John Deere 327, 328, 336, 337, 338, 346, 347, 348, 466, 467, 468 Square Balers Technical Manual (TM1243)

These square balers spend their lives eating windrows in dusty fields, long days behind a tractor, and they only make money when the knotters tie and the flakes stay uniform. This technical manual is what I’d pull out when I need to trace a problem from the pickup to the bale chute, or verify settings before a long run. Say you’ve got bales coming out banana-shaped and the knotters occasionally missing—this is the book that lets you systematically inspect clearances, align linkages, and test adjustments instead of just guessing.

Applications & Use Cases

• Diagnosing missed ties or twine breaks by following the mechanical sequence and isolating where motion or timing is lost.
• Chasing plunger or needle noise so you can verify timing and clearances before something bends or snaps.
• Setting up a newly acquired used baler, checking wear points and adjustments so it runs right from the first field.
• Tracing crop flow issues—plugging at the pickup, feeder, or chamber—by confirming component movement and linkage routing.
• Planning parts orders with accurate component identification before you tear the baler down in-season.

FAQ

Q: Can I keep this manual on a tablet in the tractor or truck?

A: Yes, as a digital file it’s handy to zoom diagrams and search terms while you’re parked at the field edge.

Q: Is it still worth printing pages from it?

A: Definitely—most of us print the key procedures or diagrams we’re using that day so they can get dirty without risking the device.

Safety Note

Always lock out the PTO, block the flywheel, and keep everyone clear before you reach into or rotate any part of the baler by hand.

John Deere 327, 328, 336, 337, 338, 346, 347, 348, 466, 467, 468 Square Balers Index:

SECTION IO—GENERAL
Group 05—Safety
Group IO—Specifications
Group 15—GeneraI Information
Group 20—Lubrication
SECTION 20—POWER TRAIN
Group 05—Diagnosing Malfunctions
Group IO—General Information
Group 15—PTO Hookup and Connections
Group 20—PTO Hookup Shafi and Tube
Group 25—PTO Hookup IJ-Joints
Group 30—Powershaft
Group 35—Slip Clutch
Group 40—Gear Case
Group 45—Flywheel
Group 50—Shear Bolts
SECTION 30—HYDRAULlC SYSTEM
Group 05—Diagnosing Malfunctions
Group IO—Pickup Cylinder
Group 15—Bale Tension Pump and Reservoir
Group 20—Bale Tension Cylinders
Group 25—Tongue Positioning Cylinder
SECTION 40—BALE FORMING COMPONENTS
Group 05—Diagnosing Malfunctions
Group IO—Cam and Followers
Group 15—Pickup
Group 20—-Auger
Group 25—Feeder Fingers,’Timing
Group 30—Plungerhead
SECTION 50—KNOTTERS AND TWISTERS
Group 05—Diagnosing Malfunctions
Group IO—Twine Knotters
Group 15—Wire Twisters
Group 20—Multi-Luber Repairl

John Deere