Making test knots on your square baler knotters

If you’ve ever experienced issues with your knotters, you have probably had the need to run some test knots through them. In this video, I demonstrate a few ways of doing this, and explain everything from the safest way up to the most dangerous way. It should be said to try these at your own risk and peril.  By far the safest way is to tie another piece of twine onto the existing twine in the baler and use this to pull on the twine so you do not actually have to reach your hand into it. Unfortunately, this was the only method I did not actually demonstrate!

[tractortime]

Was working on my 426 with knotter and tensioner issues. Your video was very helpful and informative

[ericschoeman]

Thx I have twine braking and I'm figuring it out I'm sure this will help

[lesliebrayboy]

I like your videos, How do i shim the blades when I replace the blades on a case sbx540

[jamiechambers]

First time viewing I really like your video and it was a lot of help. I got a New Holland 277. There is a little shiny hook in there I'm not for sure of the name of it. Does the string go through it or over top of it? It's got like a 2 piece to it like it could go right through the center of it.

[edwincrespo]

Thank you for your tips. You help me tremendously. I be testi ng the biler today will keep you posted my Edwin manassas va

[anthonydsouza]

Hi Josh how do I remove twine that is caught in between the twine disc

[garynelson]

just use a bunji cord to tension the twine to test...

[steveturner]

Broke needles when the spring came loose on the yoke lock. bought new yoke and needles but man working on it say yoke not right and needles won't line up to go thru to knotters. I'm 81 and can't get it done myself. Bought yoke from midwest dealer and he said was right for my serial number. Old 310 and was baling great until the cotter pin came out and cause the spring to be loose. Any comments on what to do or just get another baler.

[nathankey]

I use bungee cords to pull the twine back and spin The flywheel by hand...

[FarmingGeeks]

No, sorry do not stick your hands inside a baler that is running. This is asking for disaster. It does not matter how fast you are or how good you are at timing or how safe you think you are being, or how secure you feel. All it takes is one little oops and you are without a hand, an arm or worse.

There is a much safer way to do this than reaching your hand in a moving baler. Either like gary nelson stated use a bungy cord on the twine before the baler is started. Or Simply tie another piece of twine around each string and out of the back kind of forming a U. You can then start the machine, without getting your hands in there and still put the required tension on the string to test your knots.

[Wornout]

I couldn't believe anyone would mess about like this. Cheep bungee cords or a mate pulling the strings from the end of the chute is surely obvious! Sorry to be negative but that was just weird😅 ps the strings can be as long as you like, just pull them out the back then trip the knotter😊

[jamescalitz]

Was wo dering if you could make a video on how to set bales compression? My baler new holland 377 for some reason compress much more alfalfa on the right side or the side where the plunger knife and needle brake and arm are. It causes my string to snap every 3 bales

[steveturner]

I ordered a salvage yoke for my N H 310. Told them the serial number. Sent and mechanic put yoke on with new needles. He said that was the wrong yoke..Any ideas???

[lawrencejneuser]

It would be just as easy to take a length of twine, loop it around the two, then run your test cycle.

[markfear]

Well that was nice but you still didn't show how you actually tripped the knotter

[GeorgiaSlayrz]

Tie a string on the strings you want to pull on and now you won’t have to stick your hands in there

[InquisitiveSearcher]

SAVE A LIMB, USE A BUNGEE CORD TO TENSION THE

And to observe the knotters, rig up a geared down electric motor with a remote switch that you can connect to the flywheel with a belt! Some flywheels on older balers actually have "V" grooves built into them for add on options.

[lescolvard]

For all of you out there who care about yourself and your family, DO NOT put any part of your body into a running machine! Find another way. For example, tie a string onto the ones inside the machine while it's off. I am appalled that anyone would post this for the public to see.