Keep the NH or switch to a MF?

[LukeD]

Ok,
I currently have a NH311 baler. I work on it once in a while, but it hardly ever messes up a bale. But it's pretty rusted out. I have the chance to buy a MF 124 baler that's still got the paint on the inside of the chute. It's really still like new. The biggest downfall that I can think of is the NH dealer is just down the road, but I wouldn't even know where to find a MF dealer. Should I sell and upgrade ? Or stick with the old reliable? And unfortunately, keeping both just isn't an option

 

[idaho2]

Stop in at NH dealer and ask to see the service manger or if not their baler mechanic. You have a 50/50 chance that they may work on the MF. The worse they could say is No.

idaho2

 

[CDennyRun]

You could always weld in some new bottoms to your chamber, or wherever it's rusting out. I guess it depends on the extent of it. Spending one day cutting, welding and painting new 12GA would be much less expensive than buying a baler in nicer aesthetic condition. I'm looking at a 124 right now actually. In good condition they're pretty affordable, and seem to have a good reputation. Having a parts dealer down the road is a HUGE plus though.

 

[LukeD]

Idaho2, I called and it's a no... If I can get parts, I can work on it myself though

CDennyRun, it would be an even swap for the balers. I've got a neighbor who has been asking me to sell him my baler. And the old man that has the MF baler wants the same price as I would sell mine for. I just know what I've got right now. I guess it's the fear of the unknown

 

[1648nc]

I'd probably stick with the nh, My old 273 had angle welded inside the bottom corners where it had rusted, but still made good bales. You never know, the paint could still be on it because it was a pain in the butt and spent more time in the shop than the field. I'd not wanna give up a baler i know is working to get one that's a shot in the dark. I have done that but it was to go from squares to round, not squares to squares.

 

[leeave96]

I think the MF balers, especially the later models are good balers. Without a doubt the 273 is a legendary baler. I run an even older baler, but same capacity as the 273, a New Holland 68 - which we have pretty much rebuilt. If it was the 68 for a really nice MF 124, I'd probably consider - but we are handy with a wrench, pretty good at finding parts when most would give up and are not afraid to take some risk - LOL!

My guess is that parts or more importantly helpful/abundant internet fix-it advice will always be abundant for the 273. The MF might be a little more difficult in those areas, but OTOH, sounds like a nice baler.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[redman135]

What will replacing the rusted parts cost vs replace the baler.
For me going past a known good dealer would be difficult.
What alternatives does the dealer have in your budget that they will service? Will the dealer look for a new baler for you, or is it "on the lot only"?
good luck

 

[banjodunn]

G'day check the availability of spares for the MF first I know there are not a lot of spares over here for them


Jon

 

[banjodunn]

G'day check the availability of spares for the MF first I know there are not a lot of spares over here for them


Jon

 

[Dave5264]

tough call,

I have a Massey 124 and its a fabulous baler, bough it when my NH grenaded a few yrs ago and would cost more to fix than it was worth

That said, peace of mind knowing your current baler never missed a beat, it a big factor