Classic Machinery: The entrepreneurial dairy farmer behind the bale sledge

Have you ever wondered who invented the bale sledge? Simon Henley reveals the story behind the machine which revolutionised the way UK farmers gathered bales

clock • 7 min read
The Double-Four bale sledge was developed for production in 1961, building on the Super 8 design.
Image:

The Double-Four bale sledge was developed for production in 1961, building on the Super 8 design.

The popularity of the trailed pick-up baler soared in the late-1950s. British farmers were experiencing an economic boom and mechanisation was the way forward. However, the new found efficiency of the...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Machinery

How investing in a Claas Evion combine proved less is more at harvest for a Hampshire grower

How investing in a Claas Evion combine proved less is more at harvest for a Hampshire grower

Faced with increasing difficulty sourcing spare parts, a Hampshire farmer opted for Claas’ entry-level, Chinese-built Evion combine to upgrade his ageing, yet trusty Laverda self-levelling hill-side model

Geoff Ashcroft
clock 18 September 2026 • 7 min read
Compact options for Strautmann's  Magnon forage wagon range

Compact options for Strautmann's Magnon forage wagon range

Two lower-capacity Magnon forage wagons will join Strautmann’s offering bringing concepts from its higher models into more compact platforms. James Huyton reports.

James Huyton
clock 04 September 2026 • 2 min read
Fendt upgrades 680hp 1100MT crawler range with new X6 cab and transmission updates

Fendt upgrades 680hp 1100MT crawler range with new X6 cab and transmission updates

Unveiled as part of its North American Press Tour, Fendt has added its FendtONE operator interface to its 1100MT crawler range and introduced transmission updates to the driveline to maximise its 680hp power offering

Toby Whatley
clock 02 September 2026 • 2 min read