October, 1995
Effect of Bale Chamber Liner (BaleSkiis®)
on Performance of Small Square Balers
Prepared for:
L.D. AG Machinery L.L.C.
Eureka, Montana USA
INTRODUCTION
L.D. AG Machinery, L.L.C. (Eureka, Montana, USA) developed a liner (BaleSkiis®) to improve performance of square balers. The liner was designed to fit in the bale chamber of the baler. L.D. AG Machinery requested tests be conducted on the liner to determine its effect on power required, percentage of leaf loss, uniformity of bale length and knotter performance.
TEST PROCEDURES
Three days of tests were conducted on the liner.
The test site was located 2 miles north of Lethbridge, Alberta.
Liner performance was tested in a New Holland 575 baler.
The second stage was conducted without the liner.
Torque and speed were measured using a data acquisition system at a scan rate of 35 scans per second.
Bale Chamber tension was adjusted throughout testing to maintain bale weight at approximately 60 lbs.
Leaf Loss was collected.
Bales were weighed and moisture content and bale length were measured.
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF LOSS:
Leaf loss was significantly different.
Less leaf loss occurred with the liner instaled compared to tests without
the liner.
UNIFORMITY OF BALE LENGTH:
Bale length uniformity was significantly different.
Bales formed with the liner installed were more uniform in length than
those formed without the liner.
PEAK POWER REQUIREMENTS:
The results showed power requirements to be lower when the liner was installed.
KNOTTER PERFORMANCE:
There were no incidents of broken bales or knotter
problems with the liner installed.
Knotting problems resulting in broken bales occurred without the liner.
CONCLUSION
The results of the investigation suggest BaleSkiis® liners lessen leaf loss and maintain uniformity of bale length.
