John Deere 336 Baler: Problems, Durability, Repairs

The John Deere 336 Baler is a key piece of equipment for farmers and ranchers who need to create efficient and high-quality hay bales. A well-functioning John Deere 336 Baler ensures that hay or straw is baled quickly and efficiently, with minimal waste. It also helps to reduce labor costs associated with manually creating hay bales and reduces the amount of time required for baling.

By creating uniform bales, this piece of equipment can help farmers and ranchers market their hay or straw more effectively.

In general, John Deere balers are known for their quality and reliability. These, particularly the John Deere 336 Baler, are designed to provide powerful performance and maximum utility through their durability, making them a popular choice for agricultural work.

John Deere balers are also known for their ease of use, allowing even new operators to achieve a good bale size and density. However, there are a few factors that you should be aware of when operating them to ensure their longevity and optimum functionality.

John Deere 336 Baler Durability

According to several sources, the John Deere 336 was first introduced in the 1970s. Many say that the exact year is between 1972 and 1973. Based on owner feedback and mechanics familiar with this equipment, it is capable of withstanding decades of use. The most number that we have got so far is 40 years.

What elevates this equipment from other alternatives is that it does not require frequent maintenance to survive the test of time. Nonetheless, for a good measure, we highly recommend checking its fluid levels every now and then, following its regular maintenance schedules, and keeping track of worn parts before they cause more issues.

Most Common Problems Found in the John Deere 336 Baler

Due to the rigorous outside conditions that the machine is normally exposed to, it may malfunction at some point. This may also be because of parts that get worn because of age or depending on how long the machine is usually used.

Among the most common problems that operators of the John Deere 336 Baler typically run into are the following:

1. Twine Knotting

The John Deere 336 baler is capable of producing a great bale, provided it is properly maintained and operated. Unfortunately, when twines start knotting inside the machine and obstruct its operation, it can be an incredibly frustrating experience for any operator. To assess the reason why this problem has occurred, there are some visual cues that should be taken into account.

First, it is important to check the twine path for any signs of clogging or obstruction. If the twine disc has become jammed or blocked, this can lead to twine knotting inside the baler. Another possible symptom is if the tines don't feed through properly, causing them to bunch up and create knots.

Various tools can be used to assess the cause of the twine knotting. A good starting point is to use a flashlight or camera, to get an up-close look at what may be causing any obstruction. It is also important to inspect all twine disks for any signs of wear or damage and to check for any loose twine strands.

In terms of solutions, ensuring that the baler is clean and properly lubricated is essential. Worn-out or damaged parts will need to be replaced to ensure continued operation. Commonly failing parts include twine discs, twine arms, and sprockets. Additionally, replacing any old twine with new baler twine can help to prevent further knotting issues.

2. Wipers Not Clearing the Bill Hook

When the wipers in the bill hook of the John Deere 336 Baler are not clearing, it is important to assess the situation and diagnose what is causing the problem. To properly troubleshoot this issue, manual checks should be done first. Look for any rust, cracks, or breaks in the wiper blades and any other signs of wear or damage.

Additionally, inspect if there are any obstructions that may be preventing them from wiping effectively. If these visual inspections do not reveal anything out of the ordinary, then further investigation may be necessary.

Using a borescope or endoscope can help to determine if debris has built up inside small crevices that cannot be seen with only your eyes. The scope allows access to all angles and helps to see debris or any other abnormalities that could be causing the wipers to not perform as they should.

If excessive wear and tear are found to be the issue, then it may be necessary to replace the wipers. This can also be done if there are cracks or breaks in the wiper blades, or if the wipers have become distorted in any way. In a situation where the wiper arms themselves have been damaged, they should be replaced as well. It may also be necessary to replace other components such as the wiper shafts, bushings, and bearings, or the wiper motor.

Finally, it is important to clean up any debris that has built up in and around the bill hook. This can help to ensure that the wipers are able to effectively clear away any build-up of material without obstruction.

3. Engine Bogging

Diagnosing why the engine of the John Deere 336 baler is bogging can be done by recognizing its symptoms wherein the engine seems to struggle turning on or perform. As a first step, check the fuel filter and make sure it's not clogged.

If it is, replace it with a new one as soon as possible. Also, check if there are any air leaks in the carburetor or fuel system because these can reduce engine performance and cause bogs. You may need to use an automotive vacuum gauge to detect these problems.

Next, inspect all spark plug wires for signs of damage or loose connections. Replace any damaged spark plugs with new ones that match the specifications of your particular model of John Deere 336 baler. Check the condition of the spark plug gap as well. It should be set to the manufacturer's recommended value for your baler model.

Moreover, inspect the throttle linkage and make sure there are no binding or sticking points in it. If any parts look loose or worn out, replace them with new ones that are designed for your particular model of John Deere 336 baler.

Likewise, check the carburetor float setting. A low float level can cause bogs, too. Make any necessary adjustments and then test the engine again to see if it is running smoothly.

If none of these steps solve the problem, other common causes may include a faulty ignition switch, an air leak in the intake manifold gaskets, dirty fuel injectors, or a worn-out fuel pump. Make sure to replace any faulty parts with new ones that match your baler model, and then test the engine again to make sure the problem is resolved.

Remember, it's important to take time and investigate all the potential causes of your engine bogging to avoid any further problems.  With the right diagnosis and repair, you can get your baler back up and running again in no time.

4. Timing Issues

When diagnosing why there is a timing issue in the John Deere 336 baler, look for symptoms that can indicate a problem. One sign of this timing issue includes the baler not correctly forming bales at the end of its cycle. It may also produce incomplete or improperly sized bales due to improper alignment within the machine components. Additionally, strange noises such as grinding or jerking motions may be indicative of an underlying issue with timing.

Once the symptoms have been identified, it is essential to use diagnostic tools to accurately assess and troubleshoot the issue. This will involve dismantling part of the baler and measuring distances between gears, rollers, and shafts which should be within a correct range. If any of these measurements are off, then a likely cause of the timing issue is misalignment.

In addition to misalignment, other parts that may be causing this issue include worn belts and bearings, broken or loose pieces within the baler's drive system, damaged feeder chains or sprockets, and malfunctioning gearbox components such as the pinion gears. If any of these problems are found during diagnosis, then they should be repaired or replaced to correct the timing problem.

Lastly, it is important to note that improper alignment due to wear and tear can occur over time from use. Consequently, regular maintenance and inspection of all machine components should be done on a routine basis to ensure the baler is operating properly. Doing so will maximize the lifespan of the John Deere 336 baler and minimize unexpected issues with its timing.

Conclusion

The John Deere 336 is definitely a very reliable machine with the potential to last decades. Despite its durability and versatility, the risk of it running into problems gets higher as it ages and due to different factors. All of them should be addressed immediately before they get any worse.

It is important to avoid or at least mitigate downtime of the John Deere 336 baler. Downtimes can result in significant financial losses due to lost productivity. Prolonging it can lead to expensive repairs or even the need to replace the critical parts of the baler along the way.