In this last edition of the baler series, we wrap up the section on big square balers with a few loose, but important points.

The bale accumulator

A bale accumulator can be attached to the back of a big square baler and runs on two castor wheels. The accumulator is operated in such a way that two bales can be stacked upon each other and left on the field to be transported afterwards. This makes handling of the bales much easier and quicker (see Pictures 1 and 2). The bales are pushed through the bale chamber and slide into the base of the accumulator first. Slide plates on the upper deck are then put in place to accommodate the second bale at the top.

The bales are hydraulically released from the accumulator and picked up with a tractor and special handling equipment for transportation. A mirror is mounted at the back of the accumulator so that the driver can see the movement of the bales.

Electronic monitoring and control system

An electronic display system is placed inside the tractor’s cab for monitoring all major machine functions, for example:

•Bale length

•Bale counting

•Bale density

•Twine sensors

•Plunger overload warning

•Packer fingers overload warning

•PTO speed

(See Picture 3)

Specifications

The specifications for the different big square balers vary, but on average the following specifications are applicable:

•Power requirement (kW): 74 to 112

•Pick-up speed (rpm): 1 000

•Number of knotters: 4 to 6

•Bale height (m): 0,5 to 0,8

•Bale width (m): 0,8 to 1,2

•Bale length (m): 0,7 to 2,5

•Bale weight (kg): 393 to 496

•Twine consumption per 2,5 m bale (m): 26 to 40

•Plunger strokes/min: 36 to 64

•Twine storage (no of balls): 16 to 24

•Machine weight (kg): 6 200 to 7 000

•Windrow width (m): 2

•Windrow height (m): 0,2 to 0,5

•Sisal twine (m/kg): 70

•Synthetic twine (m/kg): 130 to 200

Maintenance

Although many of these big square balers have their own onboard lubrication systems, it is important to consult an expert as well as the operator’s manual to ensure that all the components are lubricated and properly adjusted at the beginning of the baling season (see Picture 4). The combination of safety devices and electrical monitoring of key functions will also prevent damage to the baler and minimise wasteful downtime.

Storage

• Store the baler in a proper shed after cleaning it thoroughly.

• Lubricate the parts where lubrication is needed.

• Clean the knotter mechanism and apply a coating of grease.

• Clean all chains by washing them with diesel fuel.

• Dry the chains well and coat them with oil.

• Repaint surfaces where paint has worn off.

• Do not paint the inside of the bale chamber, but coat it with a thin layer of grease.

Next month we shall start a new series on rotary tillers.

We thank the ARC Agricultural Engineering in South Africa who made the information on square balers available to the readers of ProAgri Zambia.