Farm Equipment - 302 Baler Knotter Troubles

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302 Baler Knotter Troubles

Printed From: Unofficial Allis
Category: Allis Chalmers
Forum Name: Farm Equipment
Forum Description: everything about Allis-Chalmers farm equipment
URL: https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=195511
Printed Date: 03 Sep 2025 at 1:55pm
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Topic: 302 Baler Knotter Troubles

Posted By: Dakotakid
Subject: 302 Baler Knotter Troubles
Date Posted: 03 Jun 2023 at 6:57am

Hello all, I’m new here and I thank you for letting me join! I have recently acquired a property with some hay ground and bought an Allis Chalmers 302 bale chief baler. Last year being my first to ever put up hay I quickly learned that I know nothing! By the good grace of a couple of neighbors I finished the year, but this year I’m trying to prepare the baler by going through the knotter and changing out the worn out parts. Now that have said all that! My request is to those that have knowledge on bill hook replacement. I went through my local Agco dealership and they surprising sell sell parts for the old 302 , however the bill hook they sell for it is Agco part #700741640 and it interferes with the knife arm and has a slightly different shaped head. I did not think it to be wise to start bending or grinding on the swing arm, but thought I would seek wisdom for the folks here on the forum! Thanks in advance for any advice!!

Replies:

Posted By: Michael V (NM)
Date Posted: 03 Jun 2023 at 9:15am

my thing is , on baler knotters,,, IF IT AINT BROKE,, DON'T FIX IT....

I have a very little experience with a NH 2000 3 X 4 large square baler,, and with 5 of them, they can give fits,, owners manual is your best friend

Posted By: DanielW
Date Posted: 03 Jun 2023 at 8:29pm

All the Allis square balers (to my knowledge) used Rasspe knotters, same as New Holland and many others. There were many different bill hook options for these knotters: some to work with plastic twine, some for thin sisal, some for thick sisal. Maybe that's the case here. Usually the difference is how much 'point' there is on the tooth at the end of the pivoting jaw. Even so, I would think they should all fit if they were intended for that model of Rasspe knotter.

If you look in a manual about adjusting a knotters you'll see that they actually recommend using a pickle fork to bend the swing arm to just scrub the bill hook as part of regular inspection/maintenance. So it definitely might need to be done with yours, but you do have to be careful as you can break the arm if you try to reef on it two much.

Posted By: Tracy Martin TN
Date Posted: 03 Jun 2023 at 8:34pm

There are some really good New Holland videos that explain each step of how a knotter works. Highly recommend watching them. Tracy

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No greater gift than healthy grandkids!

Posted By: MACK
Date Posted: 03 Jun 2023 at 9:49pm

First thing is to sharpen twine knife. A dull knife can cause problems.

They are correct, bend swing arm to where it rubs billhook. MACK

Posted By: modirt
Date Posted: 04 Jun 2023 at 7:32am

Is the swing arm you guys are talking about also know as the needles?

If so, yes when the needles come up to deliver the 2nd part of the twine to the bill hook, it is supposed to gently brush the knotter. That puts the 2nd half of the twine next to and touching the first part so bill hook can grab both.

The twine cutting knife should not be hitting anything.

Knotter setup, service and adjustment requires a great deal of knowledge. Mechanics go to schools to learn it. New Holland has a special guide dedicated to the entire process and that is just a starting point.

We spent several days overhauling the knotters on my NH 315 (with help of 3 NH mechanics) and when it was put back to use, one side was missing about 1 knot in 5. I gave the twine tension spring on that side 1/2 turn more and it now works perfect. They are that finely tuned.

Posted By: modirt
Date Posted: 04 Jun 2023 at 7:37am

Will add one more thing, these balers require premium twine to work reliably. New Holland or AGCO twine is recommended. Mine uses the 170 pound knot strength sold in 9600'.

Found some 170# in a 11000 foot bundle at a local farm coop (sold at premium price) and it is thinner, and gives the knotters fits. Cheap and thin stuff to be avoided if you want it to work right.

Posted By: DanielW
Date Posted: 04 Jun 2023 at 9:07am

No, the 'swing arm' we're talking about is the stripper arm/knife arm that pushes the twine wrap off the bill hook as it swings across to cut the twine.

But you're right, needles have to be adjusted to place the twine in the discs just right too.