Help finding approx manufacture date for a B47 baler

[RBinDevon]

We have an old B47 baler. Still works well.
I am trying to get an approx manufacturing date for it.
I know there were a few revisions.
Our one has the non replaceable twin blade and the star wheel (bale length) is only fitted to one side of the bale chamber. I believe that the later versions had replaceable twin blades and the star wheel had an axle that was attached to both sides of the chamber.

Can anyone give me an approx date of manufacture of any version or a date when one was purchased new.

I know I may have asked before, but still trying to find the answer. We have had it for about 30 years. Just completed the hay yesterday, no missed knots, though the old sisal did break some way away from a knot, but only once.
Many thanks.

 

[H.B.F.C]

I think the IH B47 baler was introduced in 1966 , replacing the old B46. The B47 was built for about 5 years until 1972 when it was replaced by the IH 430 and 440 models

 

[Exfarmer]

I think @startinghandle is the man to know.

 

[homefarm]

Sometimes the wheel rims have the month and year they were made stamped on them, usually just before the baler was made.

 

[RBinDevon]

I think the IH B47 baler was introduced in 1966 , replacing the old B46. The B47 was built for about 5 years until 1972 when it was replaced by the IH 430 and 440 models

Sometimes the wheel rims have the month and year they were made stamped on them, usually just before the baler was made.

Dates on wheels is new to me. Will check that out.

Many thanks for the info.

So at a guess it is 50+ yrs old, and still going strong.

 

[startinghandle]

The B47 came out in 1966 when the new B434 tractor was introduced and was replaced with the 430/440 baler around 1971 when the 454 and 574 tractor was introduced
The only way to get accurate date of
manufacture would be to go through records of serial numbers if still available but after 50+ years and IH
have finished that will be very difficult if not impossible
I did not think sisal is still available!
In the 30 years RBindevon has owned
baler I would think pickup reel has needed rollers and cam replacing

 

[RBinDevon]

You are so right Startinghandle. Contracted IH now Case and they do not have those records anymore. (or could not be bothered to go through the dusty cellar!).
Several years ago the pick up reel cam stopped operating the tines. So I took it to pieces and made a replacement. Works a treat!! There was enough left to make a pattern.
Regards to sisal, like hen‘s teeth. However a local tourist attraction used to make rope and they used sisal. The local Ag merchants kept a pallet load In stock. I purchased 5 double ball packs. More than enough for me as I am over 70. After each outing the baler is treated with TLC and sprayed with old engine oil and kept in a dry shed.

you can still get sisal on fleabay but at one L of a price.

 

[Qman]

My dad bought a B47 in about 1966 and I took it on when I started farming in 1971. It was a good baler, much better than the B45 which it replaced. But it wouldn't tie plastic string whatever I tried and sisal used to break causing much use of my penknife!

I replaced the B47 in 1982 with a John Deere baler which I've still got and has been a great baler and hardly ever misses a knot.

 

[Goweresque]

Sisal is still available online:

Sisal Twine - Agritelonline

Natural sisal twine for traditional and vintage balers, ideal for smallholders, farmers and agricultural contractors seeking traditional baling twine. Suitable for use with many vintage balers. Many people prefer handling bales tied with natural – rather than polypropylene – twine: it’s kinder...

www.agritelonline.co.uk

 

[RBinDevon]

My dad bought a B47 But it wouldn't tie plastic string whatever I tried and sisal used to break causing much use of my penknife!

I too have had a go with plastic. One knotter works with it the other no chance. I know IH did a version that could use plastic. Mind the bales did look funny, one string plastic the other sisal!!!! Couldn’t get extra sisal that year! I inquired in the early 90s and the local Ag guys wanted £300 a knotter to change the knotters over. Only paid about £150 (in 1986) for the baler after a barn fire from a local contractor. Still it has served us well. We only do about100 bales a year now so not worth changing.