Abstract: A knife assembly for a net dispensing apparatus used on a round baler is disclosed wherein the knife assembly is moved into a cutting position engageable with the netting material without imparting impact energy into the netting material. The knife assembly includes a knife holder having a curved portion wrapped concentrically around a pivot shaft and a detachable knife member. When the knife assembly is moved into a cutting position, the netting material forms an angle around the cutting edge of the knife member with a portion of the netting material extending generally parallel to the plane of the plane of the knife member. The tension applied to the netting material by reason of the net dispenser feed roll being halted and the cylindrical bale continuing in rotation pulls the netting material across the cutting edge of the knife member to effect a severance thereof.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a net dispensing apparatus used on a round baler wherein a resilient feed roller is operably driven by a drive belt powered from the main drive train for the round baler. A tensioning pulley is connected to a pivot arm pivotally mounted on the round baler and pivotally movable into and out of engagement with the drive belt by a linear actuator. The knife utilized to cut the netting material is interconnected with the pivot arm by a connecting link such that the pivotal rotation of the knife into and out of a cutting position is synchronized with the clutching and declutching of the feed roller drive. A lockout arm is also provided to engage a key on the shaft of the feed roller to positively restrain the feed roller from further rotation. The movement of the lockout arms is also synchronized to the movement of the tensioning pulley.

Abstract: A twine cut and clamp mechanism for a roll baling machine includes a pair of arms and a pair of intermeshing spur gears connected, respectively, to the arms. A lever is connected to one of the arms to pivot it. The spur gears cause concurrent pivoting of the other arm when the one arm is pivoted by the lever.

Abstract: Idlers used in the main drive chain on rectangular balers resist the accumulation of slack in the chain. Sudden stops of the drive apparatus cause the chain to be highly tensioned resulting in possible damage to the idler and the chain. An idler apparatus is provided with a first resilient member having a first spring rate for limiting the accumulation of slack in the chain. A second resilient member has a second spring rate for resisting tensioning of the chain.