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Implement Alley Discussion Forum

Correct speeds for small square baler

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JC

09-24-2003 23:04:16




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I am new to baling hay, I realize I have to use good judgement and not go too fast to clog my baler, or shear a pin, but it got me wondering, on level ground with medium heavy alfalfa, how fast should I go (JD 24T baler) and in native grass hay?(light)
Sorry for the dumb question, just curious!




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Dave H

09-25-2003 18:01:08




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 Re: Correct speeds for small square baler in reply to JC, 09-24-2003 23:04:16  
All of these comments are right on the mark. I use a 224T JD and you will know when you have overloaded it because the auger will bounce a lot and eventually, if you don't take the hint, she will stop feeding and you will be pulling hay back out. Uniform windrows help a lot, but if you are cutting wild hay you can't always have it that way. Just don't rake them too wide or you won't have a gear low enough to keep the baler rpm's up and tractor speed slow enough to keep it from clogging. Hope that makes sense.

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kyhayman

09-25-2003 11:56:07




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 Re: Correct speeds for small square baler in reply to JC, 09-24-2003 23:04:16  
Everything said is pretty much correct as to my observations. A couple of considerations though, one reason I like a bar rake over a rotary or wheel rake is the twist to the windrow. At proper speed and windrow size (and moisture) the widrow will 'float' on top of the pickup teeth. Too slow and it will want to float ahead of the windrow, too fast and the auger will begin to float up.

The second factor that wil dictate ground speed is the guys on the wagon if you are loading hooked to the baler. I used to keep about 5 pieces of #57 rock on the flat by my foot by the pickup. If the driver was going too fast for me to keep up my target was his earlobe. With dropping on the ground, 3rd gear on a 8 speed Ford is about as I can go in my fields no matter how light the hay, in really heavy hay 1st gear is too fast.

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Jerry D in NC

09-25-2003 11:03:23




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 Re: Correct speeds for small square baler in reply to JC, 09-24-2003 23:04:16  
As others have said listen to the equipment and it will tell you when it is pushing too much. I am going to offer a bit different approach. You need to run the baler through the field fast enough to match the rate of the pickup. That is a constant ideal speed. (now I know in reality we speed up and slow down as conditions dictate). This keeps the pickup fingers from stripping leaves from clover and alfalfa and keeps the hay moving as the original designer intended. The real secret is raking a constant windrow that your tractor and baler can handle yet feeds enough hay into the chamber to make well shaped bales. The rake man (or person to be PC) can make or break the person baling. Figure out just how big a windrow you can handle and work to that.

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Brad in VA

09-25-2003 08:16:51




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 Re: Correct speeds for small square baler in reply to JC, 09-24-2003 23:04:16  
I cant think of any book I have ever read that said a ground speed in it. We have a NH Super 69 and a NH 575. The super 69 was a "high capacity" baler back in its day and the 575 is the high capacity for today. Both are great balers. As long as what you are baling is dry then the way we bale is just keep it working all the time. Keep a good constant supply of hay going in all the time. We like to match the speed of the pick up reel, dont have hay bunching up infront of it but dont have it grabbing hay and pulling it in. This can mean 3 miles an hour or 7 miles an hour. 7 is a little fast. But just an example. This will make your hay consistant. If the hay is wet or damp or hay inconsistant sized wind rows you should go slower the keep from clogging. The biggest key is the more you use your equipment the more you will become in tune with it and it will tell you when you are pushing your luck. Our theory has worked for us. About the only time we sheer pins is when we get in a hurry from the black cloud of rain comming.

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Bob

09-25-2003 07:40:39




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 Re: Correct speeds for small square baler in reply to JC, 09-24-2003 23:04:16  
Whats been said here is pretty much correct. Remember you must keep your baler rpms at operating speed regardless of your travel speed. If you get into heavy hay reduce your ground speed. As you progress watch the flow of your windrow over the baler pickup and try to maintain a good even flow over it. When you get into the lighter windrows increase your travel speed(move up a gear) to maintain uniformity of the bales. The consequence of not keeping the baler at operating speed will sheared pins and missed ties. Also keep your ear tuned to the operation of your equipment and check any changes....Good luck..

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charles

09-25-2003 06:44:07




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 Re: Correct speeds for small square baler in reply to JC, 09-24-2003 23:04:16  
If the auger starts to lift then that is a good indicator that you are at the limit , 12 to 18 slices per bale is recommended in the JD handbook for later balers . A sharp plunger knife reduces power demand by about 50% , going too slowly can create bananas , just experience , better to start too slowly .



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Indydirtfarmer

09-25-2003 06:04:15




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 Re: Correct speeds for small square baler in reply to JC, 09-24-2003 23:04:16  
Not trying to sound like a smart%#@, but in about 5000 bales, you'll just know what's right. Untill you've dug out a few "plugs" you won't know the "fun" of baling hay.



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Greywolf

09-25-2003 05:27:50




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 Re: Correct speeds for small square baler in reply to JC, 09-24-2003 23:04:16  
What you ideally want is a bale that is comprised of approximately 12 "slabs"/slices per bale.

If the hay starts bunching up too much in front of the plunger, you are going to fast and will give you a longer bale with fewer slabs.

Run at a speed that will allow hay to always be ready for the plunger, but not to the point that the feed auger starts lifting too much. Plug the feed auger and it's "fun" to get baling again.

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Nebraska Cowman

09-25-2003 04:06:29




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 Re: Correct speeds for small square baler in reply to JC, 09-24-2003 23:04:16  
as long as you've got the horspower to keep the baler rpm up you should be able to roll right along. The key is to listen with your ear and know if the baler is laboring or racing. Moderation in all things.



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