Production years
Approx. 2007-2013 (confirm with dealer by serial number)
John Deere baler ยท Roughly 2007-2013 (verify exact range for a specific serial number with a John Deere dealer)
John Deere 568 Baler
The John Deere 568 is a variable-chamber, belt-type round baler that produces round bales up to about 6 feet in diameter and 5 feet wide (a 5x6 baler), making it one of the larger models in Deere's 8 Series round baler line. Introduced in the late 2000s, it was a mainstream choice for hay and forage producers who wanted the flexibility to vary bale density and diameter. It earned a solid reputation for capacity and durability and remains a common sight on the used market today.
Baler type
Variable-chamber round baler (belt-type)
Bale size
Up to about 6 ft diameter x 5 ft wide (roughly 72 in diameter x 61 in wide; a 5x6 baler with adjustable diameter)
Power required (PTO hp)
Commonly cited minimum around 65 to 75 PTO hp (RitchieSpecs lists 75 hp; more is preferred, especially with the MegaWide Plus pickup); confirm in operator manual
John Deere 568 specifications
| Production years | Approx. 2007-2013 (confirm with dealer by serial number) |
|---|---|
| Baler type | Variable-chamber round baler (belt-type) |
| Bale size | Up to about 6 ft diameter x 5 ft wide (roughly 72 in diameter x 61 in wide; a 5x6 baler with adjustable diameter) |
| Pickup width | About 5.9 ft (roughly 71 in) with the MegaWide Plus pickup; confirm exact figure for the specific unit |
| Power required (PTO hp) | Commonly cited minimum around 65 to 75 PTO hp (RitchieSpecs lists 75 hp; more is preferred, especially with the MegaWide Plus pickup); confirm in operator manual |
| Weight (approximate) | Roughly 4,700 to 5,600 lb depending on options (base unit around 4,730 lb); confirm exact weight for the specific configuration |
| Tying/wrapping | Twine and net wrap options (net wrap on so-equipped units); many were ordered with net wrap |
| PTO speed | Typically 540 rpm; confirm for the specific unit |
What the 568 is used for
The 568 was designed to make large round bales of dry hay, haylage, and crop residue such as cornstalks and straw, aimed at commercial and larger family hay operations that needed to move a lot of forage per hour. Its variable chamber lets the operator set both bale diameter and density, so it can pack a firm, weather-shedding outer layer on dry hay or make a softer core, and the wide pickup options were built to gather heavy windrows quickly.
Today owners value the 568 as a capable, mid-to-large workhorse that is still current enough to find parts and dealer support for. Many run it for custom baling and mixed hay and straw work, and buyers often seek out net-wrap-equipped units because net wrap speeds up cycle time and produces a tidier, better-protected bale. Its balance of capacity and relatively modern electronics makes it a popular used purchase for producers stepping up from smaller balers.
Why the John Deere 568 stands out
The 568 is notable for combining large 5x6 bale capacity with the flexibility of a variable chamber, and it was frequently ordered with features like the MegaWide Plus pickup and net wrap that raised throughput on heavy windrows. As part of John Deere's widely sold 8 Series round balers, it benefits from strong dealer support, good parts availability, and familiar, proven belt-and-roller design, all of which help it hold value on the used market. Owners generally report it as a dependable, high-output machine when maintained properly.
Buying a used John Deere 568
When buying a used 568, start at the pickup: check for missing, bent, or badly worn pickup teeth and worn cam tracks, and look at the windguard and gauge wheels. Inspect the baling belts for cracking, fraying, worn lacing, and stretch, and check the belt rollers and their bearings for play, rust pitting, and rough rotation, since belts and bearings are the main wear items on a belt-type round baler. Verify the net wrap and twine tie systems fully cycle: test the knife, the wrap actuator, twine tension, and (on net-wrap units) the duckbill or feed mechanism, because wrap malfunctions are a common complaint. Go over the driveline (PTO shaft, U-joints, slip clutch, main gearbox, and chains) for wear and proper lubrication, check the monitor and wiring harness for faults, and if possible watch it make a few bales to confirm even bale shape and consistent density. Always confirm the exact specifications, capacities, and any updates with the John Deere operator manual or a dealer using the machine's serial number.
John Deere 568 frequently asked questions
What size bales does the John Deere 568 make?
It is a variable-chamber 5x6 baler that makes round bales up to roughly 6 feet in diameter and about 5 feet wide, with adjustable diameter and density. Confirm the exact maximum diameter and width for a specific unit in the operator manual, since settings and options affect the range.
How much PTO horsepower do I need to run a 568?
A commonly cited minimum is around 65 to 75 PTO horsepower (RitchieSpecs lists 75 hp), but more is preferable, especially in heavy windrows or with the MegaWide Plus pickup, so tractors in the 80-plus PTO hp range are frequently used. Check the operator manual for the exact recommended power for the specific configuration and pickup type.
Is the John Deere 568 a good baler, and what problems should I watch for?
It is generally regarded as a capable, durable large round baler with good parts and dealer support. The most common issues to check on a used one are worn belts and roller bearings, pickup tooth and cam wear, and net wrap or twine tie malfunctions, so inspect those systems and, if possible, watch it make a bale 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.