Upgrading hay setup

[labrvnth10]

I came across Massey Ferguson 925 mower conditioner at a local consignment yard that caught my eye and the price is tempting enough to make me consider hauling it home. The seller tossed out some big production numbers though, talking about how machines like this can push out over 300 bales an hour when paired with the right baler. That figure raised my eyebrows a bit and yunno.....possible, maybe, but it feels like the stars would have to align. I also want to get a mid range square baler to match it, not brand new but a definite improvement over the beat up old one I’ve been nursing along but anyway I want to be smart about what I’m looking at.
What are the critical things you’d check before buying beyond just driveline, rollers, and gearbox? and also realistically speaking, what kind of output could I expect if everything is in good working order?

 

[frank.the.dad]

Realistically, if it’s in good shape and paired with a decent mid range square baler, you might see closer to 100 to around150 bales an hour under good conditions and asides from the obvious checks, look closely at the conditioning rollers for wear

 

[s@k3_s@k3]

I came across Massey Ferguson 925 mower conditioner at a local consignment yard that caught my eye and the price is tempting enough to make me consider hauling it home. The seller tossed out some big production numbers though, talking about how machines like this can push out over 300 bales an hour when paired with the right baler. That figure raised my eyebrows a bit and yunno.....possible, maybe, but it feels like the stars would have to align. I also want to get a mid range square baler to match it, not brand new but a definite improvement over the beat up old one I’ve been nursing along but anyway I want to be smart about what I’m looking at.
What are the critical things you’d check before buying beyond just driveline, rollers, and gearbox? and also realistically speaking, what kind of output could I expect if everything is in good working order?

That 300 bales/hour number is technically possible, but it's kinda brochure spec fantasy. That's the machine's absolute peak capacity in a perfect world.
for a small square baler (assuming you pair the 925 with one, which is common), a realistic, sustainable field rate for an average operator is closer to 150-200 bales per hour. This accounts for turning on headlands, slowing in lighter spots, stopping for twine, and general field conditions. If you're consistently hitting 200, you're flying!
you shouldn't buy based on the maximum number, but buy based on your sustained field time and your desired bale quality.

 

[Brad Pith]

Real world with stops and adjustments? more like 120 to 150/hour sustained, maybe 180-200 if conditions are perfect and you're hustling, that 300 bales/hour is dealer math. Use a used NH or JD with good knotters and make sure your tractor can pull both loaded. What's he asking?