Storing
Bale Wrapping Methods
Wrapping systems put either twine (plastic or sisal) or net-wrap around a round bale to hold it together prior to bale ejection. The wrap helps maintain bale integrity from the time it is ejected from the baler through its use cycle (shipping, storage, feeding and etc).
| Type of Wrapping Material | Advantages | Possible Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Net Wrap | Fast bale packaging. Holds together well in transport and storage. Superior bale protection from all weather. | Takes a little more time to remove from bale. Can be a bit heavy to load. |
| Twine | Light to load into baler. Can be less expensive than net wrap. Easy to remove. | Little bale protection from weather. Bales may not hold up as well during transport. |
| Wire (square balers only) | Bales can hold more hay, higher density bales. The wire never rots like sisal twine can. | Heavy to load and expensive. Little bale protection. |
The keys to a uniform, twine wrapped bale include the following:
- Good bale density and good shape.
- Baler, tractor and twine system all set up properly as per the operators manual.
- Consistent twine arm speed (with manual systems).
- Consistent baler speed (For balers without PTO RPM sensors).
Hay Loss in Outdoor Storage (5-ft. x 6-ft. 2000 lb. RD. Bale) - Twine Wrap vs. Surface Wrap
| Loss of Hay | Protien Loss - Pounds | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Depth of Spoilage | 2000# Bale (5 x 6) | 18% Protien | 20% Protien | 22% Protien |
| 2" | 225 lb. | 40.5 | 45.0 | 49.5 |
| 4" | 428 lb. | 77.0 | 85.6 | 94.2 |
| 6" | 618 lb. | 111.2 | 124.0 | 136.0 |
The above diagram illustrates the advantage of surface wrap vs. twine wrap. As an example, hay lost in the outer 4-in. of a 6-ft. bale amounts to just over a 20% loss, which equals approximately 400 lb. of a 2000 lb. bale. Calculate the value of that loss, and the cost of the surface wrap attachment can be amortized in less than 225 bales of hay.
Productivity
Surface wrap can be 5 times faster. Example: 6 seconds (2 wraps) with surface wrap vs. 30 seconds with twine (6-ft. bale with 4-in. twine spacing).Reduced hay loss from chaffing (at twine wrap time)
One surface wrap is around the bale and encloses the bale in 3 seconds or less. This keeps more protein and nutrients in the bale for higher quality hay.Better bale transport
Less hay loss during transport.Reduced storage losses from weather
Surface wrap forms a protective barrier to shed rain and reduce moisture absorption from the ground by helping to hold the bales' shape (roundness).
Note: Agronomists have found hay loss from outside storage to exceed 25% to 30% with twine wrap, especially if improperly stored.
Net wrap should be easy to load from the rear of the baler. You should be able to switch from net wrap to twine and back from the monitor in the cab of the tractor.
Choosing quality twine and wrap - Ambraco