tucker finger JD 24T

[eod4647]

Quick question, I know next to nothing
about small square balers, apart from I'd
like to have. Going to look at. 24T baler
tomorrow. Paint looks great, definitely
well taken care of, but the seller says it
needs a new tucker finger bracket.
Everything else is good. I'm taking a
friend with me who knows NH balers, but I
was curious what a tucker finger is and how
much it might be to fix. Any thoughts are
welcome.
Chris

 

[wore out]

There are two ''tucker fingers'' on top of the bale case beneath the knotters, the curved, moveable part at the top of Key # 14.

As the knotters cycle, they catch the twine as the needles rise and move it into the twine discs.

As to what is broken, there's nothing in the parts breakdown called a ''bracket''.

Could perhaps be Key #5 or Key #19, or perhaps the lower part of Key # 14.

So now you know where to look to see what is amiss.

 

[ET]

NH calls them twine fingers

 

[Northvale PA]

All these parts are available from JD but might be expensive these days. JD always is. Part 14 has slotted holes and is adjustable and probably the most expensive but if they look unbroken just adjust both sides. Part 16 gets worn. Replace those and 18 if bent or broken. You need an owners manual. It will explain each adjustment. I had two 24T balers and both ran well when adjusted correctly. My first was older and more worn hence parts were farther out of adjustment. For these parts, try to do both sides evenly. The manual will tell you to adjust the twine needles first, then the tucker fingers to the needles second. The thing I didnt like about those balers was the knotters were chain driven with a brass shear pin and the plunger head was on slide plates, no rollers. So oil the chains and guide rails regularly. I run 336 balers now. Much improved but the knotters are nearly identical. Mine dont miss except when the twine changes. Go through the steps the manual explains slowly, carefully. It is well written.

 

[eod4647]

Thanks for the information everyone. At least I know a little bit more and that'll help me make a decision on the baler. If I get, I'll report back. Much appreciated.

Chris

 

[flying belgian]

We had one at home. Pa bought it new in 1964? We never had any trouble with it But we only put up about 3000 bales a year.

 

[showcrop]

Tucker fingers are the most likely problem with a JD knotter. The problem can be also in the part #1 drive shaft. It can get bent. The problem can also be due to the surface that they mount on being rusted and getting bowed upward by a heavy charge of hay in the chamber.

 

[tomstractorsandtoys]

Finger Lakes Equipment in NY specializes in Deere baler parts. They have new shafts available and even have an update kit with swivels on the linkage. What usually bends the shaft is to much play and the fingers get over center. My 24t has the update kit. Tom