A solenoid with two magnetically separate yoke regions, providing two distinct armature latching positions, is driven by a single effective winding. The support is preferably an amorphous silica-alumina. A twine access area can be provided on the drum surface to facilitate cutting twine, and the apparatus can be stored inside the bale chamber during operation of the bale processor. Masking may likewise be used to selectively silicide the gates while preventing silicide formation in the gaps.