Monitor the Bale Density Indicator

The FMRB-330 uses a bale-density mechanism to determine when the bale has reached the selected size and density. Once the proper density is reached, the baler should initiate the twine-wrapping sequence.

• A lower reading indicates the bale is still forming.
• As the indicator rises, the bale becomes larger and denser.
• When the indicator reaches the completion area, wrapping should begin.

Twine Arm Will Not Drop Automatically

One common symptom is that the bale reaches full size, but the twine arm does not move into the wrapping position.

Possible Cause

The bolt passing through the slotted bale-density linkage may be tightened enough to clamp the linkage in place. The linkage must be able to move through its designed travel as bale pressure increases.

Recommended Inspection

1. Shut down the tractor and baler completely.
2. Open the appropriate safety cover after movement stops.
3. Locate the slotted density linkage.
4. Check whether the linkage moves freely through the slot.
5. Inspect for binding, bent components, crop debris, or overtightened hardware.

Alarm Does Not Sound During Wrapping

If the twine arm moves but the alarm does not sound, inspect the alarm switch and contact tab.

• The twine arm may not be reaching the alarm switch.
• The contact tab may be bent away from the moving arm.
• The switch or wiring connection may be damaged.
• Hay or dust may be preventing proper contact.

Prevent an Overfilled Bale Chamber

If the wrapping cycle does not begin and the operator continues through the windrow, hay continues entering a chamber that may already contain a completed bale.

This can pack excess hay around the bale, prevent the tailgate from closing, make the bale difficult to eject, and place unnecessary load on belts, rollers, chains, bearings, and structural components.

Warning Signs

• The density indicator shows the bale is complete.
• The twine arm has not entered the wrapping position.
• The baler begins making an unusual sound.
• Hay starts accumulating around the completed bale.
• The tailgate will not close after bale ejection.

How to Thread or Reroute Twine

If you replaced the twine roll, serviced the twine box, or accidentally pulled the twine out of the wrapping system, it must be routed correctly before returning the baler to service.

Helpful Tip

Tape the end of the sisal twine to a short piece of electric fence wire or a wire clothes hanger. The stiff wire feeds through the pulleys and tensioners much more easily than the twine by itself.

Routing Checklist

• Feed the twine through the outlet grommet in the twine box.
• Route the twine through each guide and both tensioners.
• Make sure the twine is seated correctly in every pulley groove.
• Route the worm gear using the proper under-and-over pattern.
• Remove excess slack before operating the baler.

How to Clean Packed Hay from the Rear Bale Chamber

Hay and chaff can become tightly packed between the rollers and the rear door skin during normal baling. Periodic cleaning helps reduce pressure against the rollers and sheet metal, limits unnecessary wear, and keeps the baler ready for the next cutting.

Signs Cleaning Is Needed

• Hay is visible through cracks around the rear door.
• Debris is packed around the hydraulic-cylinder mounting area.
• Hay continues pulling out by hand from behind the rear cover.
• The baler has reached mid-season or is being prepared for storage.

Cleaning Procedure

1. Disengage the PTO, shut off the tractor, remove the key, and wait for all movement to stop.
2. Raise the rear door and secure it using the baler's hydraulic safety procedure.
3. Remove the necessary side panels, hardware, and rear door skin.
4. Pull out the tightly packed hay by hand.
5. Use a leaf blower or low-pressure compressed air to remove the remaining hay and chaff.
6. Clean and inspect the accessible chains, sprockets, rollers, and hardware.
7. Reinstall the rear cover, side panels, and all hardware before operation.

FMRB-330 Pre-Operation Checklist

Quick Symptom Check

• Twine arm does not drop: Inspect the density linkage.
• Alarm does not sound: Inspect the switch contact and wiring.
• Chamber plugs: Stop feeding hay once the bale is complete.
• Tailgate will not close: Check for excess hay.
• Twine breaks during wrapping: Verify routing through the guide bar, pulleys, and tensioners.
• Hay packed behind rear cover: Remove the rear door skin and clean behind the rollers.

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Before Contacting Support

• Machine model
• Serial number
• Tractor make and model
• PTO speed being used
• Photos or video of the issue
• Description of unusual sounds or movement