New Holland Haybine mower/conditioner

DJL · Apr 17, 2009

In the market for a small mower conditioner, like a 9"cut. I"ve heard that the New Holland 488 is about legendary for reliability. Can"t afford a very new machine (and only have about 45 acres of hay this year) Would love to hear experiences with the 488. Also, what"s the major differences between the 488 and 489? I don"t think the 489 was a replacement for the 488, because I think the 488 is still being made today?
Thanks
DJL

DBAF · Apr 17, 2009

I like my 489 real well,but some people say they have gear box problems,but I haven't yet.

I think this is how the model #'s go on nh haybines,I'm sure someone will tell me if I'm wrong.489-492-1465= the machine with more bells
479 is what is now the 488 and I think the main thing is the head head dosen't float as good on 488 as the 489.

formerly ny bill · Apr 18, 2009

the 469-479-488-492 were the same design, with updates. the rolls and cutterbar/reel were all 1 unit. the 489 had the rolls mounted rigid to the frame, so only the cutterbar/reel floated. the 489 was the cadillac of design when it was new, but that was 30 years of wear ago. the 489 can have gearbox issues, but i would think that most have been repaired by now if they are still running.
i have had a 469, 479, 488. if the lift springs are adjusted correctly, they will float very well. there are less parts to maintain on them, vs a 489. i finally broke down and bought discbines, mostly for the fine grass that comes in the bottom of a seeding from heavy manure applications.
check the wobble joint for wear. they are fairly simple to repair (just regular roller bearings). hth.

olgentdc · Apr 18, 2009

489 is the caddilac, today i would rather have a 30 yr old cadilac than one that was 10 yrs old btdt! you might be able to give Me a used discbine.. but I WOULD GIVE YOU A CUSSIN' btdt ....also.......... IF YOU WANTED MY OLDER 489 IN TRADE . this year .intend to mow over 200 acres with my 1988 489 ,.Without a doubt, from time to time , I will need to spend a few hours on the cutter bar /reel....I use small amount Lucas Gear Lube and sealer at 1st indication of gearbox leaks ,There are 3 on the 489 to check , So far So good .... wish me luck

Anonymous-0 · Apr 18, 2009

Dad bought a 488 new. It has mowed thousands of acres. He retired 15 years age and gave it to me. I put bearings in the gearbox and keep the sickle sharp. It just keeps on cuttin.

Amarillo Doug · Apr 18, 2009

One of the finest mmer/conditioners ever built.Ran one for years and never had a problem of any kind.

New Holland Haybine mower/conditioner

DJL

Member

DBAF

Member

formerly ny bill

Well-known Member

olgentdc

Well-known Member

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

Amarillo Doug

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