LOUISVILLE, Ky. – From the trade show floor at the National Farm Machinery Show, Kubota Tractor Corporation introduced two all-new, high-capacity small square balers with the SSB Series, composed of the new SSB2014 and SSB2012 models. These innovative balers represent a significant advancement in commercial hay production, engineered to help producers maximize efficiency and quality while reducing labor requirements and field time.
“This machine fundamentally changes what’s possible in small-square baling,” said Cort Morris, Kubota product manager, hay tools. “Our dual-chamber design means one operator, one tractor, and one machine can do the work of two. Producers can cut their field time in half while maintaining the premium bale quality their customers demand.”
***AUDIO with Cort Morris during the 2026 National Farm Machinery Show:
Revolutionary Dual-Chamber Design with Single-Row Output
The Kubota high-capacity small square baler series features a patented dual-chamber design that sets it apart from traditional single-chamber balers. As the incoming crop enters the machine, an intake rotor separates the windrow into two separate stuffer chutes, each feeding alternating plungers that form bales in two separate bale chambers with independent knotter systems. This innovative configuration delivers 100 plunger strokes per minute, supporting the high-capacity performance. By producing two bales simultaneously, producers effectively cut field time in half compared to conventional balers, while requiring only one operator and one tractor. Plus, each bale ramp on the SSB balers align the dual chambers into a single row of bales. This distinctive feature means one windrow of hay becomes one row of bales rather than the two rows per windrow that is typical of other double baler designs. This streamlined output reduces subsequent raking and collection work, further improving operational efficiency.
Flexible Bale Sizes Meet Market Demands
The Kubota small square baler line offers two bale size options to meet diverse market needs. The SSB2014 produces standard 14-by-18-inch bales, while the SSB2012 creates smaller 12.25-by-18-inch bales. This flexibility proves particularly valuable for operations using bundling equipment, as the smaller 12.25-inch bales allow producers to fit three additional bales into each bundle.
Advanced Technology for Precision Control: ‘Plug-and-Play’
The Kubota small square baler series comes standard with full ISOBUS compatibility, allowing direct integration with any ISOBUS-compatible tractor through a simple plug-and-play connection. For operations using non-ISOBUS equipment, the optional Kverneland IsoMatch Tellus GO terminal provides comprehensive control and monitoring capabilities. Real-time monitoring features include flake length adjustment and counters, individual bale length monitoring for each chamber, hydraulic bale density control for consistent bale weight, dual bale scales for left and right chamber monitoring, rolling bales-per-hour readout, on-board diagnostics, and manual operation modes.
Built to Last with Quality Construction
Both the SSB2014 and SSB2012 feature the proven Rasspe 6003 knotter system, completing the knotting process in just 0.3 seconds, even at the high capacity of 100 strokes per minute. The all-welded frame construction, offset plungers, and large flywheel ensure smooth, controlled operation throughout demanding hay seasons. The wide pickup accommodates various windrow sizes, ensuring consistent crop feed for both chambers and delivering uniform, polished square bales. Flexible twine storage options include 20 standard spools (five per knotter) or 16 large spools (four per knotter), providing operators with adaptability throughout the season.
Compatibility and Power Requirements
The Kubota SSB Series is compatible with tractors equipped with 1000-spline PTO output; for Kubota, that includes the M6-131, M6-141 and all M7 and M8 series tractors. The minimum PTO horsepower requirement is 100, with 120 PTO horsepower recommended for optimal performance and attachment operation. Both SSB baler models are compatible with the Marcrest 5250T Bale Baron, an ideal coupling for the commercial hay producer. The Kubota “powered ramp” is required for Bale Baron compatibility. The Kubota SSB series will be available at authorized Kubota dealers in Spring, 2026. For more information or to find an authorized Kubota dealer, visit KubotaUSA.com.
