New Holland 438 disc mower

[RichardJackson]

Hi all,
New member so go easy! Looking for first drum-type mower to start cutting our own hay (~5acres) (some herbal ley, some conservation type) and maybe a little for others (~5acres). I have a Ford 4000 and a PZ haybob. Baling will be done by others.
I have been offered a NH 438 disc mower, which is an age match to the 4000. If price/condition is fair enough for an old machine, is there anything else I should know to make me think this is the wrong move?
Is the underslung bar a disadvantage in rougher terrain? We have no slopes to speak of round here.
Will I just want to upgrade in a year or two?
We have thunderstorms during hay season and I am part-time (so can't drop other stuff to respond to the weather so well), so I am wondering if going straight to a conditioner would make sense for speed? Can a mower/conditioner be found at the right price to match the tractor?
Any thoughts/sage advice/recommends appreciated.
Richard

 

[yellowbelly]

I'd go for a drum mower in your situation. Disc mowers are ok but won't cut laid/tangled stuff as cleanly as a drum.
See if you can find a nice clean 2 drum PZ or similar. See it run up on a tractor before you buy it to be sure it runs smoothly.

Don't entertain anything that's been rebuilt, IME you can never get them back together the same as they did in the factory.