Baler: purpose and classification. Bale VS roll models

Experienced farmers call the baler an irreplaceable unit during hay making. Its use is the easiest and most proven way to get a compact bale or bale. It picks up and compresses the straw, after which the knitting mechanism ties the dry grass with a special wire or twine. Hay in rolls or bales is stored longer, and it is easy to transport it.

If the question of harvesting dry grass is relevant, then you cannot do without a baler on the farm. However, choosing it is not as easy as it seems. It is necessary to take into account the features of the functioning and technological parameters of the options, as well as understand what shape and weight are needed for the hay harvest. Only with an integrated approach to the purchase will the equipment meet the needs of a particular farm.

Varieties of designs

The modern farmer has a choice: he can buy a baler to obtain bales or rolls of dry grass with optimal parameters. There are 2 types of harvesting machines. Roll models are more expensive than baled counterparts, but the blanks are larger, which is convenient during long transportation. However, it is better to store and distribute hay in rectangular bales to animals.

Camera differences

The key elements of the aggregates are molds or pressing units. There are different types of their modifications, respectively, there are differences between them. According to the volume parameter, they are classified into fixed and variable. The latter are used exclusively for round balers. In this case, the variable volume is the main advantage of the equipment, due to which they surpass the bale models. The parameters of such chambers increase gradually - in the process of forming a roll, while the density of the blanks can be controlled. Bale models are devoid of the described advantage, so the middle is loose.

The choice in favor of variable cameras is made for the following reasons:

• obtaining rolls of the same cross-sectional density;
• the ability to set parameters;
• formation of rolls of the required weight.

Despite the above, it cannot be argued that round balers are best for everyone due to the presence of a variable chamber. There are farmers who use exclusively bale models and will not exchange them for anything, since the resulting blanks can be carried by hand, they do not need to be divided into parts. Rolls, in turn, they find uncomfortable.

Tractor connection options

Balers work with machinery in one of the following ways:

• mounted;
• trailed;
• semi-mounted.

There is, but very rarely, self-propelled equipment.

Activation and all further work is provided by the power take-off shaft of the tractor or the engine of the baler itself. In most cases, a resource of 14-24 liters is sufficient for functioning. from. Performance varies depending on the maximum piston stroke and the volume of the bale chamber.

Useful: if you do not want to face a breakdown of the unit, you should opt for a modification with protective devices and bale counters. They prevent the ingress of foreign bodies and the failure of the unit.

Rarely found self-propelled models, which are mentioned above, are mainly produced abroad. Structurally, they are more perfect than domestic technology, because they are equipped with special mechanisms for chopping hay, special knives, pressing attachments, etc.

Today, mini-balers are in demand, which work perfectly together with mini-tractors and even walk-behind tractors. Small size with good performance is their main advantage. They are indispensable on small to medium-sized areas, but of course they cannot be compared to the modifications for a full-size tractor. Positions for a walk-behind tractor have even less capabilities compared to mini-units. This is about:

• low productivity;
• average quality of hay pressing;
• low speed of work.

Despite this, they are used by the owners of small farms and household plots. They are compact and do the job.

Specifications

The operating parameters of the baler are what determine the convenience in work and the payback period. They are also key pricing factors. The main technical characteristics include the following:

• land processing speed;
• the size of the workpieces;
• weight and amount of power taken away;
• density of bales or bales;
• the productivity of the strapping element;
• capture width.

Each model has its own unique set of technical characteristics, the key ones are presented above, but the list can be larger or smaller. You should also take into account additional options, they often become decisive factors in the choice. Among them: reliability, features and requirements for the maintenance of the knitting unit, pick-up design, etc. Cost is another decisive factor in the choice, as many buyers start from the budget.

Aggregate suppliers

The modern market offers a large selection of balers from foreign and domestic manufacturers. Among the latter, the following are known: Rostselmash, Selmash, Sibselmash Spetstekhnika. Claas is a major importer today, Markant and Quadrant balers are in demand, as well as Rollant Variant hay harvesting equipment.

Popular models and their features

Let's start with the PRF balers that many farmers have. If we analyze their design features, then a clear and big plus will be the absence of belts that wear out quickly. There is a fixed bale chamber, PRFs do an excellent job of collecting hay and forming blanks, as well as wrapping them with twine. The grass is so well packed into rolls that, if necessary, they can be wrapped with plastic wrap.

Popular model PR-F - 145B, which is known for a convenient automated control system that allows the operator to control the entire workflow. With the help of the SAK, you can easily change the action of the press mechanisms and other parameters. The capture width of the PR-F-145B is 14.5 m, straw bales are up to 250 kg, and hay - from 220 to 375 kg. When forming blanks from not completely dried grass, their weight can reach 640 kg. In 1 hour, it is possible to get up to 5 tons of finished packaged raw materials with a twine consumption of 200 g / 1 ton.

Now about the Polish baler Sipma, well-known to farmers. It forms rectangular bales, which are immediately directed towards the trailer. This makes transportation easier, saving you time and effort. "Sipma" is compatible with tractors with a capacity of 38 hp. from. Its design is called perfect by users, and its capabilities are high thanks to its efficient and productive work for many years. Tying the bales takes a minimum of time and is very fast, and the drawbar can automatically change from active to transport position. The demand for Sipma is not falling, but only growing. Aggregates do not need advertising, they have been known for more than a quarter of a century.

Claas Rollant is another baler that will be a great choice when your equipment is demanding. It is convenient, reliable and efficient, copes with high loads in a short time. The actions of all mechanisms and assemblies are coordinated, the risk of breakage after long-term operation is minimal. Claas Rollant is combined with many equipment with the ability to use the resources of their engines, the output is high-density billets with strapping, and one cannot fail to mention the excellent throughput of the model. The operator sets the pressing pressure parameters using the control terminal.

John Deere is a baler from a reliable French manufacturer, widely used for collecting straw and hay into rectangular bales with subsequent twine tying, as well as transferring to the loading platform or directly to the site. This unit is called easy to operate, durable, compact and efficient. The speed of movement of the piston in the bale chamber allows you to quickly and easily collect a large amount of straw into bales, and the knitting machine does not need regular lubrication and adjustment. Even under significant mechanical stress, the shape and other characteristics of the bale chamber remain unchanged.

Welger is a worthy competitor to John Deere, originally from Germany. The AP 41 model has been pressing bales with almost all types of knitting twine for many years without interruptions and breakdowns. The knots have a high resistance to tearing, while they are two-loop and self-disengaging. Welger bearings do not need frequent regular replacement, last a long time and do not require time-consuming maintenance. If you are looking for a reliable baler, choose the RP 415, it will definitely not let you down and will pay off over many years of operation.

Are Krone products worthy of attention? Yes, we recommend taking a closer look at the following models of balers: Big Pack and Comprima. The first of them is known for its high productivity and accuracy, because the output is the same bale, regardless of size. Comprima is a roll-to-roll model that uses the latest technology, and as a result, experts noted the innovative features of EasyFlow and NovoGrip. It does not need control, it is enough to set the necessary parameters before starting work. Provides high compaction density, smooth running and is known for its enviable throughput.