Production years
Approx. 2009 to 2016 (9 Series; confirm with dealer)
John Deere baler ยท Approximately 2009 to 2016 (John Deere 9 Series round baler; confirm exact production dates with a John Deere dealer)
John Deere 459 Baler
The John Deere 459 is a variable-chamber, belt-type round baler in John Deere's 9 Series round baler lineup, introduced around 2009 to 2010. Its belt-driven chamber lets the operator vary the bale diameter from roughly 35 to 60 inches, producing full-size round bales about 4 feet wide rather than small bales. It is a dependable mid-size machine suited to small and mid-size livestock and hay operations, and it is commonly paired with tractors in the 50 to 100 PTO horsepower range. It has a reputation as a straightforward, reliable baler for dry hay, and in the Silage Special configuration it also handles higher-moisture forage.
Baler type
Variable-chamber, belt-type round baler
Bale size
About 4 ft wide, with variable diameter from roughly 35 to 60 in (about 5 ft); commonly described as a 4x5 baler
Power required
Minimum around 55 PTO hp; commonly paired with 50 to 100 hp tractors (confirm with dealer)
John Deere 459 specifications
| Production years | Approx. 2009 to 2016 (9 Series; confirm with dealer) |
|---|---|
| Baler type | Variable-chamber, belt-type round baler |
| Bale size | About 4 ft wide, with variable diameter from roughly 35 to 60 in (about 5 ft); commonly described as a 4x5 baler |
| Pickup width | MegaWide Plus pickup about 2 m (roughly 6.5 ft) gathering width on Silage Special; narrower regular pickup on base models (verify) |
| Power required | Minimum around 55 PTO hp; commonly paired with 50 to 100 hp tractors (confirm with dealer) |
| Weight | Approximately 4,600 to 5,300 lb depending on configuration (approximate; verify) |
| Tying/wrapping | Twine tie standard; net wrap offered on many configurations (verify) |
| PTO speed | 540 rpm PTO (confirm in operator manual) |
What the 459 is used for
The 459 was built to turn dry grass and legume hay, and higher-moisture silage in the Silage Special version, into full-size round bales for small and mid-size operations. Its variable-chamber belt design lets the operator choose the bale diameter, forming firm, consistent bales that are easy to handle, stack, and feed, which is why it appealed to cattle, horse, and sheep owners running modest to mid-size acreage rather than large commercial hay enterprises. Because it runs on a mid-size tractor of roughly 55 PTO horsepower or more, it fit farms that did not need the capacity of a large high-output baler.
Today owners tend to value the 459 as a capable, well-supported used baler that is straightforward to service and keep running. It remains popular with small and mid-scale hay makers who want John Deere parts availability and dealer support. Buyers often seek it out for its reliable bale formation, adjustable bale size, and the wide availability of parts.
Why the John Deere 459 stands out
The 459 is notable for its variable-chamber belt system, which lets operators adjust bale diameter, and for the MegaWide Plus pickup on Silage Special models that feeds crop quickly and evenly. As part of John Deere's 9 Series round balers, it delivered dependable performance with strong parts and dealer support through the John Deere network, which has helped it hold appeal on the used market. The wide availability of consumable and wear parts, together with familiar John Deere service, makes it practical to keep in service for years and supports steady resale interest among small and mid-size farm buyers.
Buying a used John Deere 459
When inspecting a used 459, focus on the pickup and the bale-forming components. Check the pickup teeth (tines) for excessive wear, bending, or missing pieces, and look at the pickup bearings and cam track for play. Inspect the forming belts and chamber rollers for wear, cracking, glazing, or damage that would keep bales from forming tightly, and confirm the belt lacing and roller bearings are sound. Test the twine tie mechanism, and the net-wrap system if equipped, to be sure it feeds and cuts reliably, since tie problems are a common source of downtime. Go over the driveline, PTO shaft, slip clutch, and main chains and sprockets for wear, and listen for noisy or rough bearings throughout. Ask for the operator manual and any service history, and confirm the exact specifications and options with a John Deere dealer before purchase.
John Deere 459 frequently asked questions
What size bales does the John Deere 459 make?
It is a variable-chamber, belt-type round baler that makes full-size round bales about 4 feet wide, with an adjustable diameter from roughly 35 to 60 inches (about 5 feet), so it is commonly described as a 4x5 baler. Confirm bale dimensions and options against the operator manual for the specific machine, since configurations vary.
How much tractor horsepower do I need to run a 459?
John Deere lists a minimum of about 55 PTO horsepower, and the baler is commonly paired with tractors in the 50 to 100 horsepower range at 540 rpm. Verify the exact minimum with a John Deere dealer or the operator manual for your conditions, since heavy or tough crops and the MegaWide Plus pickup raise the requirement.
Is the John Deere 459 a good baler and are parts easy to get?
It is generally regarded as a dependable variable-chamber baler well suited to small and mid-size hay and livestock operations, and John Deere parts and dealer support are widely available. The most common wear and downtime areas are the pickup teeth, forming belts, bearings, and the tie or net-wrap mechanism, so a used unit should be inspected in those areas 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.