wear plates, the bale chamber for wear and adjustable tension, and all chains, sprockets and bearings for slack or roughness. Ask for service history and, when in doubt on any spec or setting, confirm details against the operator manual or a John Deere dealer.
John Deere 348 frequently asked questions
What size bales does the John Deere 348 make?
It makes conventional small square bales with a 14 by 18 inch cross section, and the bale length is adjustable roughly 12 to 50 inches depending on your settings. Confirm exact settings in the operator manual.
How much PTO horsepower do I need to run a 348?
A commonly cited minimum is around 35 PTO horsepower, though more power is helpful in heavy or damp windrows and when running a thrower or accumulator. Verify the recommended tractor size for your configuration with the operator manual or a dealer.
Is the John Deere 348 a good baler, and are parts available?
Yes, it is widely regarded as a durable, high-capacity small square baler with strong used-market demand and good resale. Thanks to its very long production run and John Deere's dealer network, parts and service support are generally easy to find; the most common attention items are knotter adjustment and normal wear parts like pickup teeth and belts or chains.
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.