Did about the same thing with a JD 336. Got it running and in the barn it seemed like it was good. In the field, it would miss a knot now-and-then -- some days a lot. Even 3-4% is every 25 to 30 bales and really slows you down. It's also a lot more hassle and hectic when you're constantly on the watch for a missed knot so you can tie it by hand. If you have someone on a wagon behind you to watch for it, that helps a LOT!
True! I remember really fun days baling with a couple teenagers on a wagon behind the baler. Some of my worst days were spent doing the same thing with no help.
Takes a deckover trailer to haul one and, as you say, they're hard to load. Also need to be sure all your sheet metal shields are tied down or otherwise secured. We lost a side shield on a baler pulling it home on a trailer. Never was able to find it. Didn't affect the operation but it sucked to lose it and they're expensive to replace.
As far as towing, I think they tow pretty decent when folded up. Much better than a haybine, for example. The narrow pickup on the old small balers lets you keep it in one lane if you crowd the center. But unless you're going to check the wheel bearings (and possibly replace them before towing), it's wise not to plan to pull very far very fast.
Once you experience a baler that does a good job, that will punch out bales reliably and might only miss a knot every few hundred bales when it switches twine balls, you'll understand why it's best to find one that's truly ready to work. It's the difference between enjoying the process and getting your hay in the barn vs. standing in the field cutting twine and cussing all day. You should be able to bale without touching your baler other than to switch wagons.
