Joining rolls of baling twine- what knot?

[FarmerJeff]

I am having trouble with my baler in that when I finish a roll of twine and the next roll that it is tied to starts feeding, the knot will not pass through the springloaded plate that tensions the twine. THis is a JD 336. I have tried a simple overhand knot, a square knot, and a square knot where I shaved half of the thickness of the twine on each end to result in a very small knot. The twine always breaks trying to pass through that plate. What am I doing wrong? This is plain and treated sisal. Thanks for any info...

[Ross]

I take the two ends of the twine hold them together make a loop and bring both ends back up through the loop and snug it uptight. Trim off the ends so its as small as possible. Works for my NH 315 baler

[Quiet Guy]

Have you tried adjusting the tension on the plate?

[agmantoo]

A square knot is what is was always told to use as it will slip through the tension plates and become tighter as it is pulled.
http://www.wikihow.com/Tie-a-Square-Knot
PS...sometimes the tension plates will wear a small groove that acts like a burr where the twine enters. You may need to dismantle the tension plates and touch them up with a fine file or sandpaper.

[ksfarmer]

Originally Posted by agmantoo

A square knot is what is was always told to use as it will slip through the tension plates and become tighter as it is pulled.
http://www.wikihow.com/Tie-a-Square-Knot
PS...sometimes the tension plates will wear a small groove that acts like a burr where the twine enters. You may need to dismantle the tension plates and touch them up with a fine file or sandpaper.

agmantoo may have the answer or as quiet guy says: check the tension, you may have it too tight.

[Rocky Fields]

Hey.

Square knot is traditionally used.

Try a weaver's knot:

http://www.weaving.cc/leasesticks/knots2.html

RF

[Old Vet]

Square knot is what the baler manufactures recommend. Check the tension and check and see if their is not a grove worn in the plate.

[FarmerJeff]

Thanks. As I say, I am currently using a square knot. I'll inspect the plates more closely and I may adjust the tension or try greasing the knots with a little tallow. I don't see how that could harm livestock. Thanks again.

[sammyd]

Make sure your ends aren't too long and rub the knot between your hands a bit to help blend the ends into the twine.

[michiganfarmer]

a square knot