Haying with compact tractor

[farmer2009]

I looked at a NH 256 rake the other day. Ground drive, and the tires and short drive shaft were completely worn out. I think he wanted way to much money for it, asking $1250, and even if I got it down to $750 it would still need $400 worth of repairs.

If the tires on that rake hold air then they will be enough to rake hay. We rake with tires that have 1/3 of the belt showing. Have for years. Just waiting for stubble to go through one.

Which drive shaft are you talking about? The one from the hub to gear box or between the tires? Replaced the one from hub to gear box last year seems like about $200. The old one had a lot of slop in it but finally twisted off.

 

[SwingOak]

It's the short driveshaft between the gearbox and tire. I couldn't get to the rest of the driveline because it was in a 3' deep snow bank.

 

[SwingOak]

Looks like I'm getting a NH Super Hayliner 68. It's a drop baler, but maybe I can get a kicker for it at some point.

 

[SwingOak]

Brought the NH 68 home today, towed it about 35 miles. I'm a rake and a wagon away from being in the hay business.

 

[powerscol]

I'm looking at a Hesston 4550 that is in excellent condition now. The other bales did not pan out. Anyone with any experience with this unit? Thanks

 

[Balerguy2]

powerscol,

I use a NH467 Haybine , Johnson 4 bar side rake and a NH270 square baler. Had to replace a tire on the baler few years ago. The haybine needs a new rubber/steel bushing in the sickle knife every 2-3 years. Have to weld some more on the old Johnson every now and then but it is nearly as old as I am?! Aaaah, the Johnson "ropes" about like any 5 bar side rake. All in all not bad maintenance for 40 year old "vintage" hay equipment.

 

[zzvyb6]

I ran my NH479 9' with my Yanmar 22 hp 4whl drive (and without live or 2 stage pto power). Now I easily run it with my 35hp 1070. I can outrun the sickle cutter with tractor ground speed on second cutting. You get a herringbone pattern in the field.

 

[flusher]

Brought the NH 68 home today, towed it about 35 miles. I'm a rake and a wagon away from being in the hay business.

Nice looking baler. Mine is a Massey Ferguson 124--very similar to yours.

Recommend you go through the baler, clean it out, lube, go through the alignment procedure. Carefully check the dogs that keep the plunger from hitting the needles. They have spring returns and can get clogged with debris that keeps them from working properly. You don't want to be welding or replacing broken needles the first time you try to use it.

I was fortunate in that the seller used that 124 the day before I bought it ($2K about 5 years ago).
We ran a few bales when I came to pick it up to be sure everything worked.

Like you I had to tow it about 30 miles on the back roads to my place.

Good luck.

 

[SwingOak]

Thanks! The baler looked like it had been recently used, fresh twine in it and little to no rust on the moving parts. I was told this was the first winter it had been kept outside. I will definitely be going through it nose to tail. I might even buy a round bale so I have something to feed into it. That way I can test it out before there is hay on the ground. Thanks for the tips!

 

[powerscol]

Well if things go as planned this unit will be with me soon.:thumbsup: