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