Haybine or Discbine for low hp tractors

[Robert_in_NY]

CCI,

I would rather have a drum/disc mower, tedder combination, due to the speed and mow in any condition, but I am worried about the cure time for the alfalfa. This is my first go at this, so I want to try and get the equipment right the first time. Does anyone have any problems curing alfalfa with a drum/disc mower, or beating up the alfalfa? I would think the more the alfalfa is moved the more leaf loss it would sustain.

There is not very much Alfalfa baled around me as most dairys chop it but it is still cut with a conditioning machine (either disc or sickle). If you do use a tedder on it keep the rpm's low so that all you are doing is stiring the alfalfa as gently as possible. Otherwise look for an inverter as those are suppose to be better at retaining leaves on Alfalfa but I do not have very much experience with Alfalfa or inverters.

 

[CumminsLuke]

Personally, I'd go find a good used NH 488 9' haybine. You can buy them in my area for $3,000-$6,000 for a real good one. And they pull super easy. I pulled my 479, which is just an older version of the 488, with my old Kubota M4700 which was laying down 42 pto hp and it handled it like there was nothing there at all, even on the hills. Personally, I like the conditioning the rollers provide. I still run a tedder behind, but I have cut one day of dry time from when I ran a plain 3-point mounted disc mower with a tedder behind it. I am in Missouri, and there were times I would cut, and then ted the second day, and then have to ted again the third day, and bale the fourth day. Now with a haybine, I cut one day, ted the next, and bale on the third. And I sure use less fuel pulling a 9' pull type haybine then when I was running my 7'10" Vicon CM247 3-point disc mower.

 

[Matney4520]

Are there any real differences between colors? Are the New Holland haybines (488) any better than the John Deere (1209 or 1219)? From the research I have done and the input from everyone on the site, it seems as if these are the only two machines that my tractor is capable of handling. Does anyone have any preferences or reasons why one would be better than the other?

 

[sixdogs]

Are there any real differences between colors? Are the New Holland haybines (488) any better than the John Deere (1209 or 1219)? From the research I have done and the input from everyone on the site, it seems as if these are the only two machines that my tractor is capable of handling. Does anyone have any preferences or reasons why one would be better than the other?

Both are good but most believe NH has set the standard over the decades. These would be the best for a newbie I feel.
On other websites there are comments by knowlegeable guys as to which models of NH are better or worse than others. A search on this board might help. I cannot recall the site but have the model info written down if you want it. I do know the 479 was great as was the 472-492. Power wise, you could pull most any sickle m/c w/no probs. For JD, the 1207-1209 are great.
Make sure the rolls look good and the "wobble box" gear head has not been abused. If reasonably taken care of these things are hard to hurt and most sickle parts are cheap and readily available. Lots of parts machines around, except good rolls. Buy an owners' manual. Don't buy a mchine from the village idiot.

These things and especially balers can be dangerous to newbies and lots of hands and arms have been lost to balers that seemed to cycle on their own while being repaired. ALWAYS block the knife. When you get to balers ask questions from those with personal experience so you can avoid the probs in advance.
There is a learning curve to making hay that can only be learned from personal experience or brand new equipment so not all questions can be explained in advance.
And, I would not tedd alfalfa in the dry part of Kentucky. Mow and rake if you can get away with it or learn about acid applicators and damp hay. Lots to know here and grass or alfalfa with lots of grass in it would be easier to learn with more satisfying results.

 

[CumminsLuke]

I've had both a JD 1219 and my current NH 479. Personally I'd stick with the NH. Not to say the JD was a poor machine, I just like the NH haybine's a little better. As I said before I'd look for a 488, they have made them for like 25 years, so I'd say the bugs are out. Here are some to check out...................

NEW HOLLAND 488 For Sale at TractorHouse.com

 

[zzvyb6]

I run this NH479 on 35 hp, even in high gear when I've cut my lawn with it. I ran this very same mower with a 22hp Yanmar without live power. Startup was a bit goofy, but you gotta do with what ya got. Easy machine to service, parts from TSC, bolt-on sections, spare knife is all you need to deal with. I run hydraulic header lift and tongue swing from my loader couplings.

 

[jimg]

Are there any real differences between colors? Are the New Holland haybines (488) any better than the John Deere (1209 or 1219)? From the research I have done and the input from everyone on the site, it seems as if these are the only two machines that my tractor is capable of handling. Does anyone have any preferences or reasons why one would be better than the other?

Generally speaking I dont think one is better than the other in any substantive way. In my experience all 'haybines' are VERY similar in design so if you know one well nothing on a diff color would seem foreign. I know some mdls have particular issues and that would be something youd want to investigate before buying.

I know machines w/ rubber covered conditioning rollers can have delamination problems (expensive to repair). My MF725 is a bit diff in that regard as it has steel and rubber sectioned (rather like a brush mower tire) rollers. The steel roller has spiral wound ridges that mate w/ the rubber rollers grooves. This combination is virtually indestructible and does a very good job of conditioning. Heres a pic of what they look like: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...-machinery/81780d1185126757-mf-725-small2.jpg

 

[Matney4520]

Thanks for all the input from everyone. I am going tomorrow to look at several different haybines, disc mowers, and tedders. I am sure I will have plenty more questions after I get back. Thanks again.

 

[gf5205]

I know machines w/ rubber covered conditioning rollers can have delamination problems (expensive to repair). My MF725 is a bit diff in that regard as it has steel and rubber sectioned (rather like a brush mower tire) rollers. The steel roller has spiral wound ridges that mate w/ the rubber rollers grooves. This combination is virtually indestructible and does a very good job of conditioning. Heres a pic of what they look like: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...-machinery/81780d1185126757-mf-725-small2.jpg

I had a New Idea conditioner with similar rolls to your MF. It did a great job of conditioning, but it would plug from time to time. Does your MF ever plug?

I ran a JD 1207 from 94 to last year. It cut great - I could cut in driving rain. I would change the knife every 5 years whether it needed it or not! It only needed minor repairs from time to time.
Greg

 

[jimg]

Hi Greg
No plugs...the previous owner said he could get it to plug if he hurried thru a thick stand. He suggested I keep the ground speed around 4mph which has worked well for both of us. The day I went to look at them the grass was soaking wet and he cut a fair amt of the field as a demo (to show that they worked). That said Ive heard all brands can plug and I think there might be some of those stories here.

BTW do you know if NI built your mower or is it a rebadge? My MF is really a Badger.

Glad youve had good success w/ your 1207. Honestly Ive never seen a JD 'haybine' as theyre not common here....99% NH in this area. I see JD now only sell these under the Frontier name. What do you attribute its 'non-plugging' behavior to...roller design?