Production years
Approx. 1992-1995 (succeeded by the 664 around 1996; confirm by serial number)
New Holland baler ยท Roughly 1992 to 1995. New Holland parts and serial records cover the 660 from about December 1992 through 1995, and it was succeeded by the 664 around 1996. Confirm the exact build year by serial number.
New Holland 660 Baler
The New Holland 660 is a variable-chamber (belt-type) round baler built in the early to mid-1990s, designed to roll hay, straw, and similar crops into large '5 by 6' round bales, meaning bales about 5 feet wide and up to about 6 feet in diameter. It sits in New Holland's 640/650/660 round baler family and produces a firm, dense round bale, most commonly with twine tie. It earned a solid reputation on small and mid-size hay operations for consistent bale shape and generally simple, serviceable mechanics.
Baler type
Variable-chamber, belt-type round baler
Bale size
'5 by 6' bale: about 5 ft (60 in) wide and up to about 6 ft (72 in) in diameter; diameter is adjustable
Power required
Commonly cited around 50 PTO hp minimum (roughly 45-55); a 5x6 baler benefits from more in heavy or damp crop
New Holland 660 specifications
| Production years | Approx. 1992-1995 (succeeded by the 664 around 1996; confirm by serial number) |
|---|---|
| Baler type | Variable-chamber, belt-type round baler |
| Bale size | '5 by 6' bale: about 5 ft (60 in) wide and up to about 6 ft (72 in) in diameter; diameter is adjustable |
| Pickup width | About 5 ft (roughly 60 in / 1.5 m); confirm with manual |
| Power required | Commonly cited around 50 PTO hp minimum (roughly 45-55); a 5x6 baler benefits from more in heavy or damp crop |
| Weight | Approximately 4,300-4,700 lb (varies by options; confirm) |
| Tying / wrapping | Twine tie standard (dual twine arms); confirm whether a given machine carries any net-wrap option |
| Bale chamber | Endless-belt variable chamber for adjustable bale density and diameter |
What the 660 is used for
The 660 was built to bale dry hay, grass, and straw into large '5 by 6' round bales for cattle and general livestock feeding, aimed at small to mid-size farms that wanted higher capacity than a small square baler without stepping up to the largest professional machines. The variable chamber lets the operator dial in bale diameter and density, which suits everything from lighter grass hay to heavier, tougher straw windrows.
Today owners value the 660 as a dependable, affordable used round baler for hobby farms, cow-calf operations, and part-time hay makers. Because it shares many wear parts and design features with other New Holland round balers of its era (including the 640 and 650, and the later 664), it remains practical to keep running, and many are still in regular seasonal service. Most 660s are twine-tie machines, so buyers should confirm the tying setup, since it affects both wrapping speed and parts.
Why the New Holland 660 stands out
The 660 is notable for the combination that made New Holland round balers popular: a proven belt-type variable chamber that makes well-shaped, dense '5 by 6' bales, straightforward controls, and broad parts availability through the New Holland dealer network and aftermarket. It has a reputation as a reliable, no-nonsense baler for the small to mid-size operation, and that reputation helps it hold reasonable resale interest on the used market. Its familiarity to mechanics and the commonality of belts, bearings, and pickup parts across the 640/650/660 and 664 balers make it comparatively easy and economical to maintain.
Buying a used New Holland 660
Inspect the wear points that decide whether a used 660 is a bargain or a project. Check the pickup for missing, bent, or worn teeth (tines) and worn pickup bearings, since a tired pickup feeds unevenly. Examine the baler belts closely for cracking, fraying, thin spots, and worn lacing, and look at the rollers and roller bearings for play or rust, as belts and bearings are the most common and costly wear items on a variable-chamber baler. Verify the driveline, including the PTO shaft, slip clutch, and chains and sprockets, for excessive slack or damage. Test the twine arms and tension, since most 660s are twine-tie; if a machine has been fitted with net wrap, confirm the net system feeds and cuts correctly, since wrapping faults are a frequent complaint. Where possible, run it and watch that it forms and ejects a bale cleanly, and confirm the serial number and any specification figures against the operator manual or a New Holland dealer before you buy.
New Holland 660 frequently asked questions
What size bale does the New Holland 660 make?
It is a '5 by 6' baler, so it makes large round bales about 5 feet wide and up to about 6 feet in diameter (roughly 60 in by 72 in). Because it is a variable-chamber baler, you can adjust the diameter and density, so smaller-diameter bales are also possible. Confirm the exact range for your specific machine in the operator manual.
How much PTO horsepower do you need to run a 660?
A commonly cited minimum is around 50 PTO horsepower (roughly 45 to 55), though more headroom is helpful in heavy or damp crop and on hills, since it makes large '5 by 6' bales. Requirements vary with conditions and options, so check the operator manual or a New Holland dealer for the figure tied to your machine and setup.
Is the New Holland 660 a good baler, and what problems are common?
It is generally regarded as a dependable round baler that makes well-shaped '5 by 6' bales, popular on small and mid-size operations, with good parts availability. The most common issues on a used one are worn belts, roller and pickup bearings, worn pickup teeth, and tying faults, so inspect those areas carefully 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.