MF 725

[jimg]

For reference:

Massey Ferguson 725 = Badger BN1000 (not sure if Vermeer carried a 7' mower)
Massey Ferguson 925 = Badger BN1005 = Vermeer MC9
The MF and Vermeer machines are identical in every way to the Badgers exc for paint color and decals. Badger (Miller - St. Nazianz - About Miller) recently sold their forage equipment line to Arts Way Mfg (Art's-Way Manufacturing) which handles parts. Vermeer carries very few parts and none of the manuals.

 

[rdbigfarmboy]

I bought that Badger 1005 for $200 it needs a belt (that 4 groove where the back is bonded together type). MF said $155 for the belt. I may just put 4 songle belts on it. What do you think?

 

[flusher]

You can probably find a sickle bar mower to be a better machine. Most of the hay just doesnt need conditioning. I have had 2 Mower conditioners and now dont know why I bought them cept thats what everybody else had. Sickle bar mowers go from 200-1500 used. I might go with one of the new double action things CCM sells.
I personally would buy a used disc mower. The smaller 5 to 7 ft models sell between 600 and 2000. I know dealers always ask more but, at an auction thats all.

Interesting. So when is a moco absolutely essential and when is it optional?

As I understand it, before moco's were invented, sickle bar mowers were used to cut the crop and then, if crimping was needed, another pass was made with a crimper. I can see that this might be a problem since the tractor wheels would tend to mash the cuttings into the soil.

 

[zzvyb6]

I don't think the crimper is as important as the features of mo/co's which provide for windrowing. When the ground is damp having a windrow formed dries the edges of the cut swath. Then, you rake the windrow onto the dry ground and the rest of the drying cycle goes very quicly. A moisture tester used every 4 hours will prove this.

 

[flusher]

I don't think the crimper is as important as the features of mo/co's which provide for windrowing. When the ground is damp having a windrow formed dries the edges of the cut swath. Then, you rake the windrow onto the dry ground and the rest of the drying cycle goes very quicly. A moisture tester used every 4 hours will prove this.

Also interesting. I suppose that if you don't have a moco you could mow with the sicklebar, make another pass with a side delivery rake or a tedder/rake in rake configuration to windrow the cuttings, and then make a third pass with the rake to move the windrow onto dry ground.

 

[jimg]

I bought that Badger 1005 for $200 it needs a belt (that 4 groove where the back is bonded together type). MF said $155 for the belt. I may just put 4 songle belts on it. What do you think?

Good deal on the mower! Not sure how putting 4 to replace the one would work. Might as well try and see how that goes. However, given how much you paid a $155 belt wouldnt be upsetting...youre still well in the black.

 

[jimg]

Just FYI...when inquiring about parts thru an Artsway dealer you should give the Badger part number. This is exactly like the Massey number exc replace the 'M' w/ a 'B'.

I think Badger would sell parts directly but Artsway wont, gotta go thru their dealer net.

When I called Artsway about parts they referred me to dealers in my area who were either out of business or didnt know they were an Artsway dealer! My Massey dealer was able to direct me to the local Artsway dealer.