New Holland Knotter Troubleshooting Guide

[Wdj]

Ok here's kind of a shot in the dark. The part(don't recall the name of it) that clamps the twine into the twine discs can get a groove worn in it so that no matter how much tension is on it the twine can slip too easily. I made one work by carefully grinding it down. Was hesitant to chime in here as Daniel W is far more knowledgeable than I.

 

[mhb@ufe]

There is no way to adjust the angle of the bill hook however if the pinion gear is worn it will change the angle of the bill hook. If the ball on the knife arm is worn the knife arm may not be holding in the proper position. Don't disregard the importance of the hay dogs (top and bottom) working properly as they play a big part in the tension on the number one twine. Make note of any difference between the working knotter and the non working knotter.

 

[MaddrCow]

I'm thinking I'll replace the twine disc and the twine holder and the pin that the twine holder rotates on. There's some slop in it, nothing more that the other knotter, but maybe this one is more sensitive. I will replace the hay dog spring. I think that's probably why it slides off the bill hook.

 

[DanielW]

Your twine disc does definitely look worn. And I'd replace that hay dog too, which will unfortunately probably mean a lot of heat and frustration when those pins seize. I was going to comment on the worn grooves in the twine disc earlier, but it (kind of) looked like they were doing their job in your videos. Though hard to tell for certain as the needle blocks the view right at the critical time.

 

[ET]

On YouTube watch troubleshooting videos by balerman. He explains things and shows you exactly what to look for

 

[MaddrCow]

 

[DanielW]

Wowzers. Never seen one that worn. Good find.

 

[MaddrCow]

Wowzers. Never seen one that worn. Good find.

Is there a way to replace the rivet pin with a bolt? The manual mentions a special slotted head stud or cap screw?

 

[MaddrCow]

I've replaced the twine holder. I got a new disc from cottage craft works but it doesn't fit so I'll have to return it. The shaft is too short so the gear/pin won't go on. Comparing the notches in the twine disc and the spacing between the discs, mine actually doesn't seem that bad, and it is in no way worse than the knotter side that works.

Replaced the bad hay dog spring, just waiting for the top middle hay dog to show up so I can install that.

The twine disc drive rod, that you adjust to time the twine discs, is totally stripped so I can't tighten the drive gear so my timing keeps slipping. Parts on the way.

However. I was able to get it to reliably knot when I tripped it at about 1/4-1/3 bale length. If I let the bale get longer it would not knot, it would leave the twine ends with a long bow but not together.

I have a couple more parts to fix and readjustments to make, but I want to put this update here in case someone ten years from now finds it helpful.