John Deere 24 Series Baler Operator's Manual
The original operator's manual for the John Deere 24 Series small square baler, delivered as an instant-download PDF you can read on any device or print for the shop. Across its 66 pages it covers the full 24 family — the twine-tie 24 and 24T as well as the wire-tie 24WS — under John Deere manual code OM-E38936. This is the factory manual originally published by John Deere, reproduced here so owners of these long-discontinued machines can keep them running.
About the John Deere 24 Series Baler
John Deere built the 24 Series from 1962 into the early 1970s, when it was succeeded by the well-known 336. It's a PTO-driven, plunger-type small square baler running off a 540-rpm PTO, offered in a twine-tie version (the 24 and 24T) and a wire-tie version (the 24WS). Mechanically it's a close evolution of the earlier 14T, sharing the same basic pickup, feeder, plunger, and knotter layout that made these balers a fixture on small and mid-size hay operations. Decades later they remain popular with collectors and small-acreage growers who value their simplicity — but that simplicity depends on correct timing, adjustment, and lubrication, which is exactly what this manual documents. (Looking for exact bale dimensions, pickup width, plunger speed, and weight? See the John Deere 24T baler specs page.)
What This Manual Covers
The 24 Series operator's manual walks through the machine from identification to full assembly:
- Identification Views — labeled diagrams to locate components and confirm which variant and serial-number range you're working with.
- Specifications — factory dimensions, capacities, and settings for the baler.
- Lubrication — the complete grease-fitting schedule, including the easily-missed points under the tie gears and at the plunger wrist pin.
- Troubleshooting — diagnosing knotter/twister problems, feeding issues, and loose or poorly-shaped bales.
- Attachments — setup for available baler attachments and options.
- Assembly — correct assembly and adjustment procedures.
- Index — quick page lookup for any procedure.
Why This Manual Matters
The 24 Series is dependable when it's set up right and a constant headache when it isn't. This manual is the difference:
- Get the timing right. Out-of-time plunger, feeder, and needle timing is the single most common 24-series problem — the manual gives the factory procedure instead of guesswork.
- Tie clean bales every time. Follow the factory specs for adjusting the knotters and twine tension on the 24/24T, or the wire twisters on the 24WS, to stop missed and loose ties.
- Lubricate the points others miss. These balers have a lot of grease fittings, several of them hidden — the lubrication chart keeps the knotter and plunger from chewing themselves up.
- Fix loose, sloppy bales. Dial in bale density and length so bales hold their shape, instead of guessing at chamber tension.
- Order the right parts. Use the identification views to match your serial-number range before you buy needles, billhooks, or knotter parts.
Manual Code: OM-E38936
CUSTOMERS ALSO BOUGHT:
Ford 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000 Tractor All Purpose and LCG - Operator's Manual