6 Best Durable Sisal Baler Twines For Small Farms Old Farmers Swear By

There’s nothing more frustrating than a baler that refuses to tie a knot on a hot July afternoon. You’ve cut, tedded, and raked your hay perfectly, but now every third bale comes out loose. More often than not, the problem isn’t the machine—it’s the twine you’re feeding it.

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Why Natural Sisal Twine Still Reigns Supreme

In a world filled with synthetic options, sisal twine feels like a throwback. But for small farms, especially those running older equipment, it remains the undisputed champion. Its natural fibers have a "grip" that plastic twines lack, which is a lifesaver for worn or finicky knotter mechanisms.

The biggest advantage is what happens after the bale is made. Sisal is fully biodegradable. When you feed out a bale in the pasture, you don’t have to worry about collecting and disposing of plastic twine that can tangle in equipment or, worse, be ingested by livestock. The sisal simply breaks down and returns to the soil.

This biodegradability also means you’re not adding plastic waste to your farm’s ecosystem. It’s a simple choice that aligns with the sustainable, close-to-the-land ethos many of us value. For a few extra dollars per box, you buy peace of mind and a cleaner pasture.

CWC Premium Sisal: A Reliable, All-Purpose Twine

If you need a dependable twine that works in almost any square baler, CWC Premium is a solid bet. It’s known for its consistent thickness and strength, which translates to fewer missed knots and broken strings. Think of it as the reliable farm truck of twines.

This isn’t a specialty product; it’s an all-around performer. Whether you’re baling fine grass hay or coarse alfalfa, CWC provides enough tensile strength to hold a tight, well-formed bale without being overly stiff. Its uniformity means your baler’s tension settings don’t need constant tweaking once you have them dialed in.

For farmers who run multiple types of balers or switch between different forage types, this versatility is key. It’s the twine you can keep on hand knowing it will get the job done, saving you the headache of stocking multiple types for different applications. It just works.

Tytan SR-9000 Sisal: Top Choice for Square Bales

When you’re aiming for dense, heavy square bales, Tytan SR-9000 is the twine you want. It’s engineered with a higher tensile strength, meaning it can withstand the pressure of a tightly packed bale without snapping. This is crucial for hay that needs to be stacked high or transported.

The "SR" stands for "Superior Runnage," and it delivers on that promise. The twine is smooth and uniform, which helps it feed cleanly through the knotter system. This consistency is what prevents those infuriating random mis-ties that force you to stop and re-feed the needles.

While it might be overkill for light, fluffy grass hay, it’s a must-have for baling straw or dense alfalfa. If your bales ever sag or lose their shape in the stack, upgrading to a stronger twine like Tytan is often the simplest fix. It gives you the confidence to pack bales tight and right.

Bridon Cordage Sisal: Unmatched Knot Strength

The single most important job of baler twine is to hold a knot. This is where Bridon Cordage truly excels. Its fibers are treated and spun in a way that gives it exceptional knot strength, reducing the chances of a bale popping open as it’s ejected from the chute.

Older balers, with their worn knotter bills and twine discs, can be particularly demanding. They need a twine that grips itself securely and doesn’t slip. Bridon’s texture provides that extra bit of friction, often solving knotting problems that other twines can’t.

This focus on knot integrity makes it a favorite among farmers who value reliability above all else. A broken bale is wasted time and wasted hay. Choosing a twine known for its robust knots is a direct investment in a smoother, more productive baling season.

New Holland Baler Twine: Engineered for Consistency

Using twine made by your baler’s manufacturer is rarely a bad idea. New Holland baler twine is engineered specifically to work with the tolerances and mechanics of their own machines. This synergy can make a noticeable difference in performance.

The key here is consistency. Each box of New Holland twine is manufactured to strict specifications for thickness, strength, and texture. This eliminates one of the biggest variables in the baling equation, making it easier to diagnose other mechanical issues if they arise.

You don’t need a New Holland baler to use it, of course. Its quality makes it a great choice for any machine. But if you run a blue baler, using the blue box of twine often feels like you’re giving the machine exactly what it wants.

John Deere Sisal Twine for Knotter Reliability

Just like with New Holland, John Deere owners often swear by the twine that wears the leaping deer. John Deere’s sisal twine is designed to feed smoothly and tie reliably in the unique double-knotter system found on their balers. It’s a classic case of a product designed for a specific purpose.

The twine is treated to resist rot and pests, but it’s also spun to have just the right amount of "fuzz" to grip the knotter bills without fraying. This balance is critical. Too slick, and the knot slips; too rough, and it clogs the mechanism.

If you’re fighting with an older John Deere baler that keeps missing ties, switching to their branded twine is one of the first and easiest troubleshooting steps. Often, the machine simply performs better with the twine it was designed for. It can turn a frustrating day into a productive one.

Ag-Line Sisal Twine: A Biodegradable Workhorse

Ag-Line is a no-nonsense, practical choice for the farmer focused on utility and sustainability. It’s a tough, reliable twine that gets the job done without any fancy claims. Its primary strength is its consistent performance and excellent biodegradability.

This twine breaks down quickly and completely in the field, making it a top choice for those who graze pastures after feeding out bales. There’s no risk to animals and no cleanup required. It simply disappears back into the soil, adding organic matter.

For general-purpose baling where you don’t need extreme tensile strength, Ag-Line is an economical and environmentally sound option. It’s a workhorse that proves you don’t need to overthink things to get a good, solid bale.

Maximizing Twine Life: Storage and Tension Tips

The best twine in the world is useless if it’s been stored improperly. Sisal is a natural fiber, and its enemies are moisture and rodents. Storing your twine in a dry, elevated spot away from barn walls is non-negotiable.

Mice and rats love to chew on sisal for nesting material, creating weak spots that will snap under pressure. A damp environment will cause the twine to rot and lose all its strength. Here are a few quick tips:

• Store twine boxes on a pallet, never directly on a concrete floor.
• Keep it in a sealed container or cabinet if you have rodent problems.
• Use your oldest twine first to ensure proper rotation.

Proper baler tension is just as important. Too loose, and your knots will slip; too tight, and you risk breaking the twine or putting excessive wear on your knotters. Always check your operator’s manual for the recommended tension settings and adjust them for the specific crop and conditions of the day. A few minutes of adjustment can save hours of frustration.

Ultimately, the right sisal twine is an insurance policy against a bad day in the hayfield. By matching the twine to your baler and crop, and by storing it correctly, you set yourself up for a season of tight bales, reliable knots, and less time spent fixing problems.