Disc Mower Update

farmallboy15 · Aug 3, 2021

Well I gambled and lost. I had really hoped I could get away with replacing a few bearings on this disc mower but after totaling things up to replace, I was going to be in $1000+ more than a decent used one... Replacement pods and shoes are a killer. Anyone need any NH 462 parts or a parts mower? I'll make you a deal! I guess I will be cutting with the old haybine a little longer...

rrlund · Aug 3, 2021

It doesn't take long to ad up when the seller tells you 'All it needs is...'.

BarnyardEngineering · Aug 3, 2021

Food for thought: There is no guarantee that the "decent used one" you buy is actually a "decent used one." It could turn out to need $1000+ in repairs before being field ready. Unless the seller gives you a money back guarantee.

Bruce from Can. · Aug 3, 2021

Sorry to hear that you got stung . And thats the reason I quit buying used equipment. The first owner usually takes the life out of equipment these days. A new discmower in Canada, will cost around 12-15 thousand dollars. And if looked after will still fetch a good resale or trade value once you are done with it. This has been the principle I have been working with the past decade, and having little to no repair cost, down time and frustration has a value too.

MJMJ · Aug 3, 2021

I buy a lot of used equipment, almost everything I have is used. But that's why I wouldn't buy a used disc mower, there's just too many unknowns and risks with the ones in my price range. Buying one is a gamble, and with those older ones when something goes you're rebuilding the entire thing. My drum mower isn't perfect, but for all the more hay I do it was the most economical choice.

SHALER · Aug 3, 2021

Farmall boy, was intriguing to see your post come up on the forum. Prior opening it I was thinking: If he got a decent disc mower for the few hundred dollars he paid for it, I will advise not to buy any more used equipment for at least a year as you really lucked out. OR, the more likely scenario playing out, you bought someone else's problem. anyhow, thanks for the update, kudos to you, most guys only report back on the 'steals' they think they got.

farmallboy15 · Aug 3, 2021

I'm really kicking around the idea of buying a new Enorossi Drum or disc mower... The drum's aren't really
any more expensive than a good used, older disc mower and the new disc's aren't any more expensive than a
used late model new holland... I think with the larger drum mower or a 5 pod disc, I would be able to cut
at the same speed of a 9' haybine.

RCP · Aug 3, 2021

Many of the dealers in our area will let you demo a piece of equipment for a day or two before buying, you might try that approach.

MJMJ · Aug 3, 2021

(quoted from post at 12:45:41 08/03/21) I'm really kicking around the idea of buying a new Enorossi Drum or disc mower... The drum's aren't really
any more expensive than a good used, older disc mower and the new disc's aren't any more expensive than a
used late model new holland... I think with the larger drum mower or a 5 pod disc, I would be able to cut
at the same speed of a 9' haybine.

I bought a 6 foot drum this year and retired the old 9 foot haybine. I'm able to mow fast enough that even with less coverage per pass it doesn't take me any longer now than it used to. It might even be a bit faster. When I factor in the time I'm NOT working on the haybine, it's been a big time saver. There are some downsides, but overall it was a good purchase for me.

MARK ROBKE · Aug 3, 2021

I almost always buy used: vehicles or equipment. But I never buy anything I have any suspicion about. I sometimes search for a couple of years. And I only want to buy from an individual and I talk to him, judge his character, and his integrity. If he is abrupt, and not forth coming I walk away. I bought a used disc mower once, from a dairy farmer. I did ok: what it needed was what he said it needed. I bought a round baler from a dealer, and while the baler was ok, the monitor was not. But I could not have found that out with the dealer, but I would have from an individual who had used it versus the dealer who took it on a trade and knew nothing about it. But there is a big risk with a disc mower, because gears and bearings are expensive, and a lot of hard work to replace, as you found out. And like Bruce says, reliable is important when hay needs put up, especially the baler! Mark.

495man · Aug 3, 2021

Did you price a curtain? I wouldn't mow with out one...

The amount of metal filings on the plug is concerning.

I've been running a disc mower since it was new, just finished 12th season with it. I change oil in bar every year, never had anything other than oil come out.

What's wrong with the pods?

I'd try and weld the shoes up and put new bearings in it, put a curtain on it and know what you have.

Bret4207 · Aug 3, 2021

(quoted from post at 13:45:41 08/03/21) I'm really kicking around the idea of buying a new Enorossi Drum or disc mower... The drum's aren't really
any more expensive than a good used, older disc mower and the new disc's aren't any more expensive than a
used late model new holland... I think with the larger drum mower or a 5 pod disc, I would be able to cut
at the same speed of a 9' haybine.

I agree with MJMJ. What you are going through is why I've shied away from several disc mowers and discbines- so many bearings and gears and such a long driveline. A drum mower is just so much simpler. You won't get the conditioning, but we ted anyway.

farmallboy15 · Aug 3, 2021

Both end pods are welded up with rust holes. Those are $700
alone with no aftermarket options. Most of the pod bearings
were gone like in the pictureCurtain was another $400. All
together I was looking at $4000 all in, Hoping I dont find
anything bad inside the case. My intent was to throw some
new bearings and parts at it but I dont think those numbers
jived with a 30-40 year old machine. I figured I could live to
put 2-2,500 in it. Not $4000+. Live and learn I guess.

SVcummins · Aug 3, 2021

My sickle mower sure looks good alongside all that ran it five years now and still havent put 1000$ into including buying it and rebuilding it

ArleninOr · Aug 4, 2021

Farmallboy, I have used pods and some other parts for that mower. ayou can rebuild that mower for a lot less than $ 4000.

farmallboy15 · Aug 4, 2021

Arlenin,
Do you have the pods on the ends that are taller? Here was my parts list with prices. Let me know if I'm way off on something or if you have a better idea on a fix. I do have someone wanting it for about what I paid for it (he's aware of the issues), so I have a OUT. New drum mowers are only another $500 and I haven't even cracked open the bar on this mower...

Disc Mower Update

farmallboy15

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rrlund

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BarnyardEngineering

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Bruce from Can.

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MJMJ

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SHALER

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farmallboy15

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RCP

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MJMJ

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MARK ROBKE

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495man

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Bret4207

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farmallboy15

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SVcummins

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ArleninOr

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farmallboy15

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