A/C square Baler question

   I am still using the Baler my late dad bought around 1970. He bought it as a one year old repossession from local A/C dealer (now long gone). He was told it was a 444 and got a 444 manual with it. No decals on it other than name (no model#). It is not a 444. Can anyone tell what model it is??? I suspect 303 but don't know. Works great, Its baled around 6,000 bales a year for 45 years. (Also has a model 32 thrower). Baler serial # is 556881-0340. Thanks guys... Dan

Thanks for reply Grinder. I am an old farmer and better with a wrench than computer (meaning I don't know how to get a picture in this thing). I will ask my son or grandson to help on that, I will get other answers to your questions tomorrow... Dan

Just looked up when they started producing the 444,443,442,it was in 1970 so I would bet you do have a late 303.

Driverdan wrote:    I am still using the Baler my late dad bought around 1970. He bought it as a one year old repossession from local A/C dealer (now long gone). He was told it was a 444 and got a 444 manual with it. No decals on it other than name (no model#). It is not a 444. Can anyone tell what model it is??? I suspect 303 but don't know. Works great, Its baled around 6,000 bales a year for 45 years. (Also has a model 32 thrower). Baler serial # is 556881-0340. Thanks guys... Dan

Generally Just count the pickup teeth....12 teeth across 302,303,442. (4 bars of 12=48 total)...18 across 443,444. (5 bars of 18=90 total) The front plunger cover is the easy distinction.  300 series approx 10 inches wide and tapered forward. 443,444 cover is a rectangular type flat top box covering most of the top width of the of the plunger width and cut straight off on the front.  The 442 cover is wide like the 444,443 but rounded to the sides and tapers to the front, flat front and has an Access door on the left side.  I doubt it is a 442.  If you ever had to buy parts for it you would remember that number!!! If it was a 303, I think your serial # would be about 1963..I thought 302 serial #'s started at about 3000 (1966-1969) I would lean toward a first year 444 as the 443 came out a couple years later replacing the 442.

Finally received parts manual (covers 302,303,444). Definitely not 444, twine box and pitman covers very different. Has 3 u-joint shaft, decals are cream/black lettering with black border (3 1/2 x 24 on front, 2 1/2 x 18 on side). Has 24 pickup teeth, 4 bars with 6 teeth on each bar. I can't see any difference in parts book between 302 and 303 but I am guessing that it must be 303 !?!?. Thanks for responses.... Dan