Diskbine: Vicon vs. ?

barrylndn · Nov 28, 2007

Though a common thread, i would like to know the differences in current model diskbines, and if anyone has any experience with them. Locally, we have JD, New Idea (New holland), Vermeer, Kuhn, Krone, Claas, Vicon, and probably a few that i've missed, all within a 20 min. drive. Parts, seemingly, will not be a problem. Have for the past 6 or 7 years used a NH mower without any real problems, but looking at new models, there are good points to each, but a bit hard to get past dealer BS. Soil here is pretty rough and a bit rocky, if that makes a difference. Haven't yet made it to look at Vicons, but have heard they mow a bit faster because of a 3 blade triangular disk system. They aren't a brand I'm completely familiar with, so any comments on quality/innovation? They seem fairly impressive. Resale is not much of an issue, as it will most likely be the better part of a decade before it gets traded off again. Thoughts?

barrylndn · Nov 28, 2007

Oh, and one more thing, how much a part does RPM play in cut speed? It seems obvious that the faster the disk spins, the faster and cleaner you cut, but sometimes what seems obvious can be a bit misleading! NI has a faster disk speed than JD, but don't know about any others.

farmerjim · Nov 28, 2007

i'm in the same boat as you trying to figure out what to buy that will last and still have parts in the long run. i've looked at all the brands you mentioned, as well as pottinger 3pt mounted w/ the extra dry conditioner system, and the kvernland(taarup) models. i really like the kuhn and jd models, the krone,claas,and vicon models are very nice too. as far as cut/conditioning quality i think the euros have an excellent finish product, but the jd and nh finish product is very well also. the soil here in new england is rather rough as well i like the suspension setup that kuhn and jd have, again that varies depending on the width of the cutter most all of the brands mentioned have good suspension, i would also look into what they have for cutterbar/spindle protection if you soil is rocky, the pottinger i looked at has a good protection system i think claas and krones have a similar. the problem i have is getting parts for anything other than kuhn,jd,or nh. as there are no other dealers in my area that aren't more than 75miles. not much farming here in ct anymore. i would hate to purchase something and have it break during busy season and be stuck using my old sickle bar, while waiting for parts. good luck

HayDR · Nov 28, 2007

barrylndn
Take a look at the Vermeer Disc Pro mower conditioners. Their suspension is different than all the other MFG's. IF you contact an object their cutterbar will travel back an up in the same motion. Vermeer Manufacturing Company

art · Nov 28, 2007

It doesn't seem to matter to much as to the disc's cutting ability but the smaller three blade system does cut nice. I would worry about a to protect the cutter bed from possible damage. I'd make sure that the bearings used on the spindles are sealed so the risk of any contaminatin of the bearings if you do damage the cutter bed is reduced. I am a roll guy unless your only crop is a grass type not a legume like alfalfa.

HayDR · Nov 28, 2007

art said:
It doesn't seem to matter to much as to the disc's cutting ability but the smaller three blade system does cut nice. I would worry about a to protect the cutter bed from possible damage. I'd make sure that the bearings used on the spindles are sealed so the risk of any contaminatin of the bearings if you do damage the cutter bed is reduced. I am a roll guy unless your only crop is a grass type not a legume like alfalfa.

The Vermeer is shaft driven and each individual cutting head has its own sealed gearbox. All the bearings are sealed and the only lubrication is EPO grease.

D7E · Dec 4, 2007

We had 3 new vicons and they were very fast but poor quality and shook themselves to pieces in 1 season, Beds were good though ,Kuhn or Deere were best .

Robert_in_NY · Dec 4, 2007

One thing to consider is how much the blades cost compared to how much better cut you get. If the blades are fairly cheap to buy then its not a problem. I know the blades for my Gehl are not very cheap so an extra set of blades would add up if you use your machine any amount. I change blades every spring before I start cutting and cut between 100 and 180 acres a year depending on how much moisture we get.

Gehl doesn't make ag equipment anymore but they did make a good discbine and there are a lot of them around here. My New Holland dealer sold around 5 Gehls for every New Holland and they were disappointed when Gehl shut down their ag department as was I.

barrylndn · Dec 5, 2007

Longevity is a definite must - this year, put up around 1400 round bales (4x5 JD Baler). The old New Holland mower did a great job - only one problem with it, and that was when the break-away spring broke. Easy enough to fix though. However, as I said, looking for a new machine for next year, and preferably a MoCo of some sort. Interesting to hear about the Vicon shaking itself apart after one season - that's not a good sign. Then only thing about the Deere mower I don't like is the segmented mowerbar with the oil reserve in the middle. Seems like if you damaged a seal in one section and didn't catch it (which would be easily enough done while mowing), you could potentially loose every segment, since it would drain everything. I like solid, welded ones better. I like the Vermeer design, but am not a big fan of shaft driven mowers - prefer gear type. Thanks everyone for the feedback so far, and please! Keep it coming!