Abstract: The invention relates to a binding apparatus (10) for a baling press (1), having a needle rocker (11) having a plurality of binding needles (12) for supplying a binding means to a pressing channel (3), wherein the needle rocker (11) can be driven by means of a motorized drive (40) in such a manner that it moves relative to a frame (2) of the baling press (1) in accordance with a binding cycle, and having a brake apparatus (15) which is configured to apply a braking force (F) which acts at least indirectly on the needle rocker (11). In order to enable an efficient and precise guiding of a needle rocker, there is provision according to the invention for the binding apparatus (10) to be configured in such a manner that the braking force (F) is automatically varied in accordance with at least one parameter relating to the binding apparatus (10).