This is a follow-up to my earlier post about the flail mower conditioners made by New Idea and MC. Since my post I've come across two machines, one a New Idea Cutditioner 279 (9 foot) and the other a MC 9E Rotary Scythe. Both are in about the same field-ready condition, and at roughly the same price. My question is, which is the better machine?
They are roughly the same machine, with some differences. The New Idea uses one-piece knives and a 3-rib drive belt. The MC uses two piece, bolt on knives and a chain drive. Price for replacement knives is about double for New Idea from Sloans or Shoup ($13 vs. $6.50), but that's because it's one piece. New Idea belt isn't too bad from aftermarket sources ($50-75).
They are roughly the same machine, with some differences. The New Idea uses one-piece knives and a 3-rib drive belt. The MC uses two piece, bolt on knives and a chain drive. Price for replacement knives is about double for New Idea from Sloans or Shoup ($13 vs. $6.50), but that's because it's one piece. New Idea belt isn't too bad from aftermarket sources ($50-75).