In the Highveld region of South Africa, hay production plays a crucial role in the success of many mixed farming operations. With cold winters, drier seasons and a strong focus on cattle and sheep production, good-quality feed is a necessity.

When the rains fall in summer and pastures grow, farmers already begin planning for the months when natural grazing declines. This means the window to cut, dry and bale hay must be used optimally.

For this reason, reliable and efficient equipment is indispensable in hay production. Every hour of work counts when the weather turns or when large volumes of feed must be processed quickly. For farmers, this means a baler must not only produce bales – it must do so consistently, quickly and without problems.

73 344 bales with one baler … yes, you read that right! Almero du Pisanie has been farming with his father since 2003 in the Morgenzon district, where they focus on livestock and crop production. The Du Pisanie farm’s large livestock component requires significant volumes of feed to be produced annually, and at one stage they also sold considerable quantities of feed.

According to Almero, this baler hasn’t reached the end of its lifespan yet. He is confident that he and his father will reach the milestone of 100 000 bales with the same machine.

Why a Massey baler?

Almero explains: “Our relationship with Massey Ferguson began in 2019 when we purchased this MF 2125F baler. At the same time, we also bought a Massey mower from them.”

According to him, there were several specific reasons why this baler was the right choice for their farm. “The robustness of the baler stood out immediately. Another very important feature for us is that the baler has greaseable bearings. This makes a big difference when it comes to maintenance and the lifespan of the baler’s components.”

Since being put into use, the baler has performed impressively.

“We haven’t replaced a single bearing, even after 73 344 bales,” says Almero.

“All we’ve replaced replaced are two sets of chains, and we recently installed a third set.”

The MF2125F baler suits the Du Pisanie’s farming needs perfectly. According to Almero, its value lies in low maintenance requirements and costs, combined with high productivity, efficiency and capacity during haymaking.

Is good maintenance the secret?

This baler does not require much maintenance;however, everything is still checked regularly. Each bearing has a grease point, which is typically lubricated once every two to three days on the farm. The oil reservoir for the baler’s automatic chain lubrication system is also frequently topped up and monitored to ensure that the chains remain properly lubricated.

Almero believes good maintenance plays a major role in the baler’s long lifespan: “It’s important to keep the baler clean and to perform maintenance when it’s required. If you look after your equipment, it will look after you.”

However, he notes that maintenance is not the only reason for the baler’s long and reliable service. “Good maintenance definitely helps, but the quality and robustness of the baler also play a major role.”

Capacity and consistent pick-up

For the Du Pisanies, the net-wrap baler was a new experience. “We actually learned to use net wrap with this baler,” says Almero. “Previously, we always used twine balers, but this baler has significantly improved our entire baling process.”

On the farm, they typically produce bales weighing between 290 and 300 kg, with an average of about 10 000 bales produced per year/season. However, the number of bales per hectare varies from season to season.

“With teff we usually get around 12 bales per hectare, while with weeping lovegrass we can get up to 25 bales per hectare, but ultimately it all depends on the season,” he explains.

“One thing that stands out for me and makes this baler special is its camless pick-up. This system requires very little maintenance and contributes to the baler’s reliability. It really puts this baler in a different class,” says Almero.

The baler features a fixed bale chamber of 1,2 meters, while bale pressure can be conveniently adjusted from the tractor cab.

Proof captured on the baler’s control screen: 73 344 bales made with the Massey Ferguson MF 2125F.

Massey is there for the farmer

“I receive excellent service and support from Massey, and their technical support is excellent, even for the tractors,” says Almero. “I would recommend this baler to any fellow farmer because of its efficiency, productivity and impressive capacity.”

He is currently upgrading to the newer model, the MF 3130F Extra baler. “We are very excited to switch to the newer model. We expect more capacity, greater durability, and hopefully we’ll surpass the 73 344 bales we’ve already made,” he says, laughing..

Randell Swart, sales representative of JWL Agriculture in the Ermelo district, says the way in which Almero maintains the baler has definitely contributed to the number of bales produced so far, as well as the overall condition of the machine.

“A baler that is kept clean lasts longer. I’m confident that the way in which Almero maintains and looks after his equipment will ensure that this baler definitely reaches the 100 000-bale milestone – and perhaps even more,” he says. Randell is also excited about the impact the new MF 3130F Extra baler will have on Almero’s farm.

Randell Swart of JWL Agriculture with Almero du Pisanie next to the MF 2125F baler.

MF 2125F vs MF 3130F Extra

Randell highlights a few differences between the new model and the older baler:

  • The new model also features a camless pick-up
  • The new model is equipped with heavy-duty chains and gearboxes
  • The new model still has greaseable bearings, like the older model – a major advantage
  • The new model features an improved tying mechanism compared to the older model

“It’s incredibly rewarding to receive such positive feedback from a client,” says Randell.

“The low maintenance costs and impressive capacity of the baler make a big difference. Over the years, Massey has proven that they understand farmers, and it’s great to see farmers continue to trust the brand and remain loyal to it.”

For more information on Massey Ferguson’s reliable balers, contact your nearest authorised dealer or visit their website at www.masseyferguson.com