What used self propelled forager

[dgjeynes]

We’re looking into getting our own spfh as our contractor bill is through the roof and not getting what we want from them. Want an old machine 4wd with a metal detector. We’re John Deere people but been told to go down the claas route. Wanting something for around £20-£25k to make a start with a view of upgrading in a few years time. Will just be used for our grass chopping 4-500 acres a year and still use a contractor for our maize. Looking for advice of what to go for or anything suitable available

 

[Barleycorn]

Won't go wrong with a Claas, although JD is starting to catch up with the 8000 series. I was told by the Claas forager rep that 1 in every 2 SPFHs sold in the world is Claas, but that may be wishful thinking. I would avoid the V6 820, engines do have problems, but the bigger V8s are bombproof.

 

[Pennine Ploughing]

Claas

 

[dgjeynes]

With claas what model would be suitable to go with was thinking 830 or 840?

 

[Al R]

For that money your either looking old style 840/860 or maybe if your lucky a early 830/850 although I wouldn’t rule out a 7300/7400. @mf7480 you sold your 73?

 

[JeepJeep]

830 Should nibble that with ease.

 

[Mc115reed]

Claas 492 serial every time 850 be more than plenty for those acre… easy too work on and maintain once you know your way around them very simple machines with not many common faults

 

[daveydiesel1]

Aslong as ur gonna go through and service it every winter itl be a nightmare. A spfh isnt the kind of machine u just go to each may and expect it to lift grass troublefree without a good lookover durin winter. If it was me it would be a claas

 

[David1968]

Our contractor looked at JD the last time he changed his machine, but stuck with Claas in the end.
The price of wearing parts put him off, Claas was much cheaper.

 

[RAF]

Contractor will soon look cheaper when u start doin it yourself , unless your good with the spanners

 

[fiat 9090]

A JD 6850 can be bought at your money with reasonable hours ,as regards output they would fill an 18 ft trailer in 4 minutes are very reliable but a bit harde on diesel than the class but to buy a class of the same condition you would have to give 10000 more

 

[dgjeynes]

Service/maintenance wise not a problem for me as I do all our servicing and repairs anyway.