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Automatic Bale Density Adjustments for Site Specific Management

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.

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Automatic Bale Density Adjustments for Site Specific Management

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

  2. 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

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

  4. Type of Balers

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

  6. 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

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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. Bale Tension Springs • Original design—spring tension

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

  12. 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

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

  14. Questions?

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