Massey Ferguson’s SB.1436DB double small square baler has been named a 2026 AE50 Award winner by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. The AE50 awards recognize the year’s most innovative agricultural engineering products that improve productivity and efficiency on the farm.

The SB.1436DB stood out for its unique ability to produce two small square bales at once. Instead of forming a single bale like traditional machines, the baler splits the incoming crop and creates two uniform bales simultaneously. This allows operators to effectively double their output in a single pass across the field.

Massey Ferguson designed the machine with commercial hay operations in mind. A wide pickup allows the baler to handle large windrows, while each plunger stroke produces two 14 by 18 inch bales that are dropped into two rows behind the machine. The system helps producers move through fields faster while maintaining the bale consistency required for horse hay, retail hay, and export markets.

The baler also includes Massey Ferguson’s SimplEbale monitoring system, which allows operators to manage bale length, density, and other settings from the tractor cab. Automation helps maintain consistent bale weight and shape even when crop conditions change.

According to Matt LeCroy, senior marketing manager for Massey Ferguson North America, the design directly addresses one of the biggest challenges facing hay producers today.

“In today’s market, hay producers are under intense pressure to produce high-quality hay quickly and efficiently,” LeCroy said. “The SB.1436DB is the solution to that need with a groundbreaking design that revolutionizes the way small square bales are made.”

The AE50 recognition highlights how innovations in hay and forage equipment continue to evolve. While small square balers have been a staple on farms for decades, the SB.1436DB shows that new engineering ideas can still dramatically improve efficiency in the field.