Deere 24T - Plunger wear pads and bridge

quicksandfarmer · Mar 24, 2016

I have a new-to-me Deere 24T that seems to be in decent condition but it is missing the wear pads on the plunger (E15459E) and the retainer bridge. Google tells me it's very common for the single bolt that holds these on to shear off and for it to be lost. They are available from Deere Parts Center, but the pads are about $45 (two required) and the bridge is about $250, with the retainer and bolt I'm probably looking at $400. Which is a lot of money for a baler that is older than our current president!

I've been trying to find used parts, but haven't had any luck. Anyone have any experience or tips?

Thanks.

birddog0304 · Mar 24, 2016

Tried eBay? My first square baler was 14t. Had a busted knotter $250 from John Deere. I went looking elsewhere. Found another one, almost complete baler for $400. Source was a monthly agriculture publication with classified ads. My point is, if you are sticking with the 24t, check craigslist, tractor house, agriculture publications etc and buy a parts baler. Also some of the 24t parts may interchange with other series.
Good luck

Tx Jim · Mar 25, 2016

I remember farmers coming into JD dealership where I was employed way back in the 60's-70's with your same dilemma except the parts you need weren't nearly as high $$$$$$. Hopefully you can locate some used parts. IIRC 24T was only model that utilized that bridge & pads.

flusher · Mar 25, 2016

Sorry. Can't help your with sourcing for your parts.

Time to break out the welder and get innovative.

I know the feeling trying to get an old baler working. Mine was a Massey Ferguson 124 (two-twine, small squares). Had to weld up a set of baling chamber wedges from steel stock.

Good luck

quicksandfarmer · Mar 25, 2016

flusher said:
Time to break out the welder and get innovative.

Good luck

That's how I'm leaning. I can't believe it's so much money for what's basically a couple-pound lump of steel. I think I can fab something up from stock but I was hoping I could hear from someone who had been there before.

Thanks.