Kuhns mfg Tie Grabber Series User manual

Read and Understand the manual. This manual provides information and
procedures to safely operate and maintain the KN Series Tie Grabbers.
Tie Grabber Series
Operator’s Manual for the Kuhns Mfg LLC Tie Grabber Series
KUHNS MFG LLC
Owner’s Manual
MADE IN THE USA

Tie Grabber 1 Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851)
Contents
SAFETY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Safety Alert Symbols. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Safety Icons Nomenclature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
General Operating Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Safety Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Practice Safe Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
TIE GRABBER ATTACHMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Mounting onto Front End Loader or Skid Steer Loader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Hydraulic Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Hydraulic Block Port Identifi cation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
(Version 1 Manifold) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
(Version 2 Manifold) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Connecting Hoses to Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Conventional Method (Four Ports) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Optional Method (Splitter Attachment) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
THREADING TWINE INTO THE TWINE ARM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Tie Grabber Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Operation Using Optional Hydraulic Splitter Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Knotter Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Flow Control Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Setting Early Versions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Setting Current Versions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Setting Priority Valve (early versions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Sequence Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Setting Early Version Sequence Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Setting Current Version Sequence Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Twine Arm Drive Chain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Knotter Drive Chain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Twine Guides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Twine Tensioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Knotter Stop Plate Spring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Needle Position Within the Knotter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Twine Arm Stop Bumper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Tucker Finger Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Accessing Knotter Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Bill Hook Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Twine Disc Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Twine Clamping Force. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Knife Arm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Stripping Arm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Cam Gear Adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851) 2 Tie Grabber
LUBRICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Main Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Knotter Lubrication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
STORAGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
MANIFOLD HOSE AND VALVE LOCATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
TROUBLESHOOTING VALVE SETTINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
PARTS SECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Ordering Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Contact Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Tie Grabber Frame and Squeeze Arm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Bale Hook Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Twine Arm and Motor Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Knotter Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Hose Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Tie Grabber 3 Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851)
Safety
General
Most work related accidents are caused by failure to
observe basic safety rules or precautions. An accident
can often be avoided by recognizing potentially
hazardous situations before an accident occurs. As you
operate and maintain the Tie Grabber you must be alert
to potential hazards. You should also have the necessary
training, skills, and tools to perform any assembly
procedure.
Improper operation and/or maintenance of this unit
could cause a dangerous situation that results in
injury or death.
Do not use this unit until you read and understand
the information contained in this manual. Do not use
the Tie Grabber for anything other than its intended
purpose.
WARNING
Do not use the unit until you read and understand
the information contained in this manual.
Safety precautions and warnings are provided
in this manual and on the unit. If these hazard
warnings are not heeded, bodily injury or death
could occur to you or to other persons.
Kuhns Manufacturing cannot anticipate every
possible circumstance that might involve a potential
hazard. The warnings in this manual and on the
product are, therefore, not all-inclusive. If a method
of operation not specifically recommended by us
is used, you must satisfy yourself that it is safe for
you and for others. You should also ensure that the
unit will not be damaged or be made unsafe by the
methods that you choose.
The information, specifi cations, and illustrations in this
manual are based on the information that was available at
the time this material was written and can change at any
time.
Safety Alert Symbols
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to
alert you to potential personal injury hazards.
Obey all safety messages that follow this
symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
This manual contains DANGERS, WARNINGS,
CAUTIONS, IMPORTANT NOTICES, and NOTES which
must be followed to prevent the possibility of improper
service, damage to the equipment, personal injury, or
death. The following key words call the readers attention
to potential hazards.
Hazards are identifi ed by the “Safety Alert Symbol”
and followed by a signal word such as “DANGER”,
“WARNING”, or “CAUTION”.
DANGER
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. This
signal word is limited to the most extreme situations.
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE
Indicates that equipment or property damage can result if
instructions are not followed.
SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
Safety instructions (or equivalent) signs indicate
specific safety-related instructions or procedures.
Note: Contains additional information important to a
procedure.

Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851) 4 Tie Grabber
Safety Icons Nomenclature
This manual and the equipment has numerous
safety icons. These safety icons provide important
operating instructions which alert you to potential
personal injury hazards
Read the manual
Maintenance procedure
Eye protection
Hand protection
Inspect equipment
Do not weld
Use proper tools
N
I
NG
AR
Warning decal alert
Stop machine engine
Check/Maintain Fluid Levels
Place in neutral
Remove key
STOP Stop engine
Set parking brake
No riders
No children
Crushing hazard
Crushing hazard
Falling hazard
Fire hazard
Hot surface
Safety alert symbol
Sharp object hazard
0Zero pressure
Entanglement hazard
Defective or broken part
Maintain safe distance
Pinch point hazard
Pinch point hazard
Pinch point hazard
Electrocution hazard
Tip over hazard

Tie Grabber 5 Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851)
General Operating Safety
DANGER
Electrocution Hazard
Despite operating precautions,
equipment can come in contact with
electrical lines. It is important to know
how to handle these situations.
If the machine comes in contact with overhead power
lines, stay on the machine. Ask someone to contact
the local utility company immediately to remove the
danger. If there’s an emergency, such as an electrical
fire, and you need to leave the equipment, jump as far
away from the equipment as possible. Do not allow
any part of your body to touch the equipment and the
ground at the same time.
Once you get away from the equipment, never attempt
to get back on or even touch the equipment. Many
electrocutions occur when the operator dismounts
and, realizing nothing has happened, tries to get back
on the equipment.
WARNING
Read And Understand Manual
To prevent personal injury or even death, be
sure you read and understand all of the
instructions in this manual and other related OEM
equipment manuals! This Tie Grabber (unit) was
designed for a specific application; DO NOT modify or
use this unit for any application other than which it
was designed. Units operated improperly or by
untrained personnel can be dangerous! Inexperienced
operators should receive instruction from someone
familiar with the equipment before being allowed to
operate the unit.
Do Not Operate
Do not use the unit if it is in need of
repair. If you believe the unit has a
defect which could cause injury or death, you
should immediately stop using the unit.
Fall Hazard
Do not use the unit as a platform. Do not stand
on top of the unit at any time. Do not ride on the
unit or allow others to ride on it.
Entanglement Hazard
Keep hands, feet, clothing, jewelry, and long
hair away from any moving parts to prevent
them from getting caught.
Safety Signs
CAUTION
N
I
NG
AR Legible Safety Signs
Keep safety signs clean and legible at all times.
Replace any safety sign or instruction sign that
is missing or not legible. Refer to the Safety
Sign Location section for additional information.
Replacement parts that displayed a safety sign
should also display the current sign.
Replacement safety signs (labels) are available
from your authorized Dealer Parts Department
or the factory at no cost.
Practice Safe Maintenance
SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
Understand service procedures before doing
any work. Keep the work area clean and dry.
Keep all parts in good working condition
and properly installed. Replace worn or
broken parts immediately.
Do not modify the unit or its safety devices. Do
not weld on the unit. Unauthorized modifications
may impair its function and safety.

Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851) 6 Tie Grabber
Definitions
Machine - Either a front end loader or a skid steer loader.
Unit - One of the available Tie Grabber attachments.
Specifications
The following charts provides the minimum lifting capacity
of the machine.
WARNING
Tip Over Hazard
Using an under-rated machine can cause the
machine to tip over, resulting in serious injury or
even possible death. Attach the unit only to a machine
with the proper lifting capacity.
Model Number Minimum Machine Lifting Capacity
KN618 2800 lbs. (1270 kg)
KN615 2500 lbs. (1134 kg)
KN510 2100 lbs. (950 kg)
KN612F 2300 lbs. (1040 kg)
KN510F 2200 lbs. (1000 kg)
KN410F 2100 lbs. (950 kg)
KN408F 2000 lbs. (905 kg)
Introduction
The Tie-Grabber automatically places twine
around a group of bales that are deposited by the
accumulator. Picking up a complete grouping of
eight to eighteen bales of hay at one time allows
wagons to be loaded more quickly as well as quicker
stacking in the barn.
With a completely bundled grouping of hay bales,
it also provides significant time savings as the need
for load tie-downs is diminished to almost zero.
Tie Grabber Attachment
Mounting onto Front End Loader or Skid
Steer Loader
The units come equipped with either a front end loader
mounting bracket or a skid steer mounting bracket.
Follow the OEM machine manufacturer’s
recommendations for attaching the machine to the tie
grabber attachment.
Many units have a bolt-on attachment bracket that will
allow the end user to use the same unit with various
machines. The bolt-on brackets are factory installed
according to the sales order.
Hydraulic Connections
The tie grabber requires four separate hydraulic hose
connections to operate properly.
Note: If the machine is equipped with only two hydraulic
connections, a hydraulic splitter or two additional
hoses must be added to the machine. Since
there is such a wide variety of machines on
the market today, contact the machine’s OEM
for recommendations on adding the additional
hydraulic capability.
Hydraulic Block Port Identification
(Version 1 Manifold)
The four hydraulic ports are:
Port 1 — Used to release or raise the bale hooks and
open the squeeze arm.
Port 2 — Used to close the squeeze arm and set or lower
the bale hooks.
Port 3 — Used to return the twine arm to its retracted
position.
Port 4 — Used to extend the twine arm around the bales
and rotate the knotter.

Tie Grabber 7 Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851)
(Version 2 Manifold)
The four hydraulic ports are:
Port 1 — Used to release or raise the bale hooks and
open the squeeze arm.
Port 2 — Used to close the squeeze arm and set or lower
the bale hooks.
Port 3 — Used to return the twine arm to its retracted
position.
Port 4 — Used to extend the twine arm around the bales
and rotate the knotter.
Connecting Hoses to Machine
Conventional Method (Four Ports)
Connect hoses (1) and (2) into one circuit on the
machine. Connect hoses (3) and (4) into a second circuit
on the machine. If four ports are not available on the
machine, an optional splitter valve kit is available.
Version 1 Manifold
Version 2 Manifold
The connection of the hoses to the machine dictates
the operation of the unit. For example, if the twine arm
moves forward when the machine’s control is pulled back,
reversing the hoses will make the twine arm operate in
reverse.
Note: The operating controls should be set to the end
users preference.
NOTICE
Check the machine’s hydraulic reservoir, after
connecting and cycling the unit, for proper fluid
level. Operating the machine without the proper
oil level can cause machine damage.

Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851) 8 Tie Grabber
Optional Method (Splitter Attachment)
The optional splitter valve kit allows the tie grabber to
operate using the two standard attachment ports found on
most machines. The optional valve allows the operator to
divert oil fl ow from the squeeze arm and bale hook circuit
to the swing arm and knotter circuit by simply pushing
and holding a button.
1. Connect two valves (5) into the hydraulic circuit ports.
Note: Valves (5) are stamped with a number 1 and
number 2 on the face of the valve for each port.
To function properly, connect the inlet and outlet
of one circuit into the same port. For example the
hoses from one circuit are connected to Ports 1 of
each valve.
Note: Connect hoses (1) and (2) to Ports 1 on the valve.
Connect hoses (3) and (4) to Ports 2 on the valve.
Without pushing the button, the squeeze arm close
and twine arm extends should function. When
the button is pushed and held, the twine arm will
retract and the squeeze arm will open.
2. Connect the outlet (1) and inlet (2) hoses for the
squeeze arm and bale hook circuit to the splitter valve
ports marked number 1. Connect the outlet (3) and
inlet (4) hoses for the swing arm and knotter circuit to
to the splitter valve ports marked number 2.
Version 1 Manifold
Version 2 Manifold

Tie Grabber 9 Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851)
3. Route and secure control wires (6) from the valves,
along the bucket arm, and into the cab.
NOTICE
To prevent damage, route the wire in such a manner that
it will not be damaged when the liftarms of the machine
raise or lower the tie grabber.
4. Mount the control button in the cab.
5. Connect the two power wires to a 12 Volt power
source.
Note: The operating direction of the twine arm and
the squeeze arm/hooks should be set to the
end users preference.
NOTICE
Check the machine’s hydraulic reservoir, after
connecting and cycling the unit, for proper fluid
level. Operating the machine without the proper
oil level can cause machine damage.
Threading Twine into the Twine
Arm
1. Press and hold the lever/control for the “Twine Arm
Forward” circuit to rotate the twine arm, to the position
shown, approximately three feet from the knotter.
3’
KN408-84
2. Stop the machine.
CAUTION
STOP
0
CRUSHING
HAZARD
Stop the
machine on flat ground before leaving the machine and/
or continuing the twine threading operation, always
make sure the machine’s engine is stopped, the
ignition key is removed, all controls are placed in
neutral, the parking brake is set, and all hydraulic fluid
pressure is relieved (zero pressure). Failure to follow
these instructions can result in serious injury.
3. Place the twine spool in the box on top of the unit.
Note: A plastic twine with a 9000-130 rating is
recommended for this unit. In many cases
two rolls of twine can be spliced together
by tying a small knot and trimming the ends
as close as possible to the knot. This small
knot will in most cases thread through the
eyelets.

Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851) 10 Tie Grabber
KN408-83
3
4
5
5
7
5
6
3
4
5
7
5
6
4. Thread the twine through the tension bars and through
the fi rst twine eyelet.
5. Thread the twine through the two eyelets on the twine
arm as shown.
6. Thread the twine through the needle assembly.
7. Tie the end of the twine to a frame member, as shown.
Note: Tying the end of the twine too close to the
knotter assembly can cause it to thread the twine
incorrectly.
8. Make sure everyone is standing clear of the twine arm.
Start the machine.
CAUTION
CRUSHING HAZARD
Do not stand near the
unit when the twine arm
is in motion. Contact
with the twine arm while
it is rotating can cause serious injury. Keep all children
and bystanders away from unit while it is operating.
9. Press and hold the lever/control for the “Twine Arm
Forward” circuit to extend the needle into the knotter.
10. Press and hold the lever/control for the “Twine Arm
Return” circuit to return the twine arm to its retracted
position.
11. Remove the short piece of twine that was tied to the
frame rail in Step 7.
12. The unit should now be correctly threaded with twine
and ready for operation.

Tie Grabber 11 Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851)
Operation
Safety
WARNING
Not following these safety instructions can result in
serious injury and possible death.
Read and understand the Operator’s Manual
and all safety signs before operating the unit.
Do not allow riders on the unit or the machine.
STOP
Stop machine’s engine, remove
ignition key, and wait for all moving
parts to stop before leaving the
machine.
Keep all bystanders, especially children, away
from the machine and the unit when loading or
unloading.
Keep hands, feet, hair, and clothing away from
rotating parts.
Do not place hands, fingers, or arms between
moving parts.
Stay away from overhead power lines.
Electrocution can occur without direct contact.
Tie Grabber Operation
1. If necessary, reset the twine arm.
2. Position the unit over the bales. Driving slightly
forward and to the right will condense the bales into a
more compact grouping.
3. Press and hold the lever/control for the “Close
Squeeze Arm” circuit. Releasing the lever at any point
in the operation will stop the movement.
4. Continue to hold the “Close Squeeze Arm” lever/
control and once the squeeze arm is fully closed, the
hooks will automatically extend into the bales. Lift the
bales.

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5. Press and hold the lever/control for the “Twine Arm
Forward” circuit to extend the twine arm around
the bales. Releasing the lever at any point in the
operation will stop the movement.
6. Continue to hold the “Twine Arm Forward” lever/control
and once the twine arm needle threads the twine
completely, the knotter assembly will automatically tie
the twine. Do not release the lever/control while the
knotter is in operation.
7. Set the bales in the desired location.
8. Use the lever/control to release the hooks. As soon
as the hooks have released, release the lever/control.
This will prevent the squeeze arm from opening.
Note: In some cases, fully opening the squeeze arm
without lifting the unit off of the bales, can cause
the twine to break.
9. Lift the unit straight above the bales and back out.
10. Once clear of the bales, activate the squeeze arm
open circuit to open the squeeze arm.
11. Press and hold the lever/control for the “Twine
Arm Return” circuit until the twine arm returns to its
retracted position and then release the lever/control.
Releasing the lever at any point in the operation will
stop the movement.

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Operation Using Optional Hydraulic
Splitter Valves
1. Position the unit over the bales.
2. Close the squeeze arm. (Do not push the button.)
3. Set the bale hooks. (Do not push the button.)
4. Lift the bales.
5. Press the button and actuate the twine arm. Once the
knotter has cycled, release the button.
6. Set the bales in the desired location.
7. Push the button and release the bale hooks. Once the
bale hooks are free of the bales, release the control
lever before the squeeze arm opens.
Note: In some cases, fully opening the squeeze arm
without lifting the unit off of the bales can cause
the twine to break.
8. Lift the unit straight up and off of the bales and move
away.
9. Push the button and actuate the control lever again to
open the squeeze arm.
10. Push the button and reset the twine arm.
Knotter Operation
1. The needle brings the twine into the knotter.
2. At the same time the needle goes into the knotter, the
twine arm presses down on the actuation plate (a)
which presses on the adjustment bolt (b) and opens
the fl ow control valve. This sends hydraulic fl uid to the
motor which rotates the knotter mechanism.
NOTICE
Hydraulic oil flow through the valve is controlled
by the adjustment bolt. A 1/16 inch gap is
recommended between the snap ring and the
valve body. Damage will occur to the valve spool if
the snap ring contacts the valve body.
1/16”
KN408-72

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3. The hydraulic motor, through the drive chain, turns the
shaft for the knotter assembly. As the cam (1) on the
shaft rotates, it contacts the rocker arm (2) which then
extends the tucker fi nger and presses the twine into
the knotter.
4. With the needle extended through the knotter, the
knotter then takes the twine and ties the knot.
5. As the knotter assembly fi nishes tying the knot, the
shaft has rotated and contacts knotter stop plate (4).
This plate prevents the knotter from further rotation.
When the twine arm returns to its retracted position, the
actuation plate releases the fl ow control valve and stops
hydraulic oil fl ow to the motor. The motor stop plate (4),
part of the twine arm, is also retracted. Since there is no
hydraulic fl ow to the motor it is positioned for the next
cycle.

Tie Grabber 15 Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851)
Maintenance
Flow Control Valve
Setting Early Versions
The fl ow control needle valve restricts the fl ow of oil to the
twine arm. Adjusting the control knob sets the speed at
which the twine arm returns to its retracted position.
Setting the speed too high can cause the twine arm to
contact the frame with too much force, causing damage
to the twine arm, or the frame.
Setting the speed too low can stop the twine arm from
returning to its retracted position.
Turn the control knob counterclockwise to increase
the speed (fl ow). Turn the control knob clockwise to
decrease the speed.
Setting Current Versions
Refer to the troubleshooting section for specifi cations to
set these valves.
Setting Priority Valve (early versions)
The priority valve controls the speed of the twine arm as it
extends into the knotter.
The recommended setting for this valve is Position 4.
Once valve handle (1) is properly set, tighten locking
mechanism (2) to retain this setting.
Setting the speed too high can will cause the twine arm
to contact the rubber stop at the end of its travel with too
much force. Setting the speed too low can cause the
knotter not to rotate or turn too slowly to properly tie the
knot.

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Sequence Valves
The sequence valves are factory preset. If the valves
need to be replaced or adjusted, call the factory for
further instructions.
The sequence valves are used to cycle the unit between
various functions. When the hydraulic oil pressure
reaches the desired setting for the initial function, the
oil fl ow is diverted to the second function. For example,
when the squeeze arm clamps onto the bales, the
pressure builds and then the sequence valve directs the
fl ow to the bale hooks which lower into the bales.
Setting Early Version Sequence Valves
Sequence Valve 1 — Twine arm extend to knotter
assembly.
Sequence Valve 2 — Squeeze arm close; hooks extend.
Flow Control Valve 3 — Speed of twine arm to retracted
position.
Sequence Valve 4 — Hooks retract: Squeeze arm open.
Check Valve 5 — Prevents backward rotation of knotter.
Priority Valve 6 — Speed of twine arm to extended
position (into knotter assembly).
Sequence Valve Configuration for Version 1.
Setting Current Version Sequence Valves
Refer to the troubleshooting section for specifi cations to
set these valves.
Twine Arm Drive Chain
Periodically check the chain that operates the twine arm.
There should be approximately 1/2 inch (12 mm) of play
in the chain.
To adjust the tension on the chain, loosen four bolts (1)
and adjust bolt (2) to achieve the proper chain tension.

Tie Grabber 17 Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851)
Knotter Drive Chain
Periodically check the chain that operates the twine arm.
There should be approximately 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch of play
in the chain.
To adjust the tension on the chain, loosen four bolts (1)
and adjust bolt (2) to achieve the proper chain tension.
Twine Guides
Twine guides (1) can be replaced. Do not overtighten
U-bolt (2) when installing guides.
Twine Tensioner
The twine tension can be increased or decreased using
bolts (3) to vary the spring pressure on spring plate (2).
If rubber twine guide (1) becomes grooved it can be
removed and turned over.
Knotter Stop Plate Spring
If the spring, attached to the knotter stop plate is missing
or damaged, the knotter will not work properly.
Needle Position Within the Knotter
When properly set, the outside of the needle should be
1/8 inch from the face of the twine holder.

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Testing and Adjusting Knotter Assembly
To test or adjust the knotter, remove the knotter drive
chain and turn the knotter by hand. This shows each part
working and allows any necessary adjustments.
CAUTION
PINCH POINT
Keep hands and fingers away from rotating
and/or mating parts to prevent injury.
1. These two illustration show the twine with strand (1a)
coming into the knotter from the back side of the unit.
The other end of the twine, strand (1b) is coming
around the bales and through the needle.
2. When tucker fi nger (2) is in the down position, as
shown, bill hook fi nger (3) should also be pointed
down.
3. As the knotter cycles, cam (3) on the knotter shaft
contacts and rotates rocker arm (4) causing tucker
fi nger (2) to push the twine into the knotter.
4. If tucker fi nger (2) does not push the twine far enough
into the knotter, bill hook fi nger (5) will not properly
catch the twine and the knot may or may not be tied
correctly.
Note: The needle is not shown in these illustrations to
clearly show the position of twine (1).