PREPARATION IS THE KEY

As the bale wrapping season approaches, farmers & contractors across the country are gearing up to head out into the fields. To help ensure they are fully prepared, bpi.agri have been holding regular bale wrapping clinics, travelling around the country giving tips to both farmers & bale wrapping contractors on Pre-Season and In-Season preparation and maintenance of bale wrapping machinery.

Lloyd Dawson, Sales Manager, Northern Ireland & Scotland, runs these clinics in his area. Lloyd comments, “Most problems with bale wrapping can be avoided if the wrapper is properly maintained and prepared for the seasons work. If you had left your car out in the cold for six months of the year without starting it, you’d make sure it worked properly before setting out on a long journey. Many people forget that even the most robust machines need looking after and we show people in the clinics easy ways to check all is well, at the beginning and during the season.”

Seven Pre –Season check points –

1. Ensure all moving parts are free moving - pay particular attention to Pre Stretch Unit (PSU) which can cease or stiffen up during periods of non use.

2. Check all belts for wear and tear, replace all belts even if only one is damaged or worn - badly aligned & worn belts will affect film overlap.

3. Check PSU and turntable gearing for wear and tear.

4. Check PSU rollers for any damage and thoroughly clean down with de-greaser.

5. Check PSU springs and replace if necessary (dosed springs, dirty or worn out rollers will cause aquaplaning, film tearing and uneven film application)

6. Check for film overlap and correct stretch by wrapping a straw bale before the wrapping season starts.
(I) Align film dispenser with centre of bale to achieve 50% overlap
(ii)Measure film neck down on bale (750mm should be between 580mm -610mm on bale, 500mm should be between 380mm - 410mm)
(iii)Measure correct % stretch by placing two vertical marks 10 cm apart on roll of film, apply to bale and measure distance apart. For 55% stretch it should measure 15.5cm and 17 cm for 70% stretch.
(vi)Calibrate correct number of turns to apply the minimum amount of film by counting the number of turns to completely cover bale then add 1 turn and double this number of turns for a min of 4 layers

7. Ensure your equipment is maintained and serviced regularly in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Note: Bale sizes vary in both size and shape, extra turns may be necessary to achieve correct film application.

If the above checks are carried out bale wrapping should run smoothly, however, it is important to continue the good work through the season to prevent any problems.

Four In-Season checks from bpi.agri
1. Regularly clean down PSU Rollers with a de-greaser or white spirits.
2. Regularly check for correct overlap of film & correct stretch & neck down.
3. Routinely check the number of turns required to achieve correct film application especially if different balers are being used, as sizes can & do vary and in many cases not enough turns are being applied.
4. Follow the film manufactures instructions.

For further information on the bale wrapping clinics please email sales@bpiagri.com.


Media Contacts:
Tearmh France / Vicky Beynon at Golley Slater Public Relations.
E-mail: tearmh.france@golleyslater.co.uk /Victoria.beynon@golleyslater.co.uk
Tel: 0161 8327178

Notes to editors

§ bpi.agri is a division of British Polythene Industries, the largest manufacturer of polythene film, bags and sacks in Europe.
§ Incorporating highly respected brand names such as Silotite, Visqueen Poliwrap and Visqueen Agri-S, its range of products is aimed at providing the best results for farmers and contractors in 58 countries across the globe.
§ Bpi.agri was the first to introduce blown extrusion film into Europe and to develop multi-layer, co-extruded silage stretch film for farmers.
§ The company offers leading products, such as high-performance silage stretch wrap and lightweight, high strength silage sheeting to aid the production of quality fodder products.


DATE: 24/03/2006

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