JD 348 Knotter Issue Question

Bill VA · Sep 20, 2020

Had an occasional mis-tie on the RH side knotter today and a few days ago. Looking at the twine, I’ve got a knot on the bale end of the twine mostly when it happens and had a knot on both ends of the twine on one occasion. My immediate thought is tucker finger is not grabbing the twine from the knotter side. Looked at the tucker finger briefly and all seems to be in order compared to the LH knotter. Next I thought twine box tension and to me it feels somewhat loose vs what I recall (no scales with me today). I think my issue is twine box tension.

My question is - based on the knots at the end of the bale side twine and referencing the trouble shooting manual, it points the twine tension, tucker finger adjustment and needle and maybe one more thing - all of which are adjustments, not replacing parts as I read it.

I’ll be spending more time with the baler tomorrow.

Question is - anyone had similar knot issues with lack of twine box tension?

I’ve got a pile of hay to cut and this is a good week to do it weather wise and don’t want to be down with the baler.

Thoughts on the above?

Thanks!
Bill

SVcummins · Sep 20, 2020

One adjustment a little bit at a time or you’ll make it worse. Make it exactly like the side that works

ArleninOr · Sep 20, 2020

Twine tension at box and check for a broken hay dog or spring.

RayP(MI) · Sep 21, 2020

you could try crossing the twines at some place after they leave twine box. cut and splice, see if problem switches side. My balers almost always fail on right side. usually I find twine drooping below twine hook, instead over it, as it should be for to be picked up and tied along with needle twine.

David from Kansas · Sep 21, 2020

If the tucker finger gap is too great it will not pick up the twine to make the knot. Tucker finger also has to travel far enough for the bill hook to grab it. I always gapped the tucker finger at just a "smidgun" just so it dosen't contact the needle. Also, if twine holder disk tension is not adjusted right it will cause problems. Your operatior's manual is a very good help in making adjustments.

DeltaSteve · Sep 22, 2020

Twine tension has little to nothing to do with your problem. Twine tucker finger is most likely your culprit. Since you have the book,check it out. Trip it ,then have someone turn by hand while you watch. You should be able to see the fingers work.They should have only about 1/32 inch clearance(that's real close!). Since you are there,go ahead and check uot and adjust as needed the rest of the knotter.Do it by the book,in the order of the book. Unless it is completely worn out,or something damaged,it will tie like a new one.The book is your friend. Keep it close and read it frequently.

Shetland Sheepdog · Sep 22, 2020

Well, for what it's worth Bill, I fought with my 575 for a year, and never got the issue completely resolved!
Finally, after trying everything else, I sharpened the twine knives!
Been fine since!
YMMV, HTH, Dave

Bill VA · Sep 22, 2020

Spent a little time with the baler tonight and the tucker finger is probably 1/4 inch from the backside of the needle and the twine holder needs adjusted as it appears to far advanced for plastic twine (and compared to the left Knotter). Once I work through these, I’ll check the twine tension. The JD owner’s manual I’ve got has pretty clear troubleshooting instructions IMHO.

Thanks again and I’ll follow up once I start baling hay agaij - hopefully next week.

DeltaSteve · Sep 23, 2020

you've found your problem! 1/4" is too much.The twine is intermittenly slipping between the needle and finger,missing the bill hook.Tighten the gap from 1/32" to 1/16".If the twine holder was the culprit,there would be no knot on the top string.. As I said,the book is your friend.Refer to it frequently and you will be rewarded with trouble free successful baleing.

JD 348 Knotter Issue Question

Bill VA

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SVcummins

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ArleninOr

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RayP(MI)

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David from Kansas

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DeltaSteve

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Shetland Sheepdog

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Bill VA

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DeltaSteve

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