IT’S A WRAP FOR 2006

The balewrapping season is drawing to a close and while farmers and contractors across the UK prepare to put this years bales to bed for the fermentation and storage period, bpi.agri, manufacturers of Silotite, is providing vital bale storage and machinery maintenance advice in conjunction with McHale.

Barry Buckley, Sales Director at bpi.agri said: “When all your bales are wrapped farm workers must be aware of the importance of correct storage and not be tempted to leave them exposed and hope for the best. Being aware of the damage that can be caused when transferring bales from machine to storage and also knowing that location is vital, is key to a successful season. Adhering to the following rules will give farmers and contractors the best chance of achieving quality feed and ensuring their initial hard work is not wasted.”

bpi.agri’s end of season checklist for bale handling, stacking and storage:


1. Despatch bales gently from the bale wrapper to avoid damage, in particular on grass stubble.

2. For round bales, use a cradle-type bale handler and never use a spike to move bales prior to stacking.

3. When moving the bales by trailer, cover any sharp edges with tarpaulin or matting and handle gently. Any damage must be repaired immediately using a suitable UV-protected tape.

4. Stack bales as soon as possible after wrapping and certainly within 24 hours. Remember that field – wrapped bales in particular are prone to bird damage from the moment they are wrapped.

5. Choose a storage site away from trees and very exposed areas.

6. The site should be well drained and level, and devoid of sharp objects which may puncture bales.

7. Where necessary, protect stack from farm animals.

8. Store away from water courses. Specific advice is available from the Water Authority.

9. Keep away from fertilizers, herbicides, mineral oils, etc which can damage film.

10. Do not stack bales more than three high. Bales of low dry matter should be stored in a single layer.

11. Protect the stack by first placing a layer of tyres on top, then cover to ground level with a close-woven polypropylene net. Secure at ground level.

12. Place weather-protected vermin bait stations around stack perimeter, and replenish as necessary.

13. Check bales regularly for damage, and re-seal.

Barry continued: “It is also imperative that farmers and contractors look after their machinery – like having your car serviced after a certain mileage, bale wrappers need fine tuning after a season’s work so they are in top condition for the following year.

The importance of looking after bale wrapping machinery is endorsed by John Biggins of McHale, manufacturers of the well known range of McHale bale wrappers. “Taking the time to check your machinery over at the end of the season is vital to ensuring it operates efficiently in the future and reduces the risk of breakdowns and delays” John comments, “A few simple checks together with ensuring your machinery is serviced in line with the manufacturers guidelines will help you to ensure long life and trouble-free use”.

Speaking specifically about the McHale range of round bale wrappers, John’s suggested end-of-season machinery checklist is:

1. Clean down machine thoroughly, removing all crop and grass build up. Sometimes loose twine, net or plastic will become caught in machine so this also needs to be removed

2. Grease machine thoroughly

3. Grease any exposed ram cylinders

4. Grease shear bolt flange

5. Check grease in gearbox

6. Check that all chain tensions are correct and oil

7. Wash down dispenser and lubricate. Ensure to grease stretch gears with high speed grease

8. Remove bale wrap monitor or electronic control unit and store in warm dry place

9. Examine table belt condition

10. Check over machine in general for any worn parts/pins/bussions and order and replace during the quite time
Ends.

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 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: 29/09/2006

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