There is nothing more frustrating than looking in your rearview mirror and seeing a broken bale burst open in the field.
The knotter is the most complex and critical part of a square baler (like the AGCO MF2270). When it fails, the harvest stops. Whether you are dealing with missed knots, loops hanging on the billhook, or frayed twine, this checklist will help you diagnose the problem fast.
In this guide, Agmishop breaks down common knotter faults and the parts you need to check.
H2: The Ultimate Knotter Troubleshooting Checklist
Quick Diagnosis Guide: Knotter Faults：
No Knot at all
Twine tension or Holder failure
Twine Disc / Tensioner
Knot stays on Billhook
Dull knife or Stripper arm gap
Stripper Knife / Billhook
Knot pulls apart (Bow knot)
Worn tongue or low spring tension
Billhook / Tongue Spring
Frayed/Ragged Ends
Rough spots or dull knife
Twine Guides / Knife
Before you start adjusting screws, clear away all chaff and debris. A dirty knotter is often a faulty knotter.
Problem 1: No Knot in the Twine
If the baler ties no knot at all, and the twine is straight, the issue is usually with the twine handling.
Check Twine Tension
Is the twine tension too tight or too loose?
Too tight: The twine snaps before the knot is formed.
Too loose: The twine pulls out of the twine disc (holder) before the billhook can grab it.
Inspect the Twine Disc / Holder
The twine disc (or twine holder) clamps the twine during the knotting cycle. If the notches are worn or the timing is off, it drops the twine.
Solution: Check for wear grooves. If the disc is worn, replace it immediately with a high-quality aftermarket part.
Problem 2: The Knot Hangs on the Billhook
The knot is formed, but it stays stuck on the billhook (bird’s beak), causing the twine to break as the bale moves back.
Stripper Arm Adjustment
The stripper arm is responsible for pushing the knot off the billhook.
Check: Is the stripper arm rubbing against the billhook correctly? It needs to be close enough to “strip” the knot but not so tight that it binds.
Dull Twine Knife
The knife on the stripper arm must be razor-sharp. If it is dull, it won’t cut the twine cleanly, leaving the knot tethered to the billhook.
Agmishop Tip: Always keep a spare set of stripper arm knives in your toolbox.
Problem 3: Loop in Knot, But One End Pulls Out
This is a classic “Simple Knot” or “Bow Knot” failure.
Worn Billhook (The Usual Suspect)
The billhook tongue must clamp the twine firmly.
Check: Open the billhook jaw. Is there a groove worn into the tongue or the roller?
Verdict: If you feel a groove with your fingernail, the billhook cannot hold the twine tight enough to complete the knot. It needs replacement.
Knotter Assembly For AGCO / Massey Ferguson 2270/XD Square Balers
Essential Replacement Parts for AGCO / Massey Ferguson Balers
Troubleshooting reveals the problem, but new parts fix it. At Agmishop, we supply compatible parts for major large square balers, including the AGCO MF2270.
Billhooks: Precision-cast for smooth operation.
Twine Discs: Hardened steel to prevent premature wear.
Knives: Razor-sharp for clean cuts every cycle.
Maintenance Tips to Avoid Downtime
Lubrication is Key
Knotters have many moving parts. Ensure your auto-lube system is working or grease the zerks daily. Dry knotters wear out fast.
Check Timing Chains
A stretched drive chain can throw off the synchronization between the needle and the knotter, leading to catastrophic collisions.
Conclusion
Don’t let a $50 worn part stop a $50,000 baler. Use this troubleshooting checklist to identify the fault, and trust Agmishop to deliver the high-quality replacement parts you need to finish the season.
