Production years
Roughly 1977 to 1982 (late 1970s to early 1980s; confirm with dealer/serial number)
New Holland baler ยท Approximately 1977 to 1982 (late 1970s to early 1980s; confirm with the operator manual or a New Holland dealer using the serial number)
New Holland 315 Baler
The New Holland 315 is a small square baler that produces conventional twine-tied rectangular hay bales, the classic "kicker/thrower"-compatible bale that stacks easily and handles by hand. It comes from New Holland's long-running conventional baler line and, like other 300-series machines, earned a reputation as a dependable, straightforward hay baler for family and mid-size operations. It is a PTO-driven, pickup-fed baler designed for grass and legume hay in the small-bale format still favored for horse hay and small-lot sales.
Baler type
Small square (conventional rectangular) baler, PTO-driven
Bale size (cross-section)
14 x 18 in cross-section (standard NH small-square format); length adjustable
Power required (PTO hp)
Commonly cited minimum around 35-45 PTO hp (New Holland recommends about 40); verify with operator manual
New Holland 315 specifications
| Production years | Roughly 1977 to 1982 (late 1970s to early 1980s; confirm with dealer/serial number) |
|---|---|
| Baler type | Small square (conventional rectangular) baler, PTO-driven |
| Bale size (cross-section) | 14 x 18 in cross-section (standard NH small-square format); length adjustable |
| Pickup width | Approximately 60-69 in (commonly cited for NH small squares; confirm for your unit) |
| Power required (PTO hp) | Commonly cited minimum around 35-45 PTO hp (New Holland recommends about 40); verify with operator manual |
| Weight (approximate) | Roughly 2,000-2,600 lb depending on options (approximate; confirm) |
| Tying | Twine tie, twine knotters (typically two knotters); not net wrap |
| Feed / drive | Pickup-fed with plunger; 540 rpm PTO drive with flywheel and shear-bolt protection |
What the 315 is used for
The 315 was built to bale dry grass and legume hay (such as grass mixes and alfalfa) into small rectangular bales for farms that store, feed, or sell hay in hand-stackable form. It suited family farms and mid-size operations that wanted a simple, tractor-PTO baler rather than a large round or big square machine, and it pairs naturally with a bale thrower and wagon for one-person haying.
Today owners value the 315 as an affordable, easy-to-service used baler for horse hay, hobby farms, and small commercial hay lots where small squares still command demand. Because parts and knowledge for New Holland conventional balers remain widely available, many of these machines stay in seasonal service; buyers should still confirm the specific model's figures against the operator manual, since values vary by build and options.
Why the New Holland 315 stands out
The 315 is notable for the traits that made New Holland conventional balers popular: simple, proven mechanicals, reliable twine knotters, and good parts availability through dealers and the aftermarket. Its small-square output remains in steady demand for horse and small-livestock hay, which supports resale and keeps used units working. For buyers who want a no-frills PTO baler that a home mechanic can maintain, the 315's straightforward design and long track record are its main draws.
Buying a used New Holland 315
Inspect the wear points common to conventional square balers: pickup tines/teeth for missing or bent pieces, the pickup and feed area for damage, and the plunger and knife/ledger for slop or excessive clearance. The knotters and needles are the heart of the machine, so watch it tie several bales and check twine tension, knotter gears, twine discs, and needle timing for clean, consistent knots; mistied bales usually point to knotter wear or timing. Check the driveline (PTO shaft, flywheel, slip clutch or shear-bolt setup) and listen for worn bearings or chain slack, and confirm the pickup and plunger bearings are sound. Ask for the operator/parts manual and, if possible, run it through dry hay before buying, since figures and condition vary by unit.
New Holland 315 frequently asked questions
What size bales does the New Holland 315 make?
It makes conventional small square bales with a 14 x 18 in cross-section and an adjustable length, twine-tied. This is the standard New Holland small-square format that stacks and handles by hand; confirm details for your specific machine with the operator manual.
How much PTO horsepower do I need to run a 315?
New Holland recommends roughly 40 PTO hp minimum at 540 rpm, and a commonly cited range is about 35-45 PTO hp for steady baling, with more headroom helpful in heavy or damp windrows or when using a bale thrower. Match the tractor to your conditions and confirm the exact requirement with the operator manual or a New Holland dealer.
Is the New Holland 315 a good baler, and are parts available?
It has a solid reputation as a simple, dependable small square baler, and parts for New Holland conventional balers are generally well supported through dealers and the aftermarket. The most common issues are knotter/needle tying problems and normal wear on pickup teeth, bearings, and the driveline, so inspect those areas and watch it tie bales 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.