Roto Baler

Registry Insight- Roto Balers

The Allis Chalmers Roto-Baler came about when A/C bought the rights to a design dating back to the 1890's when the Luebben Family on Nebraska started work on a baling machine. Further development was undertaken by A/C and in 1946 production commenced. The Roto-Baler was produced at the La Porte Works and was the first mass produced round baler made with bales ranging from 14-22 inches in diameter. The machines are highly complex and relied on all springs, bearings, latches and chains to all be in perfect working order. Later versions had a constant feed system (known as the No.10 Roto-Baler) that didn't rely on stopping forward movement of the tractor when tying of the bale was taking place. Early Roto-Balers built from 1947-1959 were all finished in Persian Orange No1 while later variants were painted Persian Orange No.2 with a Cream Roof or Lid along with wheels. Later variants had further safety screens and guards as there were rumors of several lawsuits against Allis Chalmers from injuries. Below is an original sales Brochure for the Roto-Baler (For a larger view click on the images).



Roto Baler Serial number ranges are as follows, the serial numbers are located on the upper right hand rear side just below the top cover.

1947-    101-3100

1948-    3101-13043

1949-    13044-23880

1950-    23881-33706

1951-    33707-42427

1952-    42428-53903

1953-    53904-61536

1954-    61537-65151

1955-    65152-68401

1956-    68402-71401

1957-    71402-72401

1958-    72402-72701

1958-    C101-C1600 (No.10 Roto Baler (Non stop units))

1959-    72702-73525

1960-    73526-74601 (includes 500 with overdrive)

1961-    nil

1962-    nil

1963-    74602-74901

1964-    74902-75401 (includes 250 with overdrive)

1972-    74902-75700

1973-    75701-76500

1974-    76501-77300



Below is a list of the currently known Roto Balers in Australia. If you own one or know of one please let us know so it can be added to the register. A registration form can be found here

MODEL	YEAR	SERIAL	ENGINE	STATE	CONDITION
Roto Baler		ER3685		VIC	Unrestored
Roto Baler				NSW	Restored
Roto Baler		ER		NSW
Roto Baler	1951	42175
Roto Baler	1952	43012
Roto Baler	1952	43299
Roto Baler	1953	59799
Roto Baler	1953	60199			WRECK
Roto Baler	1951	41539
Roto Baler		EB3430
Roto Baler		EB3732
Roto Baler		EB4115
Roto Baler		ER1797
Roto Baler		ER3650
Roto Baler		ER4109