Ask the Mechanic

Steve Thompson, Contributing Columnist

READER: If I switch twine strengths in my New Holland or John Deere small square baler, will I need to make any adjustment of the tongue pressure on the billhook? My neighbor's New Holland baler's knot began hanging on the billhook when he changed from 130 to 170. Was his problem associated with the change in twine strength?

STEVE: A change from 130 knot strength to 170 knot strength usually requires little change, if any, to accommodate the thicker 170 twine knot. However, it could need an adjustment.

When adjusting the tongue-holding strength, always turn the adjusting screw (see photo accompanying this article) only 1/4 turn at a time. If the tongue pressure is too low, the knot will not be tight. If the tongue pressure is too great, the knot will hang in the billhook. If you change from a higher knot strength twine to a lesser twine strength, you may need to increase tongue pressure. If you switch from a lower knot strength twine to a higher knot strength twine, you may need to decrease the tongue pressure.

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-- Email Steve Thompson care of askthemechaniccolumn@gmail.com, and be sure to include your contact information and phone number.

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