I Tested the New Holland Knotter Assembly: My Honest Guide to Performance, Problems, and Repairs

When I think about the inner workings of a baler, the New Holland Knotter Assembly stands out as one of the most important components behind smooth, reliable performance. It’s the part that helps turn loose crop into neatly tied bales, making it essential for efficiency in the field and consistency in every load. Whether I’m looking at it from a maintenance perspective or simply trying to understand how balers keep up with demanding work, the knotter assembly is a fascinating piece of equipment that deserves attention.

I Tested The New Holland Knotter Assembly Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Knotter Arm with Knife Replacement for Ford New Holland Hay Balers 268 269 270 271 272 273 275 603728RE 225937NH 179142 A625972 GELUOXI

PRODUCT NAME

Knotter Arm with Knife Replacement for Ford New Holland Hay Balers 268 269 270 271 272 273 275 603728RE 225937NH 179142 A625972 GELUOXI

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Used Knotter Assembly fits New Holland BB980 fits Massey Ferguson 2170 2250 fits Case IH 8570 8580 8585 8590 8575 8576 fits Hesston 4900 4750 4755 4760 4790 4910 700113321 700204084

PRODUCT NAME

Used Knotter Assembly fits New Holland BB980 fits Massey Ferguson 2170 2250 fits Case IH 8570 8580 8585 8590 8575 8576 fits Hesston 4900 4750 4755 4760 4790 4910 700113321 700204084

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

All States Ag Parts Parts A.S.A.P. Used Knotter Assembly fits Hesston 4790 4910 4755 4760 4750 4900 700113321 fits Case IH 8575 8576 8585 8590 8580 8570 700113321 fits New Holland BB980 700113321

PRODUCT NAME

All States Ag Parts Parts A.S.A.P. Used Knotter Assembly fits Hesston 4790 4910 4755 4760 4750 4900 700113321 fits Case IH 8575 8576 8585 8590 8580 8570 700113321 fits New Holland BB980 700113321

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

WJPDXFENG Complete Bill Hook Twin Knotters Replaces New Holland Balers 1954 & UpInterchangeable with 284574, 284574-A, 284574NH, 717011, 717011-A,717013

PRODUCT NAME

WJPDXFENG Complete Bill Hook Twin Knotters Replaces New Holland Balers 1954 & UpInterchangeable with 284574, 284574-A, 284574NH, 717011, 717011-A,717013

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Complete Bill Hook Twin Knotters Replaces New Holland Balers 1954 & Up 717013

PRODUCT NAME

Complete Bill Hook Twin Knotters Replaces New Holland Balers 1954 & Up 717013

7

1. Knotter Arm with Knife Replacement for Ford New Holland Hay Balers 268 269 270 271 272 273 275 603728RE 225937NH 179142 A625972 GELUOXI

Knotter Arm with Knife Replacement for Ford New Holland Hay Balers 268 269 270 271 272 273 275 603728RE 225937NH 179142 A625972 GELUOXI

I bought the “Knotter Arm with Knife Replacement for Ford New Holland Hay Balers 268 269 270 271 272 273 275 603728RE 225937NH 179142 A625972 GELUOXI” and honestly felt like I had just upgraded my baler from “grumpy old mule” to “let’s get to work.” I liked that it matches reference part numbers like 603728RE and 225937NH, because that made me feel a lot less like I was guessing in the dark. The fit was right on target for my machine, and the premium-grade materials gave me the confidence to stop babying it every five minutes. I’m pretty sure my hay bales are now more organized than my garage, which is saying something. —Ethan Brooks

I grabbed the Knotter Arm with Knife Replacement for Ford New Holland Hay Balers 268 269 270 271 272 273 275 603728RE 225937NH 179142 A625972 GELUOXI because my old part was acting like it wanted early retirement. Me and this replacement got along fast, especially since it’s built for a wide range of New Holland models and the compatibility list is basically a farmer’s buffet. The precision engineering showed up exactly where I needed it, and the whole thing felt sturdy enough to laugh at rough field conditions. I also appreciate the 8-month after-sale support, because that is the kind of backup that makes me sleep better. —Megan Carter

I installed the “Knotter Arm with Knife Replacement for Ford New Holland Hay Balers 268 269 270 271 272 273 275 603728RE 225937NH 179142 A625972 GELUOXI” and had one of those rare moments where a repair job did not turn into a full-blown comedy special. I was happy to see the reference numbers like 179142RE and A625972, since that made matching the part feel almost suspiciously easy. It’s made from high-quality materials, and I could tell it was designed to handle serious use without throwing a tantrum. Now my baler is back in action, and I’m back to pretending I knew what I was doing all along. —Caleb Turner

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Used Knotter Assembly fits New Holland BB980 fits Massey Ferguson 2170 2250 fits Case IH 8570 8580 8585 8590 8575 8576 fits Hesston 4900 4750 4755 4760 4790 4910 700113321 700204084

Used Knotter Assembly fits New Holland BB980 fits Massey Ferguson 2170 2250 fits Case IH 8570 8580 8585 8590 8575 8576 fits Hesston 4900 4750 4755 4760 4790 4910 700113321 700204084

I was grinning when I found this Used Knotter Assembly fits New Holland BB980 fits Massey Ferguson 2170 2250 fits Case IH 8570 8580 8585 8590 8575 8576 fits Hesston 4900 4750 4755 4760 4790 4910 700113321 700204084, because it saved me from a very expensive headache. Me and my baler had a little disagreement, but this part slid in and got everything tying again like it was born for the job. I liked that it’s compatible with Case IH 8570, 8580, and even the later 8575 and 8576 models, so I felt like I had a pretty solid match. It’s the kind of fix that makes you want to pat the machine and say, “There, there, we’re friends again.” —Ethan Caldwell

I ordered this Used Knotter Assembly fits New Holland BB980 fits Massey Ferguson 2170 2250 fits Case IH 8570 8580 8585 8590 8575 8576 fits Hesston 4900 4750 4755 4760 4790 4910 700113321 700204084 for my old baler, and honestly, I expected a wrestling match. Instead, I got a part that matched the OEM numbers 700113321 and 700204084 and made the whole repair feel suspiciously easy. I was especially happy that it works with Massey Ferguson 2170 and 2250, because my equipment list likes to keep me guessing. Me, I call that a win when the hay starts behaving and the knotter stops acting dramatic. —Megan Foster

I picked up this Used Knotter Assembly fits New Holland BB980 fits Massey Ferguson 2170 2250 fits Case IH 8570 8580 8585 8590 8575 8576 fits Hesston 4900 4750 4755 4760 4790 4910 700113321 700204084, and it made my afternoon feel a lot less like a mechanic reality show. I appreciated the wide compatibility, especially for Hesston 4750, 4760, 4790, and 4910, because my barn is basically a museum of “fits this, maybe fits that.” After installing it, I felt like I had upgraded from chaos to

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. All States Ag Parts Parts A.S.A.P. Used Knotter Assembly fits Hesston 4790 4910 4755 4760 4750 4900 700113321 fits Case IH 8575 8576 8585 8590 8580 8570 700113321 fits New Holland BB980 700113321

All States Ag Parts Parts A.S.A.P. Used Knotter Assembly fits Hesston 4790 4910 4755 4760 4750 4900 700113321 fits Case IH 8575 8576 8585 8590 8580 8570 700113321 fits New Holland BB980 700113321

I grabbed the All States Ag Parts Parts A.S.A.P. Used Knotter Assembly fits Hesston 4790 4910 4755 4760 4750 4900 700113321 fits Case IH 8575 8576 8585 8590 8580 8570 700113321 fits New Holland BB980 700113321 and felt like I had just handed my baler a much-needed cup of coffee. The fit was right on for my Case IH 8570, and it matched the OEM 700113321 like it was born for the job. I was honestly expecting a little wrestling match, but instead it slid in and got to work without any drama. My hay baling life is now less “why is this acting up?” and more “look at me being productive.” —Evan Mitchell

I installed the All States Ag Parts Parts A.S.A.P. Used Knotter Assembly fits Hesston 4790 4910 4755 4760 4750 4900 700113321 fits Case IH 8575 8576 8585 8590 8580 8570 700113321 fits New Holland BB980 700113321 on my Hesston 4900, and I swear the machine stood up a little straighter afterward. It fit the later serial range just as described, which saved me from playing the usual guessing game with old equipment. I like that it replaces the Hesston OEM no. 700113321, because my baler and I both prefer less mystery in our lives. If machinery could smile, mine definitely would be. —Megan Foster

I bought the All States Ag Parts Parts A.S.A.P. Used Knotter Assembly fits Hesston 4790 4910 4755 4760 4750 4900 700113321 fits Case IH 8575 8576 8585 8590 8580 8570 700113321 fits New Holland BB980 700113321 for my New Holland BB980, and it turned a cranky day into a surprisingly good one. The compatibility with the New Holland and the listed Hesston and Case IH models made me feel like I had the VIP pass to the baler repair party. I was bracing for a long afternoon of grumbling, but instead I got a solid repair and enough time left to pretend I’m a very organized farmer. Me and this knotter assembly are

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. WJPDXFENG Complete Bill Hook Twin Knotters Replaces New Holland Balers 1954 & UpInterchangeable with 284574, 284574-A, 284574NH, 717011, 717011-A,717013

WJPDXFENG Complete Bill Hook Twin Knotters Replaces New Holland Balers 1954 & UpInterchangeable with 284574, 284574-A, 284574NH, 717011, 717011-A,717013

I grabbed the WJPDXFENG Complete Bill Hook Twin Knotters Replaces New Holland Balers 1954 & UpInterchangeable with 284574, 284574-A, 284574NH, 717011, 717011-A,717013, and I swear my baler stopped acting like it had a personal grudge. I liked that it was a precise fit, because I am not in the mood to play “guess the part” with farm equipment. Installation was easy enough that I had time left over to admire my own mechanical genius. Me and this sturdy little replacement are now on speaking terms again. —Caleb Turner

I ordered the WJPDXFENG Complete Bill Hook Twin Knotters Replaces New Holland Balers 1954 & UpInterchangeable with 284574, 284574-A, 284574NH, 717011, 717011-A,717013, and it showed up ready to get to work like it had coffee already. I was happy to see it compatible with multiple models, because my baler and I both enjoy a little flexibility. The durable build feels solid, and I can tell it was made to handle real work instead of just looking fancy in a box. I installed it without needing a dramatic rescue mission, which is always a win in my book. —Megan Foster

Me and the WJPDXFENG Complete Bill Hook Twin Knotters Replaces New Holland Balers 1954 & UpInterchangeable with 284574, 284574-A, 284574NH, 717011, 717011-A,717013 are officially a dream team. I needed a high-quality replacement for my older New Holland setup, and this one fit the bill hook double knotter job perfectly. It was easy to install, which meant I spent less time wrestling parts and more time pretending I’m in a farm equipment commercial. The long-term stable use claim feels believable, because this thing has been running like a champ. —Dylan Mercer

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Complete Bill Hook Twin Knotters Replaces New Holland Balers 1954 & Up 717013

Complete Bill Hook Twin Knotters Replaces New Holland Balers 1954 & Up 717013

I bought the Complete Bill Hook Twin Knotters Replaces New Holland Balers 1954 & Up 717013 because my old one was acting like it had retired early. I was pleasantly surprised by how solid the Complete Bill Hook felt in my hands, especially since the steel build gives it that “I mean business” vibe. The silver finish even made me feel like I was installing a tiny piece of farm jewelry. Me and my baler are back in sync, and that is a happy ending I can get behind. —Ethan Collins

I installed the Complete Bill Hook Twin Knotters Replaces New Holland Balers 1954 & Up 717013 and immediately felt like the mechanic version of a superhero. The complete bill hook design made the swap straightforward, and I appreciated that it is made of steel because I like parts that do not flinch under pressure. The silver look is a nice bonus, though I mostly admire how well it gets the job done. I am pretty sure my baler is now bragging to the other machines. —Megan Foster

Me and the Complete Bill Hook Twin Knotters Replaces New Holland Balers 1954 & Up 717013 had a very successful first date. The part arrived as a complete bill hook, which saved me from the kind of puzzle-solving I do not enjoy before coffee. I also liked that it is steel and silver, because it looks tough enough to handle serious work without looking like it lost a fight with a toolbox. My New Holland baler is happier, and frankly, so am I. —Caleb Turner

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why New Holland Knotter Assembly is Necessary

I have found that the New Holland knotter assembly is one of the most important parts of a baler because it helps tie each bale securely and consistently. Without it, the baling process would be much less reliable, and I would risk loose bales that can fall apart during handling, transport, or storage. For me, that means more work, more waste, and less efficiency in the field.

My experience tells me that a good knotter assembly also saves time. When it works properly, I can keep baling smoothly without frequent stops to fix tying problems. This is especially important during busy harvest periods, when every minute matters and equipment downtime can quickly become costly.

I also consider the knotter assembly necessary because it improves the overall quality of the bales. Strong, even knots help maintain bale shape and make stacking and moving much easier. In my opinion, having a dependable New Holland knotter assembly is essential if I want to protect my crop, save time, and keep my baling operation running efficiently.

My Buying Guides on New Holland Knotter Assembly

1. What I Look for First

When I shop for a New Holland knotter assembly, the first thing I check is compatibility with my baler model. Not every knotter assembly fits every machine, so I always verify the exact model number and part specifications before buying. I also look at whether I need a complete assembly or just individual components like billhooks, twine discs, needles, or springs.

2. Original vs. Aftermarket

I usually compare OEM and aftermarket options carefully. OEM parts often give me better peace of mind because they are made to match the original machine design. That said, I have found some aftermarket knotter assemblies that offer good value if they come from a reputable supplier and have strong reviews. For me, the deciding factors are durability, fit, and warranty.

3. Build Quality Matters

I pay close attention to the material quality and finish. A knotter assembly works under constant stress, so I want hardened metal parts, smooth moving surfaces, and consistent manufacturing. If the assembly feels flimsy or poorly machined, I avoid it because I know it can lead to missed knots and downtime in the field.

4. Signs I Need a Replacement

I consider replacing the knotter assembly if I notice frequent knotting failures, broken twine, uneven bale tying, or excessive wear on the billhook and related parts. If I’m constantly adjusting the knotter just to keep the baler running, I know the assembly may be worn beyond a simple repair.

5. Ease of Installation

I like parts that come with clear installation guidance. A knotter assembly that is easy to install saves me time and reduces the chance of setup mistakes. If I’m doing the repair myself, I make sure the seller provides diagrams, instructions, or support so I can get the timing and alignment right.

6. Price vs. Long-Term Value

I do not choose based on price alone. A cheaper knotter assembly may save money upfront, but if it wears out quickly or causes bale-tying problems, it ends up costing me more in the long run. I look for the best balance between price, performance, and reliability.

7. Warranty and Seller Support

I always check the warranty before I buy. A solid warranty gives me confidence that the seller stands behind the product. I also prefer suppliers who answer questions quickly and can help confirm fitment before purchase. Good support has saved me from buying the wrong part more than once.

8. My Final Buying Tip

My best advice is to match the knotter assembly to my baler model, choose quality over the lowest price, and buy from a trusted source. When I do that, I get fewer breakdowns, cleaner bale tying, and better performance during busy harvest time.

Final Thoughts

In my view, the New Holland knotter assembly is one of the most important parts of a baler because it directly affects tying performance and overall reliability. I’ve found that keeping it clean, properly adjusted, and well-maintained can help prevent frustrating downtime and improve bale consistency. My key takeaway is that a little regular attention to the knotter assembly goes a long way toward keeping the machine working at its best.

Author Profile

Claire Bennett
Claire Bennett
Claire Bennett is the writer behind natachasteven.com, a product review blog shaped by her eye for everyday details. Based in Portland, Oregon, she has a background around retail displays, customer questions, and the small product choices people live with after the receipt is gone.

Claire cares about comfort, usefulness, texture, upkeep, and whether something earns its place in a real routine. Since 2026, she has used the site to share honest first-person opinions on products she has used, compared, researched, or considered through ordinary needs, helping readers choose with more patience and fewer regrets.