This 1973 New Holland 273 small square baler for sale in Killbuck, Ohio represents an excellent opportunity for buyers searching for a dependable used New Holland square baler with a strong ownership history. Additionally, this one-owner barn-kept baler includes the original owner’s manual and remains in excellent working condition. Buyers searching for used New Holland hay balers, small square balers for sale, PTO-driven balers, horse hay equipment, or reliable hay balers in Ohio will appreciate the simplicity and durability of the legendary NH 273 platform. Furthermore, the New Holland 273 remains one of the most recognized square balers among hobby farms, livestock operators, and traditional hay producers because of its dependable knotter system, easy maintenance, and long-term field reliability. Trustworthy Equipment LLC proudly offers this field-ready baler for buyers seeking proven hay equipment with timeless performance and strong resale appeal.

General Specs
Routine Maintenance
- Regular seasonal greasing and lubrication
- Knotter system maintained and monitored routinely
- PTO driveline serviced as needed
- Chains and moving components kept adjusted
Storage & Preservation
- Always barn-kept when not in use
- Protected from long-term weather exposure
- Clean ownership history
Operational Readiness
- Field-ready condition
- Original owner’s manual included
- Maintained for dependable seasonal operation
The current owner purchased this New Holland 273 new in 1973 and has maintained ownership ever since. Throughout its life, the baler was primarily used for smaller seasonal hay operations and was never subjected to large-scale commercial abuse.
Additionally, the owner maintained a strong philosophy of keeping equipment clean, serviced, and protected from the weather whenever not in use. Because of this, the baler spent its life stored indoors between hay seasons.
Meanwhile, regular upkeep and preventative maintenance helped keep the machine dependable year after year. The owner also retained the original operator’s manual, further reflecting the level of care this machine received over the decades.
Now, after many years of dependable service, the decision to sell comes simply from reduced farming activity and changing operational needs.
Trustworthy Equipment LLC is proud to offer this exceptionally well-kept 1973 New Holland 273 small square baler located in Killbuck, Ohio. Known throughout the hay industry as one of the most dependable and easy-to-maintain balers ever built, the New Holland 273 continues to earn respect from small farm operators, livestock owners, and hay producers nationwide.
Most importantly, this particular baler stands out because it has remained with the same owner since new and has always been stored indoors. Because of this careful ownership history, the machine presents far better than many comparable balers from the same era. Additionally, the original owner’s manual is included, adding both collector value and practical operational reference for the next owner.
Performance & Field Capability
The New Holland 273 was engineered during an era when simplicity, durability, and long-term serviceability were the priorities. As a result, these balers became highly respected for producing consistent, tight bales while remaining straightforward to operate and maintain.
Furthermore, the approximately 63 plunger strokes per minute provide dependable bale consistency across varying hay conditions. Meanwhile, the wide pickup system allows operators to gather windrows efficiently, reducing crop loss and improving productivity throughout the baling process.
Whether you are producing hay for horses, cattle, hobby farms, or small commercial operations, this baler remains highly capable of handling seasonal workloads without unnecessary complexity.
Condition & Ownership Highlights
This one-owner machine reflects years of careful use and responsible storage practices. In addition, indoor storage has helped preserve sheet metal, driveline components, knotter systems, and overall machine integrity.
Unlike many older balers that have spent decades exposed to weather conditions, this unit has remained sheltered from the elements. Consequently, it represents an increasingly difficult type of machine to find in today’s market.
The included original owner’s manual further supports buyer confidence while also demonstrating long-term ownership pride.
Why the New Holland 273 Still Has a Loyal Following
Even decades after production, the New Holland 273 continues to maintain a strong reputation among experienced hay producers. Specifically, operators appreciate:
- Simple mechanical design
- Reliable knotter performance
- Easy access for servicing
- Excellent parts availability
- Consistent bale density
- Low horsepower requirements
- Proven long-term durability
Additionally, many producers intentionally seek older New Holland square balers because they prefer mechanical simplicity over modern electronic-heavy systems.
Ideal Applications
This baler is an excellent fit for:
- Horse hay operations
- Small cattle farms
- Hobby farms
- Amish and plain community farms
- Small acreage producers
- Seasonal hay operations
- Backup baling capacity
- Collector or vintage equipment enthusiasts
Ultimately, the 273 offers a balance of simplicity, reliability, and proven field performance that continues to make it one of New Holland’s most respected small square balers.
Specifications are believed to be accurate but are not guaranteed and may vary by unit. Buyers should independently verify all specifications, features, and condition prior to purchase.
General Information
- Year: 1973
- Manufacturer: New Holland
- Model: 273
- Equipment Type: Small Square Baler
- Configuration: PTO-driven pull-type baler
Bale Specifications
- Bale Size: 14" × 18"
- Adjustable Bale Length: Approx. 12"–52"
- Bale Density: Adjustable
Pickup & Feeding System
- Pickup Width: Approx. 65 inches
- Gathering Wheels: Equipped
- Feeding System: Conventional feeder design
Performance
- Plunger Speed: Approx. 63 strokes per minute
- Recommended PTO Horsepower: Approx. 35–40 HP minimum
- PTO Type: 540 RPM
Dimensions & Weight
- Approximate Weight: ~2,400 lbs
- Hitch Type: Drawbar pull-type configuration
Operational Advantages
- Simple mechanical knotter system
- Easy-access service points
- Proven long-term durability
- Low horsepower operating requirements
- Well-supported aftermarket and replacement parts availability