Mchale F550

6290

Member
Location
North Wales
Just had a new to us F550, and didn't come with the operators manual but the dealer is sorting one out for us. I Need to use the baler pretty handy though so just wondering on a couple of things. Firstly it's got 5 pipes, two sets for the double acting on the back door and pick up reel, what is the other single one for? Also does what's shown in the photo adjust the amount of net that goes around the bale? and if it is what number should it be on for dryish second cut chopped silage.
Thanks for any advice
20190820_113257.jpg
 

Fendt516profi

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
Yorkshire
It should ideally have unrestricted flow back into tractor through a dedicated free flow return but it will work through a spool used to run the bale wrapper like that
 

goldtop

Member
Has it got a braked axle, fifth pipe could be for that! Our f5500 has only got 4 pioes, 2 for the door and 2 for the pickup.
 

ste

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
Derbyshire
Has it got a braked axle, fifth pipe could be for that! Our f5500 has only got 4 pioes, 2 for the door and 2 for the pickup.

As above, have ran a F550 and F5500 and both only had 4 pipes as above, as for the net run it in 4/5. Generally we use 4 for chopped bales if being wrapped straight after in the field and 5 for any that are being carted before wrapping and hay/straw.
 

6290

Member
Location
North Wales
Has it got a braked axle, fifth pipe could be for that! Our f5500 has only got 4 pioes, 2 for the door and 2 for the pickup.
Yes it has a braked axle, but it has the proper brake pipe and coupler for.that. I think it must be as suggested a return to the tank as when you shut the door the two pressure gauges go up but if you move the lever controlling the spool that the single pipe is connected to the pressure drops on the bottom gauge.
 
Probably a stupid question, because I haven't got one,but what controls knife position and also the drop floor? Also, why a free return on a 550? Isn't it the 560 that runs while on constant flow?
 

Fendt516profi

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
Yorkshire
On the550 you press the knife or drop floor button and pull the spool lever for the pick-up I believe. Something to do with knives I believe if a obstruction goes in knife can drop.
 

ste

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
Derbyshire
Probably a stupid question, because I haven't got one,but what controls knife position and also the drop floor? Also, why a free return on a 550? Isn't it the 560 that runs while on constant flow?

Press the relevant button on the control box and operate the pick up lever, from memory, know thats the way on the 5500 but not had a 550 for a number of years
 

6290

Member
Location
North Wales
Thanks for the replies, I took it yesterday after sorting the free flow out to the tractor. Baled perfect only thing I can't understand now is the oil can on the control box has an arrow flashing by it and it beeps. There is oil in the reservoir and the chains are all getting oil so has anyone got any idea.what it could be please?
 

copse

Member
Mixed Farmer
You just need to rest oil timer in control box . Usually to 300 bales then oil bottle will be getting empty by then.
 
Thanks for the replies, I took it yesterday after sorting the free flow out to the tractor. Baled perfect only thing I can't understand now is the oil can on the control box has an arrow flashing by it and it beeps. There is oil in the reservoir and the chains are all getting oil so has anyone got any idea.what it could be please?
Thats basically just a service reminder.
Press and hold down buttons 2 and 4 simultaneously for 3 or 4 seconds will reset it.
The default is for it to go off every 300 bales regardless of how much oil is in the resevoir.
 

RmfJ

Member
Location
Pembrokeshire
Thanks for the replies, I took it yesterday after sorting the free flow out to the tractor. Baled perfect only thing I can't understand now is the oil can on the control box has an arrow flashing by it and it beeps. There is oil in the reservoir and the chains are all getting oil so has anyone got any idea.what it could be please?
That reminder is for the grease cartridge to be changed, about 300 bales (back door openings) per cartridge.
 

AJR75

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
Somerset
Does anyone know where one can find an operators manual for an F550? On line searches haven't turned anything up. Are McHale approachable in terms of contact from the end user or is it strictly dealer only route?
 

Jc1160

New Member
Does anyone know where one can find an operators manual for an F550? On line searches haven't turned anything up. Are McHale approachable in terms of contact from the end user or is it strictly dealer only route?

if you pm me your email address i can send you a pdf copy that I have
 

Fendt516profi

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
Yorkshire
Does anyone know where one can find an operators manual for an F550? On line searches haven't turned anything up. Are McHale approachable in terms of contact from the end user or is it strictly dealer only route?
Very approachable was having a warranty issue with dealer rung McHale directly myself and got it sorted
 

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