OT NH 489 haybine - anything to watch out for?

Marty from MN · Jun 8, 2011

Posted on the implement forum, didn't get much traffic, so I figure the IH folks on this forum would be kind enough to respond.

I'm going to be looking at a couple of used New Holland 489 haybines this weekend. I've only seen pictures so far, but they look in good shape. Both in the $3500 price range.

I know this is a older machine, and you will probably advise me to look for something newer, but these machines are in my budget.

Are there any common failures to look for? Is there any particular weakness on these machines? Could you recommend a comparable machine that would be better?

I currently run a worn out IH 1190, which has always worked well, but I never cared for the pivot on the sickle head. They wear out quickly even when greased everyday. The rollers need to be replaced and some of the bearings are starting to get pretty sloppy.

Thanks in advance.

DeltaRed · Jun 8, 2011

Dont know anything about a 489,But I run a 499-its a he!! of agood machine.I would recomand it to any one.The only drawback is that is a 12'cut,and I really need a 14'or 16' machine.

Matt (NEIA) · Jun 9, 2011

The pivot point on the tongue is a bit of an issue to watch out for. Also have heard of wobble box issues but i'm sure every moco has it's issues.

W.Brehm · Jun 9, 2011

We bought our 489 new in the late 80's I think 1988. It was a great machine the only issue we ever had was the wobble box. Used for three cutting a season on average 60-70 acres per crop. Only reason we got rid of ours just upgraded to a NH discbine.

gold1456 · Jun 9, 2011

We had one in the 90's very good unit just keep it greased.

Siefring Red Farmer · Jun 9, 2011

I have one. I don't have to many issues with it. The windrow deflector on mine needs repaired. It has a severe crack along the length of it. I have not had any wobble box issues, but it gets greased regularly. Like any haybine, the cutterbar and guards will wear and need inspected. The height adjustment shoes on mine were replaced. Some people will run the crimping rolls together and cause them to wear out.

I would recommend them though.

garrry · Jun 10, 2011

Make sure you check the chain adjustment on the chain that drives the cutter bar gear box often. Some have a spring adjustment to keep them tight, and some just have a block you have to adjust by hand. If this chain gets loose and breaks it has no room to fall away from the sprocket on the gear box. It will jamb, and then break the gearbox shaft. It"s in a hard to get at place, but make sure you check it. New gearbox was $1600 last year. NH will not let their dealers repair this gearbox. as they don"t have the equipment to set bearings correctly.

Marty from MN · Jun 12, 2011

Thanks all. Ended up buying a 489 yesterday. Rollers were good. Wobble box seemed tight. Ran quiet. The pivot pin had already been welded/repaired and it looked like an ok job. I'll keep an eye on it and that chain.

Got both belts brand new as well. Now we will have to see how it cuts this year.

Thanks for all the tips!

JEH · Jun 13, 2011

Make sure you keep the bushing on the kinfe head greased, if it starts to go bad REPLACE it. it can take your gearbox out if left unatended.

OT NH 489 haybine - anything to watch out for?

Marty from MN

Member

DeltaRed

Well-known Member

Matt (NEIA)

Member

W.Brehm

Member

gold1456

Member

Siefring Red Farmer

Member

garrry

New User

Marty from MN

Member

JEH

Member

Similar threads