MF 124 small square baler experience??

Daniel waldner · Nov 16, 2018

My neighbor has a Massey Ferguson 124 small square baler with bale thrower and 2 racks.That i'm thinking about buying. Are they a decent baler? What do you think it's worth in fair condition with both wagons?
Thanks

Hay hay hay · Nov 16, 2018

Baler in good operating condition is $2000 at Auction ( in an area with lots of Massey equipment), thrower rack wagons $1000 each, (you sure can't build them for that). Total $4000ish.

showcrop · Nov 16, 2018

I have been using a 224 for around 15 years. The two main things that I like about it is that it will go right through heavy double windrows where my JD 336 would always break a shear bolt, and it has no twine wipers or tucker fingers to mess you up. The only problems I had was when I got hay dogs hung up. Being as old as it is I would plan on replacing the belts on the thrower. I found them for right at $100.00.

Daniel waldner · Nov 16, 2018

He says it has a few welds but works really good. And will sell it to me for $2000 with wagons which is a good deal for that! So i will look at it and decide, it would nice to have it before spring.

Keith Molden · Nov 16, 2018

I bought a 124 at an auction this past spring. It made the nicest bales that I've ever baled up until the chain broke and wiped out the needles. Needles are in the neighborhood of $375 each for it so I'm still looking for a set of used ones. Check the chain going back to the knotters and replace it if there is any doubt at all. Also check the wedges, they have a habit of rotting away if he has left the last bale in it over the years. We made some out of 1" angle and flat plate that worked great. Sounds to me like you have ran onto a pretty good deal if the wagons are in good condition too, I'd sure go for it. I probably have a 124 for parts (needs needles) for sale if you're close to S.E. Ohio

RGMartin · Nov 16, 2018

Plunger stop was stuck or missing??? I have welded MF needles, easy to do since they are fabricated steel. They don't have to be perfect, just go through the slot in the plunger and get the twine somewhere close to the twine disc.

They make a nice bale, and aren't nearly as picky about windrows as NH and JDs of the same era.

If the baler has been sitting for a while, you probably should pull the plunger and replace the bearings on it.

jacksun65 · Nov 16, 2018

I have a MF120 baler. It will bale very well it likes a double windrow will spit out bales that almost lay end to end. Have welded
up one of the needles when it got out of time made new wedges like previous poster did. Still works great likes plastic twine
though.

Daniel waldner · Nov 16, 2018

Do you use sisal twine or plastic?

showcrop · Nov 17, 2018

(quoted from post at 20:29:52 11/16/18) Do you use sisal twine or plastic?

I have used plastic twine for at least 15 years. It is the double fork cross feed that makes them take the hay in so well. I once got into two double windrows at once when working my way around a tree with another tree 25 feet away. As soon as I saw it Pushed the clutch in and waited for the bang. That 224 just kept taking it in and pushing the bales out. One went right on top of another, and ten inch thick flakes, LOL.

RGMartin · Nov 17, 2018

I use 9600 plastic. It will work with 9000, but you can't make the bricks quite as heavy or it will blow stings. The help will start complaining about the weight of the bales before you start blowing strings with the 9000 though.

Dieseltech · Nov 17, 2018

The first time I saw the knotters on the 120-124 and 128 balers at service school years ago I wondered how such a simple design would work, but they work really well. Billhook turns one turn, twine disc 1/2 like other knotters. As the bale moves back it pulls the knot off the billhook. Over time dust may get inside the billhook shaft, and the spring inside that puts tension on the hook can't work as it should. Dad had a 124 that worked best with plastic twine, and he liked big windrows to keep it full. It sure pushed the bales out fast..

Daniel waldner · Nov 17, 2018

Would it take two 9ft cuttings raked together?

RGMartin · Nov 17, 2018

(quoted from post at 22:05:32 11/17/18) Would it take two 9ft cuttings raked together?

Sure, if you have low enough gears, enough power and/or get it cut when it should be.

Dopp Creek · Nov 18, 2018

I really like mine. There are two different series, look for a four digit number after the serial number, either 1474 or 2183. The front cover over
the plunger housing is wider on the 2183. By have been very good balers for me. I run a 9 ft haybine and double windrow, slow down and spit
out the bales. I run 170# knot strength plastic in 9600 ft rolls and the only trouble I ever had was breaking the sun gear in the knotter.
The one thing I check on any new-tome baler is the hay dogs and springs, usually located under the knotters. Make sure they move freely and
the springs are good. I blow mine out each day before starting to bale so they can't get bound up by debris. I once had an AC baler that made
irregular bales with erratic knots. Found the hay dog springs were broken. Made new ones and it worked great after that. Good luck.

MF 124 small square baler experience??

Daniel waldner

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Hay hay hay

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showcrop

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Daniel waldner

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Keith Molden

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RGMartin

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jacksun65

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Daniel waldner

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showcrop

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RGMartin

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Daniel waldner

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Dopp Creek

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