From field support to factory floor, we’re more than just a machinery supplier, we’re part of your operation.
Find out how Big Bale South became a trusted name in bale handling.
Whether you're purchasing new equipment, servicing your machinery, or in need of urgent repairs, Big Bale Co (South) Ltd is committed to keeping your operation running smoothly.
Established in 1983, Big Bale Co (South) Ltd has been a trusted name in the agricultural industry for over four decades. We specialise in large square balers, offering Massey Ferguson sales, servicing, and support across the UK.
In addition to being an authorised dealer, we design and manufacture our own Transtackers and Hunters—innovative bale-handling solutions built for efficiency and reliability.
Based near Southampton, we serve farmers and contractors nationwide, providing high-quality equipment, expert technical support, and a vast inventory of genuine parts.
Our skilled technicians, located in Hampshire, Lincolnshire, and Yorkshire, are available to assist with breakdowns, servicing, and warranty work, ensuring minimal downtime.
We understand the demands of modern agriculture, which is why we operate seven days a week during the straw harvest and offer fast nationwide delivery on parts.”
Follow the key milestones that shaped Big Bale South, from our early days to today’s purpose-built headquarters. Our journey is one of innovation, growth, and a deep connection to the land.
Tim Scott and Michael Coleman founded TIMIK Agricultural, a contracting business named after their initials. The company specialised in hedge cutting and small bale contracting.
A breakthrough in baling technology—Hesston introduced the world’s first big baler, the Hesston 4800, changing the industry forever.
Nigel Crossley joined TIMIK, as the company shifted focus from contracting to machinery sales, recognising the growing demand.
Big Bale Co Ltd was founded by Michael Coleman (TIMIK) and David Johnson (Northern Straw), establishing depots in Hampshire and Doncaster.
The company began importing spare parts in 40ft containers to meet increasing demand and imported its first used Hesston 4800 baler.
With a growing stock of Hesston 4800s, Big Bale Co saw an opportunity in baler hire. Over the next decade, the fleet would expand, peaking at around 40 machines in 1999.
Nigel Crossley became General Manager, helping to steer the company’s expansion.
Big Bale Co imported and sold its first four Hesston 4900 balers, marking the start of a strong partnership with Tom Schrag, a lead Hesston design engineer.
The company placed a 16-baler order for the upcoming harvest and began annual trips to Hesston’s engineering team, providing valuable performance insights for European conditions. This same year, Big Bale Co relocated to its current site in Waltham Chase.
Big Bale Co Ltd amicably split into two separate businesses, forming Big Bale Co (South) Ltd and Big Bale Co (North) Ltd, allowing each to focus on regional markets.
Hesston introduced the 4750 balers with 0.80 x 0.90 bale size. Big Bale Co (South) Ltd purchased and fitted four units with safety upgrades before selling them.
Louis Lobermeier (Accountant) and James Pavey (Workshop Technician) joined the Big Bale Co (South) Ltd team. Hesston also introduced the silage-focused 4755 baler.
Big Bale Co (South) Ltd was officially approached by MF/AGCO to become an authorised dealer for their balers, securing the entire UK sales and service territory alongside Big Bale Co (North).
Seeing a gap in the market for a 0.80 x 0.70 bale size, Big Bale Co (South) Ltd developed and modified 25 machines before AGCO adopted the design, later releasing it as the MF 2140 baler.
Big Bale Co (South) Ltd began offering work placements to Harper Adams University students, building a long-term relationship with the university. Since then, the program has welcomed 15 students, with six becoming full-time employees over the years including John Corfield, our current Workshop Manager.
The company acquired the intellectual rights for the Transtacker from John Walton, marking a major step in product development.
Big Bale Co (South) Ltd launched full production of the Transtacker 6072, bringing efficient bale stacking to the market.
The Transtacker 6072 underwent a major redesign, incorporating key improvements to enhance performance and reliability, making it fully a Big Bale Co (South) Ltd machine.
With the 4100 Transtacker in development and undergoing testing, the company made the decision to cease production of the 6072 model, having built 53 units in total.
– A big milestone: the first two 4100 Transtackers rolled off the production line and were sold. Meanwhile, work began on a new purpose-built facility at Church House Farm to support future growth.
The updated 4100 model continued to evolve, with five units produced and the original two upgraded.
Big Bale ramped up production, manufacturing ten 4100 Transtackers and ensuring all existing models were updated.
December 2021, Nigel Crossley steps down as General Manager. Louis becomes the Managing Director. James Pavey is made a director. John Corfield becomes Workshop Supervisor. Nigel Crossley is now sales.
Production hit eleven 4100 units, demonstrating strong demand for the new model. In December, leadership changes were announced.
Construction of our new purpose-built premises was well underway, evolving into an even more modern and advanced facility than originally planned—marking the beginning of a new era for Big Bale Co (South) Ltd.
To meet the demand for quicker and more cost-efficient stack transport, Big Bale Co (South) Ltd developed the 2100 Hunter—a simplified, lighter version of the Transtacker. The first two units were built and tested.
Big Bale Co (South) Ltd designed and built the 4200 Transtacker prototype, introducing key improvements over the highly successful 4100 model.
Following successful trials, 4200 production was launched, officially replacing the 4100 as the next generation in bale-handling efficiency. A run of fifteen units is planned for the first year of manufacturing.
Find out more about the Big Bale Transtacker. Talk to our sales team today to request a demo, brochure or discuss options.
