IH knotter problems

[Jon Holt]

I have an IH 440 twine baler and am having problems with the knotter. I have got it to make the complete knot, but it cuts one of the twine ends (the needle side or front of the bale) off right at the base of the knot so it ends up pulling out. I am not sure if it cuts too close or just pulls up. It does this on both knotters. Thanks for any help.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Is it cutting it, or just pulling out? If pulling out you may need a little more tension on the bill hooks. Could also be to much twine tension at the twine can. Tension should be 4 to 10 lbs for sisal twine at the can and 1 to 2 lbs for plastic twine. You really need the manual for this thing as you will need info from it if you use this baler much. They are very good machines, but are old and will need service from time to time.

 

[Jon Holt]

I do have the manual, but the problem did not look like any of the ones in the troubleshooting. I did adjust the disk gap and have been playing with the tension on the bill hooks. I have adjusted the twine can all the way out. I don't have a spring gauge to test them, but I am going to get one soon. I did bale a little while ago and only mistied one bale out of about 40. I think that the twine is hanging on the bill hook and it is cutting it. I have noticed some of the loops are cut, either one loop or both loops in one set of twine. I did look at some old bales I had from two years ago and the twine ends are different lengths at the knot so this may be the way that these models tie them. The bales I baled seem to be strong so I am going to try it for a while. I might try cleaning the bill hooks and see how that works.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Your ends should be about the same length. Try sanding the bill hooks with a fine grit paper or cloth if you have any. Could be a rough spot that is fraying the twine.

 

[Delbert]

Jon make sure those little twine knifes are sharp replace them will help. They are like a dollar each it sounds like the twine is not being cut all the way. I have a 46 baler it was doing that same thing i keep the knife sharp and baled 73 bales today with out any problems. Next time i use it might be a different story. Maybe as others said twine bills to tight or rough or it could be the bales are to tight.On my 46 i have to put some washers between the twine knife and the place it bolts up to. three washers on top and and two on bottom.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Delbert, sounds like I am going to have to talk with my parts man. He charged me 6 bucks for a set of them last year. They do make a big difference. I try to put new ones on my 430 every year.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I wish I could find the blades for even $6. The local dealer told me they don't sell the blades seperately anymore and the blade and arm together cost $22 each.

Is there an alternate source for the blades?

 

[Anonymous-0]

IH does sell them seperate. Call Brad at 1-888-824-0544 and he will send them to you.