MF-124 baler-requesting info

[flusher]

I'll be looking at a 124 baler tomorrow. Two-twine, pto drive, 1/4 turn chute, hydraulic lift on the pickup, gauge wheels, lights. Asking $2K. Owner says it's very reliable.

Plan to use my new Mahindra 5525 (55 hp engine, 45 hp pto) to run this baby on my 7-acre hayfield. Is this enough pto hp for the 124?

How about replacement parts availability? Does AGCO/MF still support an old baler like this one? Or am I going to have to find another 124 or equivalent for parts?

In previous baler threads I was advised that JD and NH have the best support for their older balers and to be wary of IH balers (unreliability issues). Any updates on this info is appreciated.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Last fall I bought an older #24 MF baler. I haven't had it in the field just yet. (That happens later today) But, MF supports the older #24 as far as I've found so far, so I don't see a reason why they wouldn't take just as good of care of the 124.

MF sold a bunch of those balers in the Kentucky/Tennessee area back in the day. You'll still find quite a few on the job. Very popular. In a few days, I'll determine if my old (and VERY worn) Deere 336 will be replaced on a permanent basis, or if the #24 gets re-sold.

I've seen dozens of 124's behind MF135's in these parts, so you should be good to go in regards to HP.

 

[jwcinpk]

I got this second hand, but the way I understand it parts may become an issue on the 124/224 because Gehl actually owed the design and they no longer support it.
Again I'm unsure about this perhaps someone can elaborate a bit.

 

[flusher]

Last fall I bought an older #24 MF baler. I haven't had it in the field just yet. (That happens later today) But, MF supports the older #24 as far as I've found so far, so I don't see a reason why they wouldn't take just as good of care of the 124.

MF sold a bunch of those balers in the Kentucky/Tennessee area back in the day. You'll still find quite a few on the job. Very popular. In a few days, I'll determine if my old (and VERY worn) Deere 336 will be replaced on a permanent basis, or if the #24 gets re-sold.

I've seen dozens of 124's behind MF135's in these parts, so you should be good to go in regards to HP.

FWJ: thanks for the input. Glad to know that my MF-135 diesel will handle the 124.

Hope your MF 24 baler works OK. Hope you post regarding your experiences with that baler today.

Question: do you have any info on 124 serial numbers and year of manufacture?

 

[Farmwithjunk]

All I have on 124's is this;

Years Mfrd. 1975-1984
14"X18" bale size
PTO-540 twine only OR Wisconsin V/H4D engine powered (Motor version available twine or wire tie)
2850 lbs pto/3234 motor powered
New list (1984) $6,665
Average auction price, Low $211, High $2021, Average $969