Why does baler maintenance matter?
Baling depends on weather. When a window opens, you have a few days to get hay in, so a broken baler can cost a crop. Most failures come from worn parts or missed lubrication that could have been caught at home.
Balers also hold stored energy and many moving parts, so they are among the more dangerous machines on a farm. Maintenance should always be done with the power off and the machine secured.
Keep spare parts such as belts, shear bolts, twine and a few common bearings on hand. Rural supply stores can run out in peak season.
- Hay windows are short
- Spare parts may sell out in season
- Missed grease is the common cause of failure
- Always shut off and secure before working
What belongs in a pre-season inspection?
Pull out the operator manual and walk the baler from front to back. Look for broken or missing shields, cracked welds, worn chains, frayed belts, loose bolts, worn bearings and leaks from any hydraulic parts.
Turn the machine over by hand, with the power disconnected, to feel for binding or noise. Replace what is worn now, during the off-season, when parts are easier to find.
Take photos and notes during the inspection so you can order parts in one trip.
- Pickup teeth and tine bars
- Belts, chains and sprockets
- Bearings and bushings
- Knotter or tying parts and needles
- Twine path and tension parts
- Tires, hitch and PTO shaft and shield
How do you lubricate it?
The manual shows every grease point and oil point and the interval for each. Balers often have many fittings, and missing one can ruin a bearing. Use a chart and tick off each fitting.
Chains need the right lubricant and often more of it in dusty conditions. Do not over-lubricate in a way that collects dust, and wipe away excess. Use only the products the manufacturer recommends.
A cold, wet day before the season is a good time to do the greasing, since you will not be rushing.
What about twine, tying and knotters?
Tying problems are among the most common baler issues. Use the twine type and quality the manual specifies, thread it exactly as shown and keep twine dry. Bad twine causes more trouble than most owners expect.
Clean the knotter area and check for worn or bent parts. Adjustments to a knotter are delicate and are best learned from a dealer, an experienced neighbor or an extension demonstration.
Store twine in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, and keep it in its wrapper until needed.
How do shear bolts and protection work?
Many balers use shear bolts or slip clutches to protect the drive when something jams. A shear bolt is designed to break before the gearbox does. Replace it only with the exact bolt the manufacturer lists.
Never substitute a stronger bolt, because that removes the protection and can damage costly parts. Keep a supply of the correct bolts in the tractor toolbox.
Know where the shear protection sits on your model and what it protects, since not all balers use the same design.
- Use the exact bolt the manual lists
- Keep spares in the toolbox
- Never replace with a harder bolt
- Check the bolt after any jam
How do you clear a jam safely?
Stop the PTO, shut off the engine, remove the key and wait for all movement to stop. Release stored tension as the manual instructs. Never reach into the baler chamber or pickup while anything is running.
Use hand tools to clear material and never use your hands near pinch points. If the jam is serious, call a mechanic instead of improvising.
Keep children and bystanders out of the field while baling, and tell family where you will be working.
- Disengage PTO and shut off engine
- Remove the key and keep it with you
- Wait for movement to stop
- Use tools, not hands
- Block the machine if it must be raised
How should you store a baler?
Clean out chaff and plant debris, which hold moisture and attract rodents. Lubricate chains, release belt tension if the manual says so and cover or shelter the machine.
Write down the repairs and parts you need before next season. A short list made while the problem is fresh saves hours later.
Photograph the baler's arrangement of belts, chains and shields before disassembling anything.
Key takeaways
- Inspect and replace worn parts well before the hay season starts.
- Lubricate every point on the manual's chart and use the right twine.
- Use only the correct shear bolts so the drive protection works.
- Stop, shut down and remove the key before clearing any jam.
- Clean and shelter the baler after the season.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.