While having wiper arm problems, I compared the shafts that various arms pivot on in the old knotters off my 24T, the replacement knotters that are on it now and what look like the original knotters on my 346. I have three different styles so one must be careful when buying wiper arms. It would certainly be worth your while to see what is available. Quite a few years ago when my 24T just about quit tying, the dealer discovered that the problem was excess wear in the holes of the knotter frames. I chose to have the whole knotters replaced. However, I have noticed that some knotter frames have bushings in those holes. If there is too much wear there perhaps, the fix would be replacing a bushing or having it bored out and bushed. Would bending the arm solve the problem? Are there other problems now or that might show up in a while? There, more questions than answers. Please let us know how things go.

 

However, I have noticed that some knotter frames have bushings in those holes. If there is too much wear there perhaps, the fix would be replacing a bushing or having it bored out and bushed. Would bending the arm solve the problem?

I'm still trying to get in touch with the "baler guy" at the local JD dealer. With the past week and a half of good weather, I pretty sure he's been busy running around getting balers going. The knotter that is on my baler now does have the bushings and there are a few other parts such as the wiper arm roller that could stand to be replaced. The big thing I noticed is that there is a fairly big slot worn by the bill hook into the wiper arm. I did bend the arm some and it helped, but I'm thinking that it is time to just replace the entire arm with the newer style that has an adjustable wiper. JD sells a kit that has the new arm with bushings, roller, knife... the whole works. I just wanted to check and see if anyone had made this change or if there was a reason it wouldn't work.

Given that it looks like I only have another 850 bales to go this year (not planning on a 2nd cutting due to the late 1st cutting), I will probably put off this repair/upgrade until the season is over. I also need to check an old parts baler setting out back. If it has a newer arm on it, I might save some money by only having to buy the bushings or other worn items instead of the entire arm.