While gentle on straw, the rotary action can slightly crack fragile grains like lentils or certain rice varieties if rotor speed is not meticulously adjusted. The M122 requires an operator who understands rotor speed vs. concave clearance.
The was launched in the late 1980s as part of New Holland’s "TX" family’s more affordable cousin. While the flagship TX series used conventional straw-walkers, the M122 introduced a unique twin-rotor design that set it apart. It was designed for farmers who wanted high throughput and gentle grain handling but did not have the budget for a massive axial-flow machine.
The gear-driven hydraulic pumps are reliable, but the 30-year-old hoses are not. Common leak points include the steering cylinder under the cab and the reel lift hoses near the header mount. Replace hoses with modern two-wire braided units. new holland clayson m122
The M122 was designed to be a versatile tractor, capable of handling a wide range of agricultural tasks. It was equipped with a hydraulic system that featured a maximum lifting capacity of 1,800 kg (3,970 lbs). The tractor also had a rear PTO (power take-off) and a drawbar, making it suitable for use with a variety of implements.
The M122 could be equipped with:
On the used market (Europe/US midwest 2025-2026 prices), a running, field-ready M122 with a 4m header ranges from (£5,000–£9,500 GBP). A non-running parts machine may be $2,000.
The heavy-duty poly-V belts driving the twin rotors are under immense stress. If you hear squealing or experience rotor stall in heavy crop, inspect these belts immediately. Replacement is tedious but not complex. Pro tip: Always keep a spare belt in the grain tank. While gentle on straw, the rotary action can
The is a medium-to-large-sized, self-propelled combine harvester manufactured by New Holland Agriculture as part of their legacy Clayson series. Produced primarily during the late 1970s and 1980s, the M122 was renowned for its robustness, relatively simple mechanics, and exceptional performance in a wide variety of cereal crops, including wheat, barley, oats, and rye. It remains a popular classic machine among small-to-medium-sized farms and vintage machinery enthusiasts.