Innovative SB.1436DB recognized for boosting output and consistency in commercial hay production.

DULUTH, Ga. | Feb. 10, 2026 | AGCO Corporation (NYSE: AGCO), a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, proudly announces that its Hesston by Massey Ferguson® SB.1436DB double small square baler has been named a 2026 AE50 Award winner by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE). The AE50 recognizes the year’s most innovative designs in engineering products for food and agriculture.

This recognition marks yet another milestone in the long-standing legacy of Massey Ferguson engineering excellence and customer-driven innovation. Designed to tackle the challenges of modern commercial hay production, the Massey Ferguson SB.1436DB is the first double small square baler of its kind, delivering two perfectly formed rows of bales per field pass, helping commercial hay producers achieve better efficiency with greater field performance, unmatched bale consistency and industry-leading uptime.

“In today’s market, hay producers are under intense pressure to produce high-quality hay quickly and efficiently,” said Matt LeCroy, senior marketing manager for Massey Ferguson North America. “The SB.1436DB is the solution to that need with a groundbreaking design that revolutionizes the way small square bales are made. It’s another step in our mission to make farming easier and more profitable for producers across North America.”

Designed for High-Output Haymaking

With a 105-inch pickup, the widest in its class, the baler helps producers take full advantage of short harvest windows. It simultaneously produces two uniform 14-by-18-inch bales per stroke, effectively doubling output without increasing labor or fuel costs.

The baler features the SimplEbale® system, an advanced electronic monitoring and control system that automates critical baling processes. From the cab, operators can monitor flake thickness, flake count, bale length and bale weight in real time, ensuring maximum throughput and consistent bale density, weight and dimensions.

Independent knotter trips allow the baler to maintain precise bale length in changing windrow conditions. Operators can select preset lengths between 24 and 52 inches for each bale, resulting in a higher-quality, easier-to-handle product.

The SB.1436DB holds up to 20 balls of twine, allowing up to 8,000 bales between reloads — twice the capacity of comparable machines. Automated knotter lubrication and easy access to service points help keep the baler running in the field longer.

A Tradition of Hay Innovation

For more than 75 years, Hesston by Massey Ferguson has led the way in hay and forage innovation, from the first commercially available self-propelled windrower to industry-defining balers. The SB.1436DB carries forward that legacy with a focus on uptime, bale quality and operator ease of use.

“The AE50 recognition is more than a nod to great design. It’s proof that we’re listening to farmers and delivering solutions that meet the real-world demands of haymaking,” LeCroy said.

For more information on the Massey Ferguson SB.1436DB or the full lineup of hay and forage equipment, visit www.masseyferguson.com.

Media Contacts

Bob Blakely, AGCO | Bob.Blakely@AGCOCorp.com
Arielle Windham | arielle.windham@fint-group.com | 701-499-2169

Massey Ferguson is a registered trademark of AGCO. SimplEbale is a trademark of AGCO.

About AGCO

AGCO (NYSE: AGCO) is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology. AGCO delivers value to farmers and OEM customers through its differentiated brand portfolio including leading brands Fendt®, Massey Ferguson®, PTx and Valtra®. AGCO's full line of equipment, smart farming solutions and services helps farmers sustainably feed our world. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, USA, AGCO had net sales of approximately $11.7 billion in 2024. For more information, visit www.agcocorp.com.