New Holland BC5050 Small Square Baler

Reliable Small Square Baling for Mid-Size Farm Operations

The New Holland BC5050 is a dependable small square baler engineered to produce uniform 14 x 18 inch rectangular bales with minimal crop loss and consistent feeding performance. As part of the BC5000 series of small square balers from New Holland Agriculture, the BC5050 delivers the baling reliability that mid-size hay and straw operations demand-without the complexity or power burden of larger models. Whether you're putting up hundreds of acres of alfalfa or baling straw after harvest, the BC5050 uses its proven FlowAction® feeder system and 65-inch SuperSweep™ pickup to preserve nutritional quality, reduce windrow losses, and produce bales that feed cleanly every time.

Why You'll Love the BC5050

• Proven FlowAction® Feeding System – Six gentle feeder tines draw crop evenly into the bale chamber, eliminating bridging in fine crops like alfalfa while handling coarser straw without plugging. The BC5050 uses a proven FlowAction® feeder system with an adjustable feeder back, letting you adapt to varying windrow thickness, density, and crop type on the fly.

• 65-Inch SuperSweep™ Pickup – The baler has a 65-inch wide SuperSweep™ pickup with 88 curved tines mounted on four bars, designed to gently lift every bit of hay through guards with minimal leaf loss. A floating windguard of eight rods smooths crop flow across uneven terrain, so you leave less valuable forage behind in the field.

• Adjustable Bale Length – The BC5050 allows adjustable bale lengths from 12 to 52 inches, giving you complete control over bale size. Make short, manageable bales for hand-feeding in stall barns or longer ones for efficient transport and stacking.

• Moderate Power Requirements – The BC5050 has a minimum PTO horsepower requirement of 35 HP (approximately 26 kW), making it accessible for mid-size operations running tractors in the 40–60 HP range. The BC5050 is lightweight compared to larger models, weighing approximately 3,085 lb, which reduces the demand on your tractor and driveline.

• Simple, Durable Operation – The BC5050 is built with durable chain-driven components for maintenance simplicity. Its mechanical design-gear, V-belt, and roller chains-means fewer hydraulics and electronics to troubleshoot. Flip-up shields, accessible knotter drives, and onboard toolboxes make field service straightforward.

What Makes the BC5050 Different

Most entry-level small square balers force compromises on pickup width, feed opening size, or bale consistency. The BC5050 is built differently.

• FlowAction® Feeder Technology – Unlike basic auger or fixed-tine systems, the FlowAction® feeder uses six individually acting tines with an adjustable back to handle everything from fine-stemmed alfalfa to coarse wheat straw. This versatility matters for mixed farming operations switching between crop types throughout the season.

• 283 Square Inch Feed Opening – It features a 283 sq. in. feed opening-the same size found on the higher-capacity BC5060. This larger-than-class opening prevents crop backup during heavy windrows and keeps throughput consistent even when conditions aren't perfect.

• New Holland Heritage – New Holland is the brand that pioneered the first automatic self-tying baler, and the BC5000 series builds on decades of engineering refinement. SuperSweep pickups, knotter mechanisms, and feed opening designs have been tested and improved across millions of acres. That heritage translates to well-proven parts support, strong resale values, and a dealer network that knows these machines inside and out.

How the BC5050 Works

1. Step 1 – Crop Collection As your tractor pulls the BC5050 through the field, the SuperSweep™ pickup's 88 curved tines on four bars lift the windrow off the ground. Adjustable gauge wheels follow the terrain contour, while the eight-rod floating windguard ensures smooth, consistent crop flow into the feeder-even across rough or undulating ground.

2. Step 2 – Feeding and Compression The FlowAction® feeder distributes crop evenly through the 283-square-inch opening into the bale chamber. The plunger speed of the BC5050 is 79 strokes per minute at 540 RPM PTO, compressing material with a 30-inch stroke to create uniform, dense flakes across the full 14 x 18 inch bale cross-section.

3. Step 3 – Tying and Ejection When the bale reaches your preset length (anywhere from 12 to 52 inches), the automatic twine knotter engages. The BC5050 has a reliable knotting system designed for minimal missed ties, using hardened knotter components built to perform consistently across thousands of bales per season. The BC5050's knotting system ties bales with twine only, simplifying the tying mechanism and reducing maintenance compared to wire-equipped models. Once tied, the bale ejects rearward-either dropping to the ground or, if equipped, launching into a wagon via a bale thrower.

BC5050 Specifications

The BC5050 produces 14 x 18 inch bales-the most widely accepted small square bale size for hay markets, retail sale, and livestock feeding. Four BC5050 balers are currently listed for sale, with BC5050 prices ranging from $14,250 to $17,900 depending on condition, year, and included accessories. New Holland BC5050 parts are available for purchase online, with prices for BC5050 parts ranging from $0.12 to $499.84. For example, a shield for the knotter gear costs $499.84, while a bracket for the lift is priced at $33.12.

Who the BC5050 Is For

• Mid-Size Hay Producers – The BC5050 is designed for smaller-acreage operations, particularly farmers baling 100–500 acres annually who need dependable equipment without heavy-duty complexity or excessive tractor requirements.

• Horse Farm Operations – The BC5050 is particularly well-suited for horse hay production. Clean flakes, consistent bale density, manageable weight, and easy-to-handle bale sizes make it a favorite among equine facilities. The BC5050 is suitable for traditional farming and horse farms where bale quality directly impacts animal health and customer satisfaction.

• Custom Baling Services – The BC5050 is popular among custom balers for horse farms and smaller agricultural clients where large round or square bales aren't practical. Its versatility across crop types reduces the need for multiple machines.

• Mixed Farming Operations – Producers handling alfalfa, grass hay, and straw throughout the season will appreciate the FlowAction® feeder's adjustability and the BC5050's ability to switch between fine and coarse crops without reconfiguration.

The BC5050 can be equipped with an automatic bale thrower for reduced manual labor-it is compatible with the Model 72 Bale Thrower, which handles bales up to 38 inches long and approximately 65 lb, speeding up wagon loading significantly.

Note: Operations consistently dealing with very heavy windrows, high-moisture straw, or demanding throughput beyond 500 acres may find the BC5060 or larger Holland models a better match.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tractor size do I need? The BC5050 has a minimum PTO horsepower requirement of 35 HP, but practical experience shows that 45–60 HP tractors deliver better performance in dense or wet forage. Your tractor also needs adequate weight, rear traction, and PTO drive quality to handle field forces-especially on slopes or in challenging condition.

How does it handle different crop types? The FlowAction® feeder adjusts for various crops from fine-stemmed alfalfa to coarse straw. Six gentle tines limit leaf damage in high-value hay, while the adjustable feeder back lets you optimize for windrow density. However, in very thick, coarse crop conditions, feeding may require more conservative ground speeds compared to models with rotary feeders.

Can I add a bale thrower later? Yes. The BC5050 is compatible with New Holland's Model 72 Bale Thrower for bales up to 38 inches long. Verify that your tractor meets drawbar capacity and ballasting requirements before adding the thrower attachment.

What's the difference from the BC5060? The BC5060 uses a rotary feeder instead of the FlowAction® system, offers a wire tying option in addition to twine, operates at a higher plunger stroke rate (~93 strokes per minute vs. 79), and requires approximately 62 HP minimum. The pickup widths are similar between models, but the BC5060 is designed for slightly higher capacity operations.

Are parts readily available? Yes. Because the BC5000 series has been widely distributed and in production for many years, knotter gear, feeding components, belts, tines, and bearings are relatively easy to find through the New Holland dealer network. New Holland BC5050 parts are available for purchase online with comprehensive search and support options.

Ready to Upgrade Your Baling Operation?

Stop settling for inconsistent bales, excessive field losses, or unreliable equipment that costs you time and hay quality every season. The New Holland BC5050 small square baler combines proven FlowAction® feeding technology, a wide SuperSweep™ pickup, and the mechanical simplicity that keeps you baling instead of wrenching-all at a power requirement that works with the tractor you likely already own.

New Holland BC5050 Small Square Baler

Reliable Small Square Baling for Mid-Size Farm Operations

The New Holland BC5050 is a dependable small square baler engineered to produce uniform 14 x 18 inch rectangular bales with minimal crop loss and consistent feeding performance. As part of the BC5000 series of small square balers from New Holland Agriculture, the BC5050 delivers the baling reliability that mid-size hay and straw operations demand-without the complexity or power burden of larger models. Whether you're putting up hundreds of acres of alfalfa or baling straw after harvest, the BC5050 uses its proven FlowAction® feeder system and 65-inch SuperSweep™ pickup to preserve nutritional quality, reduce windrow losses, and produce bales that feed cleanly every time.

Why You'll Love the BC5050

• Proven FlowAction® Feeding System – Six gentle feeder tines draw crop evenly into the bale chamber, eliminating bridging in fine crops like alfalfa while handling coarser straw without plugging. The BC5050 uses a proven FlowAction® feeder system with an adjustable feeder back, letting you adapt to varying windrow thickness, density, and crop type on the fly.

• 65-Inch SuperSweep™ Pickup – The baler has a 65-inch wide SuperSweep™ pickup with 88 curved tines mounted on four bars, designed to gently lift every bit of hay through guards with minimal leaf loss. A floating windguard of eight rods smooths crop flow across uneven terrain, so you leave less valuable forage behind in the field.

• Adjustable Bale Length – The BC5050 allows adjustable bale lengths from 12 to 52 inches, giving you complete control over bale size. Make short, manageable bales for hand-feeding in stall barns or longer ones for efficient transport and stacking.

• Moderate Power Requirements – The BC5050 has a minimum PTO horsepower requirement of 35 HP (approximately 26 kW), making it accessible for mid-size operations running tractors in the 40–60 HP range. The BC5050 is lightweight compared to larger models, weighing approximately 3,085 lb, which reduces the demand on your tractor and driveline.

• Simple, Durable Operation – The BC5050 is built with durable chain-driven components for maintenance simplicity. Its mechanical design-gear, V-belt, and roller chains-means fewer hydraulics and electronics to troubleshoot. Flip-up shields, accessible knotter drives, and onboard toolboxes make field service straightforward.

What Makes the BC5050 Different

Most entry-level small square balers force compromises on pickup width, feed opening size, or bale consistency. The BC5050 is built differently.

• FlowAction® Feeder Technology – Unlike basic auger or fixed-tine systems, the FlowAction® feeder uses six individually acting tines with an adjustable back to handle everything from fine-stemmed alfalfa to coarse wheat straw. This versatility matters for mixed farming operations switching between crop types throughout the season.

• 283 Square Inch Feed Opening – It features a 283 sq. in. feed opening-the same size found on the higher-capacity BC5060. This larger-than-class opening prevents crop backup during heavy windrows and keeps throughput consistent even when conditions aren't perfect.

• New Holland Heritage – New Holland is the brand that pioneered the first automatic self-tying baler, and the BC5000 series builds on decades of engineering refinement. SuperSweep pickups, knotter mechanisms, and feed opening designs have been tested and improved across millions of acres. That heritage translates to well-proven parts support, strong resale values, and a dealer network that knows these machines inside and out.

How the BC5050 Works

1. Step 1 – Crop Collection As your tractor pulls the BC5050 through the field, the SuperSweep™ pickup's 88 curved tines on four bars lift the windrow off the ground. Adjustable gauge wheels follow the terrain contour, while the eight-rod floating windguard ensures smooth, consistent crop flow into the feeder-even across rough or undulating ground.

2. Step 2 – Feeding and Compression The FlowAction® feeder distributes crop evenly through the 283-square-inch opening into the bale chamber. The plunger speed of the BC5050 is 79 strokes per minute at 540 RPM PTO, compressing material with a 30-inch stroke to create uniform, dense flakes across the full 14 x 18 inch bale cross-section.

3. Step 3 – Tying and Ejection When the bale reaches your preset length (anywhere from 12 to 52 inches), the automatic twine knotter engages. The BC5050 has a reliable knotting system designed for minimal missed ties, using hardened knotter components built to perform consistently across thousands of bales per season. The BC5050's knotting system ties bales with twine only, simplifying the tying mechanism and reducing maintenance compared to wire-equipped models. Once tied, the bale ejects rearward-either dropping to the ground or, if equipped, launching into a wagon via a bale thrower.

BC5050 Specifications

The BC5050 produces 14 x 18 inch bales-the most widely accepted small square bale size for hay markets, retail sale, and livestock feeding. Four BC5050 balers are currently listed for sale, with BC5050 prices ranging from $14,250 to $17,900 depending on condition, year, and included accessories. New Holland BC5050 parts are available for purchase online, with prices for BC5050 parts ranging from $0.12 to $499.84. For example, a shield for the knotter gear costs $499.84, while a bracket for the lift is priced at $33.12.

Who the BC5050 Is For

• Mid-Size Hay Producers – The BC5050 is designed for smaller-acreage operations, particularly farmers baling 100–500 acres annually who need dependable equipment without heavy-duty complexity or excessive tractor requirements.

• Horse Farm Operations – The BC5050 is particularly well-suited for horse hay production. Clean flakes, consistent bale density, manageable weight, and easy-to-handle bale sizes make it a favorite among equine facilities. The BC5050 is suitable for traditional farming and horse farms where bale quality directly impacts animal health and customer satisfaction.

• Custom Baling Services – The BC5050 is popular among custom balers for horse farms and smaller agricultural clients where large round or square bales aren't practical. Its versatility across crop types reduces the need for multiple machines.

• Mixed Farming Operations – Producers handling alfalfa, grass hay, and straw throughout the season will appreciate the FlowAction® feeder's adjustability and the BC5050's ability to switch between fine and coarse crops without reconfiguration.

The BC5050 can be equipped with an automatic bale thrower for reduced manual labor-it is compatible with the Model 72 Bale Thrower, which handles bales up to 38 inches long and approximately 65 lb, speeding up wagon loading significantly.

Note: Operations consistently dealing with very heavy windrows, high-moisture straw, or demanding throughput beyond 500 acres may find the BC5060 or larger Holland models a better match.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tractor size do I need? The BC5050 has a minimum PTO horsepower requirement of 35 HP, but practical experience shows that 45–60 HP tractors deliver better performance in dense or wet forage. Your tractor also needs adequate weight, rear traction, and PTO drive quality to handle field forces-especially on slopes or in challenging condition.

How does it handle different crop types? The FlowAction® feeder adjusts for various crops from fine-stemmed alfalfa to coarse straw. Six gentle tines limit leaf damage in high-value hay, while the adjustable feeder back lets you optimize for windrow density. However, in very thick, coarse crop conditions, feeding may require more conservative ground speeds compared to models with rotary feeders.

Can I add a bale thrower later? Yes. The BC5050 is compatible with New Holland's Model 72 Bale Thrower for bales up to 38 inches long. Verify that your tractor meets drawbar capacity and ballasting requirements before adding the thrower attachment.

What's the difference from the BC5060? The BC5060 uses a rotary feeder instead of the FlowAction® system, offers a wire tying option in addition to twine, operates at a higher plunger stroke rate (~93 strokes per minute vs. 79), and requires approximately 62 HP minimum. The pickup widths are similar between models, but the BC5060 is designed for slightly higher capacity operations.

Are parts readily available? Yes. Because the BC5000 series has been widely distributed and in production for many years, knotter gear, feeding components, belts, tines, and bearings are relatively easy to find through the New Holland dealer network. New Holland BC5050 parts are available for purchase online with comprehensive search and support options.

Ready to Upgrade Your Baling Operation?

Stop settling for inconsistent bales, excessive field losses, or unreliable equipment that costs you time and hay quality every season. The New Holland BC5050 small square baler combines proven FlowAction® feeding technology, a wide SuperSweep™ pickup, and the mechanical simplicity that keeps you baling instead of wrenching-all at a power requirement that works with the tractor you likely already own.

Contact your local New Holland dealer to find current pricing, financing options, and trade-in evaluations. With BC5050 models available for sale and a full parts catalog ready to support your operation for years to come, there's no better time to experience what dependable small square baling looks like.