New Holland 650 Round Baler Twine System Troubles and Field Solutions

[MikePhua]

The NH 650 and New Holland’s Baling Legacy
The New Holland 650 round baler was introduced in the early 1990s as part of New Holland’s push to modernize hay and forage equipment. Designed for 5-foot wide by up to 6-foot tall bales, the 650 featured a chain-and-slat bale chamber, mechanical twine wrapping system, and a robust pickup assembly. With thousands sold across North America and Europe, it became a staple on mid-sized farms and ranches.
New Holland, founded in Pennsylvania in 1895, has long been a leader in hay tools. By the time the 650 was released, the company had already revolutionized baling with innovations like the automatic knotter and variable chamber design. The 650 was built for simplicity and durability, but its twine system—while mechanically clever—has proven to be a source of frustration for many operators.
Terminology Notes

• Twine Arm: A mechanical arm that swings across the bale to distribute twine evenly during wrapping.
  
• Actuator Spring: A tension spring that controls the movement of the twine arm.
  
• Trip Mechanism: The trigger that initiates the twine wrapping cycle once the bale reaches full size.
  

Common Twine System Failures and Symptoms
Operators may encounter:

• Twine arm failing to swing or stalling mid-cycle
  
• Uneven twine spacing or missed wraps
  
• Twine not cutting cleanly at the end of the cycle
  
• Twine arm bouncing or jerking during operation
  
• Twine not feeding into the chamber at all
  

A hay producer in Iowa shared how their 650’s twine arm began hesitating during wrapping. After checking the spring tension and cleaning the pivot bushings, the arm regained full range and wrapped evenly across the bale face.
Root Causes and Diagnostic Strategy
Twine issues on the NH 650 often stem from mechanical wear, debris buildup, or misadjustment. Common culprits include:

• Weak or Broken Actuator Spring
  • Prevents full arm swing or causes premature return
    
  • Requires replacement with correct tension rating
    
• Dirty or Seized Pivot Points
  • Dust and chaff restrict arm movement
    
  • Clean and lubricate all bushings and linkages
    
• Misaligned Trip Linkage
  • Causes late or failed wrapping initiation
    
  • Adjust linkage length and check for bent rods
    
• Worn Twine Knife or Dull Blade
  • Twine fails to cut cleanly, leading to tangles
    
  • Sharpen or replace knife and check spring tension
    
• Improper Twine Routing
  

• Twine may snag or fail to feed
  
• Reroute through guides and tensioners per manual
  

Inspection steps:

• Manually cycle the twine arm and observe resistance
  
• Check spring tension with a scale or visual comparison
  
• Inspect knife edge and twine guide alignment
  
• Test trip mechanism by simulating full bale condition
  
• Clean all moving parts with compressed air and penetrating oil
  

Repair Procedure and Component Recommendations
To restore twine system function:

• Remove twine arm and inspect pivot bushings
  
• Replace actuator spring with OEM-rated part
  
• Clean and lubricate all linkages and guides
  
• Sharpen or replace twine knife and adjust tension spring
  
• Verify twine routing and adjust guide angles
  
• Test full cycle with empty chamber before returning to field
  

Recommended components:

• NH 650 twine arm spring kit
  
• Twine knife and mounting hardware
  
• Pivot bushing set with grease fittings
  
• Trip linkage rod and clevis ends
  
• Twine guide rollers and tensioner springs
  

A rancher in Alberta rebuilt their twine system after repeated failures. By installing a new spring, cleaning the trip linkage, and replacing the knife, they eliminated downtime and improved bale consistency across 300 acres of hay.
Preventive Maintenance and Long-Term Solutions
To avoid future twine issues:

• Clean twine system weekly during baling season
  
• Lubricate pivot points and linkages every 50 bales
  
• Inspect knife sharpness and spring tension monthly
  
• Replace twine arm bushings every 1,000 bales or annually
  
• Use high-quality twine with consistent diameter and tensile strength
  

Some operators retrofit their 650s with electric twine actuators or hydraulic assist kits for smoother operation. Others install LED indicators to monitor wrapping status from the cab.
Recommendations for Operators and Technicians

• Maintain a twine system log with bale counts and service intervals
  
• Train operators to recognize early signs of wrapping failure
  
• Stock spare springs, knives, and bushings for field repairs
  
• Partner with New Holland dealers for updated service bulletins and retrofit options
  
• Consider proactive twine system overhaul during off-season maintenance
  

For machines operating in dusty or high-volume environments, enhanced sealing and frequent cleaning are essential.
Conclusion
Twine problems on the New Holland 650 can turn a productive day into a frustrating one. But with careful inspection, targeted repairs, and preventive care, the baler’s wrapping system can perform reliably across seasons. In the rhythm of haymaking, twine isn’t just a detail—it’s the final stitch that holds the harvest together.