Massey Ferguson #12 Square Baler Wire Tie Routing

[DrericDO]

Just purchased a #12 MF baler with the wire tie instead of string. Anyone have a similar model (3, 9, 10 or 12) with a wire tie? I bought all the manuals I can find but none of the text illuminates the proper route to position the wire in the home position. Any help with pics would be great. Dang these old timers were some amazing engineers! I stand in awe at all these moving parts!! A bit overwhelmed for sure. I thought my Vermeer 504R was complicated but this….son!!

 

[Tx Jim]

I've never seen a MF wire baler but I've owned/repaired several JD wire tie balers. When installing new wire box in carrying locations, one needs to route wire from center of coil of wire through wire guides as shown in wire routing diagram back towards needle frame placing wire under roller in front of needle then over roller in needle then continue taking wire end rearward to needle frame. Wrap wire around needle frame the wrap around wire that was pulled rearward. See photo below. I then proceed to bale hay letting tying mechanism cycle from hay being pushed through bale chamber. Another thing the last wire I purchased several yrs ago the wire manufacturer skimped on applying oil to wire so I always add so oil onto wire rolls after rolls of wire has been installed. Also check to be sure all wire guide rollers turn freely & have no flat spots. I suggest to never apply oil to wire guide rollers because the oil causes dirt to accumulate which can cause tying problems.
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I hope this helps. If you have any more questions feel free to ask.

 

[DrericDO]

Thanks. That gives me decent idea of where to start. I really appreciate it. Once I figure this out I’ll post the schematic for this baler so future users will have a better idea of how to set it up

 

[DrericDO]

Figured it out and what a satisfying end. We made about 25 squares and I’m tickled pink! So for the solution…

From the box Thread through the insulators on the side and underneath , then Down and under baler and around the large pulley , then come with the lead edge of the wire coming out and in between the two small pulleys on the needle and then go up through the slot and through the bale chamber and pull it straight up and towards the back of the baler and have about 6-8 inches sticking straight up or to the back of baler over the top of the cutters then stop. Cycle the flywheel until the twister is engaged. Have someone slowly turn the flywheel. Place the wire end in the mouth of the cutter knife as it closes down on the wire. That’s it. The knife jaws will hold the wires in place. The hay bale will advance as the wire is forming around the bales . If the wires stayed fixed to the cutter and did did not pop loose it should do what it does as more grass is fed into the chamber.