855 twine cutters

[berry]

Any tips on getting the twine cutters to cut on an 855? We've had a terrible time trying to get them to cut. They are in the right position, but it seems like the twine goes right over the knives and doesn't cut. We are using some tough string, but it should still cut I'd think. New knives didn't seem to help.

 

[Allan in NE]

Berry,

Which model do you have?

The auto tie uses a different arrangement to cut the string.

If your machine has the hammers, check those slam-springs. They will not cut if the springs are missing or broken.

Allan

 

[Allan in NE]

Found a picture of the hammers and their springs.

Allan

 

[berry]

That is not what ours has. It has a bar across that has two "flaps" at the far ends with the knives attached that swings down to pinch the twine and cut it.

 

[Allan in NE]

Okay, gotcha.

Sounds like it isn't that the knives won't cut, but rather that the twine isn't positioning itself right at the cutter blade?

Ya might check those arms for being in the correct position and properly adjusted. What I mean is, they are mounted incorporating a "clutched" breakaway.

If this "breakaway" has tripped, the arms will be in the wrong position thruout their travel. In other words, at the beginning of their cycle, the arms should be dead center of the bale and about 3" apart?

If not, grab the arm and try pushing it towards center; it should "snap in" to the correct location.

Also, look at the end of the arms and make sure that the twine hasn't worn a groove thru the very last ring. That would let the twine totally "miss" the knife by about 4" when the arms come up.

Allan

 

[berry]

Nope, the arms position correctly, the string hits right on the cutters, but it just slides over. We've tried adjusting, but it just slides. Maybe the twine is too tough for this style of cutters.

 

[Fred Werring]

For what it's worth, my 855 has the twine cutters as shown in Allan's picture, it was always kind of iffy that the twine would cut until I slotted the mounting holes in the blades about 1/8" to get them farther out into the twine.

Fred

 

[Allan in NE]

Are the blades set level and in correct relationship to the striker plates?

Have you tried tightening the tension springs on the cutters? (outside the frame on each side)?

It ought to snap 'er like a twig.

Allan