What differentiates the good square balers from th

NH & JD figured them out first/ best, and those balers bring a premium.

--->Paul

Even the best, most modern baler with an unskilled or careless operator wont make good bales. Even a very old baler if it is not rusted, in proper adjustment, with worn parts replaced and a skilled operator who knows how to rake and bale properly will do ok.

In my observations, twine makes more difference than color of the knotter. Good twine, fresh, and dry will solve a multitude of problems. When my dad first bought the 336 JD I've got now new back in the 70's he tried using 9000' per bale twine. Had all kinds of problems. Went to 10,000 and it tied perfectly for 20 years. Dealer recommended the smaller diameter as it flowed better through the knotter mechanism. I switched it to plastic in '95. Did great until late last year and I could not hardly get it to tie a knot. Worse this year, missing everytime the hay got heavy or the least bit out of condition. Knots were loose and pulling apart. Did some adjusting and switched back to 10,000 sisal, no more problems. I've used NH and other JD's. Not much difference in results.

reliability
ease of repair
cost/availability of parts

Reliability is important to me as I work full time. I can't spend my evenings and days off scrouging for parts and driving to every little dealership looking for a junked baler.

I've used wide and narrow pickups, do a good job raking and it doesn't matter.

feeder forks are pretty standard, plungers on older machines seems to cause trouble.

I don't use a kicker, our bales are light by most peoples standards.

Knotter is key to the reliability I think. Much of that has to do with maintenance and adjustment.