New Holland Hayliner 268 Baler Owner's Manual
42 pages – digital download
This downloadable New Holland Hayliner 268 baler manual is the original factory owner's guide covering setup, operation, adjustment, and maintenance for the NH 268 square baler. The Hayliner 268 was one of New Holland's most widely used small square balers, built to handle high-volume haying with a reputation for durability and consistent bale formation. Whether you're running one through a busy hay season or bringing one back into service, this manual gives you the factory-correct procedures to keep it working reliably.
What's Inside This New Holland 268 Baler Manual
This owner's manual is organized to walk you through every aspect of the baler — from initial hookup through seasonal storage — with the detail you'd expect from a factory publication.
Operation
- Attaching the baler to tractor
- Before using your baler
- Windrow preparation
- Starting the baler
- Threading the baler
- Bale length, weight & tying
- Hydraformatic bale tension system
- Slip clutch adjustment
- Wind guard setup
- Transporting the baler
- Optional jack use
Adjustments
- Bale shape adjustment
- Baler service chart
- PTO slip clutch & feeder carriage clutch
- Knife adjustment
- Knotter components: bill hook, brake, knife arm, knotter stack, knotter stop, twine disc, twine finger, twine holder
- Knotter service chart
- Metering wheel location
- Needle adjustment, timing & safety latch
- Needle yoke rod
- Pickup: cam, lift spring, slip clutch, windguard, drive belt, optional wheel
- Plunger bearing adjustment
- Roller chains
Lubrication & Maintenance
- Full lubrication schedule
- Main gearbox service
- Pickup maintenance: cam follower, fingers, tooth pipe
- PTO drive service
- Tire pressures
- Loctite application points
- Storing the baler for off-season
Safety Features
- Needle safety latch
- PTO slip clutch
- Shearbolts: flywheel & knotter drive
General Information
- Safety precautions
- Optional equipment
- Ordering parts
- Warranty information
- Specifications
About the New Holland Hayliner 268
The New Holland Hayliner 268 was produced through the 1970s and into the 1980s as part of NH's successful small square baler lineup. It was a common sight on farms across North America, valued for its knotter reliability and the Hydraformatic automatic bale tension system that helped produce consistent, well-formed bales without constant operator adjustment. The 268 could be run effectively with tractors in the 35–65 PTO horsepower range, making it a practical match for many mid-sized farm operations. Many are still in active service today, and sourcing a quality manual is one of the most important steps in keeping them running season after season.
Why This Manual Is Essential
- Covers the correct factory procedures for knotter timing, needle adjustment, and bale formation — the most critical and frequently misunderstood aspects of square baler operation
- Includes service charts for the knotter and baler that walk through systematic troubleshooting rather than guesswork
- Provides lubrication schedules, torque specs, and adjustment sequences to extend the life of wear components
- Indispensable for farmers, custom operators, and restorers who want the baler performing to factory standards
Format
- Type: Owner's Manual
- Pages: 42
- Delivery: Instant digital download (PDF)
- Printable: Yes – print the entire manual or individual sections as needed
Manual Code
0268-2-10M-1066W