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Difference between revisions of "Balers"
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==Round baler== | ==Round baler== | ||
[[Image: | [[Image:AllisChalmers_Rotobaler.jpg|right|200px|Allis Chalmers Rotobaler]] | ||
[[Image:Rundballenpresse.gif|left|thumb|Round baler dumping a fresh bale]] | [[Image:Rundballenpresse.gif|left|thumb|Round baler dumping a fresh bale]] | ||
The common type of baler in industrialized countries is the large round baler. It produces cylinder-shaped "round" or "rolled" bales. Grass is rolled up inside the baler using rubberized belts, fixed rollers, or a combination of the two. When the bale reaches a predetermined size, either netting or twine is wrapped around it to hold its shape. The back of the baler swings open, and the bale is discharged. The bales are complete at this stage, but they may also be [[Wrapping Machines|wrapped]] in plastic sheeting by a bale wrapper, either to keep hay dry when stored outside or convert damp grass into [[silage]]. Variable-chamber balers typically produce bales from 48in diameter and up to 60in width. The bales can weigh anywhere from 2200kg, depending upon size, material, and [[moisture content]]. | The common type of baler in industrialized countries is the large round baler. It produces cylinder-shaped "round" or "rolled" bales. Grass is rolled up inside the baler using rubberized belts, fixed rollers, or a combination of the two. When the bale reaches a predetermined size, either netting or twine is wrapped around it to hold its shape. The back of the baler swings open, and the bale is discharged. The bales are complete at this stage, but they may also be [[Wrapping Machines|wrapped]] in plastic sheeting by a bale wrapper, either to keep hay dry when stored outside or convert damp grass into [[silage]]. Variable-chamber balers typically produce bales from 48in diameter and up to 60in width. The bales can weigh anywhere from 2200kg, depending upon size, material, and [[moisture content]]. | ||
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==Rectangular bale handling and transport== | ==Rectangular bale handling and transport== | ||
[[File:Ronsenac Mur de balles | [[File:Ronsenac Mur de balles.jpg|thumb|center|Large rectangular bales in a field Charente, France]] | ||
Rectangular bales are easier to transport than round bales, since there is little risk of the bale rolling off the back of a flatbed trailer. The rectangular shape also saves space and allows a complete solid slab of hay to be stacked for transport and storage. | Rectangular bales are easier to transport than round bales, since there is little risk of the bale rolling off the back of a flatbed trailer. The rectangular shape also saves space and allows a complete solid slab of hay to be stacked for transport and storage. | ||
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===Storage methods=== | ===Storage methods=== | ||
Before | Before electrification occurred in rural parts of the United States in the 1940s, some small dairy farms would have tractors but not electric power. Often just one neighbor who could afford a tractor would do all the baling for surrounding farmers still using horses. | ||
To get the bales up into the hayloft, a pulley system ran on a track along the peak of the barn's hayloft. This track also stuck a few feet out the end of the loft, with a large access door under the track. On the bottom of the pulley system was a bale spear, which is pointed on the end and has retractable retention spikes. | To get the bales up into the hayloft, a pulley system ran on a track along the peak of the barn's hayloft. This track also stuck a few feet out the end of the loft, with a large access door under the track. On the bottom of the pulley system was a bale spear, which is pointed on the end and has retractable retention spikes. | ||