Ask the Mechanic

Steve Thompson, Contributing Columnist

READER: I have an 8540 Hesston inline baler that is not tying properly on the right knotter. I was just baling along, and suddenly, it started missing on the right side. The billhook shows little wear where the knot is formed, but it seems loose in the casting on the other knotter that keeps it in home position. Got any ideas what is causing it not to tie? It does make a knot sometimes, but when it does, the knot is not tight and comes apart as the bale expands in the bale case. It's a great baler, but I know balers can get an attitude sometimes.

STEVE: It sounds like you have a couple of opportunities with this knotter. More than likely, you have lost the little ball (see photos accompanying this article) on the opposite side of the billhook "beak." Farmers like to call the billhook a "bird bill." When it comes off, the billhook will not function properly and feels loose in home position. This little ball from AGCO/Massey Ferguson comes only with the complete billhook assembly. The photo (right) relays where the "grease worms" have been eating on the shaft because of a plugged billhook grease fitting. Any shaft turning against a casting or busing tends to pack grease in the grease channel inside the casting. The other photo (left) shows the location of the hidden billhook grease fitting. Don't ignore this fitting if it refuses grease. Remove the fitting and push out the hard grease in it with the grease gun, then clean the grease channel by twisting a thin drill bit and penetrating oil until it takes grease. A little time spent on this fitting will save you money. This particular fitting is easily overlooked when servicing the machine or any twine baler.

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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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