Laura,
Did not see your question on the other thread until now.
Re appearance of twine, you can't tell by the appearance whether it is good. Anyway, some rat may have gotten in the twine box and chewed on the twine. This does not mean I'm saying you should put in new twine, you have nothing to lose by trying it out. I assume by your post the baler was stored inside. Therefore I would try a few bales without rethreading it. I never used that baler, but others I have used aren't any trouble to rethread.
I've never known baling to go smoothly, so expect it to be a learning experience.
KEH
