Abstract: In a binding machine for binding bundles of elongate articles, a switchover device for switching between a one-loop mode and a two-loop mode is provided. The switchover device is moved fore and aft relative to the twisting head of the binding machine so as to place the switchover device into a first position and a second position. In the first position, a binding wire is guided through a guide way into first and second annular passages therein, thereby making two loops around the elongate articles. In the second position, the binding wire is guided through the guide way into only the first annular passage therein, thereby making a single loop around the elongate articles.