Sometimes the biggest improvements in farm equipment come from relatively simple ideas. Massey Ferguson has introduced a new attachment for its double small square baler that could reduce the number of passes needed to collect hay by as much as 50%.

The new hydraulic singulation chute, showcased at the 2026 Farm Progress Show, is designed for the Massey Ferguson MF SB.1436DB baler. Rather than dropping two bales side by side, it arranges them into a single straight row, making collection faster and potentially reducing fuel consumption, labor and equipment hours.

Two Bales at a Time, One Row on the Ground

The MF SB.1436DB is already an unusual machine. Instead of producing one small square bale at a time, it produces two 14-by-18-inch bales simultaneously, allowing commercial hay producers to increase output without switching to larger bale formats.

That additional capacity presents a challenge when it’s time to retrieve the bales. With the conventional double-wide chute, the bales are deposited in two parallel rows, potentially requiring more collection passes.

Massey Ferguson’s new attachment addresses that problem with a hydraulic conveyor system. As the two bales exit the baler, the chute advances one ahead of the other, placing both in a single line.

Adjustable paddles accommodate different bale lengths and help control the timing of each bale’s movement. The result is a more organized field that can be collected with fewer passes.

Built for Real Field Conditions

The chute uses a patent-pending trailing design supported by caster wheels and suspension, allowing it to follow the baler across uneven terrain. It connects to the baler’s hydraulic pump, with one additional tractor hydraulic hose used to raise and lower the attachment.

For transportation, the chute can be hydraulically raised and locked into position. The design also allows access underneath for maintenance, while spliced conveyor belts simplify servicing.

These details matter for commercial hay operations, where equipment needs to withstand long days, changing field conditions and tight harvest windows.

The Economics of Fewer Passes

Massey Ferguson estimates the new chute can reduce collection passes by up to 50% compared with its double-wide chute configuration. Actual savings will depend on field layout, bale collection equipment and how the operation is organized.

For producers handling thousands of small square bales, however, the potential benefits extend beyond fuel savings. Fewer collection passes can mean less labor, reduced wear on tractors and collection equipment, and more time available for other harvest tasks.

The improvement is particularly interesting because it doesn’t require farmers to change the size of their bales or fundamentally rethink their existing handling systems. It simply organizes the finished bales more efficiently.

Availability

The new singulation chute is available on 2027 model-year Massey Ferguson MF SB.1436DB double balers. Pricing has not been announced in the manufacturer’s release.

For commercial hay producers, the attachment offers another reminder that improving efficiency doesn’t always require more horsepower, sophisticated electronics or autonomous equipment. Sometimes, putting the bales in the right place can make a substantial difference.

Sources: Massey Ferguson / AGCO and Successful Farming.