MF 224

jwcinpk · Jun 23, 2004

Been looking at used sqaure balers and ran across a MF 224 that's been sitting in a neighbors barn for 6 or 8 yrs. Was wondering what kind of a reputation for speed and reliability these balers have? Also what years they were made, he said he can't remember what year it is. Is this baler going to do as good speed and reliability wise as NH, JD? What kinda hp are you looking at to run it? He's asking $5000, but I'm sure I could get him down some.

HayDR · Jun 23, 2004

We sold the one pictured for $5,000.

Robert_in_NY · Jun 24, 2004

Why not just look for a NH 320? Price wise you should be cheaper then what your neigbor wants for his MF and you already know about the NH and JD reputations. I could have bought a great NH 326 for $4400 but I didn't jump at the time and it sold. Also, check www.fastline.com for balers as it will give you an idea (some times) of a good price to pay for the baler.

HayDR · Jun 24, 2004

A NH320 or NH316 given the same condition as a MF224 should bring $1,000 more than the Massey. Usually the NH baler has been used many times more than the Massey. Usually the commercial hay producers would use a NH over a Massey. Grown here fed here farmers would be inclined to purchase the Massey because they were cheaper up front. The Massey 224 is a very good baler but NH is the standard that all other balers are measured by.

sweettractors · Jun 24, 2004

The 224 MF sells in the $1500-$2500 Range in our market area (in the nice condition that Mark shows in his picture)--JD and NH is by far the best sellers in Central Ky.--Ken Sweet
Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *Used Sickle Bar Mowers and Cultipackers*

Robert_in_NY · Jun 24, 2004

I agree with the NH's bringing more but if he is looking at around $5k then he should consider looking at a NH or JD as he can get a very good NH for around $4500 (of course that is how it is in my area. My one dealer has a couple MF balers (don't remember the numbers but they look like the one pictured). One looks real nice but is worn and the other is in good shape but don't look as nice. They wanted $500 for each.

slowzuki · Jun 24, 2004

There are 2 MF 224's (or are they 124's?)in our area, one has been well maintained and another that has been near run in the ground.

Both run really well but are only worth about 2000$ in our area.

I have never seen a mis-tie or broken bale out of either of them, the gauge wheel for the pickup is near ripped of both as well, it must catch easily.

The one I have baled with has done 10 000 bales a summer for the last 15 years or so, the needle has been replaced and maybe the knotter assembly.

Right now the slip clutch is frozen but its just from no maintenance.

Ken

slowzuki · Jun 24, 2004

Re hp, we use it behind a 52 hp tractor, but have used it behind a 38 hp utility tractor. Speed, well, it spits bales out faster than we can pick them up off the ground with 2 wagons, probably about 3000 bales in an 6-8 hr day? That is a guess so don't anyone get excited.

Ken

WilliamBos · Jun 27, 2004

Hi,

I wouldnt take anyhting away from the massey. IT will go bale for bale versus anything on the market, with minimal downtime and repairs too!! And the new inlines are even better!!

Will