I planned on getting my own hay in this year to save a few bucks and maybe make a few extra $$ on the excess hay. My Ford 8N was not going to do much for me other than maybe rake, so I bought a Massey 1135.First thing I needed to do on the Massey was replace the PTO clutch. After replacing the clutch and refilling the hydro fluid (15 gals) it wasn't a day before blew a hose. That cost me another 5 gals. of hydo fluid. Finally got everything up and running perfect. I ran the hay conditioner all day with no issues that I was aware of. When I backed the hay conditioner into the shed I realized I was leaving a trail of fluid. As soon as I climbed out of the cab I noticed my back tire was soaked...I blew a seal in the hydraulic lift cyclnder on the 3 pt hith. There goes another 10 gallons... Figuring I could use the old ford to ted and rake the hay was a good plan to save a few bucks from the start...Unfortunately the old ford made it about 50 feet out in the field and the engine decided it was to tired to go any further, requiring a complete overhaul, so we did our tedding and raking with the Massey. The Old New Holland 68 baler was nothing short of a nightmare. I don't think I was able to run the baler 30 minutes strait without having to stop and make some repairs or adjustments on the baler. Some rather exspensive breakdowns (like the needle whiping out the cast iron knotter arm). That makes for a long day. Finally getting to the last acre of hay, I noticed the oil pressure on the massey dropping. I shut everything down and pull the dipstick,deisel & oil comes flowing out. I replaced the lift pump and changed the oil hoping for the best. Finished haying and checked the oil once again...Sure enough, it came flowing out. I have a new injection pump on the way..$$$$ I haven't done the math yet (not that I even want to know), but on a rough estimate, I'm figuring I have about $200 in each bale of hay. Anyone out there interested in $200/ bale please contact me asap...lol I'm hoping the the second cutting goes smooth with no issues. With any luck, I have worked out all the kinks. Just thought I would share some of the hay woes with you all. Hope your haying went without breaking the bank.
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