Automatic Bale Density Adjustments for Site Specific Management Craig Spencer April 14, 2009

Square Baler History Hay was originally stored in lofts--inefficient Early balers were powered by horse “treadmills” Bales were individually tied by hand Result--Hay took up much less space

Square Baler History Eventually powered by steam engines and combustion engines Became self-propelled

Type of Balers

Square Baling Process Grass enters machine via pickup reel Grass is conveyed to bale chamber via auger

Square Baling Process Plunger cuts grass as it is compressed into the bale chamber Grass is compressed against a tension section which provides resistance to the grass, making it more dense

Square Baling Process Once a bale is to the right length, needles and knotters tie the twine or wire together

Problems With Bale Density Final bale density can be inconsistent – Different grass types – Inconsistent moisture content – Inconsistent windrows – ID-10-T Error Inconsistent bales occur when tension section doesn’t provide consistent resistance – Tension rails sink in “soft” grass

Why are Inconsistent Densities Bad? Defeats purpose of baling—inefficient Difficult to stack/store Bales do not hold together as long Bales do not have consistent shape Requires more transportation due to more bales Requires more twine or wire Can potentially shorten equipment life

Bale Tension Springs Original design—spring tension

Options for Site Specific Management Hydraulic Bale Tension device – Common and effective – Exerts constant and uniform pressure – Easily adjustable

Options for Site Specific Management AirBaler System – Uses airbag with ballast tank to provide uniform pressure no matter how far apart the tension rails are – Only true “automatic” system

Conclusion Original spring tension system works okay Hydraulic tension is easy to adjust—not automatic AirBaler system is automatic and effective

Questions?