4 rotor Tedders

Id be inclined to do buy a mainstream brand too.

They might cost more now but would give less bother and would be worth more come trade in time

Alot of people have a preference for the lely tedder. I don't like the hook tone myself as it's too hard to set. I prefer a straight tine tedder. Less hassle to set and tines not as easy to break

How much were they back then ?

Use a 6 rotor Krone regularly and find it spreads lovely and even, Easily adjusted with a hydraulic toplink. Easy to put on too. Can't comment on the others but imagine they'd be pretty similar.

Theres probably not a hole pile in the difference quality/price .. I remember the malone was the dearest when we bought our krone but there was a few extras like spare wheel and lights with the malone .. also had that hook tine concept at the time.

The nearest dealer/best back up service is probably what would sway my mind sami23

Would they be heavy crops?

Oh fair enough, I know and I'm not for a minute saying you're wrong. I always found it toss grass out well but I never had to bale or lift the swarths after it.