Quick Takeaways:
- Better baling begins with better windrows, so it's worth the investment to set your equipment for optimal windrows.
- Whether waiting to bale or finally getting started, avoid moving too fast or too soon.
- When it comes to net wrap and twine, we trust American-made Bridon for their proven no-compromise quality.
- Keep up with regular maintenance to ensure peak performance and longevity of your equipment.
- Investing in the necessary resources for proper bale handling and storage will save you from lost time, money, and product.
It’s that time of year again. Hay baling is on the minds of many of our farmers and with that, so is getting the most production out of their forage crops. At first glance, the process appears simple. Raw forage goes in; bales come out. In reality,
everything from the consistent maintenance of your baler’s inner-working systems to the quality of the net wrap or twine you use plays a pivotal role in your bottom line.
From production and performance to overall longevity, setting your baler and choosing trusted suppliers are top priorities for farmers looking for the highest return on investment.
As you enter the baling season, keep in mind these commonly experienced barriers and the preventative solutions to avoid them.
Dirty or Uneven Windrows:
A better bale begins with a better windrow. Before you can get to optimizing your baler’s performance, you will want to ensure that the windrows are clean and even for pick-up. Choosing the appropriate rake or mower conditioner for your crop and field condition is the first step toward maximizing the ROI of your forage. Whether using a rake (wheel, rotary, or other) or a mower-conditioner, each method has advantages depending upon the type of forage and field conditions. Make sure you are
using the proper one for your operation and that it's set correctly, well-maintained, and operated at the proper speed.
Additionally, and equally important as choosing the right equipment, is knowing your equipment. If you can set your curtain in for tighter and higher rows, your time and effort will be saved later in the baling stage by minimizing the
need for weaving and increasing airflow for optimal dry-down.
Baling at the Wrong Moisture Level:
We all know this one. Baling at the wrong moisture level is a recipe for disaster on either end of the spectrum. Moisture sensors or handheld probes are worth the investment for most farmers to ensure that hay is baled in the optimal 18 - 20% moisture
window. Baling at too high moisture levels can lead to spoiled bales and forage that are unsuitable for consumption.
Moving Too Fast, Too Soon:
This is the first and most basic advice that can be given regarding the baling process itself, but it is often overlooked. When beginning to bale, it is beneficial and worth the time of any farmer to step out of the tractor and confirm everything is
set properly and working correctly. If the density or shape is not up to standard, this is your opportunity to make adjustments early on and avoid future baling, stacking, transportation, or storage headaches.
Uneven Bales:
While weaving can alleviate this problem, a proactive approach with the rake or mower-conditioner can lead to a smoother ride and a more even bale. Choosing the right rake or mower conditioner for your conditions and setting it correctly can make producing
consistent bales a lot easier. Consistent windrows, correct chamber pressure, and baling at the correct speed are key to even bales.
While baling, a good operator will also pay attention to the indicator and adjust steering accordingly. The indicator reads the plunger load for equal amounts across the width of the bale and will indicate where weaving is necessary to fill the bale chamber equally.
Poor Quality Twine/Net Wraps or Inadequate Knot Strength for Your Bale Density:
Broken bales equal time and money lost. High-quality, consistent net wrap and twine are worth the price and result in a high return on investment. We recommend Bridon net wrap and twine for
several reasons. First, Bridon is made in the USA and their product is rated in minimums rather than averages like many imports. This means that the knot strength will never drop below what’s listed, as opposed to those that work in averages
where individual knots can vary. The added consistency quickly becomes worth the small incremental price. Additionally, the growing popularity of round bales means higher use of net wrap among hay and forage producers. Bridon is a leader in premium net wrap products that are known for their consistency and strength, and that is why Titan carries it. At
the end of the day, this is your bottom line and Bridon doesn’t compromise on performance.
Mechanical Issues Left Unattended – Blowouts and Splitting:
Of course, any equipment working long hours needs to be maintained with care if you want to get the most out of it. Whether servicing your equipment yourself or utilizing an experienced and knowledgeable service technician, it is worth the time to learn
and better understand what you are operating.
When you know your equipment, you know what to look for and how to fine-tune the settings to get the most out of your investment and avoid common problems. Blowouts, for instance, are often a result of either new baler parts that haven’t been shined up,
brake tension being set too high, or weld slag. Splitting, another commonly experienced problem, is caused by dull knives or brake tension being set too loose, leading to long strands and tears rather than clean cuts. Whether before baling begins
or after the first few test bales, make sure you are familiar with your baler and be on the lookout for these and other mechanical issues.
Improper Storage and Handling:
You’ve put in the time and done the work. Now, you need to preserve the value of the hay you’ve baled and minimize waste and spoilage. For starters, keep your bales tightly wrapped and fresh until they’re ready for use. Once again, investing
in quality now can save you later—high-quality Bridon net wrap and twine is our recommendation as it has the best durability and most dependable, consistent performance during transport and storage.
Once ready to handle, ensure
you’ve chosen the correct spear or bale-handling attachment and that you’ll be storing the bales in appropriate conditions. While indoors is preferred to avoid the effects of Mother Nature, outdoor storage is an acceptable alternative.
If your bales are staying outside, shoot for densely packed bales and if able, store on top of an additional layer of material to keep off the moist ground. Using tarps to cover the pile will increase the quality of the baled forage. Avoid crushing
or deforming the bales or breaking or disturbing the wrap. Properly wrapped bales with high quality wrap or twine that have been produced by a baler that is set to make tight, consistently-shaped bales can store for relatively long periods of time
and retain a high percentage of their forage quality.
As you bale this year and for years to come, we hope these tips can serve as reminders and points to help you get the most out of your forage crop. If you have any questions about hay equipment or forage-related products like Bridon twine and net wrap, reach out to your local Titan Machinery dealer. To find our current supply of both new and used equipment, see our Case IH and New Holland selections below!
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