McHale F5500 Baler
The McHale F5500 is a fixed-chamber round baler built at Ballinrobe, Ireland, from 2010 to 2016. A robust, popular machine for British silage, hay and straw work, it is recognised for its straightforward 15-roller chamber and consistent 1.25 m diameter by 1.23 m wide bales.
McHale F5500 specifications
| Production years | 2010-2016 |
|---|---|
| Baler type | Fixed-chamber round baler |
| Bale size | 1.25 m diameter x 1.23 m wide |
| Pickup width | 2.0 m |
| Tying | Net wrap or twine; 15-roller chamber |
| Power required | About 80 hp (60 kW) minimum PTO power |
| Built at | Ballinrobe, Ireland |
What the F5500 is used for
The F5500 is well suited to livestock and mixed farms making silage, hay and straw in conventional British field conditions. Its fixed chamber delivers one standard bale size, useful where handlers, wrappers and storage are arranged around that format. A 2.0 m pickup gathers the crop.
Contractors may value it as a dependable round-baling option where a uniform bale is wanted. Net wrap or twine tying allows the machine to fit established farm preferences and crop requirements.
Why the McHale F5500 stands out
The F5500 stands out for a durable fixed-chamber layout with 15 rollers and a uniform bale format. It covers silage, hay and straw without unnecessary complication, with net wrap or twine tying available. About 80 PTO hp is the minimum requirement. On a used example, chamber and roller condition are more important than cosmetic presentation alone.
Buying a used McHale F5500
The F5500 has no engine, therefore engine smoke and oil-pressure checks do not apply; inspect its PTO driveline, gearbox, chains, rollers and pickup instead. Check hydraulic hoses, tying operation, bearing noise, roller wear, damaged guards and corrosion or repairs to the tinwork. Verify the serial number and whether the net-wrap or twine equipment is original. Have it inspected, confirm figures and originality against TractorData.com and club records, and check current listings rather than a fixed price, as values vary by condition.
McHale F5500 frequently asked questions
What bale size does a McHale F5500 produce?
The F5500 makes fixed-chamber round bales measuring 1.25 m in diameter and 1.23 m wide. This consistent format can simplify wrapping, handling and storage where equipment is set up for it.
How much PTO power is needed for an F5500?
The McHale F5500 requires about 80 hp, or 60 kW, minimum PTO power. Buyers should also consider crop volume, field terrain and the condition of the individual baler.
What chamber does the F5500 use?
It uses a fixed chamber with 15 rollers. The fixed-chamber arrangement is intended to produce a consistent bale size for silage, hay and straw, with net wrap or twine tying available.
Specifications are commonly cited figures for general reference; exact figures vary by year and configuration, so confirm against the manufacturer's records and the machine's serial number. Bale sizes, weights and dimensions are converted to metric and rounded. Used baler values vary by condition. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.