New Idea 5209

[Tim14167]

I know that they started making these machines in the late 80's (I think 1988 they started production). They made and sold alot of these machines under numerouse names (New Idea, Case IH, Agco, MF) and the people who bought these says there a great machine. My question is, are the MF version (or current version) the same as the original New Idea? I know that there were updates through out the years, but are the main componets the same? The cutter bar, gear boxes, the main componets. Thanks

 

[Brendon-KS]

There was a fairly significant cutter bar change made a number of years ago to allow the use of oil or grease; earlier ones were grease-only. Other changes include a cleaning up of the mainframe and the offering of additional hay conditioner styles.

The current model number is the Massey 1359.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I own one, a red model. Its one of the simplest, most user friendly machines I have ever owned! Keep grease in the pods, and oil in the big gear box and it will go forever. The earlier "ghost grey" models had one long shaft between the pods, was a bear to change out, the newwer red ones have segmented shafts. Also, the ghosts had a lighter frame and they did crack sometimes. I ask you this, name a model of equipment thats been around as long as the 5209, granted its got a new number now, but relativly un-changed.

 

[Longmeadow farm]

The 1359 Massey is essentially the same machine as the Red 5209, but with a number of improvements. At serial number 18838 the 5209 received the segmented hex shaft. As others have stated , replacing the single non-segmented shaft is a pain..Sometime still later the 5209 got grease-able pods. The 5209 will provide many years of trouble free service if you follow the instructions to pull the pods apart and add grease after 500 acres and keep the gear oil clean and up to level. The 5209 is a relatively easy pull machine and doesn't require gobs of PTO HP to run it. Get a scale and adjust the cutter head springs to specification and you won't wear the skid shoes out. The operators manual is ok, but get a copy of the Service Manual ..part number 79017090.. you will never regret it.

 

[Northvale - PA]

I bought a grey model 2 years ago and I wish I had bought one 20 years ago. Same as everyone else says, fairly simple machine. I pull mine with a 4020 Powershift and really don't want to drag down a 45 year old tractor. So the fact it is fairly light is great. Keep the blades sharp and it will cut perfect. I do most of my mowing in the evening and after dark when there is heavy dew. No problems. Just go and hardly look back.