MF 3 baler part needed

[Hiptfarms]

Thanks for the tip on how to weld the part. I jumped the gun thinking I had found both pieces that broke off. Unfortunately, I found one of the pieces that had broken into two. So I'm going to try to find the last piece tomorrow.
Meanwhile, a miracle occured... a replacement part has been found in Wisconsin. I made the purchase this evening and hope to have it by next weekend. A bit pricey- 194.00, but I consider myself to be a lucky girl to have found one at all.

 

[Hiptfarms]

One last question, should I be concerned that the baler lost timing with this type of failure? I'm inclined to think that it should be fine but wanted to know what you guys think.

Thanks again for all the input.

 

[zzvyb6]

One last question, should I be concerned that the baler lost timing with this type of failure? I'm inclined to think that it should be fine but wanted to know what you guys think.

Thanks again for all the input.

I would think the timing was unaffected, but what would concern me is what caused the pickup failure. There may be more to it than just a bad part. Object in the feeder drive, jammed shaft, frozen bearing, interference with some other part, etc.

Checking the timing is easy. I would empty the baler (twine and post-plunger case), blow it out with a leaf blower or compressed air nozzle, then roll it over very slowly by hand to watch all the baler sequences: clearances, knotter trip, needle entry, partial gear roll, tucker finger draw, bill hook rotation, cut-off knife arm swipe and needle retraction.

This is a 'feel good" exercise, it may not apply but 'recommended practise'.

 

[Hiptfarms]

Thanks. I'll do that. I believe that the problem came from me hitting a root from a cedar tree stump that I knew was there but couldn't see. I won't be taking any stupid chances like that again.