336 baler needle not going home

Bill Tremel · Jul 1, 2016

I have a 336 JD baler and I baled 300 bales when all of a sudden the needle stopped going all the way home. This, of course, would release the plunger safety and shear my shear pin on the flywheel. I have not idea why this started all of a sudden. I don't see anything loose, missing or out of align. However, I can move the needle back into home manually and when it ties again, it fails to return, starting the process all over again.

I don't think the baler is out of time, as I did 300 bales with out a missed bale. The baler has new knotters, installed and tuned by JD a few years ago. Any thoughts on what would prevent the needles from going home?

Bob · Jul 1, 2016

Is the shear bolt for the needle crank intact?

If so, the problem must have something to do with the dog clutch releasing before rotation of the knotter shaft is completed.

Also, check that the brake isn't worn out or simply out of adjustment, allowing movement after the dog clutch releases.

Tx Jim · Jul 1, 2016

Ditto on checking condition/tightening needle brake.

Hay maker2 · Jul 1, 2016

Needles are dropping, check the brake for a broken spring or adjustments.

old · Jul 1, 2016

Do not know that baler but the old 14T had a shear pin in the linkage that pulled the needles up to the knotters and if that pin breaks the needles will do funny things

Tx Jim · Jul 1, 2016

If 336 needle lift shear pin was sheared Bill Tremel could not just set needles in in home position then continue baling.

dmiller · Jul 1, 2016

The rod that connects the needle cradle to the Stop Block (where it catches on the plunger arm) got bent on mine one time. It was doing the same thing you describe. If it's not the Needle Brake it might be some wear/stretching in that arm and adjustment.

336 baler needle not going home

Bill Tremel

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Bob

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Tx Jim

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Hay maker2

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old

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Tx Jim

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dmiller

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