What Are Plunger Extensions on New Holland 311 Baler For

[Blueacre]

I just bought a New Holland 311 Baler at an auction. I was checking the condition of the roller bearings on the plunger and noticed there were 4 sets of holes on the face of the plunger in the vertical bars on either side of the needle opening but nothing in them. I checked the New Holland parts list on line and it shows 4 Plunger Extrensions mount in these holes with carraige bolts - look like straight pieces of steel flat bar with a hole in each end. I also saw other listings on line for a what is called a plunger extension kit with 4 of the bars and 8 carraige bolts to mount the bars.

Wondering why the bars are not installed on this baler - Is it an optional attachment that is not always used ? If an option under what conditions would it be necessary to install these extensions ? If the extensions are required does anyone have a 311 baler and could check and see if they are just straight steel flat bar and if it is what size - thickness x width x overall length.

thanks in advance for any help
Gary

 

[Tx Jim]

I presume PH extensions on NH small sq baler are required for same reason as on a JD small sq baler reason being when baling spongy crops such as wheat/oat/barley stalks the PH extensions pushes/holds stalks farther away from needles giving knotter just a little more room/time to complete knot/tie

 

[Blueacre]

I presume PH extensions on NH small sq baler are required for same reason as on a JD small sq baler reason being when baling spongy crops such as wheat/oat/barley stalks the PH extensions pushes/holds stalks farther away from needles giving knotter just a little more room/time to complete knot/tie

Thanks for the reply Tx Jim - I figured it might be a reason like that but wasnt sure and couldnt find any info on internet. I have the operator manual but no mention of them there - I only bale hay so if that is what they are for I probably dont need them.