Why Steam Baling Works: A Quick Primer
Steam baling is a game-changer because it allows farmers to:
- Add moisture to overly dry hay before it’s baled.
- Preserve delicate leaves, which hold the majority of nutrients.
- Bale throughout the day, not just during early morning dew.
The result? Higher quality hay and increased profitability.
Traditionally, these benefits came only with the purchase of heavy-duty, integrated systems like the DewPoint 331, which work in tandem with large balers. But their cost, size, and maintenance requirements make them impractical for all but the largest operations.
Why the Price Gap Matters: $500,000 vs. $9,000
A full hay-steaming system like Staheli West’s DewPoint 331 can easily cost upwards of half a million dollars when factoring in the machinery, baler integration, and maintenance.
That’s a huge investment for any operation—especially if:
- You’re working small to medium acreage.
- You don’t want to commit to single-purpose machinery.
- You need versatility and mobility.
In contrast, the Fortador PRO offers a rugged, diesel-powered steam generation system for under $9,000—a price point low enough to make steam baling accessible to smaller farms and part-time hay producers.
To make the system field-ready, you’ll need a small trailer to haul the unit and a compact water tank with a transfer pump to refill it during the workday. This setup can be added for less than $2,000, bringing your total investment to under $11,000—still a fraction of the cost of traditional baling steamers.
Fortador PRO: Industrial Power Meets Agricultural Innovation
The Fortador PRO wasn’t built specifically for hay baling—but that might be its secret strength.
Key Specs That Matter to Farmers:
- Diesel hybrid boiler with over 235 PSI of pressure.
- Instant high-temperature dry steam output—ideal for hay without soaking it.
- Mobile and compact design, easy to move between fields.
- Multi-hose capability, so two nozzles can run simultaneously.
This makes the Fortador PRO highly adaptable for treating hay windrows immediately before baling, similar to how the DewPoint system works—just with manual or semi-automated delivery, not baler-mounted integration.
How to Use the Fortador PRO on Hay Fields
While not fully automated like the DewPoint 331, farmers can effectively use the Fortador PRO by:
- Preheating the unit while setting up the baler.
- Applying steam to windrows directly in front of the baler path.
- Using two operators or mounting sprayers to treat hay evenly.
- Balancing steam volume and moisture levels to avoid over-wetting.
Early users of the Optima XD steamer (a competitor unit also under $10,000) have already shown success with this method. The Fortador PRO offers more power and larger capacity, making it even more suitable for mid-scale operations.
The Optima XD: A Proven Precedent
Though not as powerful as the Fortador PRO, the Optima XD steamer has already been used by farmers to treat small hay fields with good results. It’s another example of how non-agricultural steamers can be reimagined for fieldwork.
Fortador improves on this concept with:
- Higher pressure output for deeper hay penetration.
- More durable design suited for field use.
- Dual hose connections for efficiency.
Mentioning the Optima shows the market is already validating this approach—and Fortador is ready to lead the pack.
Comparison Chart: Fortador PRO vs. DewPoint 331
Additional Uses on the Farm: More Than Just Hay
Another reason the Fortador PRO stands out: it’s not a one-trick pony. After baling season, it becomes a year-round tool for:
- Cleaning tractors, equipment, and barns
- Disinfecting livestock pens and milking areas
- Sterilizing soil and greenhouse trays
- Controlling pests naturally without chemicals
This versatility adds real ROI, making the unit far more valuable than a single-use steamer.
Potential Return on Investment (ROI)
Let’s break it down:
With Fortador PRO:
- Initial investment: ~$9,000
- Add-on trailer/tank setup: <$2,000
- Versatility: High
- Maintenance: Minimal
- Field performance: Manual, but effective
With DewPoint 331:
- Initial investment: ~$500,000+
- Versatility: Low (hay only)
- Maintenance: High (integrated system)
- Field performance: Fully integrated
For most farms under 500 acres, the Fortador PRO may pay for itself within a season through:
- Reduced leaf loss (higher hay quality)
- Reduced downtime waiting for dew
- Broader work hours
- Added uses in other farm operations
A Realistic Solution for Small and Mid-Size Farms
While large baling operations may continue to rely on machines like the DewPoint 331, the reality is that most farms in the U.S. are not mega-operations.
Smaller farms need solutions that are:
- Affordable
- Portable
- Multi-functional
The Fortador PRO checks all three boxes—and opens the door for many to finally access the benefits of steam baling.
Final Thoughts: Should You Try Fortador PRO?
If you’ve considered steam baling but balked at the cost, the Fortador PRO may be the breakthrough your farm has been waiting for.
✅ Proven steam power
✅ Fraction of the cost
✅ Multipurpose for year-round use
✅ Already tested in the field with similar units like the Optima XD
✅ Additional equipment (trailer + tank) for less than $2,000
It may not replace a fully integrated baling steamer, but it might do just enough—and save you hundreds of thousands in the process.