Production years
Mid-2000s to recent years (verify by serial number)
New Holland baler ยท Introduced in the mid-2000s (around 2006 to 2007) as part of New Holland's BC5000 series, and produced for well over a decade into recent years. Confirm the exact build year from the serial number plate.
New Holland BC5070 Baler
The New Holland BC5070 is a conventional small square (rectangular) baler that ties two-twine bales with a 14 by 18 inch cross section. It is part of New Holland's BC5000 series introduced in the mid-2000s, a PTO-driven, mid-capacity machine aimed at small and medium hay and straw operations. It earned a solid reputation among livestock owners, hobby farmers, and custom operators who want durable, easy-to-handle conventional bales and straightforward field service.
Baler type
Small square baler, two-twine knotters
Bale size (cross-section)
14 x 18 in (about 36 x 46 cm), bale length adjustable (roughly 12 to 52 in)
Power required
About 50 PTO hp (38 kW) minimum per New Holland; some sources cite more, and extra power helps in heavy crop
New Holland BC5070 specifications
| Production years | Mid-2000s to recent years (verify by serial number) |
|---|---|
| Baler type | Small square baler, two-twine knotters |
| Bale size (cross-section) | 14 x 18 in (about 36 x 46 cm), bale length adjustable (roughly 12 to 52 in) |
| Pickup width | About 75 in (1.9 m) inside width, roughly 80 in on the flare; confirm with operator manual |
| Power required | About 50 PTO hp (38 kW) minimum per New Holland; some sources cite more, and extra power helps in heavy crop |
| Weight (approximate) | Roughly 3,700 lb (about 1,685 kg) with twine tie; confirm with dealer or manual |
| Tying | Two twine knotters (twine tie); wire tie offered as an option |
| Plunger speed | About 93 plunger strokes per minute |
What the BC5070 is used for
The BC5070 was designed to make traditional two-twine small square bales of dry hay (grass and legume), as well as straw and other forage, for operators who need bales that a person can stack, handle, and feed by hand. Its capacity and roughly 50 PTO hp requirement fit small to medium acreage and mid-size utility tractors rather than large commercial hay outfits, which is why it became a common choice for cattle, horse, sheep, and goat owners along with part-time and hobby farmers.
Today owners value it as a dependable used workhorse. Small square bales remain in steady demand for horse barns, small livestock, and retail or roadside hay sales, so a well-maintained BC5070 continues to earn its keep. Many are run seasonally on modest tonnage, and because parts and knowledge for New Holland small square balers are widespread, owners tend to keep them running for years.
Why the New Holland BC5070 stands out
The BC5070 is notable for combining New Holland's long-proven small square baler design with a capacity that suits common utility tractors, making it approachable for smaller operations. Buyers tend to cite reliable knotter performance, solid build, and good parts and dealer support as reasons for its popularity, and small square balers of this type generally hold their resale value well because demand for hand-stackable bales stays strong. For many owners the appeal is simple: a straightforward, serviceable machine that produces consistent, marketable bales without the complexity or horsepower demands of larger equipment.
Buying a used New Holland BC5070
Inspect the wear points that decide whether a used BC5070 is a bargain or a project. Start at the pickup: check for bent, worn, or missing tines and worn pickup and cam bearings, since these are the most common service items. The knotters are the heart of the machine, so watch it tie in the field if possible and look at the billhooks, twine discs, knotter wiper, and needles for wear, damage, or bent needles, and verify twine tension is set correctly. Check the plunger and plunger bearings for slop, inspect the flywheel and its shear bolt setup, and test the PTO driveline and slip clutch for smooth engagement. Look over drive chains, belts, and their tensioners, confirm all bearings turn quietly, and check that the bale length and density controls work. Ask for the operator and service history, confirm the correct twine and settings, and verify any figures such as weight, pickup width, and power requirement against the operator manual or a New Holland dealer before you buy.
New Holland BC5070 frequently asked questions
What size bales does the New Holland BC5070 make?
It makes conventional small square bales with a 14 by 18 inch cross section (about 36 by 46 cm), tied with two twines. Bale length is adjustable (roughly 12 to 52 inches), so weight per bale depends on your length and density settings and the crop. Confirm exact settings in the operator manual.
How much PTO horsepower do I need to run a BC5070?
New Holland lists a minimum of about 50 PTO horsepower (38 kW) for the BC5070, though some sources cite more and extra power helps in heavy or fast conditions. Many owners run mid-size utility tractors comfortably above that minimum for steadier capacity. Verify the exact requirement for your machine with the operator manual or a New Holland dealer.
Is the BC5070 a good baler, and what problems should I watch for?
It is generally regarded as a dependable small square baler with good parts and dealer support, which helps resale. As with any conventional baler, the most common issues involve the knotters (missed ties, worn billhooks or twine discs, incorrect twine tension) and pickup wear (tines and bearings). Watching it tie in the field and checking the driveline, plunger, and bearings before purchase are the best ways to avoid surprises.
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.