If the baler is mistying, the timing between the plunger position and the needle stroke must be verified using the step-by-step instructions in the workshop manual.
Before we analyze the manual, let’s appreciate the machine. The Massey Ferguson 187 is a twine-tie, plunger-type square baler, typically producing bales ranging from 14" x 18" up to 16" x 18". It was designed for medium-sized farms, offering a reliable alternative to the larger MF 188 and MF 189 models. Known for its robust knotter system and simple driveline, the MF 187 can still be found working in fields today—decades after production ceased.
: While parts are generally available through the AGCO dealer network , specialized components can be expensive, and finding technicians familiar with the older knotter systems can sometimes be a challenge.
: Equipped with a 19-knife cutter system that offers multiple chop lengths (48mm, 96mm, and 192mm) to tailor feed quality. Massey Ferguson Mf 187 Baler Manual
: Inspect the stuffer forks to ensure they are pushing material uniformly into the pre-compression chamber. Issue 3: Hydraulic Pressure Drops
Replace any broken or bent tines to ensure clean crop retrieval. Weekly Maintenance (Every 50 Hours)
Despite regular maintenance, issues may arise with the Massey Ferguson MF 187 baler. Here are some common problems and troubleshooting tips: If the baler is mistying, the timing between
: Some users find the feeding mechanism a bit slow compared to modern high-output balers, typically averaging 40 to 50 bales per hour .
Major component overhauls (gearbox, plunger, and knotter frame assembly). Hydraulic schematics and pressure testing procedures.
If you own or operate a vintage Massey Ferguson baler—specifically the iconic —you already know it’s a machine built with the rugged simplicity of 1970s and 80s agricultural engineering. However, even the most durable machinery requires maintenance, troubleshooting, and occasional overhauls. That’s where the Massey Ferguson MF 187 Baler Manual becomes not just a document, but the single most valuable tool in your workshop. It was designed for medium-sized farms, offering a
Complete Guide to the Massey Ferguson MF 187 Baler Manual: Operation, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting
The manual recommends weaving the tractor across light windrows to distribute material evenly across the entire width of the packing chamber. Symptom: Fluctuating Hydraulic Chamber Pressure
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Are you troubleshooting a specific or hydraulic error code? What is your machine's serial number prefix ?