NH 488 Haybine Mower-Conditioner

Stoneman44 · Jan 28, 2019

Hi All,

I'm going to look @ an NH 488 later this week when the temps warm up. Was curious if anyone ran one of these? What's the prevailing opinion of the machine? Any "gremlins" to look for? What are some of the complaints/dislikes/problems with this model.

Going to pull it w/ a '75 DB/Case 885. Do you see any problems w/me doing this? NH literature calls for a minimum 35hp tractor. The 885 is 43hp @ the PTO.

Thanks

Brendon Warren · Jan 28, 2019

I've got a pair of them. Good machines
with some preventive maintenance. I'd
watch for slop in the gearbox. Turn it by
hand at the slip clutch and see how far
you can turn it before the rolls start to
move. The output shaft on that gearbox
has a half moon key that wears, if left
it will eventually bind and break that
shaft. My uncle also runs two 488s, he
runs them with a 885 Case and a 2094?
Case. Same tractor but newer with a
square hood.

Leroy · Jan 28, 2019

I think they bust figgure adverse conditions. Ours was not NH but same size Case-Heston and pulled it with no problems with a 27 horse Farmall H. Deere with their first hay conditioner, no mower in it called for 35 horse we ram it with a 20 horse Deere B.

hd6gtom · Jan 28, 2019

I have one that dad bought new in 1976. It has cut thousands of acres of hay. Bottom bearing was out of the
gearbox when I got it. A couple of hours and it was good as new. Make sure the guards and sections are in
good shape. In the 20+ years I have owned this, I have replaced all the guards once and every 3 years I
replace the sections on the sickle. I use bolt on sections and standard guards. I get the guards and
sections at the local Farm and Home store. They still make 488's new. I replaced the v belt that drives the
reel last year. Mine has set out every since it was bought new.

SHALER · Jan 28, 2019

I have one. Nice machine. Been making them for over 40 years so either they are marketing geniuses or the 488 has withstood the ultimate test - the test of time. Get
your owners manual and learn how the sickle works. Maybe you already know if you have had other sickle mowers. Would just add a somewhat obvious point to what others
have suggested - inspect the rubber rolls for condition.

NH 488 Haybine Mower-Conditioner

Stoneman44

Member

Brendon Warren

Well-known Member

Leroy

Well-known Member

hd6gtom

Well-known Member

SHALER

Member

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