[AT] JD 214 WS timing problems-update

[Lew Best]

Hey guys

Thanks to the input as to needle/plunger position I got it timed.  In the
book it says to put the plungerhead in a certain position & manually lift
the needles to be level with the bottom of the bale chamber; trip the length
mechanism, then move the auger until the trip roller hits the stop & install
those 2 bolts that time it.   In order to get that safety stop to release
the needles have to be about an inch or so below the bale chamber; not
level.  Anyway, that gets it into time but now the wire doesn't catch in the
gripper most of the time.  I made about one out of 5 bales tie that I tried
today; the rest were either tied only on one side or not at all.  Looks like
this isn't gonna be a quick fix; probably be spring before I get it all
worked out.  Tomorrow's supposed to be a rainy day; hope my hay doesn't
totally ruin.

I'm going to an auction Saturday where there likely will be a baler or 2;
hopefully something affordable.  If not I may have something else spotted
I'd appreciate some opinions on.

There's a guy nearby that has an IH  model 47 with a broken needle & a 37
for parts; made me a good price (I think) on the 2 as a package deal.  They
are twine balers though.  He does have the manual for the 47.  

I've always preferred wire; had a twine tie years ago (it was old when I got
it) that I never could get to tie dependably (was about like this one I have
now is doing).  I had the manual on it & like this JD the troubleshooting
info for the wire baler covers a page or 2; for the twine baler there are at
least 2-3 times as many pages.  Are twine balers really more prone to give
problems or am I just "overly prejudiced" against them?  The twine being so
much cheaper than the wire (about 40 bux for 2 rolls compared to 70 for one
roll of wire) is very appealing but I really don't want to get into
something that's a lots more prone to give trouble.

Any thoughts appreciated!       

Lew Best near Waco, TX
Please note new email addy 
lew at lewslittlefarm.com