Massey Ferguson MF 187 Baler Manual: A Comprehensive Guide
The Massey Ferguson MF 187 baler is a reliable and efficient agricultural machine designed to make baling hay, straw, and other crops a breeze. To ensure optimal performance, safety, and longevity of the machine, it's essential to have a thorough understanding of its operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. This essay provides an in-depth look at the Massey Ferguson MF 187 baler manual, covering its key components, operating instructions, maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting tips.
Overview of the Massey Ferguson MF 187 Baler
The Massey Ferguson MF 187 baler is a self-propelled baler designed to produce high-quality bales of hay, straw, or other crops. Its robust design and advanced features make it an ideal choice for farmers and agricultural professionals. The baler is equipped with a powerful engine, a reliable transmission system, and a durable baling chamber.
Key Components of the Massey Ferguson MF 187 Baler
Before diving into the operating instructions and maintenance schedules, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the key components of the Massey Ferguson MF 187 baler. These include:
Operating Instructions
To ensure safe and efficient operation of the Massey Ferguson MF 187 baler, follow these steps:
Maintenance Schedules
Regular maintenance is crucial to extend the lifespan of the Massey Ferguson MF 187 baler. Follow these recommended maintenance schedules:
Troubleshooting Tips
Despite regular maintenance, issues may arise with the Massey Ferguson MF 187 baler. Here are some common problems and troubleshooting tips:
Conclusion
The Massey Ferguson MF 187 baler manual provides a comprehensive guide to operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting this reliable agricultural machine. By following the recommended operating instructions, maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting tips, farmers and agricultural professionals can ensure optimal performance, safety, and longevity of the baler. Regular maintenance and attention to detail will help to prevent costly repairs, reduce downtime, and increase productivity. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or new to baling, this manual is an essential resource to help you get the most out of your Massey Ferguson MF 187 baler.
Massey Ferguson MF 187 is a high-capacity large square baler manufactured between 2002 and 2006
. Known for its reliability and "simple but effective" design, the MF 187 is part of the legendary Hesston-designed lineage, engineered to handle silage, hay, and straw with high throughput. umasprod.ro Core Specifications Massey Ferguson Mf 187 Baler Manual
The MF 187 produces substantial square bales designed for efficient transport and storage. umasprod.ro Bale Dimensions : Produces bales with a width of 1.2 meters , a height of 0.9 meters , and a maximum length of 2.5 meters Pick-up Width : Features a wide 2.23-meter
(approx. 7.3 ft) pick-up designed to clear wide windrows from modern combines. Power Requirements : Requires a minimum tractor PTO output of (approx. 147–150 hp) to operate effectively.
: The unit has a substantial operating weight of approximately 8.02 tonnes (17,681 lbs). umasprod.ro Key Features Pre-Chamber System
: A hallmark of Hesston technology, the pre-chamber forms each bale "flake" to a preset density before it enters the main chamber, ensuring uniform bale shape and density from start to finish. Double Knotter System
: This benchmark system eliminates miss-ties by feeding twine from both the top and bottom of the bale, significantly reducing tension on twine retainers during formation. Cutter Option : Can be factory-fitted with a 19-knife pre-cutter unit
, offering adjustable chop lengths (48mm, 96mm, and 192mm) for high-quality silage or bedding. Electronic Monitoring : Often equipped with the Fieldstar® terminal
or BC electronics, providing the operator with real-time data on bale counts, density, and troubleshooting alerts. umasprod.ro Maintenance & Manual Overview Operator Manual (Part No. 700721914E) is the primary resource for daily use and care. AGCOPubs.com Lubrication : Standard models feature an automatic lubrication system
for the machine's primary greasing requirements and a separate oil reservoir for knotter lubrication. Knotter Cleaning : A standard hydraulic-driven knotter blower
maintains a 140 km/h air blast to keep the knotter stack clear of debris, which is critical for preventing mis-ties. Axle Configurations : Many units are found with a tandem steering axle
rated for up to 60–65 km/h, featuring hydraulic or air brakes for safe transport. MasseyFerguson.com For those looking for documentation, retailers like provide official operator manuals, while
often host digital previews of parts guides and service manuals for similar MF square baler models. AGCOPubs.com Massey Ferguson Hay Equipment-Balers - AGCO Pubs
The Massey Ferguson MF 187 is a high-capacity large square baler manufactured between 2002 and 2006. It is designed for baling silage, hay, and straw, producing large bales with a standard cross-section of 0.88 m x 1.20 m and lengths up to 2.50 m. Technical Specifications Specification Bale Size (Height x Width) Bale Length Adjustable up to Pick-up Width PTO Power Required (~147 hp); some sources cite depending on conditions Standard Tires Machine Weight Approximately Dimensions Key Features & Operational Systems
Cutting System: The MF 187 is equipped with a cutter featuring 19 knives, which can produce average chop lengths of 48 mm, 96 mm, and 192 mm.
Knotter Protection: A standard knotter blower uses a hydraulically driven fan to maintain an airflow of over 140 km/h. This prevents debris from accumulating in the knotter stack, ensuring consistent tying.
Twine Storage: The "Easy-Fill" twine boxes can hold up to 30 balls of twine, allowing for a full day of operation without refilling. Massey Ferguson MF 187 Baler Manual: A Comprehensive
Safety Features: Operators must always disengage the PTO, stop the engine, and allow the packers to reach bottom dead center before performing any maintenance or threading needles. Manual & Documentation Availability
Official documentation for the MF 187 can be sourced through several professional channels: Massey Ferguson MF 187 LB parts catalog - Slideshare
Generating a "solid paper" for a machine as complex as the Massey Ferguson MF 187 Large Square Baler requires a structured approach that covers technical specifications, operational procedures, and maintenance.
Manufactured between 2002 and 2006, the MF 187 is a high-capacity baler designed for silage, hay, and straw, producing bales with a cross-section of 0.88m x 1.20m. Core Content for an MF 187 Manual Paper
A comprehensive manual or technical guide for this model typically includes the following critical sections: 1. Technical Specifications
Power Requirements: Requires a minimum PTO demand of 110 kW (approx. 150 hp).
Dimensions: Overall length of approximately 29.57 ft, width of 9.75 ft, and a weight of about 17,681 lbs (8.02 tonnes).
Bale Size: Standard width is 1.2m, height 0.9m, and length up to 2.5m.
Pickup System: Features a 2.23m (7.32 ft) pick-up width with 4 bars and 120 tines for high-capacity gathering. 2. Operational Procedures
Initial Setup: Includes leveling the baler by adjusting the drawbar height (typically 13 to 20 inches) and setting the pickup height about 1.5 inches above the ground to avoid soil intake.
Bale Formation: The baler uses a pre-compression chamber to form "flakes" before they enter the main bale chamber, ensuring consistent density.
Knotter System: Equipped with a standard hydraulic knotter blower that clears debris at speeds of 140 km/h to prevent mis-ties. 3. Maintenance & Troubleshooting Massey Ferguson MF 187 Baler Specs & Dimensions
Massey Ferguson MF 187 is a large rectangular (square) baler designed for high-capacity harvesting of silage, hay, and straw. It is highly regarded for its robust construction and ability to produce consistent, high-density bales even in difficult crops like hemp. Key Operational Features
Bale Size & Capacity: It produces bales with a cross-section of 0.88 m x 1.20 m (approx. 120cm x 90cm) and lengths up to 2.50 m.
High-Performance Pickup: Features a 2.25 m wide pickup with a small-diameter, low-profile design and closely spaced tines to ensure clean windrows with minimal leaf loss. Baling Chamber : The baling chamber is where
Pre-Chamber System: A hallmark feature that pre-forms flakes to a preset density before they enter the main chamber, ensuring uniform shape and density throughout every bale.
Double Knotter System: This industry-standard system uses two knots per twine (one to finish a bale and one to start the next), significantly reducing miss-ties and twine tension.
Cutter Unit: Often equipped with a 19-knife cutter (rotary feed) offering selectable chop lengths of 48 mm, 96 mm, or 192 mm to improve feed quality. Technical & Maintenance Features
Automatic Systems: Includes Automatic Density Control to maintain bale weight across varying swath sizes, as well as an automatic lubrication system for all major greasing points.
Knotter Blower: A hydraulically driven turbine fan maintains a constant 140 km/h air blast through the knotter stack to prevent debris buildup.
Tandem Axle Option: A high-speed, self-steering unit that allows up to 19° of turn, reducing scuffing and tire wear during field maneuvers.
Operator Interface: Controlled via the Fieldstar terminal, which provides real-time data on bale counts, density settings, and troubleshooting alerts. Manual Resources
Manuals for this machine are essential for diagnosing bale density issues or performing the detailed maintenance schedule required for its long lifespan.
Operator's Manual: Includes step-by-step guides for pre-operational checks and safety procedures.
Parts Manual: Available for download from Heavy Equipment Manual, providing exploded diagrams and OEM part numbers for precise repairs. Massey Ferguson Mf 187 Baler Manual
If the needles hit the plunger, you’ll have a catastrophic failure—bent needles, broken twine guides, and possible plunger damage. The service manual provides exact clearance measurements (typically 1/8" to 3/16") and the adjustment procedure using shims or eccentric bolts.
Many operators complain that their MF 187 produces "soft" or "lopsided" bales. The manual provides the exact spring tension settings and plunger stop adjustments to achieve uniform bale density, regardless of whether you are baling dry hay, straw, or silage.
Let’s do simple math. A single service call from a mobile ag mechanic runs $150–$250 just for travel and one hour of labor. If the manual helps you:
…then the manual pays for itself before lunchtime on the first repair.
This is the goldmine section. The manual uses "if/then" logic to solve common problems:
| Problem | Likely Cause (per manual) | Solution | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Baler plugs at pickup | Auger-to-feed fork timing off | Re-time per Section 3, Fig. 12 | | Knots slipping off | Twine disk tension too low | Increase tension 1/4 turn | | Plunger hits needles | Needle timing advanced | Retard needle timing 3 degrees | | Flywheel shear bolt breaks repeatedly | Obstruction or plunger binding | Check plunger ways for wear |
Our recommendation: Purchase a high-quality PDF version from a reputable dealer. Then, print Section 5 (Troubleshooting) and Section 3 (Adjustments) on waterproof paper and keep them laminated in your baler’s tool box.