getting a motor for a bale elevator

[Saz3rac]

I don't understand my dad, he just bought a 20' bale elevator, but it's missing a motor.
He did get a good deal on it, but now I'm the one who needs to figure out what to put on it.
I make the bales light, around 35 pounds, but my dad wants to be running the elevator at a fairly steep angle.

I've heard that people use anywhere from a 1/2 HP to a 2 HP motor, but I have no idea what's right for our needs.

What kind of motor do you guys have on your bale elevators? Do you have any recommendations? And what's the standard budget for this? Your insights would be a huge help! Thanks a bunch!

 

[MadameOpera]

I run a ¾ HP on mine with zero issues, but you'll still want a farm rated, totally enclosed fan cooled motor with a thermal reset for safety. Should be a solid fit, and you'll be set for years without worrying about burning out the drive.

 

[Full3r]

This is the way it is:
1/2 HP motor can do the job. but 3/4 HP motor is safer and then your budget depends on brand, the basic 1/2 HP motors can be a few hundred bucks

 

[CubMaple]

We put a 1 HP farm duty motor on ours, around $250 new from Tractor Supply. Handles 40–50 lb bales fine. A 2 HP would be overkill unless you're loading wet hay or pushing it steep all day.

 

[calypso]

We run a ¾ HP motor on a 20' elevator and it handles 35 lb bales fine, even on a good incline. If you’re going really steep or hauling doubles, 1 HP wouldn’t hurt